England: Boer War: Winsford Tribute Medal |
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| Form: | Circular with ornate suspension for a red ribbon suspended from a brooch bar | ||||||||
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| By: | ? | ||||||||
| Date: | 1901 | ||||||||
| Ref: |
Hern: 806; Hibbard: A 27; Laidlaw: 1220; |
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| Variations: |
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| Edge: |
Plain. |
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| Obverse: |
Reeded rim. On right, trooper standing front with bayoneted carbine. Behind on left, a mounted trooper, left, with rifle. Grassy ground with hills in background, radiant sun on right. Legend on a band: "TRANSVAAL WAR IN SOUTH AFRICA 1900 . 1901" Cross at foot. |
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| Reverse: |
Reeded rim. Within an ornate border round the rim, engraved across: "Presented / BY THE TOWN OF / WINSFORD / TO MR. J.H. COOKE / For valuable services / rendered in the relief / of Wives & Families of / Men fighting in the / South African War / 1899 1902 |
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| Notes: |
The town of Winsford is in the country of Cheshire in the north west of England. The area around the town is known for its salt mines. Comes inside a fitted black case lined with blue silk and blue velvet. Medals were also made with parts of the reverse inscriptions die stamped. The obverse is the same as the Melton Mowbray medal (Hern 782, Hibbard A 16). John Henry Cooke (1848-1928) is remembered for his work with the Winsford local authorities in improving the living and working condition of the townspeople and his charitable work for their benefit. This medal is unusual for being awarded to a civilian. While the medal was otherwise awarded to returning volunteers from the town, Cooke's medal was awarded for his charitable contribution to the war effort. His son, John Kemp Cooke, served on South Africa and was awarded the Northwich Tribute Medal (Laidlaw 1219). Northwich and Winsford are nine miles apart. |
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