Post by BereniceUK on Mar 28, 2017 15:11:08 GMT
The framed citation is on display in Wetherby Town Hall.
It has been the wish of the Council from the earliest days of the War to take a special interest in the Wetherby men who have nobly gone forth to do battle for the right.
The difficulty of taking any definite action would be apparent when it is realised that in a War of several years duration no procedure can be arranged which would pay a tribute of admiration on an equal degree to all our young men in service.
They are scattered through the various units fighting in Flanders and Eastern Europe, in Asia and in Africa.
Only a small proportion can come home on leave to receive an acclaim which they richly deserve but which must be left until the final home coming.
When that time comes no effort will be spared to prepare a welcome for our returned heroes and to give expression to the public feeling of enthusiasm and profound gratitude only turned towards all those - many of whom will never return - who have so nobly defended our homes against a powerful & inhuman foe.
We do however wish to mark the occasion of your receiv-ing special honour for valiant service at the hands of the Army Chiefs & to congratulate you most heartily in the name of the Town of Wetherby on achieving a distinction for bravery & other soldierly qualities.
You have received honour for noble deeds and the honour is reflected on your family & on the town in which you live.
We devoutedly hope that you may survive the horrors of War and may be fortunate enough to return in good health to your friends and neighbours who are all proud of you and of the distinction which has been conferred on you.
My thanks to George Kitchen's son and grandson for the photos of the presentation clock. The plaque on the clock is inscribed
Presented by the TOWNSPEOPLE of WETHERBY
to Sergt. G. KITCHEN. D.C.M.
1/5th West Yorks. Regt.
as a token of esteem for
GALLANTRY at THIEPVAL
during the Great European War
November 1916
It has been the wish of the Council from the earliest days of the War to take a special interest in the Wetherby men who have nobly gone forth to do battle for the right.
The difficulty of taking any definite action would be apparent when it is realised that in a War of several years duration no procedure can be arranged which would pay a tribute of admiration on an equal degree to all our young men in service.
They are scattered through the various units fighting in Flanders and Eastern Europe, in Asia and in Africa.
Only a small proportion can come home on leave to receive an acclaim which they richly deserve but which must be left until the final home coming.
When that time comes no effort will be spared to prepare a welcome for our returned heroes and to give expression to the public feeling of enthusiasm and profound gratitude only turned towards all those - many of whom will never return - who have so nobly defended our homes against a powerful & inhuman foe.
We do however wish to mark the occasion of your receiv-ing special honour for valiant service at the hands of the Army Chiefs & to congratulate you most heartily in the name of the Town of Wetherby on achieving a distinction for bravery & other soldierly qualities.
You have received honour for noble deeds and the honour is reflected on your family & on the town in which you live.
We devoutedly hope that you may survive the horrors of War and may be fortunate enough to return in good health to your friends and neighbours who are all proud of you and of the distinction which has been conferred on you.
My thanks to George Kitchen's son and grandson for the photos of the presentation clock. The plaque on the clock is inscribed
Presented by the TOWNSPEOPLE of WETHERBY
to Sergt. G. KITCHEN. D.C.M.
1/5th West Yorks. Regt.
as a token of esteem for
GALLANTRY at THIEPVAL
during the Great European War
November 1916