Sheffield Daily Telegraph – Friday 05 September 1919

Mexboro’ Heroes.

Public Welcome Accorded by the Inhabitants.

Yesterday the Mexborough Urban Council gave an official welcome home about 1,200 ex-service. Men of the town, who were feted amid general enthusiasm. Luncheon was provided for them in the Public Hall, and the Primitive Methodist School, and afterwards they assembled in the Market Place, and marched up to the cricket field, led by number of ex-officers and ex-N.C.O.’s.

On the way they passed a cenotaph which had been erected at the junction of Adwick Road with, Doncaster Road, and in the march-past and salute most impressive spectacle was witnessed. The cenotaph bore a great number of wreaths in memory of individuals, and of the town’s soldiers as a whole.

The men wore paraded on the cricket square, and reviewed and addressed Brigadier General Sir Robert Bewick-Copley, of Sprotborough Hall, who said they were such a battalion he would have been proud to lead. The Germans, as everybody made a number of mistakes, but they made their greatest when they failed to understand the spirit our race. Those who had come home had found themselves in touch with a feeling of unrest. They could not help unrest after great war, but was confident that they were determined to stand by their country in peace as in war. (Applause.)

Hearty cheers were given for the Brigadier- General, and the crowd raised a great cheer for the men.

Later Sir Robert Bewicke-Copley decorated Private Arthur Dowling, 2/6th D.L.1., of Mexborough, with the Military Medal awarded him for gallantry last October. A very interesting sports programme, arranged by Mr. John Willie, and confined to the exservice man, was gone through, and of the value of £6O were given. At the close the prizes were distributed Mr. J. Walton, M.P.

The Mexborough Military Band, under Mr. H. H. Bird, played for the march, the sports, and finally for the dancing.