LANCE-CORPORAL T. BRYAN, V.C.

Received by The King

Enthusiasm at Newcastle

Whitwood's Reception Arrangements

Lance Corporal Thomas Bryan the Whitwood Mere soldier who so brilliantly won the Victoria Cross by capturing a machine gun which on April 9th was holding up the advance of the Northumberland Fusiliers, had a most enthusiastic reception on Sunday at Newcastle, where, on the ground of the Newcastle United Football Club, there were fully gathered 40,000 people to witness the presentation of 120 war honours by His Majesty the King.

As the first member of the Northumberland Fusiliers to win the Victoria Cross since the days of the Indian Mutiny, Lance Corporal Bryan was easily the most popular war hero, and he was received with most vociferous applause when he stepped before the king to have the cross. It was noticed that many officers went forward to heartily shake hands with him, including Colonel Dashwood of the Northumberland Fusiliers, who also had a kindly word for Bryan's wife, father, and children. The gallant non-commissioned officer stood erect facing his Sovereign as the brave action which had won him such fame was read out in loud tones by Major J.Montgomery. This was the only instance in which the full 'Gazette' announcement of the reasons for the bestowel of the most coveted military honour was read out in full and Their Majesties were all interested with others on and about the dais.  His Majesty, after pinning on the medal, engaged in conversation with Bryan and wished him long life to wear the decoration, cordially shaking him by the hand.  Bryan then left the Royal presence wreathed in smiles to the accompaniment of thunderous applause.

The previous day in connection with the Tyneside Scottish and Irish Flag Day proceedings, Bryan was the central figure and was accorded a most enthusiastic welcome.  He was introduced to a large gathering and shaken by the hand by the Lord Mayor amid tremendous cheering and on the call of the Lord Mayor was accorded three very lusty cheers.  He modestly returned thanks and said that he was proud to belong to the Northumberland Fusiliers.

A special meeting of Whitwood Urban Council was held on Monday night to consider what steps to take to celebrate the great event locally.  The Chairman said there was a feeling that they should take steps to raise a war honours fund.  A man from their neighbourhood had gained the Victoria Cross and the Castleford War Honours Fund Committee felt that they would like to do what they could in conjunction with that Council.  Whatever they did would be to raise money to make some recognition of their appreciation of local men who won military honours and it might be used as a fund not for one man only but generally for war honours.  It was for the Council to decide.  He was particularly proud that it was one of the workmen of Messr's Briggs and Co who had won the V.C.  They felt that he belonged to them.  He was hoping that things like this would break down the barriers that existed in their common life and that they would get nearer to each other and appreciate each other has brothers.  It might be that the world was in a state of pregnancy - that a new world was to be born, and England was at a very critical period in her history, not so much in the war but in the steps she would take afterwards.  But for such men as Lance Corporal Bryan they would not be sitting round that table.

He then described to the members of the daring act on his part which the King had recognised by awarding the V.C. and said the great thing was the man had shown initiative and his act did not only prove he was a brave man but that he kept cool and made a rapid calculation in a very critical time.  These men were the very salvation of England at this time - men who could think in great times of stress and danger.  He felt he could take his hat off to such a man and feel proud, (hear hear):-

Councillor Hicks, as the Council's representative on the Castleford War Honours Committee, said that the members were very pleased that they had a V.C. winner in Whitwood - The Chairman said that when a man formerly employed by Messr' Briggs and Co won military distinction the men subscribed £10 and the Co. gave a similiar sum.  That system was brought about because their men lived so far afield that they found they could not be just to their men by tacking themselves on to Castleford and it was therefore determined that everyone of their men who got a war honour should have the same amount.  A resolution was adopted agreeing to promote a war honours fund, the committee to include representatives of the Council, the Castleford war Honours Fund, Whitwood Colliery officials and the Whitwood Miners Branch.

Lance Corporal Bryan was expected home this weekend and they felt they could not let the occasion slip by without giving him a reception, but that the time was to short to arrange for a presentation to him, and that this should stand over till a later date.  After a little conversation it was agreed that the representation on the reception committee should be the three members each from the Council and the Castleford Committee, and one each from the colliery officials and miners branch.

A meeting of the reception committee was held at Whitwood Council Office on Wednesday night when it was reported that Lance Corporal Bryan would arrive at Castleford Station tomorrow (Saturday) at 3pm. Arrangements were made for him to be received by members of the Whitwood and Castleford Urban Councils, and for a procession to be formed to parade down Station Road, up Carleton Street, into Albion Street, along Wilson Street to Leeds Road and on to Hunt Street, where is the gallant soldiers home.  Here there is to be a short halt for a little speech-making and then the procession will proceed to Lower Whitwood, rounding the shelter, and will return to the Cricket Field at Hightown, where there will be a public reception.  Details are listed in another part of this issue.

Mr Dawes committee secretary has received a letter from Col Dashwood Commanding the Depot of the Northumberland Fusiliers, stating that Capt Smith will represent the regiment and he much regrets that he will be unable to be present personally. He says further "I need scarcely add that the regiment is exceedingly proud of Lance Cpl Bryan and the distinction he has gained"

The Potteries generally, and Hunt Street in particular, have been decorated and beflagged throughout this week and there is everywhere evident determination to make the homecoming a red -letter day, not only in the life of the popular hero, but in the history of the Township.
Pontefract and Castleford Express June 22nd 1917

BRYAN V.C

Lance Corporal T. Bryan V.C.

Lance Cpl. T. Bryan, V.C. will arrive at the
NORTH EASTERN STATION, CASTLEFORD
at 3pm Saturday June 21st 1917

The PUBLIC generally are requested
to show their APPRECIATION of his gallantry by a
LIBERAL DISPLAY OF FLAGS AND BUNTING
in the streets of the respective townships

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