Presentation
to the Honorary Special Constables of Guernsey by SIR EDWARD C. OZANNE, K.B.E.,
Bailiff. "Gentlemen," said
Sir Edward: "At the outbreak of war, volunteers came forward in thousands
to go out and fight the enemy in the trenches. We have recently been commemorating
with gratitude and pride those who gave up their lives for King and Country. Many,
on account of age, ill-health or other causes, were denied the privilege of fighting
at the front. They, however, volunteered to fight at home. Theirs was not a bloody
fight, but they fought for God and country in factories, on committees, even in
their armchairs fighting with their brains. There was another class, those who
remained at home doing nothing but making money, shirking their duty, to
their everlasting disgrace. You, gentlemen, were denied
the privilege of going out to meet the enemy, but you volunteered to do your bit.
You did not know what might happen, and though it turned out that you had to face
no dangers-we now know that if Germany had succeeded in obtaining command of the
Channel, Guernsey was marked out for seizure-and you were willing to risk your
lives, if need be. Yours was an irksome duty, visiting
aliens, and patrolling in all weathers. His Majesty thanks you, I thank you for
your services. You did your duty, and your consciences are clear. I regret that
Colonel Collings, who, at the outbreak of hostilities, was appointed Head Special
Constable and Co-Adjutor, acting as intermediary between H.E. and the Constables,
is unable to be present with us this evening. The public little know what quiet
useful work he did" (applause). "I
also regret that death has removed three gentlemen to whom medals have been awarded
and that I have not the pleasure of handing them their medals: Messrs. J.A. Moon,
T. Hart, and A.E. Dupuy." The recipients' names were
then called out by the Bailiff's Clerk, Mr. A.W. Hodder, and the medals were handed
to them by the Bailiff, who shook hands with and congratulated each one. At
the close Mr. P. Gallienne, the Hon. Secretary, addressed the Bailiff, thanking
him on behalf of the Force, for his kind words of appreciation, and for he trouble
he had taken in the arrangements for the presentation (applause).
back
|