Volunteer Force Long Service Medal. Victoria issue (Segt T. P. Rough, 3rd Coy 1st F.V.A. 1898)

Naming: The contemporary engraved naming on the medal is a master-class of the engravers skill, just superb

The recipient was Sergeant Thomas Pringle Rough 3rd Company 1st Fife Volunteer Artillery

Medal Verification: The medal to Sergeant Thomas Peter Rough was awarded for 20 years qualifying service, which the recipient had achieved in late 1898- the medal being regimentally engraved and presented to him and his comrade Company Sergeant-Major Stuart of the same unit, by Colonel Johnstone, on the occasion of the Annual Assembly of Nos.3 & 5 Companies of the Kirkcaldy Artillery Volunteers, of the 1st Fife Volunteer Artillery, that took place in Kirkcaldy on, 24 February 1899 (a lengthy article published in 'The Fife Free Press' issue of 25 February 1899 refers).

Photographs: The recipients wearing a 'Bowler Hat' and holding a 'Truncheon' is included in the captioned group photograph of Kirkcaldy Special Constables 1915, that was published in the Kirkcaldy War Album. Another portrait of the recipient wearing his Captain's peaked cap and uniform as Captain of the Kirkcaldy Fire Brigade was published in The Fife Free Press issue of, 18 November 1933

A medal of considerable Kirkcaldy local history interest, the recipients obituary being published in the issue of and here quoted below:

Quote,

FORMER FIREMASTER'S DEATH

The Late Mr Thomas Rough.

The death took place at Victoria Hospital on Tuesday of Mr.Thomas Pringle Rough, retired firemaster, who was in charge of the Kirkcaldy Fire Brigade for a period of over thirty years.

Deceased, who was in his 76th year, took over the position as firemaster in 1898. At that time the appliances consisted only of hoses, and a manual pump, and Mr Rough was given the task of reorganising the brigade. In this he was successful, and in the course of time the brigade reached a very high state of efficiency. On the completion of 25 years' service as firemaster he was made the recipient of a presentation from the members of the brigade.

The late Mr. Rough retired from service some years ago, but continued to serve the town in the capacity of clerk of works.

The funeral is to take place on Thursday to Abbotshall Cemetery

Unquote.

Condition: About GVF

Code: 24874