St George's Park History

Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Social Functions

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On Friday, January 19, 1906, The Duke and Duchess of Connaught visited our shores and St George's Park.

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The Duke and Duchess visit Port Elizabeth Picture: Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality, Main Library

In the afternoon, in front of thousands of spectators, the Duke and Duchess turned out for a review of volunteers from the Cape Mounted Rifles, Prince Alfred's Guard, Uitenhage Volunteer Rifles, and the cadet corps of the Grey Institute, and Marist Brothers from Port Elizabeth and St Andrew's College from Grahamstown.

The Duke and Duchess arrived at the ground in a beautiful horse-drawn carriage at 3 o'clock, and alighted at the saluting base opposite the pavilion. The Duke was attended by a brilliant staff of military officers.

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Staff-Sergeants Robert S Emslie and P Kemsley receive the Volunteers Long Service Medal from the Duke of Connaught.The building in the background is now St George's Preparatory School. Picture: Prince Alfred's Guards' Regimental Museum

On arrival they were received with a Royal salute. After an inspection of all ranks, the troops were put through several drill movements. The different movements were smartly performed and His Royal Highness delightedly expressed his approval.

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Staff-Sergeant R S Emslie

Following the march-past the men were formed into a three sided square and the Duke stepped forward to decorate Staff-Sergeant R S Emslie and Staff-Sergeant P Kemsley, of Prince Alfred's Guard, with the Long Service Medal. In so doing, the Duke directed a few encouraging remarks to them, congratulating them on their long and meritorious service as volunteers.

Next, the Duke presented the shield won by St Andrew's College Cadets at the recent camp in Grahamstown.

The Royal Field-Marshal then called forward the various officers, and expressed his thanks to them for giving him an opportunity of seeing and inspecting the volunteers of the Eastern Province. He wished specially to commend the Cadets as he was very pleased with what he had seen.

The Duke also commended the smartness of the troops on parade, and congratulated Colonel Court, of Prince Alfred's Guard, Major Thornton, of the Uitenhage Volunteer Rifles, and Lieutenant Giles, of the Cape Mounted Rifles.

Before departing from the parade ground, the two Misses Court, daughters of Lieutenant-Colonel Court, presented the Duchess with two beautiful bouquets, and little Miss Dorothy Wares made the Princess Patricia the recipient of a similar present.