The Retirement of Surgeon Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas Wright
First Hon. Sec. to the Nottinghamshire Rifle Association
Another great change for the Robin Hoods happened in 1893, with the retirement of its very long serving Surgeon Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas Wright, who had been involved with the regiment from its formation, and was the honorary secretary at the time of the first Annual General Meeting of the Nottinghamshire Rifle Association held in February 1862.
To mark the occasion, the officers held a dinner at the Eagle Restaurant in Long Row at which Surgeon Lieut-Col. T. Wright was the guest of honour. After dinner, he was presented with an illuminated address from all the officers thanking him for his long and highly regarded service to the regiment. To accompany this address was a bound album of six photographs prepared by members of the regiment and showing views of the drill ground at the Castle and the Nottingham range alongside Coppice New Road.
Of some interest is the list of the officers of the 1st Notts. Robin Hood Rifle Volunteers included in the illuminated address.
An interesting ceremony took place last week at the Eagle Restaurant, Long-row, Nottingham, the officers of the Robin Hoods assembling there in order to entertain Surgeon Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas Wright at mess, and afterwards to present him with a very handsome token of their regard. The occasion was the retirement of the colonel from the ranks of the regiment in which he has held a commission for 33 years, and the high esteem his brother officers have for him was indicated on all hands at the repast, over which Colonel Hubbersty presided. The presentation took the form of a magnificently illuminated address and an album of photographs. Enclosed in a beautiful gold frame, the address was skilfully designed in rich decorations. The colours of the Robin Hoods, which were originally worked by Colonel Wright's sisters, occupied the central position in the top border, whilst in the right-hand corner was the Geneva Cross of the Ambulance Corps, with which he has been so much connected. Then on te left side were a facsimily medallion of his V.D., presented to him so recently, and the bronze medal of the National Rifle Association, which he won. The text of the address was as follows:-
Dear Sir, We, the undersigned, being the officers of the 1st. Notts. Robin Hood Rifle Volunteers, ask you to accept this address on your retirement from the regiment, after a service of 33 years in the commissioned ranks. We wish to express to you our gratitude for the valuable service and assistance you have always given to te regiment, apart from the duties devolving upon you as senior surgeon, and which you have so ably performed. In the early days, when help was so much needed, you, as Chairman of the Shooting Committee, chairman of the Range Committee, a member of the Finance Committee, and hon. secretary of the Notts. Rifle Association, rendered most valuable aid and lasting service to the regiment, and the volunteers of the county generally. We heartily regret that the time has come when you must retire from active duty, and can only assure you that you carry with you the respect, esteem, and affection of every one of us, and, we believe, of every man in the regiment:-
St. Albans, hon. colonel; Albert C. Hubbersty, colonel; Joseph Wright, V.D., lieut-colonel; J. O'C. Hynes, V.D., surgeon-major; H.G. Ashwell, surgeon-lieutenant; H.T. Hayman, M.A., acting chaplain; R. Kilbee Stuart, captain and adjutant; Edward A. Cuckson, V.D., captain and quarter-master; John Hack, V.D., major; Herbert Walker, major; N. Pratt, V.D., major; A.W. Brewill, captain and inspector of musketry; C.H. Seely, captain; J.T. Perry, captain; R. Turner, captain; W. H. Blackburn, captain; J.S. Robinson, captain; C.H. Preston, captain; Gilbert Doughty, lieutenant; Turner Lee, lieutenant; F. Wright, lieutenant; Gordon Beven, lieutenant; C.B. Cox, lieutenant; C.W. Birkin, lieutenant; G.A. Wigley, lieutenant; J. Ashworth, lieutenant; H. Kirkbride, lieutenant; E. Purnell Hooley, lieutenant.
The album contains six views designed to recall to the mind of the retiring officer some of the work he has done on behalf of the Robin Hoods. They are the entrance to the Castle, the orderly-room, the old drill ground with the Castle in the rear, a general view of the old range with the lodge, one of the 500 yards range, and one of the targets. They have been very artistically taken and mounted by Private Holbrook, of C company, and the binding has been well done by Colour-Sergeant Abbott, of B company.
Transcript from Nottinghamshire Guardian 02/12/1893
British Library Newspaper Archive