Mexborough and Swinton Times April 12, 1919
Conisboro’ V.C. Homecoming – K.O.Y.L.I. Officer’s Tribute
Captain Lindsay Crawford, M.C., said he had been pleased that night to have the privilege of shaking by the hand, a great number of the men who went out with his platoon in the 49th division in 1915.
He was there that evening at his own request – to see the presentation made his old friend and comrade Sgt Calvert. Though that was no doubt a proud moment in the life of Sgt Calvert, he did not think it was the proudest. The proudest moment inside and Calvert´s life was, he thought, when the battalion was out on rest behind the line and the news came through that he had gained the V.C.
There was no ribbon or medal or anything that they could present to him to show he had won the V.C. so they honored him by placing him at a saluting base and marching past at the salute, the whole battalion from the commanding officer down to the junior.
One picked up a copy of the London Gazette, and in a few words one was told how a single man accomplished a certain glorious act which probably saved a serious situation, and which earned for him the V.C.
The speaker did not know of any words that could be written, which could adequately describe what Sgt Calvert did upon that occasion.He (captain Crawford) was in the attack and knew what transpired. It was far more glorious than anything which could be put in writing. (Applause.) The great deed was done in the taking of Havrincourt, and it was interesting to note that some time previously, when Havrincourt was to be taken, the task was allotted to the fifth Battalion, K.O.Y.L.I., and later on when Havrincourt was again the objective, the order was “the fifth Battalion, K.O.Y.L.I.will retake Havrincourt.” (Applause.)
He brought with him to Sgt Calvert the best wishes of the fifth K.O.Y.L.I., of the commanding officer, every subaltern, and every member of the rank and file. He was pleasedSgt Calvert was going to serve for a further period in the army.
At the present time it was an opportunity not to be missed, and it was remarkable what numbers of the good old fellows of the 49th division and the 62nd division had been demobilised and gone back to join up again for the army of occupation. (Applause.)
If Sgt Calvert remained very long with only the rank of Sgt he would be very much surprised. He hoped when he returned to the army he would set again an example to the men which will be second to none in the British army. (Loud applause)