Mexborough Times, July 3, 1920.
V.C.´s at the Palace
Local guests at Buckingham Palace.
The garden party given at Buckingham Palace on Saturday by the King and Queen to V.C.´s and their families was a unique event. Every living man entitled to wear the Victoria Cross received the Royal invitation and about 320, were present. With the widows are other defendants of deceased V.C.´s number of guests assembled at the Palace on Saturday numbered about 1000.
A good many of the V.C.´s and their friends were entertained at luncheon by officers of the Brigade of Yards, and the band of the Welsh Guards played during the lunch and while the heroes were being marshalled for the march to the Palace.
They were a Democratic assembly, all ranks being indiscriminately makes; and there was no regulation as the wearing of uniform or mufti.
The march from the barracks the Palace was watched by thousands of people, and this splendid band of men got a tremendous cheer as they walked through the Mall. The place of honour was assigned to Gen Sir Deighton Proybyn, who won the V.C.in the Indian Mutiny, and is the oldest living recipient of the honour. The grounds of the Palace refreshments were provided in large marquees, and military music was supplied.
The King and Queen were attended by the Duke of York, Prince Henry, Princess Mary, the Duke of Connaught, and other members of the Royal Family. The King was in khaki, and the Queen were addressed a powder blue brocade, with toque of pale blue and silk. Princess Mary was in white will stop the King first review the V.C.´s, and afterwards mixed intimately with them, and had many individual conversation with the men. Everything was quite informal, and the gallant party were once place at their ease. Many relatives of deceased V.C.´s were presented to the King and Queen.
Altogether it was a very memorable and enjoyable day Sergt. Laurence Calvert, of the fifth K.O.Y.L.I., of Conisborough was one of the local V.C.´s present.
Sergt. Calvert was accompanied by his mother, and they had the honour of being presented to the King.
The Queen, on being told that Mrs Calvert lived at Conisborough said she recalled very vividly her visit in 1912 to that village, and the terrible disaster at the Cadeby Colliery which occurred during her stay in the district.