Freeman the Freeman – Denaby Miner’s Honour – A Wakefield Dignity.

October 1921

Mexborough & Swinton Times – Saturday 08 October 1921

Freeman the Freeman

 Denaby Miner’s Honour

 A Wakefield Dignity.

By a strange coincidence, a young Normanton miner, who is now employed at the Cadeby Main Colliery, and who bears the Christian name of Freeman, was, on October 14th, 1902, elected an honorary freeman of the city of Wakefield.

The man’s name is Freeman Rudge, who resides at 42, Balby Street, Denaby Main.

At the time of the recent conferment of the Freedom of the city of Barnsley on Mr. Barlow Lloyd George, the conversation in a local hostlery was concentrated upon the Prime Minister’s visit, when Rudge startled his friends with the remark, made without any attempt at self-glorification (for he is one of the most modest and unassuming of men), that he had received a similar honour from the neighbouring city of Wakefield. His friends were naturally inclined to be sceptical; they regarded the conferment of such an honour on a miner as incredible.

The freeman was therefore subjected to a good deal of jocular banter. One or two small bets being made, a little money changed hands. The curiosity of the company was aroused by the announcement.

It had not been generally known previous to that incident that the local community included one who had attained such a distinguished honour. Freeman Rudge was admitted as a freeman of Wakefield in recognition of the services he rendered to his country during the South African War.

Previous to the outbreak of hostilities, Budge was interested in the volunteer movement, and he served for several years in the Normanton detachment of the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry. When war broke out and the call for volunteer sounded throughout the land to serve in South Atries, Budge threw down his tools and responded.

For three years he fought against the Boers and was wounded on two occasions. He was associated in one thrilling episode when under heavy fire from the enemy, he carried up ammunition to a point where it was badly needed.

On the cessation of hostilities, he returned home and was honoured by the city of Wakefield. The announcement of the freedom is made on a framed certificate, which bears the inscription:

“In recognition of his services as a private, volunteer battalion, 1st King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, with the armies in the Transvaal war in South Africa, Freeman Hedge has this day been admitted an honorary freeman of the city of Wakefield.”

The freedom is signed by the Mayor and Town Clerk of Wakefield, and is sealed with the official seal of the Corporation. The honour was conferred upon him without any ostentation. There was no public presentation; budge was simply instructed to call at the Corporation Office where he received the certificate. In the Corporation Chamber there is a freeman’s chair bearing the name of Freeman Budge.

On his return from South Africa, hedge continued to serve with the army and completed seven years’ service. He came to this district in 1907, and when war broke out in August, 1914, he was called up for service under section “D” of the reserve. He proceeded to France in the 2nd K.O.Y.L.L, as part of the original Expeditionary Force, and was one of the heroic Contemptibles who struggled with such rollout heroism against the German hordes in the critical days of 1914 and 1915. He continued to play his part, until August 1916, when he was discharged into civilian life, his time having expired and he was regarded as medically unfit for active service. Since that time he has quietly carried out his duties at Cadeby, and few of his pals at the pit knew of the honour carried by one of their company. Rudge is also possessed of five war medals – King and Quern’s African medals, Mona Star, victory medal and Allied war service medal.

It is interesting to know that Rudge is connected by marriage with Sergeant Lawrence Calvert, the Conisbrough VC.