Description: Presentation of the D.C.M. to Sergeant Major Spowage by J G Small, Lord Mayor of Nottingham. The accompanying article (from Nottingham Guardian, 23.10.1916) reads; There was a brief but pleasing ceremony in front of the Guildhall, Nottingham yesterday at the close of the City Special Constables' parade at St. Mary's Church, when the Mayor (Councillor J G Small presented a local non-commissioned officer with the Distinguished Conduct Medal, which has been awarded him for gallantry, and with a long service and good conduct medal. The non-commissioned officer in question was Sergeant Major A. E. Spowage, R.A.M.C., who was born at Ilkeston, but lived in Nottingham from infancy until after he had reached man's estate. He was chief dispenser at the King George V Hospital at Dublin when war broke out, and mobilising with the 14th Field Ambulance, 5th Division, went to France in August 1914, was in the engagement at Mona, and for services rendered during the retreat was recommended for the French Military Medal of the Legion of Honour. In October he was mentioned in despatches by Sir John French, and in March 1915 was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal. 'For gallantry and good work throughout the campaign, especially at Jury, where he displayed great zeal and devotion to duty in attendance in the wounded under shell fire between September 23rd and September 30th, 1914.' Sergeant Major Spowage chanced to be on five days leave in Nottingham - he is due to return today - and it was arranged that the medal to which he was entitled should be presented to him publicly. The Mayor was accompanied by the Sheriff (Councillor J Clarkson), by Auld. Sir John McCraith, Ald. J T Spalding and by Mr H S Whitby, and the special constables, nearly 500 strong, were drawn up in front of the Guildhall. 'You are engaged', said the Mayor to the Sergeant-Major, 'with many millions of your comrades and their allies, in endeavouring to restore peace to the world. In front of us are many of your fellow countrymen who are engaged in the preservation of peace at home. It is fitting I think that on each an occasion we should allow ourselves to congratulate one, who has earned distinction for himself and honour for his city, and publicly present him with the rewards which he has so deservedly gained.' To the accompaniment of rousing cheers, the Mayor pinned the medal on the recipients uniform and Sergeant Major Spowage, in the course of a brief reply said that while he keenly appreciated the honour which has been done to him, there were thousands of his comrades who equally deserved it. It has been said that the R.A.M.C. had a good time of the base and did not go anywhere near the firing line, but if he could show them of the losses they had suffered, they would realise that was a totally mistaken impression. The proceedings closed with three cheers for the mayor.