| Product
Code |
: |
PUD NO_936-5_AR |
| Subject | : | Linlithgow's Viceroy Presentation Medal |
| Size | : | 50.5 mm |
| Metal | : | Silver |
| Year | : | 1936 |
| Description | : | obv. Linlithgow's arms with his motto on a ribbon at top : AT - SPES - NON - FRACTA - (But hope is not discouraged), rev. At top the breast badge of the Star of India order. Below : PRESENTED BY / HIS EXCELLENCY / THE MARQUESS OF / LINLITHGOW / VICEROY OF INDIA / TO, flanked to left and right by palm trees. Below legend, a scroll for recipients name. At bottom a floral spray.
Calcutta Mint die impression register indicates the first issue was on 24 March 1937. Linlithgow did not use the ‘conjoined busts’ of Willingdon as a pattern for his presentation medal but returned to the ‘arms/palm trees’ type as used by Hardinge, Chelmsford, Reading and Irwin. Fitted with a claw and ring suspension.
Linlithgow was a complete contrast to Willingdon, more like Irwin as a Viceroy; he took charge and was a leader, but did not have the common touch that made Willingdon and Irwin so popular. He spent much of his time re-establishing good relations with Gandhi and the Congress Party, whose help he needed to prepare India for the looming war. He started the All-India Cattle Show, exhibiting a great interest in the improvement of cattle breeding, and kept breeding bulls for the use of breeders near Delhi. Linlithgow arrived in India in April 1936 and was due to leave the position of Viceroy in the spring of 1941 but, due to the war, Churchill persuaded him to stay on for another two and a half years. |
