The 1st(Renfrewshire) Volunteer Battalion Officer's Dirk Belt Plate
This unit title was only in service from 1887 until 1908 when the Territorial army was founded prior to which the unit was known as the 1st (Renfrew) Rifle Volunteers.
An excellent burnished gilt plate measuring 2.5 inches in width by 2 inches in height. The plate is overlaid with a silver device,comprising; to the centre a collar badge styled with the wreaths of Myrtle and Butcher's broom interwoven.
To the left is the Boar's head upon a scroll inscribed "NE OBLIVISCARIS" and to the right the Cat-a-Mountain upon a scroll inscribed "SANS PEUR". Above is a banner inscribed "PRINCESS LOUISE'S" and her Coronet on top.
At the base of the device is a banner inscribed "1st( Renfrew)
VB Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders"
To the rear fixed loop present,adjoining loop absent. A brass pin secures the front silver device.
By the fixed loop is a scratched name W U Park
A William Urquart Park was the Commanding Officer from 1905 until the transition to the Territorial Army in 1908.
Colonel William Urquart Park was a magnificent Volunteer soldier who served his Beloved Argyll's and his Country for over 44 years ! Firstly by serving 17 years in the ranks and thereafter being commissioned and serving another 27 years,in which time he rose to the rank of Lt Colonel in 1903 to Command his Battalion .....Wow! based at Finart Street Greenock.
Colonel Park retired in 1908 on the formation of the Territorial Army. He was born in 1846 so when he retired he was 62 years of age.
He attended the National Rifle shooting competitions down in London for 17 successive years!
Colonel Park also attended the Royal Review in Edinburgh the year he took command and led his regiment this was the year 1905 when he took command so that may explain why he was awarded The M.V.O
I think that there is much more to learn about Colonel Wm Park M.V.O. and the next step could be the Library in Greenock!