Mrs Morrow, Sessia, Newmills, mother of the first member of the Royal Irish Fusiliers to be awarded the Victoria Cross, related to a pressman the story of her visit to Buckingham Palace to receive her son's Cross from his Majesty's own hand with great enjoyment.

Her son won the cross by magnificent and continuous acts of devotion and courage, in carrying out one of which, he was unfortunately killed a fortnight after the act for which he was awarded the Cross. He frequently carried in the wounded under shell and rifle fire and carried water to the men under the same deadly conditions.

Mrs Morrow received the command to attend at an investiture at Buckingham Palace, and she felt it her duty to receive the Cross which her dear boy had won, from His Majesty. Fortunately for her, Mr and Miss Newton were in London, heard of her coming, and met her at Euston Station and took her to their house, and later to the Palace. The letter of command carried her through the police and military guard into the State Room of the Palace.

When her name was called, she was ushered into the King's presence somewhat awed and shy of course. But she was instantly set at ease, for when she saluted His Majesty said pleasantly 'All the way from Ireland.' 'Yes your Majesty' replied the mother of the dead hero. Then, Mrs Morrow says, just as if he were speaking to her at her own fireside, he told her with great feeling how much he regretted he had not the honour and pleasure of presenting the Cross to her noble and brave son, but he was proud to be able to hand it to his mother, and expressed his deep sympathy with her in her bereavement by his death. Having presented her with the Cross, he shook hands with her and wished her a pleasant and safe journey home., and Mrs Morrow left the royal presence gratified and honoured. She says the gentlemen ushers were far more imposing than His Majesty, who surprised her by his plainness and simple address, which at once set her at ease.