State: South Australia
Issued on: Return
Date of presentation: 13/01/1902
Number issued: 1
Gold medal, suitably inscribed, to:
6th New South Wales (Imperial Bushmen's) Contingent –
646 Trooper James Campbell N. WHITTINGTON [Whitington]
Presentation made by Mr W.J. Blacker, M.P., in the Agricultural Hall, Willunga.
________________________________________
Adelaide Advertiser, 16th January 1902
WILLUNGA, January 14.
Trooper James WHITINGTON, who last week returned from South Africa, was this evening tendered a social in the Agricultural Hall, Willunga. Mr W.J. Blacker, M.P., presided. The hall was filled. After several local vocalists had contributed songs, the Chairman, on behalf of the residents of the district, tendered the guest of the evening a hearty welcome home, and presented him with a gold medal suitably inscribed. Several other gentlemen complimented Trooper WHITINGTON on the pluck and patriotism he had displayed. The recipient thanked the people of the district for their hearty welcome, and expressed regret that, owing to having been shot through the lungs he had after spending several months in the hospital, been invalided home, and had thereby been prevented from remaining at the front until the termination of the war. The Noarlunga and Aldinga Brass Bands were present, and contributed items during the evening.
Southern Argus, 23rd January 1902
WILLUNGA, JAN. 16.
On Monday January 13, a social was given at the agricultural hall to Trooper J.C.N. WHITINGTON, of the sixth contingent, just returned from South Africa. The trooper had been dangerously wounded, with slight hope of recovery. The hall was profusely decorated with flags and flowers, and the audience were enthusiastic in their welcome to the returned soldier. Mr. Blacker, M.P., took the chair, and in a patriotic speech of welcome echoed the sentiments of the many friends and loyal acquaintances of the trooper. During an interval of the musical programme the chairman presented Trooper WHITINGTON with a gold medal, suitably inscribed, on behalf of the residents of Willunga and surrounding districts. The amalgamated brass band of Noarlunga and Aldinga serenaded Trooper WHITINGTON, and the proceedings closed by the hearty rendering of the national anthem.
Mount Barker Courier, 25th January 1902
HONORING A RETURNED SOLDIER.
Social and Presentation at Willunga.
One of the most successful socials ever held at Willunga was that given in the agricultural hall on Monday evening, 13th inst., in honor of and to welcome home from South Africa Trooper James WHITINGTON, of the Sixth Contingent. The trooper was dangerously wounded at Grootvlei on August 2 of last year, and when the news reached here (says a local correspondent) intense excitement prevailed, and much sympathy was extended to the sorrowing parents, who feared that their son would fill a soldier's grave. Many weeks passed before any news could be obtained of how he was progressing, and the tension was only relaxed when information arrived which gave hopes of his recovery. Wednesday (8th), when the young soldier returned, was therefore a time for jubilation, and, although his wounds are not yet properly healed, Trooper WHITINGTON looks remarkably well, and the pleasure exhibited upon his safe return was both spontaneous and sincere. On Monday night the large agricultural hall was packed to overflowing with a loyal and patriotic audience to give the guest of the evening a most enthusiastic reception and to make him a presentation. The combined Noarlunga and Aldinga Brass Bands, with a large number of the younger residents of the district, marched with torches to the residence of Mr WHITINGTON and escorted the young soldier to the hall. An interesting program of songs, recitations, selections by the band, &c., had been arranged, and after a few of the items had been rendered, the chairman (Mr. W.J. Blacker, M.P.) publicly welcomed Trooper WHITINGTON, also congratulating him on his conspicuous courage and bravery in going to South Africa. Mr Blacker afterwards presented the hero of the evening with a gold medal as a slight token of the esteem of the residents. Messrs J.W. Kimber (of Aldinga), W.J. Binney (president of the local rifle defence club), and H. Malpas (one of the oldest residents, and who was a member of the first volunteer force in the Willunga district) also congratulated Trooper WHITINGTON on his return, after which the band struck up "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow", which was also lustily sung by the large crowd. Great enthusiasm was shown, and the young soldier on rising to respond was greeted by a storm of applause. The remainder of the program was afterwards carried out and refreshments handed round, a dance winding up the proceedings.
