State: South Australia
Issued on: Return
Date of presentation: 17/06/1901
Number issued: 1
Gold medal, suitably inscribed, to:
36 Trooper Wilfred Gottlieb Roland Patrick NORDMANN
Adelaide Evening Journal, 18/06/1901
PRESENTATION TO A RETURNED SOLDIER.
A pleasing ceremony took place in the office of the Engineer-in-Chief on Monday afternoon, when Cpl. W.G.R.P. NORDMANN was the recipient of a presentation by about 70 officers of the department. Cpl. NORDMANN was the only officer in the department who offered his services and was accepted. He tried to get away with the first contingent, and left with the second contingent, on January 27, 1900, and returned in May, 1901. He saw over 12 months' campaigning, and was in the battles of Brandfort, Land River, Kroonstadt, Johannesburg, Fort (special honour), Bloemfontein, and Pretoria, Diamond Hill, Belfast, Rensburg, and occupation of Koomati Poort, besides numerous skirmishes and minor engagements.
Mr J.W. Jones, the Conservator of Water, asked the Engineer-in-Chief to make the presentation, which consisted of a gold medal, inscribed on one side with the words "W.G.R.P. Nordmann, second S.A. contingent, from his fellow-officers, Engineer-in-Chief’s Department, Adelaide", and on the other with the words "South Africa, 1900-1901 — Bloemfontein, Pretoria, and Koomati Poort". Before handing over the medal Mr Moncrieff asked Mjr. Reade, Tpr. NORDMANN's commanding officer, who was present, to say a few words.
Mjr. Reade said he was pleased to be present and to find that Cpl. NORDMANN's services were so appreciated by his fellow-officers. No man was a more valued member of the second contingent than Cpl. NORDMANN. (Cheers). In carrying out his duties he observed regularity, punctuality, and a strict attention to detail that could hot fail to give satisfaction. Cpl. NORDMANN was a model member. He was a man who did not say much, but when work required to be done he was on the spot to do it.
Mr Moncrieff said he was particularly gratified to hear the high opinion in which Cpl. NORDMANN was held by his superior officer. But the experience of Mjr. Reade was just what might be expected from an officer from the Engineer-in-Chief’s Department. (Hear, hear). They were pleased to have Mr NORDMANN back, and they were particularly pleased to hear of his good services.
