State: Victoria, Australia
Issued on: Return
Date of presentation: 29/04/1902
Number issued: 1
Gold locket, to:
5th Victorian (Mounted Rifles) Contingent –
1326 Trooper John Henry RICKARDS
Presentation made by Captain Herron, in the depot of the Golden Square Fire Brigade, Bendigo.
Rickards also received a gold medal from his native town, Yarragon.
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Bendigo Independent, 30th April 1902
HOME AGAIN.
Bugler Jack CAROLIN, of the Fifth contingent, son of Cr. J.P. Carolin, arrived in Bendigo by the express last night, and received many congratulations on his safe return. He looks very well.
A great crown assembled at the Golden Square railway station last evening to welcome home Trooper J.H. RICKARDS. As the train steamed in, hearty cheers were given, and he was carried shoulder high, headed by Flight’s Band and the Golden Square Fire Brigade (of which he was a member). They deposited him in the brigade's depot where he was banqueted, and presented with a valuable gold locket. Captain Herron occupied the chair, and in making the presentation spoke of the gallantry of Trooper RICKARDS who, when he made application in Bendigo to join the Fifth Bushmen's Contingent was rejected. Not satisfied with this examination, he went to Gippsland, and was enrolled there. The tables were tastefully laid out by the lady friends of the members, and did them credit. Several toasts were honoured during the evening, including the King, the guest, and the ladies. At the finish of the banquet a concert and dance was held, several of the members contributing musical items. The party broke up at a late hour. Mr W. Beecham was accompanist.
Melbourne Argus, 30th April 1902
WELCOMES IN THE COUNTRY.
BENDIGO, Tuesday.
On Tuesday night the members of the Golden Square Fire Brigade tendered ex-member Trooper J. RICKARDS a welcome home at the fire station. He was presented with a gold locket, and in responding announced his intention of applying to be enrolled in the contingent now about to leave for South Africa.
