State: New South Wales, Australia
Issued on: Return
Date of presentation: 16/03/1901
Number issued: 1
Gold pendant, to:
Subscribed for by friends.
Note: served in S. Africa with NSW Lancers under the alias of James WHITE.
Presentation to Trooper J.N. Ryan.
A very pleasant evening was spent in the Bibbenluke Hotel Saturday 16th inst., when Mr Jas. RYAN, lately returned from the Transvaal War, was entertained at a smoke concert and presented with a gold pendant suitably inscribed, by his friends as a welcome home. Mr Chas. Gray occupied the chair, and in a few words welcomed Mr RYAN home safe and sound, referring to his services as a soldier and how well the Colonial forces had acquitted themselves in S. Africa. Mr John Thomas followed in a similar strain, paying compliments to Mr RYAN as an athlete and soldier, also alluded to the danger he had gone through in defence of the Empire. Mr P.J. Binstadt also spoke.
Mr J. Parkinson then made the presentation, and in a very neat speech trusted Mr RYAN would live long to wear it as a mark of esteem from his fellow townsmen, the company singing “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow”.
Mr RYAN said – I am sincerely touched by the kind manner in which I have been welcomed back, and thank you very much for the beautiful present, which I will always treasure. I did not expect a present from the Bibbenluke people, as I have been away from the place for 5 years; but had always liked to hear of Bibbenluke. I must also thank the ladies for a happy evening in Bibbenluke. I was with the Contingent for 12 months except 2 days. I am proud to belong to the Lancers (Lismore Half Squadron) who were the first Australian Corps to go to S. Africa. I was not one of the first to go, though I volunteered, as the British authorities thought infantry was required. I went as soon as Cavalry were called for, and they were glad to take us. Some people say we went for the pay, but for myself I can say I left a better billet to go to S. Africa. I thought the British Empire was in danger and as an Australian I went to help the mother land. I had a hard time. Things at the time looked black against England, as the disasters at Spion Kop and Tugela River had just occurred. I think now the British were defeated. I admit the British Army is supreme as far as discipline is concerned, in fact, there is too much discipline for the present war, and only for the colonials they would have suffered further reverses. The British Tommy has great pluck. I have seen them stand near cover, but if so ordered they would not take cover, but stand out as targets for the enemy. The colonial troops saved themselves by taking cover. We were called fortunate, but it was using our heads that saved us. I have gone through as many hardships as most men there but do not regret it a bit. I looked at all the risks and knew it was no picnic I was going to. Buller met with defeat after defeat, and was criticised by the newspapers of the world, but he was a great general. He had a terrible uphill game to fight and after suffering three or four defeats had the heart of a lion to persevere. I spoke with men who had been to Spion Kop, and they blame General Warren for Spion Kop as they say he did not obey Buller. They say it was safer to remain on Spion Kop than retreat. We marched from Bloemfontein to Barberton under French, who is one of the best generals in the British Army. We were attached to the Enniskillings and had seven engagements on that march and no casualties, and holding Lensburg, Colesburg and Naaw Poort we only had 3 casualties. The Australian Horse attached to the Scots Greys (a crack regiment) marched from Bloemfontein to Heidelburg and had only 15 left at the end of the march. Although the Lancers went through as many fights as any volunteer corps in S. Africa, they had 90 or 100 left out of 166. At Camels Drift they were highly commended by French for saving the 1st Cavalry Brigade, as they checked the Boers’ fire. Ony for the Australians, New Zealanders and Canadians the war would not have finished so soon, as they use their heads, but the Tommies do not. We believe in using our own discretion, and when we scouted we took 20 paces for open order instead of 10. If we had not used our heads we would soon have lost the number of our mess. We signed for 12 months, and at the end of that time French said we had done our duty nobly and earned a rest. We were sent down the line to go home, but would have willingly remained if wanted. We were sent down the line to be home for Xmas, but the dissatisfaction in Cape Town detained us for ten or fourteen days in Stellenbosch about 26 miles from Cape Town. One morning the order was given, breakfast at 7 a.m., kits 7.30, and train at 8.30, but not for Cape Town but for the front. It was a great knock back as we were looking forward to home and had written to the effect. However, we cheerfully and willingly obeyed and entrained for Worcester prepared to fight, but other Australians and Canadians there over-awed the meeting and they all dispersed. So at last we were on the road for home, which we reached on 10th January. This is only a short account of my experiences and I hope I have not wearied you. Once more I return you my thanks for your kindness to me.
Mr RYAN was loudly cheered. The remainder of the evening was passed in harmony, Messrs C. Wiles, Cotterill, L. Thomas, Gray, Kelly and Bulgaries contributing items. A vote of thanks to the chairman closed a very enjoyable evening.
