Presentation made by Lieutenant-Colonel Roberts, in Blyth Town Hall.
Trooper Lovelock was severely wounded at Uitvalskop, 03/02/1901.
BLYTH, June 10.
Trooper C. LOVELOCK, who went from this district with the Second Contingent, returned home this afternoon. Although the notice of his coming was very short a good number of friends rallied up to give him welcome. The Rifle Club was mustered by Captain Mitchell, and the school children with their master, Mr Nancarrow, lined up on the railway platform, where three cheers were given for the returned soldier. The Chairman of the District Council and other friends met Trooper LOVELOCK at the station door. He was then driven with his mother and father in Mr T. Pickhaver’s buggy to the Council Chamber. The Rifle Club and school children formed an escort. Short speeches were then given by the Chairman of the Council, Mr Dunstone, Captain Mitchell, and Mr Nancarrow, all extending a hearty welcome to the returned hero. It is the intention of the residents to make Trooper LOVELOCK a presentation at a public social to be held in the District Hall next Monday night.
Adelaide Chronicle, 22nd June 1901
Last evening in the Blyth Town Hall a social was given to Trooper C. LOVELOCK. An interesting programme was submitted to a large audience. The chair was occupied by Lieutenant-Colonel Roberts, who was supported by Mr James Sampson (chairman Blyth D.C.) and Captain Mitchell, of the Blyth Defence Rifle Club. Trooper LOVELOCK gave an interesting account of his experiences in South Africa, and answered a host of questions relating thereto. A pleasant surprise was provided for the guest at the close of the programme, when the Union Jack was spread on the table, on which was placed a velvet cushion, bearing a handsome gold chain and medal, the latter bearing the following inscription: — “Presented to Trooper C. Lovelock by Blyth inhabitants for valor, South African war”. This was presented to the trooper by Lieutenant-Colonel Roberts. The balance of the money collected for the purchase of the medal was presented to Trooper LOVELOCK today on his taking train to return to the hospital.
Adelaide Observer, 29th June 1901
BLYTH, June 18. – A welcome social was tendered last evening in the District Hall to Tpr. LOVELOCK, of the South Australian Bushmen’s Contingent, who has just returned from South Africa. The weather through the day had been the most wintry that we have yet experienced; nevertheless the hall was crowded. Lieut.-Col. Roberts presided. The guest of the evening looked fairly well, notwithstanding he is still under treatment for wounds. Capt. Mitchell, of the Blyth Defence Rifle Club, of which Tpr. LOVELOCK was a member, and Mr Sampson, chairman of the Blyth District Council, congratulated the returned trooper on the manner in which he had conducted himself. Music, songs, and recitations were given by ladies and gentlemen. Tpr. LOVELOCK, in replying, heartily thanked them for their kind and cheery welcome. He narrated incidents of the campaign, which deeply interested the audience, who frequently plied him with questions, all of which he answered in a most interesting manner. When he sat down three ringing cheers testified to the satisfaction with which his remarks had been received. The most interesting item of the evening was the presentation of a gold medal and chain, which had been subscribed for by the friends in and around Blyth. The chairman remarked that in all his long connection with the military of the state, nothing had given him so much pleasure as making the presentation. After the singing of “Soldiers of the King” and the national anthem, light refreshments were handed around, and a cheery and pleasant hour was spent. Tpr. LOVELOCK has gone to the Adelaide Hospital for further treatment.
