State: New South Wales, Australia
Issued on: Return
Date of presentation: 26/02/1901
Number issued: 10
Gold medals, to:
781 Trooper Roger Wingham PALMER (of Sutton Forest; absent - preparing to return to S. Africa as Lieutenant, 3 N.S.W.M.R.)
103 Trooper Clifford Melville SOUTHEY (absent - preparing to return to S. Africa)
179 Trooper Arthur Offord DUPREZ
294 Trooper John Hampton CHRISTISON [Christion]
The Returned Soldiers.
THANKSGIVING SERVICE AT S. JUDE’S CHURCH.
WITH a view to returning thanks for the safe return of our soldiers who voluntarily enlisted for active service in upholding the British flag in South Africa, the Rev. Stanley Wilkinson conducted a Thanksgiving Service in the Church of England on Sunday afternoon last, held in St. Jude’s, we understand, on account of the wish of the volunteers. …….
……. The following six of the returned soldiers, conspicuous in their khaki apparel, also took part, all of whom, with the exception of Trooper A.O. DUPREZ, left with the first contingent – Troopers Sid. BRADSTOCK, Herb. BRADSTOCK, A.O. DUPREZ, A.F. HARDIE, Wm. FRASER, and W. McDONALD. The two other returned soldiers are Trooper Clifford SOUTHEY (who is in Sydney preparing again for the fray, and we understand leaves as a Lieutenant in the next contingent), and Trooper CHANT, who is in the Bowral hospital suffering from the effects of a recent accident. …….
The School of Arts, Bowral, was crowded on Tuesday night with an enthusiastic audience to accord a public welcome to eight members of Bowral “H” Company of Volunteer Infantry, who had recently returned from the war in South Africa. The Mayor presided. Telegrams were received from Troopers Clifford SOUTHEY and PALMER, who are both in Sydney preparing for their departure with the next contingent, and were therefore unable to be present, Sergeant W. CHANT was on crutches, and is recovering from an accident which necessitated his laying up at the Bowral Hospital. Gold medals, suitably inscribed, were presented to the returned soldiers by Mrs C.W. Marsden, of “Craughton”, Bowral. Major Holmes and Captain Logan were present from Sydney and took part in the ceremony. The members of “H” Company attended in their regimentals, and excellent music was supplied by the Mittagong Brass Band. During the evening refreshments were handed round, and a musical programme was gone through, contributed by Mrs C.W. Marsden, Mrs C.J. Royle, Miss Kate Maddern, Messrs G. Marks, G. Price, and the Bowral Musical Society.
Bowral Southern Mail, 1st March 1901
Our Returned Soldiers.
AN ENTHUSIASTIC WELCOME AT BOWRAL.
The social evening tendered by the residents of Bowral and neighbouring districts to the soldiers who had served in South Africa took place in the Bowral School of Arts on Tuesday, and proved highly successful, the public welcome to our local soldiers being of a most enthusiastic character. The hall was decorated with Australian flags, and on the platform were exhibited a number of war relics, Boer ammunition, coins, shells, etc. The attendance was very large, the hall being crowded. The Mayor, Ald. J.M. Christie, presided, and he with Ald. R.S. Mackenzie welcomed the returned troops on their entrance into the hall. The soldiers had previously marched in procession from the Orderly Room to the hall headed by the Mittagong Brass Band and accompanied by the members of "H" Co. On the platform in addition to the Mayor and Ald. Mackenzie were Lieuts. Bissaker and Archer, Sergts. W. CHANT and A.O. DUPREZ, Troopers A.F. HARDIE, W.C. McDONALD, H. BRADSTOCK, S. BRADSTOCK, W. FRAZER, CHRISTISON, and Troopers Davy and Bresnahan representing the West Camden Lancers. At a later period of the evening Major Holmes and Lieut. Logan from Sydney and Capt. Napier of the local volunteers attended. Apologies were received from Hon. Wm. McCourt, the Mayor of Mittagong, and Troopers PALMER (Sutton Forest) and C. SOUTHEY who were on duty prior to returning to South Africa.
The Mayor in his opening address said it was very gratifying to see such a large attendance to welcome their returned soldiers. The entertainment was tendered by the residents in their appreciation of the local volunteers while on service. The entertainment should have been held sooner, but was put off owing to the death of the Queen. It should never be forgotten that when volunteers were called the authorities were rushed by applicants and there was much competition for places in the contingents. The capabilities of Australian soldiers were fully recognised, and they had acquitted themselves in a manner of which all Australians could justly be proud. The success of Australian troops had accomplished more than anything else for the furthering of Australian interests, and it was gratifying to know that the Australian soldiers had given entire satisfaction to the Home authorities.
Mr R.S. Mackenzie's greeting to the returned soldiers was an able and most interesting one. He said: — "Mr Mayor, Ladies, Gentlemen, and Soldiers, — I have great pleasure in being here tonight with so many of my fellow citizens to welcome our gallant soldiers home, and most heartily congratulate them on their safe return from the dangers and hardships of the campaign in South Africa. I am pleased to see so many present to give this welcome, and to mark their appreciation of the valour and patriotism displayed by these soldiers: soldiers no longer of the Queen, but of the King; but — without prejudice to our loyalty to his Majesty — it is with a pang we make the substitution, and are sadly conscious of a void when we omit the title of Queen, that Queen whose death the whole nation mourns with unfeigned sorrow and justly regarded as a model monarch, possessed of all the regal qualities which become a sovereign, and clothed with all the virtues which adorn a woman. We rejoice to know that the men of the Australian contingent in South Africa proved themselves worthy to wear the uniform of such a Queen, and to receive her Majesty's gracious acknowledgments for the way in which they fought for her and the empire. The efficiency and good conduct of the colonial troops has been testified to by no less an authority than Lord Roberts, who said 'They were heroes on the field of battle, and gentlemen off it'. Troops who have merited such a compliment as this must have surely gone a long way towards reaching the ideal standard of military perfection, and we may well be proud of them, and proud that Bowral and this district were worthily represented in that noble band of warriors. [illegible], making any invidious distinction between them and others equally deserving, the details of whose experiences I am not in possession of. I allude to Troopers SOUTHEY and HARDIE. Trooper SOUTHEY proved that he possessed the cardinal virtues of a soldier — courage and humanity — especially upon one occasion when, regardless of his own safety and though twice wounded himself by fragments of a shell, he remained by the side of a dying comrade and rendered him what service was possible, and did not forsake his unfortunate companion until he breathed his last. I have been favoured with an extract from a letter in which Trooper HARDIE's Commanding Officer speaks in the highest terms of his conduct both as a soldier and as a man, of which testimonial HARDIE may well feel proud. The question having been raised by some as to the justice and necessity of this war, and also of the expediency of Australia’s taking a part in it, it may not be amiss to consider these aspects of the question. Anyone who has followed with attention the history or the war must feel convinced that it was forced upon Great Britain by the silly and presumptuous arrogance of the Boers, and waged in behalf of justice to British claims and in the interests of liberty, progress, and civilisation generally. The Boers were the aggressors, and for Britain to have declined the challenge to this contest given by them with such insolent defiance, would have been a distinct descent from her pride of place in the scale of nations, and an ignominious surrender and betrayal of her trust as the Guardian and Protector of the rights and privileges of many thousands of her subjects in South Africa. To have declined the contest would have been looked upon by other nations as a standing advertisement that the martial spirit once so conspicuous in our ancestors had decayed and become extinct, and that we had degenerated into a feeble and effete people who could be bearded with impunity and despoiled without fear of retribution. Once engaged in this war, it was a struggle of who should be supreme in South Africa, Briton or Boer? If the Boers had prevailed it would have entailed the loss of all our possessions in South Africa, the lowering of our status as one of the Great Powers, and would have been such a staggering blow to British prestige as could not be endured without agonies of shame and humiliation. In view of the importance of the issues and the peculiar difficulties of war owing to the physical features of the country, the hostile attitude of the whole Dutch population, and the possible intervention of some foreign power, there can be no doubt that the Colonial Governments were justified in sending troops to fight on behalf of the empire in South Africa, and this loyal and patriotic step forms a remarkable and interesting chapter in the history of the nation, the importance and significance of which on the relations of the Mother Country with her outlying dependencies is very great. It has shown the world that the inhabitants of the remotest parts of the empire are as really and truly British citizens as those of its very heart and centre, and as ready to die in defence of its integrity and honour. It has proved that all the far extended members of this vast empire an united, and bound to the parent country by the tie of a common patriotism; and in this splendid unanimity and readiness to cooperate and spring to arms when required all those who regard us with hostile intent may see displayed a danger signal and warning to take heed and beware. Mr Mayor, I should like to be permitted on this occasion to congratulate the parents of our brave soldiers on their sons' safe return. These fathers and mothers have had a strong claim on our sympathy for the anxious time they have passed during their sons' absence in South Africa, exposed to all the awful perils of the battlefield and the not less terrible dangers of disease, which always follows in the wake of armies. I heartily congratulate them, and rejoice with them on their sons' safe return, preserved by a merciful Providence from the 'arrow that flieth by day and the pestilence that walketh in darkness', and hope these young men may enjoy their rest 'far from the dreadful cannon’s roar and battle’s magnificently-stern array' in the quiet and healthy seclusion of their homes in this district; and whatever their occupation, civil or military, I trust they may be as ready in the future as they have been in the past to do their duty".
A short programme was then gone through, the Bowral Musical Society under Dr Vallack rendered the chorus "Eldorado". Mrs C.W. Marsden was successful in her song "Golden Lilies", and responded to an encore with "The song that reached my heart". Mr G.H. Marks recited "How the flag was saved" in character. Miss Kate Maddern was heard, to advantage in "When the tide comes in", and being recalled sang "A song of May". Mrs C.J. Royle delighted the audience with Jerome's humorous sketch "How Uncle Podger hangs a picture", and in response to the undeniable encore recited "The King and the Colonel". Mr G. Price was recalled for his rendering of "The Sleeping Camp", and responded with "A Soldier and a Man". A break was then made, during which light refreshments of a high order were handed round and the Mittagong Brass Band rendered selections. The programme was afterwards resumed. A tableau "The Commonwealth" was most effectively staged, and was loudly applauded.
Major HOLMES next addressed the meeting. He had had some of the Bowral men in his command and could speak highly of their consistent good work. Where all had done so well it would be invidious to single out individuals, but wished to mention the splendid services of CHANT and McDONALD. The Major then related incidents of the bravery of these two men, how CHANT with Major HOLMES and another had stood against a number of the enemy on a kopje all night and although shot in the shoulder would not leave his post, and on re-joining the company declined to leave the front. McDONALD, too, had stuck to the front although severely wounded while returning from carrying a despatch. Humours of foraging and the pathos of mail day were related, and Major HOLMES was heartily applauded at the conclusion of his interesting address.
Capt. Napier briefly addressed the gathering. He thought the district had been well represented at the war, ten men having been on service and six more were going. That day was Majuba Day and it was also the day on which Cronje surrendered, and he hoped it would be the day on which De Wet would be captured. He thought it would be a good thing if more young men would join the volunteers as it would do them good and might prove a stepping-stone to improving their position.
Lieut. Logan added his testimony to the efficiency of the volunteers.
Lieut. Bissaker read a letter from Sergt.-Major Liggins in which that gentleman expressed his regret at not being present and eulogising Troopers McDONALD and HARDIE for good work at the front.
In the absence of Mr McCourt, Mrs C.W. Marsden presented the mementoes, which were gold pendants of handsome design on which were engraved the name of the recipient and on the reverse "Berrima District. For Service in South Africa. Bowral February 26, 1901". The recipients were as follow: — Tr. HARDIE, Sergt. W. CHANT, Tr. W.C. McDONALD, Tr. H. BRADSTOCK, Tr. S. BRADSTOCK, Tr. C. SOUTHEY (received by Miss Southey), Tr. W. FRAZER, Sergt. A.O. DUPREZ, Tr. CHRISTISON, Tr. PALMER (to be forwarded).
Sergt. CHANT returned thanks to the people of the district for the enthusiastic welcome to himself and comrades. He thanked them for the mementoes which would be treasured not only as tributes for service but also in memory of the hearty welcome that evening. He also thanked them for the comforts which had been sent to them on service but had never been received.
Sergt. DUPREZ, Troopers CHRISTISON and HARDIE [illegible] MARSDEN, the secretaries, the band, and all who had assisted. Cheers were given, and the proceedings concluded wiih "God save the King".
Welcome to Returned Soldiers.
Presentation of Souvenirs.
Enthusiastic Gathering.
Without a doubt Tuesday evening's reception to the returned soldiers to this part was one of the most enthusiastic gatherings in the entertainment line yet held in Bowral. All Bowral and his wife, as the saying goes, apparently turned out to witness the proceedings; and long before the band and soldiers arrived, the large hall of the School of Arts was taxed to its utmost to find seating or even standing accommodation for the patriotic people of the neighbourhood. All classes were represented, high as well as low, rich as well as poor; for all seemed interested in according a welcome to the brave men who had so ably assisted in maintaining England’s name in the dark continent.
The Mayor of Bowral (Ald. J.M. Christie) occupied the chair. There were on the platform the returned soldiers numbering nine, Major Holmes and Lieutenant Logan (also returned from the campaign) Captain Napier, Lieutenants Bissaker and Archer, and several members of the Bowral H. Company, Troopers Davey and Bresnahan representing the West Camden Lancers, and Ald. Mackenzie.
The chairman read apologies for the unavoidable non-attendance of the Hon. W. McCourt, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and Mrs McCourt; from Ald. Mealing (Mayor of Mittagong), Trooper G.W. PALMER of Sutton Forest, who although only just returned from the front was busily engaged preparing to sally forth a second time. Trooper Clifford SOUTHEY telegraphed, wishing the function every success. He was detained in Sydney again preparing to face the enemy.
In the course of a few introductory remarks, the chairman said it was gratifying to see so many present to do honour to the returned soldiers as a mark of appreciation of their services at the front. The welcome would have transpired some time ago but for the unexpected death of Queen Victoria. He went on to say that their soldiers had acquitted themselves remarkably well at the front. Their natural adaptability to rough life, and with the knack of knowing how to act when thrown on their own resources, had proved their value at the front; and their worth had ofttimes been eulogised by the highest military authorities.
Ald. Mackenzie, J.P., said — I have great pleasure in being here tonight with so many of my fellow citizens to welcome our gallant soldiers home, and most heartily congratulate them upon their safe return from the dangers and hardships of the campaign in South Africa; and am pleased to see such a large and representative gathering of people to give this welcome and to mark their appreciation of the valour and patriotism displayed by these soldiers, soldiers no longer of the Queen, but of the King; but without prejudice to our loyalty to his Majesty, it is with pang we make the substitution, and are sadly conscious of a void when we omit the title of Queen, that Queen whose death the whole nation mourns with unfeigned sorrow, and justly regarded as a model Monarch, possessed of all the regal qualities which become a sovereign, and clothed with all the virtues which adorn a woman. It is very satisfactory and gratifying to know that the men of the Australian Contingent in South Africa proved themselves worthy to wear the uniform of such a Queen and to receive her Majesty's gracious acknowledgements for the way in which they fought for her and the empire. The efficiency and good conduct of the colonial troops has been testified to by no less an authority than Lord Roberts, who said they were heroes on the field of battle, and gentlemen off it. Troops who have merited such a compliment as this must have surely gone a long way towards reaching the ideal standard of military perfection, and we may well be proud of them, and proud that Bowral and this district were worthily represented in that noble band of warriors. There are two Bowral men worthy I think of special mention without of course making any invidious distinction between them and others equally deserving, the details of whose career I am not in possession of. I allude to Troopers HARDIE and SOUTHEY. Trooper SOUTHEY proved that he possessed the cardinal virtues of a soldier, courage and humanity, especially on one occasion when regardless of his own safety he remained by the side of a dying comrade to render him what service was possible, and though SOUTHEY was twice wounded by fragments of a shell he did not forsake his unfortunate companion till he breathed his last. I have been favoured with an extract from a letter in which Trooper HARDY's Commanding Officer speaks in the highest terms of his conduct both as a soldier and as a man, a testimonial he may well be proud of. The question having been raised by some as to the justice and necessity of this war in which our Australians have taken part, and also as to the expediency of the Colonial Governors sending our troops to assist. It may not be thought amiss to say a few words on these aspects of the question. Anyone who has followed with attention the history of the war must feel convinced that it was a war forced upon Great Britain by the silly and presumptuous arrogance of the Boers, and waged by her on behalf of justice to British claims, and in the interests of liberty, progress, and civilization generally. The Boers were the aggressors, and challenged us to fight with insolent defiance. If Britain had declined the contest, it would have been a distinct descent from her pride of place in the scale of nations, and an ignominious surrender and betrayal of her trust as the Guardian and Protector of the rights and privileges of many thousands of her subjects in South Africa. To decline the contest would have been looked upon by other nations as a standing advertisement that the martial spirit once so conspicuous in our ancestors had decayed and become extinct, and that we had degenerated into a feeble and effete people who could be bearded with impunity and despoiled without fear of retribution. Once engaged in this war, it was a struggle of who should be supreme in South Africa, Briton or Boer? If the Boers had prevailed it would have entailed the loss of all our possessions in South Africa; the lowering of our status as one of the Great Powers, and would have been such a staggering blow to British prestige as could not be endured without agonies of shame and humiliation. In view of the importance of the issues and the peculiar difficulties of the war owing to the physical features of the country, the hostile attitude of the whole Dutch population, and the possible intervention of some foreign power, there can be no doubt that the Colonial Governments were justified in sending troops to fight on behalf of the empire in South Africa, and this loyal and patriotic step forms a remarkable and interesting chapter in the history of the nation, the importance and significance of which on the relations of the Mother Country with her outlying dependencies is very great. It has shown the world that the inhabitants of the remotest parts of the empire are as really and truly British citizens as those of its very heart and centre, and as ready to die in defence of its integrity and honour. It has proved that all the far extended members of this vast empire are united, and bound to the parent country by the tie of a common patriotism; and in this splendid unanimity and readiness to co-operate and spring to arms when required all those who regard us with hostile intent may see displayed a danger signal and warning to take heed and beware. Mr Mayor, I should like to be permitted on this occasion to congratulate the parents of our brave soldiers on their sons' safe return. These fathers and mothers have had a strong claim on our sympathy for the anxious time they have passed during their sons' absence in South Africa, exposed to all the awful perils of the battlefield and the not leas terrible dangers of disease, which always follows in the wake of armies, I heartily congratulate them and rejoice with them on their sons' safe return, preserved by a merciful Providence from the "arrow that flyeth by day and the pestilence that walketh in darkness", and hope these young men may enjoy their rest "far from the dreadful canon's roar and the battle's magnificently stern array" in the quiet and healthy seclusion of their homes in this district; and whatever their occupation, civil or military, I trust they may be as ready in the future as they have been in the past to do their duly.
The Bowral Musical Society, under the baton of their conductor, Dr A.S. Vallack, very beautifully sang "Eldorado".
Mrs C.W. Marsden, one of Bowral's leading sopranos, was accorded an excellent reception on mounting the stage, and her rendering of "Golden Lilies", called forth much cheering. The audience, bent on an encore, thundered forth their rounds of appreciative applause that the lady singer was compelled to comply with the unanimous request; and in response very feelingly sang "The Song that reached ray heart". In fact it reached a good many hearts. Mr George Marks of Mittagong was loudly applauded for reciting the patriotic and thrilling composition entitled "How the flag was saved". As on previous occasions Miss Kate Maddern was well received, and her sweet rendering of "When the tide comes in" brought forth a deserving encore, "A song of May" being the second number. Mrs C.J. Royle's recitation, " How Uncle Podger Hangs a Picture" was amusing in the extreme, and consequently considerably enlivened the proceedings. This lady reciter was accorded an encore, "The King and the Colonel" being the piece given. Mr. George Price in good baritone sang ''The Sleeping Camp", ''A Soldier and a Man" for the decisive encore.
Major HOLMES, of Sydney, was then called upon to give an address. He had had charge of the squadron in Africa in which most of the Bowral men were members. He was exceptionally proud of their services, and was pleased to be present at their welcome home. During his sixteen months of Commandership in South Africa, he had had ample time to judge of their ability and courage on the battlefield. He might particularly mention the names of Sergeant W. CHANT and Trooper McDONALD for having so courageously done their duty. He felt that he owed them a debt of gratitude and was anxious to repay it. The incident in which Sergeant CHANT was brought out was at Ventesburg, near the Zand River. He had pluckily dismounted and crawled along the ground ahead of the squadron to where he (Major HOLMES) and a Wagga man were being fired upon by a party of Boers. CHANT lay popping away at the enemy, but very soon received a bullet through the shoulder. Although he had been wounded, they could not get him to leave the front. It seemed to have a fascination for him. The Major deemed his a plucky act and worthy of praise. Trooper McDONALD was brought prominently before the Major through his bravery in delivering a despatch near Lynburg. A bullet through the shoulder was received by McDONALD, but did not stop him carrying out the Major's command. The speaker then related many thrilling, amusing, and pathetic incidents appertaining to the present war.
Captain Napier, of H. Company, thought they should be proud of the soldiers they were welcoming home. They had acquitted themselves well, and had shown the Imperial soldiers how to fight against the Boers. He suggested that young men instead of loafing about should join the volunteers.
Lieutenant LOGAN, of Sydney, who was an officer in the squadron which included the Bowral "Boys", said that Sergeant CHANT was his troop-sergeant, and had accomplished many daring acts. The Lieutenant was perfectly willing to return to the war.
Lieutenant BISSAKER, of Bowral H Company, considered the representatives of the company had behaved well at the front. It was sufficient to know that Lord Roberts had eulogised them for their conduct and courage. The Lieutenant then read an apology from Captain LIGGINS, who was also an officer with the squadron. The Captain specially mentioned the names of Troopers A.F. HARDIE and W. McDONALD as being two who particularly came under his notice through their bravery.
Gold medals, bearing the recipient's name on one side, and "Berrima District. For service in South Africa. Bowral, Feb. 26, 1901" on the other, were presented as follows by Major HOLMES, and pinned to the coats of the respective soldiers by Mrs C.W. Marsden: – Trooper HARDIE, Sergeant CHANT, Troopers McDONALD, BRADSTOCK, S. BRADSTOCK. John FRAZER, Clifford SOUTHEY, A.O. DUPREZ, CHRISTISON, and W.F. PALMER.
Sergeant CHANT, and Troopers DUPREZ, CHRISTISON, and HARDIE returned thanks for the very cordial welcome they had received, and also for the handsome souvenirs. The first three spoke at length in a humorous strain.
During the evening choice refreshments were served to nearly 300 persons present. The services of the ladies for passing the good things round was dispensed with, for the gentlemen intent on having an "evening out", took the whole responsibility on their own shoulders. It was rather amusing to see the men "cutting round" with the eatables, and without doubt, in time, some of them would make excellent waiters.
During refreshments, the Mittagong Band (under conductor Vincent), who had given their services gratuitously, rendered a selection that was highly appreciated.
Immediately after the refreshments, the tableau "Britannia" was viewed by the audience. The scene was a perfect picture. Those who took part were the Misses Annie Savell, Elsie Gibbons, and Maud Corry, and Mr Will Valentine. Mr Cecil Compton very appropriately played "Britannia" on the piano.
The meeting closed by passing votes of thanks to all who had assisted to make the affair a success, particularly the Mittagong Band.
We may state that the hall was nicely decorated for the occasion by Mr George Allen. £10 in money was taken at the door, £3 10s worth of tickets sold, while the donations amounted to £14 odd.
It was rather unique for a township to present medals, but Bowral wishing to depart from the ordinary routine of smoke concerts and such like, had adopted this excellent method of recognising the services of their "boys".
