State: Victoria, Australia
Issued on: Return
Date of presentation: 08/05/1902
Number issued: 1
Gold Maltese cross, to:
Inscribed: "Presented to Trooper R.H. Forrester, 5th Victorian contingent, by the residents of Bright and district on his return from the war in South Africa, Bright, 8th May, 1902".
Presentation made by Mr H.S. Smith, in the Masonic Hall, Bright.
The medal was in the form of a Maltese cross, with double bar and ribbon.
WELCOMES HOME TO RETURNED SOLDIERS IN THE BRIGHT DISTRICT.
BRIGHT.
On Thursday evening the Masonic Hall was well filled when a musical social, coffee supper and dance was held to welcome home Trooper R.H. FORRESTER, who served in South Africa with the 5th Victorian Contingent. The hall was gorgeously decorated for the occasion with flags, banners, and mottoes, and over the proscenium in white letters on a red ground appeared the greeting “Welcome Home to Our Boys”. The guest of the evening and Sergeant BARTON (Myrtleford), Trooper JOHNSON (Harrietville), Trooper DEACON (Wandiligong), and W.A.H. WALLACE, who also served in the Boer war were seated on the platform with the Chairman and several members of the reception committee. The chair was occupied by the shire president, Cr. T.C. Kaighin. On entering the hall Trooper FORRESTER and his comrades were loudly cheered. A short address was delivered by the chairman. He referred to the creditable manner in which all the young men who had gone from the Bright district had acquitted themselves in the face of the enemy. They had worthily upheld the traditions of the race, and while assisting to maintain the honor of the nation had brought credit to Australia and the place of their birth. Personally their conduct had been free from reproach, and the residents were proud of them.
Mr H.S. Smith, manager of the Bank of Australasia, said he had a very pleasing duty to perform, and that was to present Trooper FORRESTER with a gold medal in recognition of his services as a soldier of the King. He was pleased to see their young friend looking so well and hearty on his return. He, (Trooper FORRESTER) had been a school mate of his son Bright, therefore, he felt more than an ordinary interest in him. From what they all knew of Trooper FORRESTER, anything he did was likely to be thorough. He had much pleasure in asking Trooper FORRESTER to accept the South African War medal, and then fastened it on the Trooper’s breast. The medal which is in the form of a Maltese cross with double bar and ribbon, bore the following inscription – “Presented to Trooper R.H. Forrester, 5th Victorian contingent, by the residents of Bright and district on his return from the war in South Africa, Bright, 8th May, 1902”. Long and hearty applause followed, and when the heartiness of the demonstration had subsided, Trooper FORRESTER in a few well-chosen sentences expressed his deep sense of appreciation of the honor done him. The heartiness of the reception accorded him at the railway station, the kind remarks by the chairman and Mr Smith, the large attendance that evening, and the valuable gift they had presented him with, were honors more than he deserved. He had tried to do his duty, as all his comrades had, and it was deeply gratifying to be received as they had been. He would never forget what they had done, and wished the district and residents all prosperity. He then proceeded to narrate a number of interesting incidents that came under his personal notice while at the front, and on resuming his seat was again very warmly cheered.
Sergeant BARTON, Troopers JOHNSON and DEACON and ex-Trooper A.H. WALLACE also spoke shortly in reference to their experiences in South Africa, and expressed their appreciation of the invitation to that evening’s proceedings.
