State: New South Wales, Australia
Issued on: Return
Date of presentation: 10/08/1901
Number issued: 1
Gold medal & "elaborate" watch chain, to:
Inscribed: "Presented to Trooper P.J. Ryan, Imperial Bushmen, by residents of Broadwater. South Africa 1900-1901".
WELCOMING A SOLDIER HOME TO BROADWATER.
TROOPER P.J. RYAN, of the Imperial Bushmen, was, on his return to Broadwater from South Africa, entertained at a social in Ware’s Hall last Saturday evening. A more successful representative gathering has rarely been held here. The hall was packed with the trooper’s friends and admirers, and was most artistically decorated with greens, bunting, ribbons, and large paintings of the prominent British generals on service in South Africa, and “Welcome Home” in large letters, occupying a most prominent position. Dancing commenced at 7 o’clock to first-class music, and at 9 o’clock Mr A.C. Barry, J.P., stepped on to the stage, accompanied by a few gentlemen, and in a humorous and happy style congratulated Trooper RYAN on his safe return from the war. Mr Barry said he knew the British world was proud of such men as Trooper RYAN, and that the safety of our nation was safe in their hands. The Australians had played a prominent part in the war, and it was our duty to honor those who had done so. He felt proud at being allowed in this way to contribute to the honor of a returned soldier, and was very sorry he had not had the opportunity of fighting in South Africa himself, circumstances having arisen that prevented him going. Mr Barry, on behalf of the people of Broadwater, then presented Trooper RYAN with an elaborate gold watch chain, with gold medal attached, upon which was inscribed: “Presented to Trooper P.J. Ryan, Imperial Bushmen, by residents of Broadwater. South Africa, 1900-1901”. The speaker hoped the recipient would live long to wear the gift. Trooper RYAN thanked the donors for their handsome present, and for their very kind welcome home, which he would long remember, and would treasure the kind present and wear it with pride. He had seen the sweets and bitters of war, and had to do a good deal of roughing it, but all the Australians were anxious to obey orders and do their duty. When in South Africa he felt proud of being Australian, and was proud of all the “Cornstalks” and “Tommy Atkins”. He had frequently come in contact with “Tommy Atkins”, who was today as good a fighting man as ever he was, and feared no foe. They all knew England was safe in the hands of “Tommy”. In going to South Africa he simply did his duty to his country. Trooper RYAN was frequently applauded and cheered. After the presentation dancing was resumed, and continued till near midnight, when the gathering broke up, and all appeared delighted at having spent such an enjoyable evening.
