State: Victoria, Australia
Issued on: Return
Date of presentation: 23/08/1901
Number issued: 1
Gold albert, locket and sovereign case, suitably inscribed, to:
"B" Company, Thorneycroft's Mounted Infantry –
3368 Trooper Edward EVANS [Richard Evans]
Presentation made by Mr Jonathan Smalley, in the Mechanic's Institute, California Gully, Bendigo.
Note: Trooper Evans is variously called Edward and Richard. His commanding officer uses the name Edward (as does his mother), whereas the QSA roll uses Richard. Reports covering the presentation of the locket call him "R. Evans".
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Bendigo Advertiser, 6th June 1901
TROOPER EVAN'S SLIGHTLY WOUNDED.
A BRAVE SOLDIER.
The following letter has been received by Mrs S. Evans, of California Gully, concerning her son, Edward, who has been fighting with Thorneycroft’s Mounted Infantry since the beginning of the war: — "Thorneycroft's Mounted Infantry, Senegal, Orange River Colony, 20th April. — Dear Madam. — I regret to have to report that your son (No. 3368), Trooper Edward Evans, B Coy., T.M.I., was wounded on the 24th April. He, however, I am glad to say, is doing well, and the wound is not dangerous. He and four other men were scouting a hill, and coming suddenly upon some Kaffir huts, found themselves face to face with 75 Boers, who were hidden inside. The Boers shouted to them, 'Hands up!' They one and all refused to surrender, thereby preventing a much greater loss of life, as the party which they were covering would have gone, right into the ambush. Your son was shot at a distance of 10 yards. The bullet passed through the fleshy part of the neck, just missing a vital part. Of the remainder of the party, one man was killed and two more wounded. On galloping up to the kraal we found that the Boors had fled, and your son was bravely attending a comrade who had had his leg broken. I hope soon that we shall have him back again with us, thoroughly recovered. — I am, madam, yours sincerely, R.F. Wynne, Lieutenant, B Coy., T.M.I."
Bendigo Advertiser, 24th August 1901
WELCOME TO TROOPER EVANS.
There was a large and representative gathering in the California Gully Mechanics' Institute last evening, when the residents tendered a welcome home to Trooper R. Evans, who recently returned from the war. Mr J.A. Roach presided, and amongst those present was Private RANDALL, of Roberts's Horse, and Privates SULLIVAN and BROWNING, of the Fourth Contingent. After, the customary loyal toasts had been honoured, the chairman proposed the health of "Our Guest". He said he was sure everyone was glad to see Trooper EVANS back once more. When they considered the tortures, sorrows, troubles and pains that the Australian soldiers had gone through in the war, one and all should feel highly proud of them. Mr V. Pabst, as an old schoolmate of the guest, supported the toast, and welcomed him back as "a soldier and a man". Mr J. Harney and Dr H.O. Cowen also supported the toast, which was then drunk in bumpers. Trooper EVANS, on rising, was received with cheers. He said that since his return he had made many new friends. Regarding his experiences, he had nothing to add to what had already appeared in the press. He praised the bravery of a small company of Boers in the Vaal Krantz engagement, and spoke of the kindness shown to him, when wounded, by a Boer, who returned him his water bottle when he requested him, to do so. He thanked them heartily for the manner in which they had drunk his health. Mr W. Kidd proposed the toast of "The Returned Soldiers, Privates Randall, Sullivan and Browning", which was suitably acknowledged. Mr Jtn. Smalley, on behalf of the gathering, presented Trooper EVANS with a gold albert, locket and sovereign case, suitably inscribed, in recognition of the services he had rendered whilst in South Africa. The recipient feelingly acknowledged the gifts. Several other toasts were proposed and heartily honoured. During the evening harmony was contributed by Messrs Gambetta, Buzza, Howard, Price, Blokherrus and others. The accompaniments were played by Mr A. Roach. On the stage were exhibited several trophies that Trooper Evans had brought from the war, including a saddle, bayonet, antelope horns, etc.
