State: Victoria, Australia
Issued on: Departure
Date of presentation:08/01/1900
Number issued: 5
Gold medals, to:
PRESENTATION OF MEDALS.
“SEND-OFF” TO ESSENDON'S SOLDIERS.
PRESENTATION OF MEDALS BY THE MAYOR OF ESSENDON.
At the conclusion of the business of the Essendon Council on Monday evening, His Worship the Mayor (Cr. Aikman) asked the councillors and Press to wait to witness a presentation to the Essendon soldiers who were going with the second Victorian contingent. The five soldiers — all fine, manly young fellows — here entered, dressed in kharki uniform, wearing ammunition belts. The auditorium of the council chamber was speedily filled with spectators, and a rousing round of applause and cheering greeted the men "ordered south".
The Mayor said he had invited the soldiers in order to present them with a small memento for their patriotism in volunteering for active service. Such a mark of esteem was only due to brave men who went away with their lives in their hands to fight for the Empire and for Essendon. When the first contingent left it was thought the war might be over before they reached South Africa, but regarding this contingent it was fairly certain they would be called on to fight, so their departure was even more meritorious. Such marks of esteem as parting souvenirs were only due to our soldiers. Our boys would be watched; their welfare continually thought of by numerous; friends; and their safe return anxiously looked forward to. Victoria looked to her soldiers to do great deeds, and had every confidence that the contingents would justify expectations. (Loud cheers ).
He then called upon Mr W. Cattanach (Town Clerk) to read the inscription on the medals, which were all facsimiles. This was as follows: — "Presented to ________ , of Essendon, Victoria, by Cr. J.G. Aikman, J.P., Mayor of Essendon, In recognition of his patriotism in volunteering for active service. January, 1900". On the other side of the medal were the words, "South African war, Victorian Contingent". In the centre was a raised shield bearing the Victorian coat of arms and the motto, "United we stand". The medals were of gold, in exquisite design and workmanship.
The Mayor then separately called upon Sergeant MASTERS, Corporal BRABAZON, Private WOODS, Private TREDREA, and Private NORWEBB, and, in a few appreciative words, handed over the souvenirs.
Sergeant Chas. J. MASTERS, who was received with a rousing cheer, said he scarcely knew how to express his thanks. He had done nothing yet to deserve his medal, but would do his best to justify the Mayor's gift. His (the sergeant's) position was different from his brother officers’, inasmuch as he was a married man with a family. There were folk in Essendon who said married men should not go to the war. This could hardly apply to officers of experience and it was necessary that some such should go. His wife had consented to him going; her brother had fought for the British in the Zulu war; his own family were all soldiers, and about 41 of his cousins. With his comrades he would do his best. He thanked the Mayor for his very kind token of esteem, and hoped when he came back that Essendon folk would consider he had deserved his medal. (Cheers).
Corporal Joseph H. BRABAZON felt he could not add much to what had been said, further than that he would endeavour to deserve their good opinion. He was not a big gun at speaking, but knew a little about rifle shooting. It was very nice of His Worship to pat them on the back and give them such beautiful gold medals, and it would be their aim to disprove the idea sometimes expressed that they were merely militia men, who could not fight. Indeed it would be their effort to show that perhaps they could give the Imperial forces a big start in fighting. In all things they would endeavour to deserve their handsome presents.
Private Thos. B. WOODS said he hardly knew how to express his thanks. Regarding Sergeant MASTERS, he had known him for many years, had been in the horse artillery with him for three years, and had had other experience with him. It was, therefore, a pleasure that they were to be in the same division through the campaign. He hoped to prove worthy of the token.
Private Henry TREDREA thanked the Mayor, for his gift, which was very handsome, and which he would treasure. It would be his best effort to prove worthy of the medal and good opinion expressed.
Private Hubert S. NORWEBB felt that he could not add much to the remarks of his brother soldiers. He was a stranger to many present; therefore the token came all the more acceptably. His comrades and he intended to do their level best in the war to uphold the credit of Australia.
The spectators then sang, with great enthusiasm, "For they are Jolly Good Fellows", and the Mayor invited the soldiers to partake of a glass of wine in his roo.
After the toast of "The Queen", the Major proposed "Success to the British Arms", coupled with the health of Essendon's soldiers. When danger confronted the Empire Essendon was ready to do its part towards raising a Victorian contingent. The enthusiasm of our soldiers was beyond all doubt, and they had proved their bravery in coming forward. Therefore we should feel justly proud of them. It had also been proved to Great Britain that Australia wanted to stand by her whenever she could. (Applause).
Sergeant MASTERS responded. Speeches were not a strong point with soldiers. In fact, the late commandant was particularly weak in this direction. However, the speaker was all right in drill. Matters Being, comparatively speaking, strangers, they felt receiving the medals all the more, and would always remember the kindness meted out to them in Essendon.
Corporal BRABAZON felt they would have to do something after receiving their medals, and would endeavour to get to the front as soon as they could. If then they did not prove worthy of the gift, they would not be worthy of a "dump".
Private WOODS returned thanks, and apologised for having to attend another "send-off" in town.
Private TREDREA briefly returned thanks.
Private NORWEBB responded and promised with his comrade to give as good an account of himself as possible and to do his duty".
Sergeant MASTERS proposed the toast of the "Mayor of Essendon", who had proved himself a man for any emergency, and Essendon would never find a more popular mayor. At any rate he felt bound to speak well of him. (Laughter). He wished the Mayor ever happiness and prosperity.
