State: New South Wales, Australia
Issued on: Return
Date of presentation: 23/07/1901
Number issued: 2 or 3
Gold medals, to:
New South Wales Citizens' Bushmen –
201 Trooper Arthur Percy Briton GREY (died, Pretoria, 09/11/1900 - did his family receive a medal?)
117 Trooper George Tindall TURNER
New South Wales Contingent (unknown unit) –
??? Trooper MORTON
Presentation made by the Rector of Gresford, in the School of Arts.
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Maitland Weekly Mercury, 3rd August 1901
Gresford.
Troopers TURNER and MORTON, of the Australian Bushmen, just returned from Africa, received a most hearty welcome home last week in the School of Arts. There was a large gathering, and the function took the form of a smoke concert. The rector of Gresford was voted to the chair, Messrs TURNER and MORTON occupying seats on the right and left of the chairman. Tables had been made ready by some of the ladies of the town — the hall being decorated with flags, evergreens, and flowers — the whole reflecting great credit on the fair ones concerned. The proceedings began with an address from the chairman, who afterwards presented the two soldiers with handsome gold medals, the gifts of the people of the district. Each trooper, in replying, gave a sketch of what he had gone through at the war, together with a description of the various places he had visited. Both men spoke of the country and the humane conduct of the British towards the Boers. On one occasion, Trooper TURNER said, “We might have captured another large convoy and many prisoners; but, when the British General saw women among the party escaping, he gave orders to cease firing”. The following toasts were given: — “The King”. This was honoured with great enthusiasm. “Our Guests”, to which the guests replied, Messrs Turnock, Mundy, Parker, and Tompkins, following them with warm words of appreciation for both bushmen. “The Ladies”, Mr L. Grey responding for them. “The British Empire”. Several gentlemen spoke to this toast; and “The Chairman”. The other portion of the programme consisted of songs and recitations. Mr Mundy sang, “Just as the Sun went Down”; Mr Turnock, “Our Jack's Come Home Today”; Mr Tompkins sang a song the title of which we did not catch, and “Sons of the Sea”, and “Soldiers of the King”, which were well rendered with choruses. Misses Tompkins and Mundy acted as accompanists. Mr Leslie Grey delighted the audience with his recitations, “Eland's River”, “Colenso”, and “The Bushman's Return”. Messrs J. Boydell and F. Piper sent apologies. A splendid evening was spent; the one sad matter of the evening was the absence of one who left with Trooper TURNER, i.e., Trooper GREY, who died at the seat of war. Many and kindly were the expressions of sympathy for the bereaved ones.
