State: New South Wales, Australia
Issued on: Return
Date of presentation: aft. 12/03/1901
Number issued: 13
Gold medals, to:
28/01/1901 presentation (postponed until aft. 12/03/1901)
"A" Squadron, 1st New South Wales Mounted Rifles –
80 Staff Sergeant-Major John WASSON
11 Lance-Sergeant Sydney WEEKES
30 Farrier-Sergeant Hubert GARLICK
13 Corporal-Bugler Verdi Robert DALY (died, Bloemfontein, 11/06/1900 - medal to be handed to his parents)
69 Trooper Samuel BALL
70 Trooper Thomas BALL
31 Trooper Charles GOSPER
93 Trooper Patrick Thomas MOORE
49 Trooper Michael George MOSS
51 Trooper George MURRAY
54 Trooper William Cuff QUINN
66 Private Leslie J. WEST
"D" Squadron, 1st New South Wales Mounted Rifles –
446 Private Edward Volney SILK
Inscribed: "AWARDED BY / Molong Citizens / TO / [49 TR. MOSS M.G.] / For valour / SOUTH AFRICAN / BOER WAR / 1899. 1900. Jan 26th 1901 / TOUJOURS PRET".
"The Town Council had also agreed to entertain the men at a ceremony on 28 January, where each would be presented with a gold medal, suitably inscribed".
However, the 28 January presentation was postponed due to the death of Queen Victoria and the ensuing period on national mourning. There was concern that the formal presentation would have to be abandoned altogether, as once the men had been discharged, many left Molong for other parts of New South Wales. I have been unable to find a report of a ceremony, so it seems likely that the medals were forwarded to recipients.
Moss example illustrated in Hibbard.
Moss example now in the Collection of the National Army Museum, London (1997-11-83).
Sydney Evening News, 14/01/1901
Parkes Western Champion, 18/01/1901
Hibbard #F4
NAM. 1997-11-83
_______________________________________________
Sydney Daily Telegraph, 7th January 1901
COUNTRY PREPARATIONS.
MOLONG, Saturday.
A meeting was hold last night for the purpose of making arrangements to entertain those members of the Molong Mounted Rifles who went to the South African war. The following men returned by the Orient: – Staff-Sergeant J. WATSON, Farrier-Sergeant Hubert GARLICK, Lance-Sergeant S. WEEKES, Privates S. BALL, P. MOORE, T. BALL, G.M. MOSS, and G. MURRAY. The only two of the Molong contingent now left In South Africa are Privates SILK and WEST. It was decided to have a torchlight procession of all public bodies. The citizens will entertain the volunteers at the School of Arts, and will present each with a gold medal.
Molong Argus, 11th January 1901
Returning Soldiers.
To be Entertained by Molong Residents.
A meeting was held at Mr P.F.A. Kinna's office on Friday evening last for the purpose of devising the most suitable means of welcoming home the Molong boys who have been serving in South Africa. Mr Kinna was voted to the chair and the following members of the reception Committee were present: – Messrs W.C. Bennett, W. Charters, G. Garlick, J.G. Donaldson, C. Leathem and J. Bawden. After discussion it was decided that the “brave soldier boys” be met at the station, on arrival, by the Committee and formally welcomed. The soldiers will then be informed that a public welcome will be accorded them in the School of Arts some days later — when the details have been completed. With this object the Secretary (Mr Kinna) was instructed to communicate with the friendly societies and ask them to join in a torchlight procession that will parade the principal streets on a night to be fixed. After the procession the public will assemble in the School of Arts, where several speeches will be delivered by prominent residents, and songs, recitations, &c., rendered. Invitations will issue to other of the returned soldiers in this district to be present. At the meeting in the School of Arts each returned soldier will be presented with a gold medal, suitably inscribed, as a memento of the war from the Molong people. In this connection Messrs J.G. Donaldson and E. Blackadder, were asked to submit, for the Committee's approval, samples of medals. The proceedings will conclude with a dance. There will be no refreshments [a very wise decree. — Ed.], and admission to the hall will be by silver coin. The revenue derived from this source will be devoted to paying for the medals and liquidating expenses incurred in connection with the welcome.
Molong Express, 12th January 1901
ENTERTAINING THE HEROES.
With the exception of three, all the volunteers who went from Molong District to the South African War have returned to the colony. The absent ones are — Corporal-Bugler Vardi DALY (who died of fever), land Privates SILK and WEST. Of the two last named there is at present no tidings, though they are probably safe enough somewhere. Some of the heroes arrived in singles and couples some time ago, and were more or less incidentally welcomed. Now, however, Molong is going to do honour to its “braves” in right loyal style, and show them that their courage, valour, and so forth is properly appreciated by those who assembled in crowds and cheered themselves hoarse, when the contingent went away — over twelve months ago. To this end, a meeting was held in the office of P.F.A. Kinna, Esq., J. P., last Friday evening, when the following gentlemen were present, namely — Messrs Kinna (in the chair), C. Leathem, W. Charters, G. Garlick (alderman), W.C. Bennett (alderman), J. Bawden, and J.G, Donaldson. Considerable discussion took place as to what was best to be done in the circumstances, and eventually it was decided to present to each returning soldier a gold medal commemorative of the important occasion. There will also be a procession through the streets, and an entertainment in the School of Arts, terminating with a dance.
Molong Argus, 18th January 1901
HOME FROM THE WAR.
Return of the Molong “Boys”.
On Saturday morning the local railway platform was crowded by a large gathering of the townspeople, relatives and intimate friends all eager to welcome home from the war the Molong “boys” who sailed for the far-distant battlefield at the first call to arms. There was a feeling of sadness, however, felt by those assembled, in the knowledge that one face and one familiar form would be missed in the returning heroes' rank, one who had laid down his young life in the Empire's cause — the late Corporal-Bugler Verdi DALY. Alas, poor Verdi, your name will live long in Molong's memory. On arrival of the train, cheers greeted the returned warriors, hearty hand-shakes and affectionate embraces following in due course.
In the absence of the Mayor, who was away in Sydney, Ald. Andrew Parker officially welcomed the “boys” on behalf of the citizens. He said he performed the task with pride and pleasure. They had proved themselves brave men and a credit to the colony. (Cheers). Alderman Parker then shook hands all round and again expressed the pleasure he felt at seeing them all (with the exception of their late comrade Corporal-Bugler DALY) return safe and sound.
Mr P.F.A. Kinna, on behalf of the Reception Committee and general public, extended a hearty welcome home to the Molong soldiers who had, he said, fought with the pick of the British Army, and proved themselves equal in every instance. It had been a great experience for them, and would no doubt prove useful as well as interesting to those to whom they imparted it. It was a pleasure to all to know that the great trust imposed in them by the people of New South Wales had been carried out faithfully and well, and performed with credit to themselves and their country. Mr Kinna intimated that on the 28th instant the returned soldiers would be the guests of the Molong Bicycle Club at their Carnival, and the Reception Committee had also arranged for a Grand Demonstration on the same day. Members of the contingent who had previously returned were also to be entertained, and in the evening, all would be officially welcomed when medals would be presented by the Mayor, on behalf of the citizens. Comrades of the returned men, as well as the public, were determined upon giving them a reception worthy of the occasion.
Mr J.G. Donaldson, President of the Bicycle Club, expressed the pleasure his committee would have in doing honour to the returned soldiers, and cordially extended an invitation to attend the carnival as the Committee's guests on the 28th.
The returned heroes, who, by the bye, look exceedingly well and hearty, unitedly expressed their thanks, and shortly afterwards left the station in company with relatives and friends.
Captain Claude Smith was unavoidably absent, but was among the first to board the Orient on her arrival in Sidney, and to welcome back the members of his Half Squadron. Lieutenant M.F. Dalton also visited his returned comrades at Victoria Barracks, and added further congratulations to his worthy Captain’s.
Of the returned soldiers, two carry mementos of the war in the shape of bullet wounds. Trooper Tom BALL was accidentally wounded in the foot, the leaden messenger travelling upwards and grazing the leg. Trooper George MURRAY was shot in the mouth the day Diamand Kop was successfully charged. The bullet pasted clean through the month sideways, knocking out George's teeth.
Gold medals will be presented to the following members of the returned Molong contingent. In the late Corporal-bugler DALY’s case, the medal will be handed over to his parents: —
11. Sergeant S. WEEKES
30. Farrier-Sergeant H. GARLICK
13. Corporal-Bugler Verdi DALY
93. Trooper P.T. MOORE
49. Trooper M.G. MOSS
51. Trooper G. MURRAY
31. Trooper C. GOSPER
66. Trooper L.J. WEST
54. Trooper W.C. QUINN
69 Trooper S. BALL
70. Trooper T. BALL
446. Trooper E.V. SILK
80. Staff Sargeant Major WASSON
The medals will bear the following inscription “Awarded by Molong Citizens to ________ , for valour, South African war, 1899-1900. January, 1901”. A monogram will appear on the shield, with the motto, “Toujours Pret”, on the attached ribbon. The task of procuring the medals has been entrusted to Mr J.G. Donaldson.
Molong Express, 19th January 1901
The Warriors Return.
Saturday morning last, there was a very good crowd of people at Molong Railway Station, for the purpose of welcoming home those members of Molong Mounted Rifles who returned to Australia by the s.s. Orient.
The train was some forty minutes late — a circumstance not altogether agreeable. When she did pull up there was much hand shaking and so forth, but the enthusiasm was not exactly of a very animated character.
The friendly and family greetings being over, Mr P.F.A. Kinna managed to get the home comers together. These were — Farrier-Sergeant H. GARLICK, Lance-Sergeant WEEKES, Troopers P. MOORE, T. BALL, G. MURRAY, G.M. MOSS, and S. BALL. (Trooper L.J. WEST arrived Friday morning).
In the absence from town of the Mayor (Mr John Black, J.P.), Alderman A. Parker in a few brief sentences expressed the gratification it afforded him to see his fellow townsmen safe back again. They were a brave body of men, who had nobly sustained the honour of their country, and were a credit to Australia. On behalf of the Municipal Council and the townspeople, he gladly welcomed them home.
Mr P.F.A. Kinna, secretary to the Demonstration Committee, said he was very pleased indeed to see them all safely returned, and he knew he only echoed the sentiments of every resident in the district; he was also pleased to see that they looked so well. This gathering of friends was not to be regarded as a reception; they had only assembled to shake hands and take the earliest opportunity of saying how pleased they were to meet their brave boys once more. On the 28th instant there would be a proper reception, when a procession would take place, and they would be entertained at the School of Arts and presented with medals commemorative of the occasion. There would also be sports on that day, at which he hoped to see them all present. Mr Kinna explained that two of their comrades who came home some time ago, had been entertained; but it had been found impracticable to so receive others who came singly afterwards, so the committee decided to wait till all were home, and then entertain them all together. He could assure them that he felt very proud of them, as they had behaved most nobly, and done their duty in a manner creditable to their country. Mr Kinna then shook hands with the warriors.
Lance-Sergeant WEEKES apologised for the absence of Sergeant-Major Wasson, who would have liked to be present, but was detained by family ties; he, however, would take an early opportunity of visiting Molong.
Mr Wm. Charters then called for three cheers for the returned volunteers, which was given very heartily.
Mr J. G. Donaldson, on behalf of the Bicycle Club, invited them to be present at the carnival on the 28th, and the proceedings ended.
Blayney Advocate, 26th January 1901
RELICS OF THE WAR.
What is generally admitted (at the front as well as at home) as one of the most valuable and interesting mementoes of the Boer War is a Mauser pistol, now in possession of Farrier-Sergeant Hubert GARLICK, of Molong. The pistol is a marvel in mechanism, and a most up-to-date weapon in every respect, sighted, as it is, up to a thousand yards. It was originally the property of President Steyn, and was obtained by Sergeant GARLICK from De Wet’s laager at Bothaville, after the surrender of the Boers. Naturally, the present owner is proud of his memento, which he has had considerable difficulty in retaining since it came into his possession. Everyone wanted Steyn's pistol. Trooper Sam BALL did not come home empty-handed either. He brings along a beautiful gold watch with a massive gold chain. On entering a deserted laager, Sam noticed the watch and chain and held it up for inspection. “Put it in your pocket”, said an officer, and Sam did so. Sergeant S. WEEKES is the possessor of a Mauser rifle, a 4.7 shell, &c. Other members of the returned contingent have also brought home relics which will in years to come remind them of their South African experiences. And last, but not least, one brings home a cheque for about £150 — not too bad for a year's saving.
Sydney Morning Herald, 12th March 1901
MOLONG, Monday
Sergeant Sid WEEKS [sic], of the Molong Mounted Rifles, leaves with the Federal Contingent for service in South African. Sergeant WEEKS left for South Africa with the first contingent, eighteen months ago, and has only recently returned. Gold medals suitably inscribed, have been subscribed for by Molong citizens for presentation to each of the local soldiers of the returned contingent, but the presentation will not be made until the period of National Mourning is ended. Meanwhile the soldiers are disbanded, and are leaving for various parts of the State, hence it is feared the postponed public welcome home and the presentations will have to be abandoned.
