State: Victoria, Australia
Issued on: Return
Date of presentation: 29/05/1902
Number issued: 2
Gold medals, to:
WELCOME HOME.
PTS. JARVIE AND THOMPSON [sic] PRESENTED WITH MEDALS.
On Friday evening last, Privates P. JARVIE and J.P. THOMPSON, returned members of the Fifth Contingent, who previously belonged to the Morwell detachment of Mounted Rifles, were entertained by their old comrades at Barry's hotel, and during the evening each presented with a handsome gold medal suitably inscribed.
Private Jas. Tulloch presided, and the first toast honoured was "The King".
"Our Guests", was next proposed by the chairman, who, in doing so, said that on behalf of the Morwell detachment of Mounted Rifles he had much pleasure in extending a hearty welcome to Privates JARVIE and THOMPSON, who they were extremely pleased to see in their midst once more, and were glad to know they had passed through the "fray" without injury, and that the hardships and privations to be borne at the front had agreed with them so well. They really looked better, and no doubt they were better men when they returned than before they left. They had done their duty at the front, and now their old comrades desired to present each with a small token of esteem in the shape of a gold medal. He trusted they would not value the medals for their intrinsic worth, but because they were given as a mark of good feeling and appreciation. He hoped they would be spared to keep the medals till the hair and whiskers of both were white, and that they would be able to hand them down to their children as a memento of something they had done for the Empire in their young days. The toast was drunk with musical honours.
Private JARVIE, in responding, said that one of the most pleasing features on returning home was the kindly welcome received from all friends. It appeared as though they were all relations, and he highly appreciated the good feeling extended. He could not find words to adequately express his thanks to his old comrades for the token just presented to him; there was nothing they could have given him that he would value more. He had seen a good deal at the front, and whilst there endeavoured to serve the Empire faithfully, and he would cherish the memento all his days.
Private THOMPSON said he could only re-echo the sentiments expressed by Private JARVIE. He desired to sincerely thank his old comrades for the entertainment tendered them, and for the medal, which he would highly prize all his life. Whilst at the front he had endeavoured to do his duty in a creditable manner, but at the same time felt there were many others present who would have done the same thing if they had had the opportunity. (Applause).
Private JARVIE said he would like to propose the toast of Capt. Geo. BELL, now at the front, who was not only a credit to Gippsland, but a credit to Australia. Capt. BELL, whom they all knew, had worked himself up from a private, and he (Pvt. JARVIE) had heard Major Daly say that he (Capt. BELL) was one of the finest men and officers in the British Army. (Applause). Captain BELL was one of the noted few who, whenever his company went out they always brought something back with them. His rapid promotion proved the confidence reposed in him, whilst his actions have proved that the confidence has not been misplaced but further cemented, and he believed further promotion awaited him at no far distant date. He thought they should all feel proud to know such a man. (Cheers).
Mr Lang favoured the company with a recitation "Junga Din" in his usual efficient manner.
The "Parents of Guests" were proposed by Private J. Daly. He said he could not claim an acquaintance with Messrs JARVIE and THOMPSON for very many years. But he had known them long enough to find out they were men of courage with stout hearts, and were most highly respected in the district in which they lived. It was not to be wondered at that the sons of such men had gone to the front and performed their duties there faithfully and well. He was pleased to see Privates JARVIE and THOMPSON back again, and looking 20 per cent better than when they left.
Mr Geo. Burr nicely rendered "Dolly Gray".
"Comrades at the front" was proposed in a neat speech by Mr Lang. He said he was not a soldier himself, but he admired them all the same. He also had the pleasure of drilling the makings of some fine fighting men at his school, and he assured them that in a short time they would be prepared to defend Jeeralang against overwhelming forces. He trusted the boys at the front were having a real good time and that in due course they would return safe looking as well as Privates JARVIE and THOMPSON.
In supplementing the remarks of Mr Lang, Private JARVIE said he would like to specially mention their comrade Corporal G. PETTIT who was still at the front. A better man could not be found in the whole army. He was at all times, whether in camp life or under fire, a true friend.
Sergt. Beecher and Privates THOMPSON and Beechers also spoke most highly of Corp. PETTIT, who they said any might well be proud to call a friend. They had been mates for a long time, and a "whiter man never breathed".
The Mounted Rifles were proposed by Mr Watson, who in doing so, referred to the good work done at the front by the mounted men, and ventured the opinion that before long nearly the whole of the various forces would be mounted. He also spoke highly of the local detachment, which he said was composed of a fine lot of men, who he felt sure would give a good account of themselves, if ever called upon.
Private J. Tulloch. in responding, said he had done his best to have the detachment formed at Morwell, and the drill also held here, and he was pleased his efforts had been so successful. They were now about 20 strong, but he hoped that before long they would muster 50. (Hear, hear). There was no doubt the mounted men were the ones that would be in demand in the future. He also mentioned that he had drilled beside Captain G. BELL when that gentleman was a private. He had risen the ranks in a short time, and it would not surprise him were he (Capt. BELL) to return a full blown colonel.
"Tommy Atkins" and "Jack Tar" were proposed by Mr Lang, who in doing so said they were the men who fought for England centuries ago, and won her battles, and they were deserving of much praise.
The Chairman sang "The Flag of Australia."
"The Rangers" were proposed by Pvte. THOMPSON, and in speaking to the toast said the first Contingent was composed chiefly of Rangers, who had given a splendid account of themselves at the front.
Sergeant Beecher suitably responded on behalf of the Rangers.
The Chairman proposed the health of Captain Borthwick (officer in command of C Company) in appropriate terms, after which Privt. Daly proposed the "Press", which was acknowledged by Mr Watson.
During the evening Private JARVIE spoke highly of Colonel Beteson [?], who he said was a very brave man. He was one of his orderlies for a considerable time, and he felt sure most of the yarns circulated about him were totally unfounded.
