State: South Australia
Issued on: Return
Date of presentation: 08/08/1901
Number issued: 1
Gold medal, to:
27 Trooper Allen Christopher BOLT
Presentation made in the Institute Hall, Mannum.
MANNUM, August 10.
The residents of this town and district united on Friday evening last to do honour to Trooper A.C. BOLT, of the Fourth Contingent; Corporal Harry BARBOUR, a Victorian, of Roberts's Horse; and Trooper R. HAYWARD, of the Third Contingent (Bushmen), who have lately returned from South Africa.
The members of the Mannum Defence Rifle Club, under Sergeant Rhodes, of the Garrison Artillery, formed a large procession, and, headed by the brass band, escorted the three soldiers through the streets to the institute, where a social was held, the hall being full to overflowing, and the enthusiasm intense.
Mr B. Baseby presided.
An excellent entertainment was provided by the Misses Shearer and Schuetze, Dr Moule, Messrs Edgcombe, Young, Hoffmann, Jno. Wilksch, Fred. McMillan, Mons. Gilbert, and the Liedertafel, after which the chairman welcomed back the soldiers, and Trooper BOLT was made the recipient of a suitably inscribed gold medal from his many Mannum admirers.
Messrs David Shearer, James L. Scott (president of the D.R.C.), and J. McMillan, spoke eulogistically of the brave manner in which our soldiers had conducted themselves at the war and, with the chairman, extended to the guests a hearty welcome home.
Trooper BOLT returned thanks.
Mr J.G. Priess replied at length, and gave a short account of Trooper BOLT’s doings at the front, mentioning the battle at Lindley and the capture of 41 Boers by 20 colonials, of whom Trooper BOLT was one.
Trooper HAYWARD thanked all present for the kindness extended to him, and said he had only done his duty.
Corporal BARBOUR also spoke. He was at Mauritius when the war broke out, and joined the army at the Modder River. Was at the relief of Kimberley, the capture of Cronje, and with Roberts's Horse right through to Pretoria, taking part in all the important engagements. He also was at the Sanna's Post disaster, being mentioned in dispatches by General Ian Hamilton for bravery in action. He stated it was his intention to return to South Africa at once, as he wished to assist in capturing De Wet.
All the speakers, including the guests, were received with patriotic enthusiasm and vociferous cheering.
A number of relics were shown by Trooper BOLT.
