State: New South Wales, Australia
Issued on: Return
Date of presentation: 06/05/1901
Number issued: 1
Gold medal, to
Presentation made by the Mayor (Mr J.J. Quirk) in Johnson's Hall.
Reverse: "Presented to Frank Rudd by his Narandera friends in recognition of his services in the South African War, 1900-1901".
NARRANDERA, Wednesday.
One of the most enthusiastic and largest demonstrations ever witnessed in this district took place on Monday, the occasion being the return from the Transvaal war of Troopers Frank RUDD and John McGRATH. The former left here sixteen months ago with the Mounted Rifles, and the latter with the Bushmen's Contingent, both of whom saw active service. Trooper RUDD was through all the principal engagements, including the famous fight at Diamond Hill, and was the first man to reach the top of the kopje, and, besides fighting the whole afternoon, was chosen as one of the guard to keep watch through the night, which was a bitterly cold one. This duty was performed with no other shelter or covering than the thin khaki uniforms. Trooper RUDD was several times mentioned for distinguished bravery, and on two occasions was offered a commission. Colonel De Lisle has openly stated that Trooper RUDD was absolutely one of the most trustworthy and capable scouts in South Africa, and it is gratifying to know that he went through the campaign without one day's illness.
Hundreds of people were at the railway station to welcome the returned warriors, and on the approach of the train the local band played “Home Sweet Home”, and several detonators were exploded on the rails; the local Rifle Corps was drawn up in line under the command of Lieutenants Hulle and. Lieutenant-Surgeon Watt. Upon the trooper making his appearance, the enormous crowd cheered and “cooed” lustily for several minutes.
He was met by Mayor Quirk, several aldermen and leading townsmen, and conducted to Hudson's Star Hotel, preceded by the local rifles and town band, where a formal welcome was extended by the Mayor, and the health of the soldiers was drunk in champagne.
Trooper RUDD replied, speaking only of the brave deeds of his comrades from these parts.
Lieutenant DUFRAYER, the winner of the Queen's Scarf, accompanied Trooper RUDD from Junee, and received a flattering ovation. He is from this district, and was accorded a big welcome in Narrandera on his return some months ago. Trooper McGRATH did not return by train, but reached Narrandera the previous evening per coach. It was expected that Lieutenant LEARMONTH, who left this district as a private in the Mounted Rifles, and was a tent mate of Troopers DUFRAYER and RUDD, would have been present also; but at the last moment he received a telegram, intimating that his sister was ill, and in consequence had to proceed directly to Melbourne.
From Hudson's Hotel, Trooper RUDD, mounted on a gay charger, together with Lieutenant DUFRAYER and Lieutenant-Surgeon Watt, was escorted round the principal streets of the town, preceded by the band and reservists, and followed by hundreds of people of the town and district. Eventually he was taken to his home.
In the evening at 8 o'clock, a smoke concert was tendered to Troopers RUDD and J. McGRATH (invitations were extended also to all returned soldiers in neighbouring districts, but none put in an appearance), in Johnston's Hall, which was elaborately decorated with flags, swords, rifles, and appropriate scenery and bunting. The chair was occupied by the Mayor; on his right being Trooper RUDD, and on his left Trooper McGRATH, and Lieutenants DUFRAYER and Hulle.
The Mayor proposed, in appropriate terms, the healths of “The King” and “Governor-General”, which were heartily honoured. Then came the toast of the evening, proposed by the Mayor — that of “Troopers Frank RUDD and J. McGRATH”. Reference was particularly made to “Old Frank”, who is a native of the district, and who has many interests in the town and district, and who went to the war simply from a feeling of patriotism. The toast was drunk with musical honours.
The rising of Trooper RUDD to reply was the signal for prolonged cheering. He gave a long, interesting and at times amusing account of his experiences, and made special reference to the astuteness of General De Wet.
Trooper McGRATH and Lieutenant DUFRAYER also returned thanks.
At this stage the Mayor was deputed to make a presentation in the shape of a massive gold pendant, suitably inscribed, to Trooper RUDD, subscribed by his friends by a shilling subscription, and which was locally made. The presentation was quite unexpected, and in returning thanks the recipient was visibly moved.
The other toasts were “The Army and Navy”, by Mr Geo. Wise, responded to by Lieutenant Hulle; “Our Comrades at the Front”, proposed by Mr J.B. Huie, and responded to by Messrs Heath, Tate, Hanson, and Low; and “The Press”.
Songs were rendered during the evening by Messrs Llewelyn, Piddington, Montague, Stinson, Phillips, Corington, Myers, and Horace Stinson; recitations by Messrs Swan, Lapthorne, and Master Ainsworth; the evening's entertainment terminating at 11.30 p.m. with the singing of “God Save the King”, cheers for the Mayor, the Commonwealth, the British Empire, and “Our Boys at the Front”.
THE SMOKE CONCERT.
Johnson's Hall presented a brilliant appearance on Monday evening. From the ceiling hung, long streamers of flags, while the walls were decorated with numerous devices, crossed arms and lances. On the stage hung a big battle scene from the ready brush of Mr W. Harden, whose artistic handiwork was also visible in many other places.
Three tables were laid down the hall, laden with comestibles, fruit and flowers, and, dotted with the bottles and glasses, presented an inviting appearance.
The Mayor (Mr J.J. Quirk) occupied the chair, having on his right Mr F. RUDD and on his left Mr A.H. DUFRAYER. Apologies having been announced from Mr T. Fitzpatrick, M.L.A., Lieut. Learmonth, Dr Watt, and Messrs Rogers and Clark; the chairman proposed (for the first time in Narandera) the patriotic toasts of “The King” and the “Governor-General”.
Mr Llewellyn (Ganmain) then sang “Gallants of England”, in a fine strong baritone, being well received and encored. Mr E.L. Piddington appeared as a vocalist for the last time in Narandera, singing “In Cellar Deep” in good style.
The Mayor then rose to propose the toast of the evening. He said that all had such warm appreciation of the doughty deeds of their guests, Messrs RUDD, DUFRAYER and McGRATH, that he had extreme pleasure in asking them to drink their health and good fortune. There was yet other volunteers to return, and he had no doubt that when they arrived they would meet with a hearty welcome; although it was understood that towards the end of the war the intention was to hold a big reception in which all who were returning, and who had returned unknown to us, were to be invited to be present. It was a significant fact that those who volunteered from Narandera had not done so with any idea of gain — they had no eyes for — nor did they seek for pecuniary reward. There was another feature, and one that casts a searchlight for the benefit of the whole world — which is in the fact that Australia has decreed that those who had spilt their blood for their country shall not return to be forgotten or to die in want. Trooper RUDD was the particular guest that night, and all would confess that he had well and nobly performed his part. He had left large interests behind, which must have suffered in his absence. It was not often that a common private in the British Army — the best on earth — by sheer bravery, and not by fawning sycophancy, attained the distinction he had acquired. (Cheers). The latter element was absolutely a stranger to Mr RUDD, whose modesty had been shown that day in the manner in which he spoke of others and totally forgot his own achievements. But it is on record, and he (Mr Quirk) knew it to be an absolute fact that a very distinguished General said to the officer commanding Mr RUDD's squadron, in regard to the guest, “You are taking away one who is probably the best scout in South Africa”, — (cheers) — and the work of a scout was the most dangerous duty, ono requiring self-reliance and the capacity of acting decisively in any emergency. That Frank RUDD has thus distinguished himself has not surprised those who knew his character, even with all its defects. (Cheers).
In regard to Mr DUFRAYER, he indeed occupied a proud position. Only four scarves were made by the now serene hands of her late Majesty; only one came to Australia, and that one was earned by Trooper DUFRAYER, of Narandera. Now we learn from one who was on the spot the confirmation of the circumstances under which that high honour was won. (Cheers). Although Trooper McGRATH was not so well known to them, he felt confident that he could say that he had done more than his duty, and duty nobly done should not be allowed to go without its due recognition and reward. (Cheers).
The toast was honoured with music and cheers.
Trooper RUDD on rising was greeted with applause and cheering, and: it was some minutes before he could be heard. He spoke clearly and well, making no attempt at oratory and not straining for effect; but giving a manly, straight-forward explanation of his feelings and utterances. He said he thanked them all from the bottom of his heart for the reception given him that day. He was the proudest man in the world when he put his foot on the Narandera platform and grasped the hands of his friends, and to be back once more with those nearest and dearest to him. (Cheers). He could not help thinking that Narandera had been fortunate in sending away the men they did; for in all the war, there was no place whose representatives had so distinguished themselves. To DUFRAYER had fallen one of the four scarves presented by the Queen for the four best soldiers in the war. Lieut. LEARMONTH, who went away a private like the rest of them, came back a lieutenant, and now with D.S.O. tacked to it. Then there was that good soldier, and fine fellow, Joe KING, who has gone back to the front after being promoted to Sergeant. (Cheers). He had fought side by side with KING, and would not forget that second day at Diamond Hill in a hurry. The Gordons were on one side, the C.I.V.'s on the other, and we were in the centre. KING and he were advancing, when the dust started to kick up around their feet. KING said, “Look out”. I said, “What's up now”. “Why”, he said they're firing at us – that's bullets”. “Is it?” I says, “Then we'd better get out of this quick and lively” — (laughter). We cut up to the top of the hill, and there saw the Boers at closer range than ever before. After firing a few shots, the Boers cleared; two got away and one dropped. One of the others got away, and they tried to shoot the other but couldn't, so they chased him and caught him. Then the Boer guns started to shell the three of them, and they had to lie down for two solid hours before they could return with their prisoner. The next night was the hardest they had, as DUFRAYER could tell them. They had to stand on outpost all night in the bitter cold, with only their Khaki coats on. Next day they advanced to the farthest point on the Delagoa line. The W.A., N.Z., and a corps of the 6th Infantry were sent to locate a laager. They got within 300 yards of it, when suddenly the Boers sprung up like bees and peppered them. The next day they were sent to Pretoria. Before leaving, the Gordon Highlanders heliographed to Lord Roberts, asking permission to cheer the M.I., and it was granted. The Colonel of the Gordons then addressed them, and said that he had never seen anything to equal the charge of the N.S.W. Mounted Infantry up Diamond Hill for dash and speed. They had reached the top long before the Gordons, and the latter stood out and cheered them.
It was this that first made the name for the Australians, and what made them so effective in the war. They were faster and smarter than the Tommies. The fact was the Tommies could not move without orders, and the Australians knew too much for that — (cheers) — some of them were too fast — they could all be generals. (Laughter). When they got the order to take a position, it was 100 to 1 they were there long before the officers. (Cheers). After Pretoria they went to Hiedleburg and he was one of fifteen to go into the town at daylight in the morning, and he was the one to pull up the “Union Jack” over the town. (Cheers). There was a funny episode about that; it took them some time to find the flag, and he had the ropes in his hand ready to haul it up when an officer of Kitchener's Horse came in. He came up and said, “You men line up there and cheer while I pull up the flag; here, give me the rope!”. But I stood back and said, “No, thank you, sir, I've got the rope and I'm going to pull it up”, and I did. (Cheers and laughter). The next move was to chase De Wet at Prinsloo and to Reedspoort and on to De Wet's kopjes, where his homestead was burnt down. They had him surrounded, but Broadwood decided to wait for reinforcements. Kitchener sent 20,000 men and surrounded the place and shelled it for an hour, while De Wet walked across the Vaal and got away. Then one morning when advancing with the advance guard, the Boers opened fire on them about 200 yards in front, and Col. De Lisle thought they had De Wet cornered. Baden-Powell was supposed to be in front guarding Elephant's Nek, Ian Hamilton on the left and Methuen on the right, and we were behind. Next thing we heard that De Wet had walked through Elephant's Nek, which through a misunderstanding, Baden-Powell and Methuen had each left to the other. Then they heard that Delarey was shelling the Elaand's river garrison, and they went and relieved it, and first met the Australian Bushmen. The ground was covered with dead horses, mules and cattle, killed by the Boer shells. Then they got orders to return, their contingent being cut down to 20 men, himself the only representative of his squadron. Then they had to relieve General Clement, who was again surrounded by Delarey. They stayed five weeks with him, and then Col. De Lisle got permission to go south with picked men to catch De Wet 40 miles north of Kroonstad at De Wet's kopjes, the same position as before. In one day, De Lisle with 800 men had taken the position and took 60 prisoners, which Kitchener had failed to do with 20,000 men. A fortnight afterwards, they went to the S.W. corner of the Orange Free State, where De Wet had been reinforced, and Col. Legally, had seen De Wet crossing the river. Legally took the drift, and caught the Boers' picket asleep, then went on and came right on the laager. Twenty minutes later Legally's guns arrived and shelled the camp for two hours. The Boers replied, killing the gunners and surrounding Legally's force. Col. De Lisle came on the scene with 20 men, and took over the command, and in twenty minutes he had the laager surrounded and the Boers were flying the white flag. Col. Legally said honestly, that the whole relief was due to the brilliant dash of the N.S.W. Mounted Infantry, and this showed how they had won the praise that was now bestowed on our men.
He would not say more at present, but again thanked them for the way they were treating him. It showed that true loyalty existed in Narandera when they thus honour a common private. He had done nothing more than scores of others; if a man volunteers he looked to him to do his duty. He sought no favours; he had gone as a private and returned as a private and looked for nothing more. (Great cheering).
Lieut. DUFRAYER, who was- warmly received, said he was not going to say much. He was there to welcome home his old mate and comrade. They had fought together, and he could say that there was no man in whom greater reliance could be placed than old Frank RUDD. (Cheers). If there was any real hot work to be done he was the man picked for it, and he felt honoured in being with him. He himself had been given an honour, which some people said he had not earned —
Trooper RUDD: – “Who says that?”
Lieut. DUFRAYER said he did not mind that, he was receiving the scarf anyway. He thanked them very much for the references to himself. (Cheers).
Trooper McGRATH asked to be excused from speaking, as he was no speaker. But to our representative he said that he went forward with the Bushmen, partook of the dreary march from Biera to Bulawayo, and on to Mafeking. Then they, went to Elaands River, where Paddy VERDON was shot. “One of the gamest fellows that ever lived; they put him in guard for going out of the trenches to cut loose the horses that were being shot down”. The officer McGRATH was orderly to was wounded and invalided home, and McGRATH was left “on his own” at Capetown; without money or friends, and had a bad time generally. At length he also was returned invalided. In his experiences he met Troopers LOW, STEVENS, EVANS, SMITH, Ben ANDREWS and others.
Mr Montague having sung “The Old Brigade”, Mr George Wise in a neat speech, proposed “The Army and Navy” which was responded to by Mr E.W. Hulle, R.O., President of the local Reserve Rifles.
Mr S. Stinson sang “The Waiter”, and Master Ainsworth recited “The Song That Men Should Sing” in splendid style.
Mr Smith then asked the chairman to make a presentation, on behalf of the townspeople of a token of their esteem and admiration of Trooper RUDD; saying that every man, woman and child in the community was satisfied that Trooper RUDD had won his spurs. They had considered that he was worthy of some special mark of their esteem, and had instituted a popular subscription limited to 1s each, to purchase some token in admiration of his manly and unselfish deeds, something that he could look on with pride and hand down to his children. A gift so unanimous and heartfelt that he believed would be accepted in the spirit it was offered.
The Mayor, in an appropriate speech, then presented Trooper RUDD with a handsome gold medal, designed and executed by Mr J. Covington, which was inscribed on the obverse with Mr RUDD's initials, and on the reverse — “Presented to Frank Rudd by his Narandera friends in recognition of his services in the South African War, 1900-1901”.
Trooper RUDD wanted to know what he had done to deserve this special recognition. He had volunteered willingly from patriotic motives. He could accept it as a gift from his friends, and felt that he should treasure it as such, and would leave it to his children who would be able to say “That is what the Narandera people gave my father when he came back from the war”. He felt unequal to saying more, and sat down, deeply affected.
Mr Phillips sang “Rouse ye, My Comrades”, after which Mr J.Z. Huie proposed “Success to those at the Front”, which was responded to by Messrs Heath, Tate, Low, and Hanson.
Messrs Tate and Low referred to the proposal to erect a monument to commemorate those who have fallen; and the latter made especial reference to the death of Trooper P. VERDON.
The Mayor then put forward the proposal to erect a Soldiers' Memorial, and donations were promised in the room amounting to fifty guineas. Mr F.A. Smith was appointed Secretary and Mr E.W. Hulle, Treasurer. Mr Montague offered to organise a concert, and Mr Smith expressed himself confident of raising £100 in a short time.
Mr Covington sang “United Australia”, and Mr Llewellyn “The Death of Nelson”.
Mr Malone, in a felicitous speech proposed “The Press”, which was responded to by representatives of the “Argus”, “Ensign”, and “Albury Banner”.
Mr C. Swan gave am amusing rendition of “The Bungowallah Bushie'” which was encored enthusiastically.
Mr H. Stinson sang “Mary of Argyle”, and then Mr RUDD proposed the Chairman, who, in responding, thanked, the Band, Reservists, Committee, vocalists, and Messrs Harden and Montague for the assistance they rendered in the demonstration.
