State: New South Wales, Australia
Issued on: Departure
Date of presentation: 23/02/1901
Number issued: 1
Gold medal, to:
2nd New South Wales Mounted Rifles –
324 Trooper Arthur Thomas FORD
Presentation made by Mr J.J. Daley, on behalf of "a number of his old schoolmates and friends", in the Band Hall, King Street, Newcastle.
Inscribed: "Presented to A.B. [sic] Ford by his schoolmates and friends on the eve of his departure for South Africa".
Trooper Ford received a second gold medal from fellow-members of the Newcastle Bugle Band.
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Maitland Daily Mercury, 25th February 1901
Trooper A.T. FORD, son of Mr Harry Ford, who is shortly to take his departure for South Africa, was tendered a send-off on Saturday evening by a number of his old schoolmates and friends. Trooper FORD was serenaded by the Bugle Band, presented with a handsome gold medal, and wished a safe return. An enjoyable time was spent in partaking of refreshments, dancing, and singing.
Newcastle Morning Herald, 25th February 1901
A SOLDIER'S SEND OFF.
A complimentary send-off was tendered Trooper A.T. FORD, son or Mr Harry Ford, in the Band Hall, King Street, on Saturday evening, by about 100 of his old schoolmates and friends. During the evening the Bugle Band serenaded the departing soldier, and Bugle-Major Polglaise, on behalf or the Bugle Band, presented Trooper FORD with a gold medal, of excellent design, and expressed the hope that he would uphold the prestige of the Empire, and have a safe return. Mr J.J. Daley, who presided over the gathering, also presented Trooper FORD with a handsome gold medal, bearing the inscription, "Presented to A.B. Ford by his schoolmates and friends on the eve of his departure for South Africa". Several comrades of Trooper FORD, who are going away with the departing contingent, in Lance-Corporal McDONALD, and Troopers McILBEEN, MIZZI, MILLER, and FRY, were also present, and were made heartily welcome. Several speeches were given, and the parting soldiers were wished success and a safe return. Dancing, games and singing, and liberal refreshments all blended to make the evening enjoyable.
