State: Victoria, Australia
Issued on: Return
Date of presentation: 21/06/1901
Number issued: 1
Gold medal, to:
2nd Victorian (Mounted Rifles) Contingent –
289 Lance-Corporal John Henry TURPIE
Inscribed: "Presented to Lance-Corporal J.H. Turpie, Second Victorian Contingent, on his return from the South African war, by his friends, Salisbury West, 21 6 01".
Presentation made in Salisbury West.
Supplied by Mr J.B. Edwards, of Bendigo.
Melbourne Age, 25/06/1901
Melbourne Argus, 26/06/1901
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Bendigo Advertiser, 25th June 1901
WELCOME TO A RETURNED SOLDIER.
Inglewood, 24th June.
On Friday evening about 70 ladies and gentlemen assembled at the residence of Mr and Mrs Daniels, Salisbury West, for the purpose of tendering a social and presentation to Lance-corporal J.H. TURPIE, one of the Second Victorian Contingent, who recently returned from the war. Amongst those present were Privates DAWSON, BOYS and REDWOOD comrades of the guest, and Trooper HONAN, of the Third Bushmen's Contingent. The presentation took the form of a gold medal, which bore the following inscription: — "Presented to Lance-Corporal J.H. Turpie, Second Victorian Contingent, on his return from the South African war, by his friends, Salisbury West, 21 6 01". The medal, which was the work of Mr J.B. Edwards, of Bendigo, was of a very attractive and appropriate design. The chair was occupied by Cr. Kennedy (president of Korong Shire and the vice-chair by Cr. Bissett (East Loddon Shire). In making the presentation, the chairman expressed the pleasure those present felt at their guest's safe return, and remarked that they recognised in his promotion the satisfaction of the officers under whom he had served for over 15 months. Lance-corporal TURPIE feelingly replied. He stated that in consequence of having been connected for a considerable time with the Victorian Rangers, he had felt it his duty to offer his services to his country, and he was very pleased when he found they were accepted. He assured his friends that the welcome home and memento would never be erased from his memory.
