State: New South Wales, Australia
Issued on: Return
Dates of presentations: 24/07/1901, 26/09/1901, 11/06/1902
Number issued: 3
24/07/1901 presentation
251 Trooper William Edward McMILLAN
26/09/1901 presentation
2668 William Ernest CLARE
11/06/1902 presentation
703 Trooper Cyril Poulton ERRATT
McMillan example in the Constantine Collection.
WALCHA.
Thursday.
Welcome Back.
On Wednesday last Mr W.E. McMILLAN, of the Imperial Bushmen, returned to Walcha.
A meeting of residents took place in the Council Chambers on Monday night, when it was decided to arrange a hearty welcome.
On Wednesday Messrs Maltby, Seckold and Connal drove to the railway station to meet the visitor. After dinner at Walcha Road they came to town and were met a few miles out by the Town Band and a great many people in vehicles and on horseback. A procession was then formed, and the party drove round the town, a halt being made at the Council Chambers where Mr McMILLAN was formerly welcomed by the Mayor in a suitable speech. The people admired the patriotic spirit which prompted him to go to South Africa, and were pleased at his safe return. Mr. McMILLAN returned thanks for the hearty welcome and the proceedings ended with hearty cheers.
A smoke concert took place at night in the Temperance Hall. The building had been splendidly decorated by Messrs Picton, Foster, Kilpatrick and others, the former having prepared in suitable lettering the words, "Welcome Back" over the stage, with representations of the Emu and Kangaroo. Numerous Chinese lanterns and flags, with guns and rifles on the stage, had a very pleasing effect. Rain fell shortly after dark, nevertheless the hall was well filled.
The Mayor, who presided, read and then handed Mr McMILLAN the following address: Dear Sir, — On behalf of the residents of Walcha and District, I have pleasure in welcoming you back to Walcha.
It is now nearly 18 months since you responded to the call for volunteers for service in South Africa. During the time you have been on active service you have kept us posted with your movements by letters in the local paper. We have been kept in touch with C. Squadron of the Imperial Bushmen from the time you left the shores of Australia until you were able to quit the scene of the deplorable South African strife on the sister continent. You, with others, were sent through rough fever-stricken country into the interior of South Africa, and arrived in time to render loyal service to the British Empire, being complimented by British and Australian Generals alike for your untiring energy.
Lord Roberts said, "In the battlefield the Imperial Bushmen behaved like heroes, and off the field like gentlemen". (Cheers).
Kind Providence has guarded you, and we trust that the same Good Hand which has protected you in the past will shield and guide you in the future; and that the serious consequences of the war in Africa will serve as a warning to the people of our own fair land, Australia, so that our swords may be turned into ploughshares, and our rifles may never he turned towards fellow colonists in the spirit of hatred, but that we may all dwell and labour together in perpetual peace. (Cheers).
Walcha, July 24, 1901.
He also had much pleasure in handing him a handsome gold token, presented by the residents of Walcha. (Cheers).
Rev F. Morrish said it gave him very great pleasure to join in welcoming Mr McMILLAN and to see him wearing the Queen's medal upon his breast. (Applause). Few were aware of the hardships he had experienced in order to gain that medal. They were not there to glorify war; those who knew most about it, knew what a terrible evil it is. The Duke of Wellington once said in reply to a question while overlooking some of the beautiful country homes of England, "I pray to Almighty God that this fair land may never be taken by war. We should have to destroy all those pleasant homes". No doubt there was a pleasure in it for the soldier, and joy at the moment of victory. But when he looks back and sees the dead faces and realises what misery has been caused, parents mourning for dead sons, and children bewailing the loss of parents, and all the horrors to the peaceable population, his heart must be wrung with sorrow. There is a good side to war for all that. It often brings out the best there is in men and strengthens their feelings for their country and binds them together in comradeship, for very few men come out of a campaign without being better men for it, not only with their courage and character tried, but when death has been very close to them, they realise the value of life in a truer and better form. They are then moved out of that selfish frame of mind so common to us. He often looked upon sailors and soldiers as better men, owing to the experiences they went through, and they were often more God-fearing men on that account. While we may all pray that God may spare this fair land from the horrors of war, they could realise it had a fair side. He regretted that the others were not present. They had Messrs LOWE, JOHNSON (Glenmorrison), ST CLAIR, and the two boys whom they hoped to welcome home. (Cheers). They are a sort of leaven amongst us; and, he hoped, help to make us better men. Some people feared that all this military enthusiasm would turn us into n military nation — that we should be thirsting for blond. We had other things to do in this new country. We had to light nature. We have seen what our men can do, and he was sure they all felt proud of them. (Applause). We have come to realise through our men fighting side by side with others of the unity of the British Empire; and also that all our men require will be to be stiffened up. We shall then feel that we can depend upon our own men and have no cause to fear should necessity arise for war. But may our motto always be "Defence, not defiance". (Cheers and Applause).
Mr Hardaker expressed the pleasure it gave him to be there to welcome the returned soldier, and he hoped they would be able to welcome the others (applause). He regretted that they were allowed to go without a send-off. Mr Hardaker also stated that he joined a volunteer force over 40 years ago, and therefore claimed to be a soldier.
Mr W.R.H. Scott said it was more satisfactory to welcome the living than to mourn for the dead, and gave some very interesting details of the war.
Mr Lowe (who was received with cheers) said he was very proud to give honour where honour was due. Private McMILLAN went to a land he knew nothing about, and he was sure he acted like a man (applause). He himself was one of the column that relieved the force at Elands River. Mr McMILLAN was with Colonel Carrington, who had to retire. The besieged Bushmen there were shelled continuously for 13 days. On the 3rd day 1500 shells were poured into them. He saw the horses killed in the picket lines. Colonel Hoare wanted them to surrender, but the men said they would shoot the man that put up the white flag (cheers). He gave some further particulars of the campaign.
Ald. Samuels also addressed the meeting in suitable terms.
Mr McMILLAN (whose rising was greeted with cheers) thanked them for the hearty welcome, and described the journey via Biera to Mafeking and the several engagements; and exhibited some of the trophies, a Boer bridle, pieces of shell, part of the terrible pom pom, &c., and pictures of the captured guns. Out of the 19 big guns captured they only dug up two. (Applause). He didn't desire to blow, but was there in fighting for their capture and did his duty. (Cheers).
The band then gave a selection, followed by Mr George Hardaker, of Armidale, with a piano solo. Mr Maltby then gave the appropriate song "A Soldier and a Man", and being recalled sang "Drinking". Mr Townshend followed with "Shipwrecked". Mr Connal then sang "The Navy", and as an encore a humorous parody on "Sailing". Mr Hepworth sang "Stirrup Cup" in his best style, and Mr Thursby followed with "Annie Laurie". Messrs Evans and Harrison then sang "All's Well", Master H. Samuels gave a patriotic violin solo, and Mr C. Erratt sang "The British Lion". Mr T.O. Hardaker followed with "The Bugler". Mr J.T. Tully sang "Noble Hearts", and Mr McNally roused the audience to roaring point with "I didn't get a wink all night". "Mick" was given as an encore, but only whet their appetites for more, and he then gave "Mr Brown". Mr G. Hardaker sang "The Man behind the Gun", and in response to an encore "Australia's Sons".
Mr Maltby proposed a vote of thanks to Mr G. Hardaker, the accompanist, who had come from Armidale to assist. Votes of thanks and cheers were also given to the band, the promoters, and workers and the meeting, which was most enthusiastic throughout, closed with cheers for the King.
Welcome Home.
On Thursday last, Mr W.E. CLARE, of "A" Battery, was accorded a public welcome by the residents of Walcha on his return from active service in S. Africa.
Messrs Maltby, Walsh and Samuels drove to the railway station and brought him to town, the band and a large number of residents in vehicles and on horseback meeting the party about two miles from town. Rain fell at the time and wet those who were not prepared for the shower, as a consequence the welcome, though hearty, was nevertheless brief at the Council Chambers.
At night a concert took place in the Temperance Hall. The Mayor presided and read the following address: —
To Gunner W.E. CLARE.
Dear Sir — On behalf of the loyal subjects of King Edward VII in the district of Walcha, I have pleasure in welcoming you back to your native town. Much as we deplore the South African war, we feel that some appreciative recognition is due to all who have striven manfully to uphold the honour of the British Crown mid have taken up arms in defence of the British Empire.
The "A" Battery, of which you are a member, encountered numerous hard ships in travelling into the interior of sandy South Africa, and won numerous encomiums from the loyal Africans for smartness and strict attention to duty.
We feel that in you Walcha has been ably represented at the front, and we desire to mark our approval of your conduct. Residents of the Commonwealth will now realise that should an enemy ever approach our shores we have in our midst young men of the right material to repel any attack, although our prayers are and ever should be in favour of peace.
Walcha, September 25th, 1901.
He also presented him with a token from the inhabitants of Walcha.
Apologies were received from Rev. J. Thorburn and Mr P.J. Fenwicke.
The parents of the returned warrior were seated on the platform in addition to the members of the committee and other gentlemen.
The following gentlemen spoke in terms of welcome: Rev. F. Morrish, Ald. Samuels and Ald. Towers, ex-trooper LOWE, and Mr Townshend, after which Gunner CLARE, who had a nice collection of articles reminiscent of the war, gave some interesting particulars of his experiences and an explanation of the trophies. The articles were then handed round, the band in the meantime playing a selection.
Mr C.E. Maltby then sang "A Soldier and a Man", his strong, rich voice and appropriate song being highly appreciated. An encore was demanded, and in response he sang "Australia's Sons". Mr Conulty brought down the house with "I never got a wink all night", and as an encore "How do they know that I am Irish?" Master H. Samuels gave a violin solo, and Mr Basser made his debut with "The Union Jack", and as an encore "The Heavenly Song". Mr Hepworth sang with guitar accompaniment, "Twig of the Shannon", and in response to a hearty recall, "The Whistling Thief". Mr Tully sang, "While London's fast asleep". Mr Conulty sang "The brick came down".
Mr Maltby proposed votes of thanks to the band and Mr Bowden, which were carried by acclamation, and the proceedings closed with "Auld Lang Syne". The hall was crowded.
Welcome Home.
On Wednesday afternoon last Corporal ERRATT, who has just returned with Colonel Lassetter's regiment from S. Africa, was welcomed home.
The Mayor, Mr Maltby, Mr Walsh and others went to the Railway Station and met the returning warrior, and a large number of townspeople, with the town band, assembled two miles from town, and after greeting the party, formed a procession, headed by Mounted-constable J.C. Harrison and Trooper W. LOWE, and drove through the town, pulling up at the Council Chambers.
The Mayor said it was his pleasing duty, on behalf of the people of Walcha, to extend to Corporal ERRATT a hearty welcome. (Applause). They appreciated the motives which actuated him in his desire to go to South Africa, and they appreciated the bravery of the conquering British race. Whenever the enemy made the British fight the British fought until they had him beaten (cheers). Credit was due to Corporal ERRATT because he left his people and his home for the purpose of upholding the supremacy of the British flag. He was pleased to see him return in good health (cheers).
Corporal ERRATT (who was greeted with cheers) said words failed to express his feelings as he arrived at his native town. They had certainly encountered many privations, but he was amply repaid by receiving such a hospitable welcome. Colonel Williams did not like to part with them. They had travelled 4,000 miles and averaged three prisoners a man (cheers). That was more than any other regiment had done that had left N.S. Wales before. (Cheers).
Cheers were then given for Corporal ERRATT, the King, Mr and Mrs Erratt, the Mayor, and Colonel Lassetter.
At night a patriotic demonstration took place in the School of Arts. The building was packed to overflowing, and many had standing room only.
The Mayor presided, and presented Corporal ERRATT with a handsome medal, suitably inscribed. During his remarks he said that some people think the British flag has nothing to do with Australia. But the honour of Britain is the honour of Australia. (Cheers). Britons for centuries past have been recognised as the most courageous soldiers in the world. During the present war, however, Australians had proved, if not superior, equal to the British soldiers. (Cheers). In pleasing remarks he expressed the best of wishes for Corporal ERRATT's future.
Rev. F. Morrish, who was received with applause, after congratulating him on his safe return and referring to the excellent letters which had appeared in the "Witness", said they were now able to receive him in a new character, that of victor. He rejoiced at the declaration of peace, which having been proclaimed with such feelings of good will augured well for the future of Africa and gave the lie to those who had calumniated the British troops. He referred sympathetically to the death of George MOBERLY, who had won the confidence of his officers, and would also have gained promotion had he lived.
Rev. J. White, who made his first appearance on the platform before a Walcha audience, and was well received, was proud to take part in welcoming Corporal ERRATT back to his native town. It must be very gratifying to his family to have him back again and to have escaped the perils of war. He had travelled over miles of sea, far from his home and loved ones, and in that far off land amidst war and disaster must have often felt very doubtful if ever he should see his loved ones again. Many had gone out, and there will be none to welcome them back, for tonight they sleep the sleep that knows no awakening, while sorrowful fathers and mothers, and grief-stricken sisters and brothers sigh and say, "Oh, for a touch of the vanished hand, for a sound of the voice that is still!" But Corporal ERRATT's lines had fallen in more pleasant places, and it was a matter for thanksgiving on his own part and those to whom in God's good will he has been restored. The rev. gentleman dealt with the character, conduct, and conclusion of the war. It was one of the most just and righteous wars ever waged, and now there was complete victory and an honourable peace. The terms had been characterised by magnanimity and clemency, and he trusted the issue would be peace not only for the British residents but for the Boers themselves. (Cheers).
Mr R. Brown, J.P., who was also applauded, said that Corporal ERRATT had come forward at a time when matters looked very blue in S. Africa, when England had her hands full and required all of the colonies to assist her.
Mr M.J. Walsh, J. P., spoke as one of the oldest residents of the district, who had known him from infancy, and referred to the military spirit with which he was imbued. He was sure he was not a sloth in the field or he would not have received promotion. (Cheers).
Mr W.R.H. Scott, J. P., also joined in the welcome, and while deploring the ruined homes and increased burden of taxation, hoped that in shedding a tear for the departed they would also offer a prayer that war shall be no more.
Mr C. Seckold, J.P., and Ald. Samuels also briefly joined in the welcome.
Mr T.O. Hardaker, in offering his welcome back, said he had heard it said in many instances that "this returned soldier arrangement is dying out". Not yet. (Applause). It was also said that some had gone out for their own benefit. How many had left billets worth L300 and L400 a year in order to fight for the Empire? No, it was not personal benefit, there was some British blood in the veins which had pushed the young men to the front. Had they ever heard the cry "Help! help!" without someone rushing forward to render assistance? England has only to call, and the men are there. (Applause). The war had cost an immense sum of money, and 22,000 lives. Who could estimate the power of a life? and how many parents would rather have their loved ones home and alive again than all the money spent in S. Africa? The money had simply changed hands, but the lives had been irretrievably lost.
Mr J.A. Nivison, J. P., said although not one of the "oldest residents" he had been in Walcha for 54 years. He had known Corporal ERRATT from boyhood, and when he went to the Grammar School, Armidale, his comrades always spoke of him as having true grit. He had pleasure in welcoming him back with a sound skin. (Applause).
Mr F. Townshend read an extract from a S. African paper.
In responding, Corporal ERRATT said they were always fortunate in being the attacking party. Out of 630 men they had but 50 killed. In thanking them all for the cordial welcome, he concluded: I hope I am deserving of the handsome trophy. I can safely say I always did my duty. (Cheers).
The following musical, programme was then given: — Mr Hawthorn sang, "The Lads in Navy Blue", with chorus by ladies, and as an encore, "The Frenchman". Miss Joyce, a lady visitor from Sydney, sang "The sweetest story ever told", a pretty love song. Mr Maltby sang, "Our Boys", with full chorus, and as an encore, "A Soldier and a Man". The Misses M. and J. Hamilton then gave a stirring pianoforte duet; Mrs Notley sang, "Dolly Grey", a very appropriate song with full chorus; Mr K. Mitchell then recited splendidly, "Private Jones", a most stirring episode of the war; Mr S. Hardaker gave a novel and taking performance with the mouth organ, accompanied by Mrs Evans on the piano; Miss A. Crowe sang, "Love's old sweet Song"; Mr Ellis then gave a comic, "He kept them all for me", and being loudly encored, sang "An unlucky fellow am I"; Messrs T.O. Hardaker and J. Evans sang "Larboard Watch", and this concluded the entertainment. Mr. Maltby called for thanks for the band and Mr Bowden, and Mr Scott secured thanks for Mr Maltby, the chairman and the performers. Miss Adams acted as accompanist.
