TOPIC:

William Harold 'Sonny' Blackman was a native of Mudgee, a town 160-odd miles north-west of Sydney, and had had experience of shearing. He seems to have been another soldier who returned home from active service with a troubled mind.
Reading the various press reports and letters concerning him is a little confusing, as he's referred to under different variations of his name, and also attached to several different locations; there was even a report in the Mudgee Guardian that two Blackmans had gone to South Africa - 'Sonny' Blackman and W. H. Blackman. However, I think it's probable that there was only the one Blackman who went from the Mudgee district.

Harold (Sonny) Blackman, Coonabarabran, late of Mudgee - Coonabarabran is a small town north of both Mudgee and Cullenbone
'Sonny' Blackman, formerly of Cooyal - a rural district north-east of Mudgee
William Harold Blackman, of Mudgee
W. H. Blackman, of Cullenbone - a sparcely-populated rural district north of Mudgee (the current population is around 35)





....Immediately it was known that the Imperial Government had accepted the offer of the colonies of Australasia to send a further contingent to the Transvaal the officer commanding the Mudgee units of cavalry and infantry received a number of applications from those who were ready to take their stand upon the field of battle in support of the Flag of Liberty. Lieutenant A. I. Cox and Sergeant Messenger, of the Australian Horse, received a number of names, and Lieutenant Albert Sheppard, 3rd Regiment of Infantry, was also kept busy replying to the inquiries of those anxious to go. The following is a complete list of those who have volunteered up to the time of going to press: - H. Wilton, A. Bishop, W. Ambler, J. Bonner, J. Walker, Reginald Cox, F. D. Taylor, D. H. Spring, J. Phillips, H. Johnson, F. House, L. Gartrell, W. Ellis, E. Brigden, S. Nicholson, J. Jones, W. Currie, R. M. Hunter, W. H. Blackman, Col. Jones, and J. H. Sharp. All the above have been sworn in for service.
Mudgee Guardian, Friday 22nd December 1899



....The following Mudgee men are reported to have passed all tests and only remain to be sworn in: -
....................C. JONES
....................F. DOLMAN
....................H. SPRING
....................W. H. BLACKMAN
....................R. B. COX
....................R.M. HUNTER
....................J. MORAN
....................W. ELLIS
....................F. TAYLOR
Mudgee Guardian, Friday 5th January 1900



....Mudgee and adjacent districts are well represented in the Bushmen's Contingent, which leaves for South Africa on the 24th. Here are the names: -
[including] Harold (Sonny) Blackman, Coonabarabran, late of Mudgee
Mudgee Guardian, Friday 16th February 1900



....Our old Cooyal boy writes to his sister from Mafeking under date June 29: -
...."We are camped here now, waiting for orders to proceed to Pretoria, to go to Lord Roberts, but have no idea when we make a start, think some time next week. You must not expect a long letter, as there is no news of much consequence. We were all disappointed we were not in time for the relief of Mafeking. If you were here you would wonder how Baden-Powell kept the Boers out. He had only two or three old field guns that one would be afraid to fire off, while the enemy had several small cannons, and one big gun called "Long Tom," which fires a 94lb shell. They had retrenchments for a radius of 20 miles round the town, and outnumbered the British 10 to 1. Before I left Australia the papers were full of reports as to what good shots and great fighters the Boers were. They are the As soon as the relief column showed up, they bolted like a mob of sheep from a dog. The only time they will fight is when they are behind a rock, and when you are not looking at them. During the siege they fired on the women's quarters - that will give you some idea of what dogs they are. The war would have been over long ago if the British had transports. It is very hard to get mules and teams to carry the baggage about. The mules are the only things that will live here - the disease kills everything else. Drinks are pretty scarce here. No such thing as getting drunk, unless someone else "shouts." Drinks are from 1s 6d to 2s 6d, and 1s 2d a day won't stand that. Last mail brought a "Guardian," and saw a letter from Hughie Spring. They have seen plenty of fighting. Reggie shot himself in the leg. The Boers couldn't hit him. I hope they don't plug me - it would be pretty uncomfortable to carry a bullet round in some part of your body, even if didn't "snuff" one out. I fancy I saw Gordon Fleming at Bulawayo. He was wounded outside Mafeking, and had the front of his chest torn away. They said he could not live more than two hours, poor chap; but he started for home some days ago, so they made a mistake, but it will be years before he is fit for anything like work again. Most of us went to a concert last night. Parson Auld got it up. There was a lecture re the siege of Mafeking amongst other things, and it was very interesting. There was a grand parley between the General and the blacks who fought here. We were all marched down, and lined up, the nags in the centre. Altogether, it was a rather imposing sight. The Imperial Bushmen will not see much fighting, as it will be a long time before they get to the front. Cousin Rud will be disappointed. We had bad luck with our horses, as 250 died out of 500 - my horse, the one Duncan McMaster gave me, being amongst the number. Arthur's mare is alive and doing well. Lieutenant Hutton has her, so she gets plenty of feed. David Watt gave her to Arthur. The remounts arrived this morning. They are the worst lot of "crocks" I ever saw; in fact, if a man rode one of them at home people would think he was "off his perch," or tell him he was going the wrong road to the bone yard. Congratulate the "Morven" people for me re winning the Bracelet. Say I'm sorry I was not there to have ridden for them. If I get through the war I think I will stay here. Remember me to everybody."
Mudgee Guardian, Thursday 23rd August 1900




....The following is a copy of a letter written from South Africa by Trooper W. H. Blackman to his sister: — ....Just a few lines as there is a mail going back to Pretoria to-day. We left Pretoria about twelve days ago (where we had a rest camp for a week or so) leaving all the dismounted men behind. Those having horses have had a good deal of work to do. We have seen numbers of Boers out here, which is about 25 miles from Pretoria. They seem to be in small parties called snipers, their idea is to plant behind rocks or kopjes waiting until the British scouts or patrols come along when they fire upon them, but none of our regiment have been wounded, although several of the others have been. We were in a general engagement on the 9th where a large number of Boers took up a very strong position about 15 miles from here, but we were not in the thickest of it. The enemy had only one big gun keeping it well back. I heard that General Clements' infantry had about 30 casualties, one shot dead. We were on a kopje where we could see all. The British having a good lot of artillery which they did not forget to use. It was a grand sight watching the splendid shelling of our guns. The Boers stuck to their position better than I have yet seen them, not leaving it until after dark. The British had one of their big guns, with which they used the lyddite shells. The Boers must have suffered heavily, as I hear they found about twenty dead next morning, some of them blown to pieces, and I should say that they must have had about twice that number wounded. They all cleared off during the night, for we only came in contact with some of their rear-guard next day. We had a bit of an experience that night which we had not had since being out here though it did not prove very effective as the Boers left their position too soon for us. We were ordered to charge or advance on their position about 8 o'clock from where they had been firing an hour before, so we advanced on foot with fixed bayonets, C. and E. Squadrons in front, the others a little distance in our rear. It was a sight! Advancing in line with bayonets shining in the moonlight, and not a whisper of noise. I dare say it is a good thing for some of us they had left, and as well for them also. I can hardly imagine myself bayoneting a man, but I suppose all is fair in war. It is a splendid valley we are camped in running for a long distance with ranges or kopjes on either side, and there are grand farms right along. All irrigated as it is, it is a great place for water. I am now looking after four horses which I brought out from the camp to graze. I would have been out on patrol only my horse has been sick since yesterday. It is a fine animal, I hope it gets alright. There are a great many others sick as well. We are mostly about at 4 o'clock on this trip (rising pretty early.) The weather is splendid, the days are getting very hot. I don't think there is any chance of seeing home this year the way things are going. We heard the Boers captured some of our mails the other day. I hope it is not true as I am expecting some letters.
....Remember me to all in Mudgee. I am glad to see a copy of the "Guardian" which I get regularly in Johannesburg.
Mudgee Guardian, Thursday 25th October 1900




....Mr. Fred Champion, who is a member of the F Company has been good enough to hand us the following very interesting letter he received from his comrade Trooper W. H. Blackman, of Cullenbone, who sailed with the second contingent on the 17th January last year, and is now a trooper in the C Squadron of the New South Wales Mounted Rifles. Trooper Blackman was a member of F Company. ....Dear Fred, — I received your long and very welcome letter the other day which was penned on the 14th Oct. I received three other letters and two Guardians by the same mail, so, you see, I was in luck's way. We were just off on a few days' march when one of the officers commanding heard of the mail having arrived, and he had it put on to one of the waggons, and taken to camp. That night it was sorted, and was rather an agreeable surprise to us all, and it was a very good mail, for each man got a letter, and you would have laughed if you could have seen us all round the flickering light of a camp fire reading our letters. We got back here again yesterday, and are off again this evening I hear, I believe we are going a good long march this time down south somewhere. They keep us on the job pretty well. Let me think. I hardly know where we were when I last wrote you, but we have had a good many small engagements since and we have lost a few of our comrades. For the past few weeks we have not done very much, only trying to run down a few of those "snipers." We chased a small lot one day last week for about eight or ten miles, but their ponies were too good for our mokes. We got within three hundred yards of some of them once, but you know when a fellow gallops his horse for several miles, and then dismounts, he can't shoot for sour apples. We heard we wounded several of them. We captured some waggons and oxen and a few horses they left behind them. My word there is no doubt about those veldt ponies, they are alright, and wonderful stickers, and moreover, the Boers carry nothing on their saddles, whereas our horses generally have six or seventeen stone up, so you can see that we are a good bit handicapped. There are only small bands of these snipers knocking about here just now, but they seem to be going to see it out. Old De Wet and his army are away down south somewhere, but we hear he is on his last legs. They have captured all his guns again, but I suppose he has a few more he can dig up. It is wonderful where he is getting his ammunition from. The last and best bit of fighting we have been in was the capture of those guns at Bothauilla. But I suppose you get all the news better than I can give it to you. You have, no doubt, heard what the N.S.W. Mounted Rifles captured on their own (in which the C Squadron took the most prominent part). It is now on its way home to N.S.W. Some of the loyal farmers are shearing their sheep over here now. We were at a farm the other day where some six or seven Kaffirs were shearing. I got hold of a pair of shears and took the belly wool off one, and was just getting over the first shoulder when the officer in charge blew the whistle to fall in, so I had to leave. They use very small shears over here, with out any drivers or knockers on them. The Kaffirs do all the shearing, and thirty or forty is a good tally for them per day. I am pleased you got the papers alright. I am posting a Cape paper to-night. Thank F Company for their kind wishes to me, and tell them I hope the time is not far distant when Col and I will be amongst them on parade again. Wo both wish to be remembered to F Company. It will seem a bit funny having to clean up our buttons before going on parade. None of that here. Well, old boy, I hope you will excuse this short letter. I will write again as soon as I get a chance. Remember me to all my old friends, and wish them all a merry Xmas and happy New Year for me. I suppose I will spend my Xmas somewhere on the veldt, with some good old biscuits and bully beef for a meal.
Mudgee Guardian, Thursday 24th January 1901



....Troopers Blackman, Jones and Currie, who are returning from the war, arrived in Sydney this week. The Mayor (Alderman Cameron) to-day wired to the military authorities in Sydney asking for information as to whether the local lads would be likely to leave for Mudgee, it being the intention to give them a welcome home. Up to late this evening no reply had been received to the wire, so that it is not possible to say here when the "welcome home" will take place. The Mayor will, however, take steps to obtain the desired information, and the public will be duly notified, so that they may participate in any demonstration taking place by way of reception to the returning soldiers.
[Just before going to press we received a wire from Trooper W. H. Blackman, stating that he and Col. Jones would leave Sydney to-morrow (Friday) morning, and will consequently reach Mudgee to-morrow night, when no doubt arrangements will be made to accord them a reception.]
Mudgee Guardian, Thursday 2nd May 1901



....On Friday evening last two more of the Mudgee district lads who have done service in the Transvaal campaign, returned home, and were accorded a hearty public welcome. They were Troopers Will. Blackman and Col. Jones. A large crowd of people congregated at the railway station awaiting the arrival of the evening train. The Town Band was on the platform, and as the train steamed in the strains of "Soldiers of the Queen" rang out. On alighting from the carriage the returning lads were accorded an enthusiastic reception at the hands of the crowd, and they were afterwards escorted to the back of the station. Here they were publicly received by the Mayor (Alderman Cameron), who welcomed them home on behalf of the citizens of Mudgee. Captain Abernethy also welcomed them on behalf of their comrades of Mudgee Infantry company. The troopers briefly replied by way of thanks. A torchlight procession was then formed, moving by way of Church-street to the Town Hall, where the functions terminated. F. Company of Infantry took part in the procession, and considering the shortness of the notice the men rolled up in good force.
Mudgee Guardian, Monday 6th May 1901


In late July 1901 he joined the New South Wales Police Force, first going to Sydney for training, and then being sent to Broken Hill, a mining town in the west of the state. He arrived there on Sunday 18th August, left the police barracks early on Thursday afternoon, and was found in the afteroon the following day, about 14 miles away. Did he walk there? No mention of that in the report of the inquest.





....In connection with the disappearance of Constable Blackman, who was missed from the Wolfram-street Barracks on Thursday morning, the worst fears of his friends have unfortunately been realised, About 5 o'clock yesterday evening Robert Hancock, a boundary rider on Mount Gipps station, discovered the mlssing man lying bleeding among the rocks on top of a hill between the Four-mile and Seven-mile creeks. Hancock with great difficulty carried the injured man to where his horse was standing and placed him on it. But almost immediately afterwards Blackman breathed his last.
....When Hancock discovered the unfortunate man the latter was Iying in an utterly exhausted condition, and had been bleeding profusely from a jagged gash on the left wrist, the artery apparently having been severed. The wound was of such a nature that a large piece of flesh was thrown back, almost exposing the bone of the arm. The deceased had evidently suffered great agony before assistance arrived. As his life-blood had slowly ebbed from his veins and weakness overcame him, his struggles must have been pitiable. All around where he lay the rocky ground and coarse, brambly vegetation showed only too plainly how the poor fellow had struggled In his suffering. His face was torn and bleeding from continued rubbing against the rough surface of the ground. He was still in possession of his faculties when Hancock rode up - in fact, lt was deceased's faint cries that first attracted Hancock's attention and led him to investigate. The hot sun - for the sun was tolerably warm yesterday - had no doubt added greatly to the man's agony; and as Hancock bent over him to see what was the matter the sufferer's first words, whispered faintly, were, "For God's sake - a drink."
....Hancock knew nothing of the disappearance of Blackman on the previous day, and owing to the state of collapse in which he found the man the latter was not able to give any very articulate account of himself. He told his rescuer that about midday he had seen a man go past on horseback, and had called out in the hope of attracting his attention, but had failed. He had seen no one else between that time and the appearance of Hancock,
....On finding how serious was Blackman's condition, Hancock, who had placed the injured man on bis horse, saw that there was little hope of getting him along in that way. He therefore left his charge by the side of the track and rode with all speed to the station hut, a few miles away. There he obtained the assistance of another boundary rider, and returned with him In a cart to where Blackman had been left. When they reached him, however, he was dead. The body was conveyed to the hotel at Stephens Creek, whence it was brought into the Broken Hill morgue.
....Deceased, as previously stated, only arrived in Broken Hill on Sunday morning from the depôt in Sydney He was about 27 years of age, and a native of Mudgee. During a great part of the Transvaal campaign he served in the same troop as ex-Constables Gribben and Fraser, with whom he returned to the State in May last. Deceased had only been in the police force for about three weeks, and little seems to be known here of his antecedents. Only one or two of his comrades in the local barracks had noticed anything strange in deceased's behavior since his arrival here, but from some remarks he made to one of his fellow constables a few nights ago he appears to have had something on his mind.
....An inquest will be opened this afternoon. Sub-inspector Travers has decided to give deceased a military funeral. The cortege will leave the barracks at 2 30 to-morrow afternoon, and will be headed by the A. M. A. Band and the members of the police force in full dress. If possible a firing party will be secured to give the soldier's farewell at the grave.
The Barrier Miner[Broken Hill], Saturday 24th August 1901




....The coroner (Mr. T. Hall J.P.) held an inquest at the courthouse on Saturday afternoon into the circumstances attending the death of William Harold Blackman, the constable whose mysterious reappearance and sad end created such a sensation in town on Friday and Saturday.
....Dr. Groves, Government medical officer, said Blackman's death had been caused by hemorrhage; with the exception of some slight scratches about the face, the only injury on the body was a deep cut across the left wrist, between 2in. and 3in. in length, was down to the bone; the leading artery was severed; if the deceased had been left where found, the wound bound up, and non-stimulants given him, his life might have been saved; the cut had the appearance of having been made by some sharp instrument.
....Sub-inspector Travers : Would it not have been difficult for a person who had been lying there wounded for 36 hours to recover? — Almost, but probably the artery would have plugged itself.
....Robert Hancock, boundary rider on Mount Gipps run, deposed that between 4 and 5 p.m. on Friday he was riding in the Seven-mile paddock when he thought he heard a faint "coo-ee," something like the bleating of a lamb; he took no notice at first, but on the cry being repeated he went in the direction from which it appeared to proceed; he rode up the side of a hill, and was standing looking around when about 300 yards from where he was he saw a man lying on his side; witness said, on going up and turning the man over, "What's the matter, old man?" deceased replied, " Oh! have you got any water?" witness said, "Yes, come on with me," and, lifting him up, carried him to where his horse was standing; deceased's face was cold and clammy, and he appeared to be in a dying state; witness asked some questions, to which deceased replied that he was a policeman, and had just come from Sydney; witness led the horse for some distance, but seeing that deceased was growing gradually weaker he took him from the horse and laid him on some brushwood; witness then rode on about three miles to the boundary rider's hut and obtained a cart; when lifting deceased on to the horse witness noticed that the man's wrist was cut across; the blood appeared to be dry on the wound but a little watery moisture was oozing from it; the cut had the appearance of having been done about 24 hours before; witness looked about the place where he found deceased, but found no implement of any kind; apparently deceased had been rolling about on the sharp rocks.
....To a juror: Witness could find no tracks to show how deceased came to the spot where he was picked up; he did not think the cut on deceased's wrist could have been caused by falling on a ledge of sharp rock; there was no blood about the place.
....A juror: Then you think the cut must have been inflicted some distance away and that deceased walked to the place where he was found ? — Decidedly; there were no signs of blood about the rocks; and the blood on the body was dry. Did you ask him how he sustained the cut? — Yes; I said, "How did you come to get this,old fellow?" but I got no answer; deceased tried to speak, but could not. Sub-inspector Travers : How long were you away getting the cart? — Not more than half an hour.
....Edward M'Allister, boundary rider, gave evidence of having gone with the last witness to pick up deceased in a cart; when they reached the spot where deceased had been left he was quite dead; they searched the place where deceased had been discovered, but found nothing but the stem of a pipe; they tried to pick up deceased's tracks, but the rain came on and obliterated them.
....To a juror: The spot where the body was found was about 14 miles from Broken Hill.
....Sub-inspector Travers gave evidence of identification; he last saw deceased alive on Wednesday night, at 10 o'clock, when he was on duty; he then appeared to be in good health and spirits; he was about 25 years of age, and a native of Mudgee; he had recently returned from the South African war; deceased was a single man.
....Constable Sparks deposed that he had occupied the same room in the police barracks as deceased, and had been in his company nearly the whole of the time deceased was on the Hill, excepting during the hours of duty; at 3 o'clock on Wednesday morning deceased and witness went off duty, and about 10 o'clock that morning deceased appeared to be troubled; he was rolling about the bed and talking to himself; from the little that witness could catch deceased's mutterings he grew suspicious and questioned deceased; deceased answered, "Well, Sparkes, I am a disgrace to the police force; I don't know what made me join it; I wish I was dead and out of it;" witness thought deceased's manner somewhat queer, and so kept an eye on him until the afternoon, when deceased said, "I won't go down the street, as I haven't written home since I have been here," witness went out and left deceased writing; witness and deceased went on duty at 7 o'clock that night; the latter then appeared to be worried over some private affair, which he did not mention to witness; they came home together on Thursday morning as usual, and both slept until a quarter past 1 o'clock; as witness went in to dinner he saw deceased walking out at the gateway, going in the direction of the gaol; that was the last time witness saw deceased alive.
....Constable M'Rae also gave evidence.
....Senior-constable Saunby stated that he had examined some letters found on the body of the deceased, evidently written by him, but not posted; there was nothing in them to throw any light on the tragedy; in one of them deceased spoke in high terms of the police force here and of the way in which he had been treated.
....Mounted constable Langley gave evidence as to having made a thorough search of the locality where deceased had been found, but he had discovered nothing with which the cuts might have been inflicted.
....After a brief deliberation the jury returned a verdict that deceased died from hemorrhage, the result of a wound, but that there was no evidence to show how the wound was inflicted. . ....Deceased's remains were interred in the General Cemetery yesterday afternoon. The police, with the assistance of the member of the two rifle clubs, accorded their late comrade a military funeral. The cortege started from the police barracks at 2.30. All the available police attended Amongst those present were Sub-Inspector Travers, Sergeant Scott, Senior Constables Saunby, Manns, and Murray, and about 20 constables. The firing party, composed of members of the rifle clubs, was led by Mr. Leachen. A fair number of the public were, despite the heavy rain, waiting at the cemetery for the arrival of the mournful procession. The Rev. A. J. Wheeler read the burial service of the Church of England, and the members of the rifle clubs fired a volley over the grave. The whole ceremony was very impressive.
The Barrier Miner [Broken Hill], Monday 26th August 1901




....Very great regret will be expressed at the news of the tragic death of William Harold Blackman, late of Cullenbone. Blackman went to the war with the second contingent, and returned to Australia in May last. He then joined the police force and a week ago was sent to Broken Hill. On Wednesday night last he worked his beat as usual, and on Thursday he went to the barracks and changed his uniform for his civilian dress. His absence during the day did not excite much comment, but when he did not turn up at 7 p.m. his comrades became alarmed, fearing he might have fallen down a disused shaft. Sub-inspector Travers, who is in charge of the police at Broken Hill, ordered out all available men, and the search was continued all night. It was not until Friday, however, that the mystery was cleared up, when the unfortunate fellow was found on Mount Gipps run, 14 miles from Broken Hill, in a dying condition. The unfortunate man had cut the arteries of his left wrist, and was found by a boundary rider, who went for assistance, only to find that it was too late, as the poor follow expired shortly after he was found. A wire from Broken Hill says that since arriving there Blackman had been very depressed.
Mudgee Guardian, Monday 26th August 1901



....In the Wesleyan Church on Sunday evening next, special service will be held, when the subject of the sermon to be preached will be "A tribute to a Mudgee soldier's memory," referring to the life and very sad death of the late Trooper W. H. Blackman. It would be a graceful act if Trooper Blackmail's comrades in arms were to attend the service specially held to do him honor.
Mudgee Guardian, Thursday 12th September 1901


The Stephens Creek Hotel, to which Blackman's body was first taken. Photo by Glen Peters, 1980 - the hotel has since burnt down.

Berenice
There were five men with the surname "Blackman" who are shown as being members of Australian/Colonial Australian units - but only one with the initials W.H. That was "219 Pte. W.H.Blackman of C Sqn., 1NSWMR. His QSA bore the clasps Cape Colony, Dreifontein, Johannesburg, Diamond Hill, Wittebergen and SA1901. The medal roll page on which his entry occurs is undated; and his entry appears to be marked "Returned". However, earlier pages of the 1NSWMR roll are dated 21/9/01 so it can be implied that his QSA was never issued to his NOK.
A strange account of his demise, indeed. Fourteen miles is quite a way to walk over one day (and bush tracks around Broken Hill are not exactly a walk in the park - even in September. And no knife or sharp object was reported found.
Poor bloke.
Regards
IL.

Thanks, IL. It was reported that he'd received his medal (but not the clasps), probably in Sydney after arriving back in Australia, and before returning to Mudgee.

Berenice and interested Forum members
Interestingly, I have never seen any mention of how men of the returning contingents actually received their medals; either upon on return or later. I would not think that the basic medals would have been made up until the rolls had been prepared and signed by the authorising officer. In the case of 1NSWMR, September 1901. And then the medals would have been sent from the Mint. As far as clasps were concerned, I recall seeing indications on the roll of the NSWIB where clasps were not issued for several years later. Sometimes never - as addresses changed, etc.
Regards
IL.

This is where I found the mention of Sonny Blackman (highlighted) having received his medal. There's one name I couldn't read in the report, also highlighted, and it's quite likely that some of the names are incorrectly spelt.





....To-day we publish a list of officers, non-commissioned officers, and men of the New South Wales Contingents, who have actually received war medals for their services in South Africa. Other lists have been given elsewhere of those who are entitled to medals, but of this number some have died; others have not returned to Australia; some few have been back and gone away again with fresh contingents.
....Some delay has occurred at headquarters in getting out those particulars owing to the holidays and the slowness of the Government Printer; it has been a complicated business, also, from the fact that officers and men have been put down on the list, who have gone back to rejoin their regiments, or been attached to new units.
....No clasps or bars have yet been awarded. It is impossible to say how many there will be for Australians, or when they will be sent out.
....The list published herewith has, of course, nothing to do with the decorations conferred by the Imperial Government upon officers, who have served in South Africa with Australian troops, or with any recommendations for the recognition of personal gallantry in the field, or other meritorious services. These decorations and "special mentions," by the way, have been the subject of a good deal of discussion in military circles lately. Most people — at least a great number — imagine that they ought to have been decorated instead of the "other fellow." Of course, it was their "hard luck" to waste their daring on the desert air; there was no one present to report it.
....As a matter of fact there is something in this. Fortune does not favor all those who are brave and do brave deeds. An officer might do something which in ordinary circumstances would win him a V.C., but if there is no senior man present to report it he misses his reward; a sergeant can't recommend his officer for special mention in despatches. This sort of thing has actually happened frequently in the course of this long campaign; it is bound to happen. Some of the officers and men from New South Wales most entitled to reward — from the point of view of their comrades — have not been mentioned. There have been striking instances of this, in the Lancers, the Mounted Rifles, and the Army Medical Corps. As to the last mentioned unit, take the case of the reverse at Nooitgedacht in December last; the officer in charge of the New South Wales Field Hospital has been mentioned by Lord Kitchener, but the five men with him through the thickest of the fight, and without whom he himself could have done practically nothing, were left out. They were Sergeant Sullivan, Corporal Carroll, Lance-Corporal Taylor, Private Edbrook, and Private Sloan. Lieutenant Howse, too, did yeoman service for the corps, and his name is not in the list. Major Fiaschi's son, in the New South Wales Lancers, might also have been mentioned, if everyone got his desserts; but everyone does not, and it is futile to multiply instances. The following is the list of the 920 medals already presented: — ....Sergeant J. D. Kennedy. Corporals H. Farrell, A. Porteous, P. P. Skalla, R. Higgins. Bombadier C. R. Wilson, Gunner C. A. Bennett, Driver G. Butt, Gunner P. J. Clarke, Corporal J. Gleeson, Gunners P. J. Howe, T. R. Hughes, W. Hickey, H. Leonard, E. C. Locke, H. J. Cunningham. Drivers G. E. Millwood, P. Reilly, T. Rossi, Gunner G. W. Slopp, Drivers W. H. Wiseman, J. Wheeler, Gunners W. Jones, A. A. Townsend, J. Wakerly, J. W. Trevenaur. ....Major G. L. Lee, Captain C. E. Nicholson, Lieut. S. F. Osborne, W.O. C. E. Fisher, Squadron Sergt. -Majors G. E. Morris, W. Winch, Squadron Quartermaster-Sergeant E. A. Blow, Sergeants E. Luke, G. E. Gould, A. L. Morrison, C. J. Williams, E. A. Houston, J. S. Dooley, Farrier-Sergeant E. A. Rose, Corporals G. Haken, H. Sandon, Lance-Corporal A. Woods, Trumpeter W. Papworth, Shoeingsmith-Corporal W. J. Moon, Corporal W. Mullard, Troopers H. Anderson, H. A. Artlett, J. W. Alcock, W. H. Brady, P. Brew, G. Bell, A. Burgin, J. Byrne. A. F. Borman, A. W. Blencowe, A. G. Baly, R. D. Barclay, S. R. Baly, J. Clark, O. Chilcott, C. E. Clark, W. G. Davey, W. Elston, C. F. Fiaschi, P. Falconer, J. A. Fitzsimmons, W. H. Hillis, G. C. Hillis, J. Heuston, R. M. Johnstone, J. S. Johnson, J. S. Knight, J. E. Lumley, E. Lee, J. M'Pherson, A. M'Manus, M. M. M'Barron, A. M'Kinnoni, O. L. Milling, T. C. Morris, P. J. Moylan, N. Milling, T. Pestell, G. E. L. Ramsay, A. J. Robinson, J. A. Roberts, J. Rankin, W. Stewart, A. J. Slattery, H. J. Skinner, G. J. Stafford, T. Tooze, W. M. Thompson, C. H. Tyler, E. B. Treatt, H. H. Waddell, G. Whittington, J. Wilkes, A. Whittington, A. Whitney, W. W. Watts, A. Watson, R. Wheller, J. A. Weston, E. A. Withers, H. V. Vernon. ....Captain J. F. M. Wilkinson, Lieutenants W. V. Dowling, P. W. Vaughan, Warrant-Officer H. Arnold, S. Sergeant, H. Heuzlett, Quarter-master-Sergeant L. A. Dowson, H. O'Brien, Squadron Sergeant-Major C. Hargrave, Squadron Farrier-Sergeant W. Gray, Shoeingsmiths A. Armstrong, M. J. Ford, Sergeants H. A. Mills, H. F. Doyle, J. W. Juliff, Lance-Sergeant G. W. Stacpoole, Trumpeter-Corporal D. H. T. Booth, Corporals S. Fuller, A. R. L. Ferguson, W. Cameron, Lance-Corporals N. Priddle, A. Hill, D. Cummings, Trumpeter T. Minch, Sergeant H. D. L. Woods, Troopers J. Alick, T. W. Barnes, W. Ball, H. Bell, L. Bisley, C. C. Bosley, J. Bucholtz, F. F. Bashford, L. Bonnor, H. T. Bridges, H. J. Brosi, W. J. Currie, J. Crowley, Trumpeter E. A. Dobson, Troopers T. Fogarty, C. H. Granville, H. W. Gilchrist, J. W. Haydon, E. Hall, H. Heeney, C. E. Hockley, J. H. Harmer, H. L. Harnett, G. H. L. Harris, J. A. Jones, W. Luff, R. J. Lynn, W. H. Langsford, H. R. Martin, E. L. Moody, A. Mularkie, A. A. Mettam, T. E. Overend, L. A. Palmer, E. A. Prior, R. Resch, W. Renehan, S. Strike, L. Seiffert, S. Spittle, E. Thomas, W. H. Thacker, N. J. Ussher, F. H. Windsor, J. J. Winter, J. Wells, D. A. Windsor, S. V. Wessell, R. H. Gowland, F. W. Dolman. ....Captains M. A. Hilliard, W. Holmes, W. W. R. Watson, J. P. M'Glinn. Lieutenants A. J. M. Onslow, G. A. H. Holborow, M. W. Logan, F. L. Learmonth, P. E. Stirton, Warrant-officer F. P. Liggins, Regimental Sergeant-major J. Kendall, Sergeant-majors T. W. White, F. W. Lindsell, A. McAllister, W. McDonald, Squadron Quarter-master-sergeant J. Wardrobe, Sergeants W. Barham, J. H. Coles, W. M. Dockrell, J. E. Edney, J. Gilfillan, J. R. Kessell, F. S. McLean, H. H. Mowbray, R. J. Neathery, Corporal J. Smillie, Sergeants W. Stintson, J. V. Tyrell, W. J. Apps, J. Christie, E. Bowler, W. D. Donovan, Farrier-Sergeants H. Garlick, S. A. Gribben, H. S. Gribben, J. Hawkey, S. Reid, W. H. Finch, Corporals J. Apps, G. Anderson, A. H. Bateup, S. Buckelton, W. Chant, W. A. Coulson, J. McSweeny, S. E. Martin, E. Osborne, C. F. Taylor, Private H. J. Thorndike, Corporals A. W. WalIace, W. Campbell, Private A. Coucom, Corporals G. H. Fleming, C. J. Norris, Lance-Corporals F. W. Axam, H. G. Agland, H. C. Avern, S. H. McCann, R. McDonald, W. P. Prior, M. H. Reynolds, S. Shettles, W. G. Yeo, E. Cleary, Privates C. W. Argaet, A. Andrews, W. A. Angell, W. Annison, F. S. Appleby, F. N. Allman, G. T. Andrews, M. Abel, W. Asquith, E. E. A. Ashton, F. J. Allwood, J. Bellamy, J. J. Byrne, J. Blackwood, J. Bollard, W. Bond, E. Bull, M. J. Burke, A. Butler, C. A. Brewer, S. Bird, R. M. Baxter, W. Bowditch, W. Bowling, T. C. Brack, H. H. Bradstock, S. E. G. Bradstock, E. J. Brady, B. J. Braun, G. C. Bright, W. Beck, B. P. Bassiere, A. Bates, J. Burns, C. W. Bentley, C. Barber, R. Broadhursthill, H. O. Baker, J. Bennetts, W. H. Blackman, J. H. Brattan, S. Bathurst, F. W. Best, A. H. Burmeister, F. W. Buchanan, R. Brien, T. W. Baldwin, G. Chesher, G. Clifford, H. G. Cameron, G. E. Carpenter, J. Clark, J. W. R. Coupe, J. D. Coxhead, E. Coyle, A. Constantine, P. G. Clements, C. E. Callaghan, J. Cordell, H. G. Crisp, W. A. Crapp, S. Cook, P. E. Cameron, D. W. Cavanagh, C. J. Coombes, A. Cameron, F. Clark, W. H. Dawson, V. Davis, J. Dawes, F. S. Dawson, A. O. Duprey, C. A. Degner, T. E. Dennison, A. H. Dufayer, O. A. Duffy, H. Dale, W. Dale, H. J. Douse, J. R. Dalley, E. H. Duffy, J. Dwan, C. J. Durkin, P. J. English, J. F. Eager, J. A. Ellis, L. Ezzy, J. Field, C. Fowler, J. E. Fraser, W. Fraser, L. Fog, S. Foxkirk, H. C. J. Ferris, J. R. Freeman, G. G. Fuller, J. J. Flynn, W. J. Finch, H. Fraser, W. J. Fisher, J. M. Foulstone, A. T. Gates, W. Gilbert, H. T. Glanville, S. H. Goodsell, G. R. Grey, J. D. R. Grimmond, C. Gosper, W. H. Glover, T. Gunning, J. W. Gribble, W. Gribble, R. K. Grace, T. D. Glanham, E. Gilmour, J. Gannon, T. Gaites, H. Gates, E. Hackett, E. G. Hawes, J. Hopkins, J. Hughes, A. F. Hardie, Buglers C. S. Binns, J. A. Hamilton, W. Kimbel, A. Lusher, C. Mills, W. M. McLeod, W. A. Melville, A. V. McNair, H. Nugent, Privates A. James, A. F. Jones, C. Jones, C. S. Joyce, J, A. Jones, J. R. Johnston, F. Jamieson, C. Jones, H. Jones, D. A. Hebblewhite, J. Hickey, E. E. Hines, E. Hoffman, J. Howard, H. L. Holm, H. Hunt, G. J. Hatton, J. W. Henry, R. Hallwell, A. N. Howell, T. Hughes, S. E. Harrison, E. P. Holland, H. Henshaw, A. J. Hodges, A. C. Ireland, W. E. Ireland, G. Irvine, M. D. Key, S. H. Key, E. J. Kirby, A. H. Kortlang, E. V. Kremer, C. Key, B. Kiddle, E. Lindsay, W. G. Lloyd, F. Lee, G. A. Lye. F. S. Lindon, D. W. Lynch, R. H. Lenon, R. T. Lynch, A. H. Lenehan, J. J. Larkin, G. M....d, J. Maxwell, J. McDonald, C. Miller, P. J. Moore, M. Moss, A. Maxwell. A. McAlpine, A. J. Mason, W. H. Martin. A. H. Mackay, A. J. McGrath, C. H. Mitchell, A. B. Mitchell. P. F. McKeller, G. Mason, L. E. Maund, J. M. McMillan, D. T. Moore, J. J. Murphy, J. E. Maher, E. Mascord, F. May, A. H. McRae, W. C. M'Donald, J. Millington, W. M. Moore, P. H. Morris, T. L. Morris, B. Mowbray, W. H. Murphy, A. J. Murray, J. McCracken, J. McCabe, A. M. McDonald, H. J. McGregore, J. B. McGannett, D. P. Noakes, R. Neilson, W. Nash, W. J. Neeld, E. Osborne, E. A. Owens, F. J. O'Connor, C. T. O'Neil, A. Osborne, H. Pearse, S. A. Palazzi, H. Paul, W. H. Pearce, G. R. Poole, H. Potter, W. Pickleson, W. W. E. Pope, G. Paul, A. D. Plasto, L. B. Porter, A. Pickering, A. Pickering, E. Phillips, R. T. Palmer, A. H. Picot, P. Power, A. J. Reeves, F. W. Rafter, J. Ross, A. S. Robison, S. Robson, H. Russell, J. T. Russell, W. Ross, G. Rolleston, C. J. Roberts, R. E. Roberts, D. Robertson, R. A. Sandon, F. Seawell, C. A. St. Clair, J. A. Steel, H. Symons, C. G. Spooner, A. J. Smith, C. R. Smith, R. Sharpe, B. C. Spearing, G. Stewart, R. Swan, M. J. Symmonds, R. W. Staines, W. A. Steel, S. H. Saxebly, A. J. Shaddock, A. Sharpe, G. H. Spillsbury, J. A. Storey, J. H. Sheffield, E. V. Silk, R. Small, A. J. Sharpe, R. Spring, G. S. Trevitt, P. R. Taylor, E. Thomas, J. Tarlington, F. H. Tonkin, D. L. Trim, H. L. Tullidge, H. Thoroughgood, — Tayler, A. Williams, H. C. Whitehead, J. C. Wallace, C. H. Warburton, F. Weatherly, G. Waite, L. C. Waterson, E. Windeyer, S. L. Wells. P. H. Wickerson, T. J. Williams, J. P. Woods, E. G. Ward, J. Wilson, A. S. Wheeler, J. G. White, D. S. Wright, J. Webster, H. Watts, N. Wilshire, O. Weiss, F. Williams, D. Wirth, W. Ward, N. Yates. ....Captains Meredith, T. A. Machattie; Lieuts. W. Cope, W. B. Allen; Sergt. -Major A Mason; S.-Sergeant B. L. Wentworth; Sergeants F. J. Dowling, T. H. C. Druitt, E. A. Raymond, W. T. Trotman, H. Putney; Lance-Sergeant. A. T. Bell; Corporals, A. K. Alston, F. A. Buckleton, C. R. M'Kinnon, P. Stewart, E. Ahern; Lance-Corporals H. Rohlsen, O. F. H. Middleton; Trumpet-Corporal S. T. Taylor; Trumpeters R. W. Peek, G. W. Preston; Troopers C. Ausling, A. H. Brown, J. Bentley, R. Black, H. J. Baker, F. W, Bentley, B. F. Campbell, C. H. Chown, E. A. Cummiings, J. J. Dunn, J. R. De Lore, L. G. Eyre, A. H. Fucheader, R. Hodge, W. H. Huddart, L. Hoy; Corporal D. Lees; Troopers P. Burke, T. BorIase, F. Burns, C. Canvin, G. Charles, H. Clements, W. Hampson, J. W. Jackson, F. Jackson. W. R. Jeffries, C. E. Kelleher, G. Libbeson, Trumpeter R. J. Morris, Troopers A. Mayne, T. M'Phail, J. W, M'Grath, W. S Meares, W. F. M'Crusher, A. H. Miller, J. Matthews, M. J. May, W. M'Donald, F. Nicholls, L. G. Ormsby, M. O'Brien, J. H. Payne, W. S. Pateman, J. A. Porter, W. A. Parr, W.Quinlan, G. H. Ralston, J. Smith, E. Sweeney, G. Shepherd, H.Shepherd, P. S. Sloey, B. Sloan, E. Street, C. L. Stokes, A. O. Tindale, G. E. M. Woodley, W. J. Watson, W. M. Walsh, T. Wotton, R. Eggleton, W. M'Grath, C. Payne, J. F. Saddler. ....Captain T. W. R. Waldron, Quatermaster-Sergeant J. F. Campbell, Sergeants F. Clarke, F. L. Guy, H. A. Fox, H. L. Tebbutt, J. W. Walker. Farrier-Sergeant F. B. Connors, Corporals J. Fleetwood, A. Smith, F. E. Whinfield, G. R. Crawford, Cl.-Trumpeter A. R. L. Wilmott, Troopers M. J. Boyd, F. Baker, W. S. Beit, L. E. Ball, J. Caurnes, M. Carroll, P. J. Carroll, D. Derrell, H. De Boos, J. R. Eggleton, E. Fenton, A. J. Glen, F. C. Gray, J. W. Green, J. Grimshaw, J. C. Garvie, H. Gregory, C. H. Howarth, W. H. Hamilton, J. P. Hassett, P. D. Iverack. H. C. Kindred, R. W. Kilgour, E. J. Laurence, J. E. Leeke, D. McNamara, R. P. Marshall, A. Morris, B. C. Naughton. E. J. Peters, A. Puxtey, S. S. Read, P. J. Sullivan, G. H. M. Seaborn, M. Sheedy, A. E. Stacey, H. C. Squire, T. Sullivan, Corporal P. E. Smith, Troopers T. J. Scott, W . A. Smith, T. W. Tyler, P. Walt, L. L. Watts, A. Warbrick, W. Watson, P. P. Willis, T. West, G. J. Woods, J. P. Yates, W. F. Mann, P. A. Shepperd. ....Majors W. L. E. Eames, T. E. Fiaschi, Captains R. E. Roth, J. Marshall, G. H. Marshall, T. M. Martin, T. A. Green, A. E. Perkins, Lieutenants B. J. Newmarch, C. E. Edwards, A. H. Horsfall, N. R. Howse, Nursing Sisters Martin, Woodward, Warrant Officers J. Bond, E. P. Mason, Sergeant-major D. Hadfield, Staff Sergeant F. W. Pantlin, Quartermaster-Sergeant J. Howarth, Sergeants H. W. Burden, C. Branston, R. Eberling, R. V. Falconer, A. J. Hindmarsh, D. McKewan, T. Rose, T. Render, H. Rigden, T. Sullivan, C. Salvatori, W. Walpole, Farrier-Sergeants A. Avon, J. Maund, Lance-Sergeants G. Jordan. J. F. McKewan, G. Rose, Corporals N. F. Brears, J. Connolly, W. Colbourne, J. C. Cox, G. Daggar, T. Harkness, T. Carroll, A. J. Justin, W. Ladd, H. T. Ransome, H. Wauchope, A. Willis, Lance-Corporals J. Ayres, W. H. Coulter, J. Cuddy, R. H. Clifford, H. Dadd, J. Green, J. Hannah, D. M'Naughton, F. Murphy, L. C. Taylor, J. Whelan, Trumpeters S. Berkely, A. Blair, W. Davis, E. H. Hardwicke, H. V. Masters, Privates F. Aitken, S. M. Byrne, H. Bennett, J. Blanchard, L. W. Byrne, W. Bowman, F. Blackall, W. Blestowe, W. Collins, D. M. Cronin, W. Cousins, F. A. Darby, G. Downey, C. F. Duck, N. Devery, E. C. Davis, F. Eaves, W. Franklin, G. E. Freeman, S. Francks, J. Fraser, C. Flanagan, W. Gill, P. Garvin, J. G. C. Stewart, F. Goodhall, J. C. Gates, J. Gordon, H. W. Gollidge, C. Harrison, J. Healey, J. Henry, C. Hitchins, J. S. Howath, J. F. Harnett, T. A. Hale, W. Harris, E. Hill, W. H. Hambley, W. Heath, A. Inman, F. Kenny, T. Kelly, H. P. Legge, O. Levido, W. D. Lewis, C. Lindfield, H. Longbottom, W. J. Lees, W. E. Learoyd, A. Matheson, E. M'Kinley, E. M'Namara, F Milson, A. J. M'Gowan, W. M'Pherson, P. J. Murray, A. M'Niven, C. M'Neil, G. Newton, H. Norris, S. Newell, J. Neish, S. J. O'Grady, F. Pawla, J. H. Parrott, C. M. Pacey, P. Priestly, B. Parkhill, A. Pringle, J. Rigglesford, A. Russel, R. Read, G. Selmes, O. J. Stanton, G. Stratton, N. Stevens, R. Sloan, A. R. Spencer, A. S. Tait, S. Timmins, F. Townley, P. Thornton, S. Thornton, W. P. Tresidder, J. W. Taylor, H. Turner, H. Vaughan, A. Warren, R. C. Walton, C. White, E. Widgery, G. Willey, J. Ward, T. Watson. ....Lieutenant-Colonels M. W. Bayly, J. P. H. Murray, Maior W. T. Bridges, Captains A. P. Luscombe, R. St. J. Pearce, A. P. Gribben, Major H. J. Rose, Lieutenant A. E. Forest, Gunners W. H. Lashford, F. Lindell, N. Palmer, Sergeant J. Louis, Lieutenant- Colonels J. W. McA. Onslow, T. S. Parrott, Majors A. H. P. Savage, P. T. Owen, Captains L. F. Kyngdon, H. W. Dangar, Lieutenant C. W. Lamb, Major E. C. Beck. Lieutenant Duffy (West Australia), Sergeants H. G. Grace, A. E. Cradick, Corporals A. K. Parrott, H. B. Podmore, A. W. Wallace, Privates F. St. L. Hayes, J. H. Maples, G. Murray, N. G. Rich, G. Walker, H. K. Johnson, W. Sinclair.

The Daily Telegraph [Sydney], Wednesday 5th June 1901

trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/23726...20W.%20H.%20Blackman