State: New South Wales, Australia
Issued on: Return
Date of presentation: 21/07/1902
Number issued: 1
Gold medal, to:
Medal inscribed: "Presented to J. W. Miller, 3rd Regt. N.S W. M.R., from his Bomaderry friends, July, 1902".
Miller also received a silver matchbox.
BOMADERRY.
PUBLIC WELCOME AND PRESENTATION TO PRIVATE MILLER.
A few weeks ago, Private J.W. MILLER, of Bomaderry, quietly returned to his home after a term of about 18 months’ active service in South Africa. At that time practically nothing was known of his home-coming until he reached Bomaderry, so that no public demonstration could be arranged for, the returned warrior being met by his own family and a few immediate friends. Since then, however, a public welcome was initiated, and steps taken to mark in a suitable way the people’s appreciation of Private MILLER’s pluck in answering the Empire’s call to duty by serving with the forces in the field of war. The movement culminated in a large gathering on Monday evening of the residents of Bomaderry and others in the long room adjoining Mr J.T. Pallett’s residence. Mr M.F. Morton presided. …….
……. At this point the Chairman called upon Private MILLER to step forward, the hero of the occasion being warmly applauded as he did so. Mr Morton said he had been deputed by his Bomaderry friends to present Private MILLER with a mark of their appreciation of his gallant conduct. He congratulated him on his safe return from the war, and also his parents in having their son with them again. From all accounts Private MILLER had conducted himself with credit at the front. …….
……. They were all glad to see Private MILLER back safe and sound. On behalf of his friends he presented that gentleman with a gold medal and a silver match-box as a souvenir. (Applause).
The medal bore the following inscription – “Presented to J.W. MILLER, 3rd Regt. N.S.W. M.R.; from his Bomaderry friends; July, 1902”. On the reverse was the design of a mounted rifleman, representative of the branch of the service to which Private MILLER belonged. On the match-box was a monogram engraving of his initials. The articles were supplied by Mr S. Simons, jeweller, of Nowra.
Mr Pallett, as one of the prime movers in the demonstration, explained that he was actuated by a sense of duty in taking steps to honor Mr MILLER, who had gone to South Africa and fought in the interests of the Empire. He had done honor to Bomaderry in so doing, and Bomaderry was that night honoring him on his return. It must be a satisfaction to Mr MILLER, as it was to those having the matter in hand, to see such a large gathering present, and especially were they pleased to have with them the member for the district and his brother, Mr Harry Morton.
Private MILLER, in responding, had a great reception. He said he was proud to be a Bomaderryite. He could not express himself in words as he would like to, nor could he convey the gratitude he felt in his heart for their gifts. As far as his service in South Africa was concerned, he had only done his duty. Every soldier should obey, and do his best for his country and his King. (Applause). …….
……. Refreshments, provided by the ladies of Bomaderry, were then handed round. The function, a most successful and enjoyable one, concluded with a dance.
