State: Victoria, Australia
Issued on: Return
Date of presentation: 30/07/1901
Number issued: 2
Gold medals, suitably inscribed, to:
WELCOME AT FOSTERVILLE.
Fosterville, 31st July.
PRESENTATION TO CORPORAL P. O'BRIEN AND TROOPER GORNALLE.
Amongst the many pleasant and enthusiastic gatherings that have been held here, last Tuesday night’s gathering (says our Fosterville correspondent) displayed more patriotic feeling and spirit than any previous functions. The manner in which the residents of the district rolled up, as well as visitors from Bendigo, Epsom, Axedale, and other places, speaks well for the gladdened spirits of the friends of the returned men to see them home safe and sound. The hall was laid out in a style that speaks volumes for the catering abilities of Mr and Mrs Bloomquist. Seating accommodation was made for over 100 persons, arid it was overtaxed. About half past 8 o'clock the proceedings commenced, and the crowd seated themselves and listened with attention to a few opening re marks by the chairman.
In the absence of Mr E. O’Keefe, Mr Groutsch presided, and had on his right Corporal O’BRIEN and on his left Troopers GORNALLE, with Trooper W. BLANDFORD, of Huntly. The health of “The King" was duly honoured, after which “Parliament” was proposed by Mr Craike. In a good speech, he argued strongly against the present Government on their policy with regard to country legislation, considering that too much attention is given to the Trades’ Hall party. He, however, thought the defence forces of the colony were being established on proper lines, and would become a strong part of the Empire under the management of the Commonwealth Parliament. Mr P.M. O’Dwyer responded maintaining that good able representatives for the country had been returned around this district.
The chairman proposed “Returned Soldiers”. He said everybody felt proud to see them home again after going through the trials of battle for 12 months. A special feature was the number of ladies who had attended to do them honour, which must be very pleasing to the soldiers. He next presented each of the two men with a handsome gold medal from the residents of the district. They had volunteered to fight for the Empire, and they might have had to lay down their lives, as many a hero had done, but Providence had guided them through with safety, and allowed them to return home. The gold medals would be deserving mementoes of their pluck and valour. Messrs R. McPherson, T Craike, Hennessy, and others endorsed the remarks of the chairman. The toast was then drunk amidst much cheering.
Corporal O’BRIEN received a great ovation on rising to respond. He thanked all friends for the splendid reception and kind presentation that had been given them. Speaking of the battlefield he explained how he was the first to arrive on the capture of De Wet's guns, for which he received his stripes, and was promoted to corporal. For the 7 months prior to boarding the ship for home they were practically the whole time without shelter, having to sleep in their clothes on the open veldt. He described several shaves and lucky escapes which Trooper GORNALLE had. On one occasion he was one of a party of seven who were surprised, in which 5 got killed and one wounded, he, on a wounded horse, being the only one to return with the news. He (the speaker) was glad to be home, but anticipated returning when the country became a little more settled. (Cheers).
Trooper GORNALLE and Trooper W. BLANDFORD also spoke of their experiences of warfare and were attentively listened to.
