State: New South Wales, Australia
Issued on: Return
Date of presentation: 26/01/1901, 29/07/1901
Number issued: 8
Gold medals/pendants, to:
26/01/1901 presentation
114 Trooper Charles MARKS
29/07/1901 presentation
168 Trooper Frederick John McCARTHY
117 Sergeant Henry Alfred BEST
286 Trooper Hubert Martel WATT
Presentation made by Mesdames Deards, J. Newman, and J. Thomson, in the Oddfellow's Hall, Grenfell.
Presentation to Trooper C. MARKS.
There was a gathering at the Royal Hotel, on Saturday afternoon, the occasion being the presentation of a gold pendant to Trooper Charles MARKS (lately returned from South Africa).
Mr R. Halls, who presided, said he had been asked by a few friends to present the testimonial as a small token of their recognition of the conduct of one or the young men of Grenfell who voluntarily went to assist in fighting the battles of the Empire. Although Trooper MARKS did not go from Grenfell, still they looked upon him as a native of the place. It gave them satisfaction to know that he had been all through the war, and had come out uninjured; he with the many others who had gone from these shores were deserving, not merely the thanks of the colonies, but of the many nationalities whose rights and liberties they had defended.
Mr T. Bembrick was very pleased to think that their guest had come back to Grenfell from the thick of the fight without a wound. As in war, there were some men who passed through life without showing marks of the strife. After Trooper MARKS' varied experiences, it was to them a matter of gratification that he had returned safe and sound; he had shown himself a true Briton, prepared to defend the flag of the great Empire to which he belonged. The universal rising of Britain's sons in every quarter of the globe to defend the integrity of the Empire showed how loyal were its people, and the response demonstrated the security and stability of that Empire. He again congratulated Trooper MARKS, and wished him every success.
Mr Vaughn also expressed gratification at seeing Trooper MARKS back again, and to know that he and his comrades had conducted themselves to the satisfaction of their officers — he had formed his opinion as to that from independent reports in the newspapers, which could not possibly be biased. Whilst Trooper MARKS had returned safe, and in good health, some had been left, never to return, but they would not be forgotten.
Mr Harveyson had much pleasure in meeting Trooper MARKS, and in knowing the manner in which the Australian troops had upheld the honour of their country. He felt they could all join in wishing their guest health and every happiness and prosperity.
Refreshments being ordered in, Mr Halls, in proposing the health of Trooper MARKS, again referred to him in complimentary terms, and dwelt on the fact that great praise had been bestowed on the Australians for their fighting qualities by foremost British generals. He referred to the loss sustained by the death of the Queen, regretting Grenfell had not shown the respect and sympathy that it might; he, however, hoped that something would still be done in that direction.
The toast being duly honoured, Trooper MARKS responded, expressing his sense of kindness such as he never expected; he left for South Africa simply with the intention to do his duty, and had endeavoured to do so during his term of service; he had been induced to go in order to protect the women and children, of whose treatment they had heard, and much of which was true. After a passing tribute to his comrades, and those that fell, he concluded by again thanking the company.
Mr J. Marks, on behalf of his family, also responded, in a highly loyal speech. Had he fifty sons, he would have sent them, or gone himself. Speaking as a Jew, though one who had embraced Christianity, he said England had been their good friend, and his people felt it their duty to assist her. His father bad been a special constable during the great Corn Law riots; he (the speaker) had still a son in South Africa, and two daughters who had been in readiness to offer their services. Whenever the British Empire required, it was the duty of her subjects to assist all they could. He regretted the Queen had not seen the end of the campaign, which was one of the worst England had ever experienced; comparing it with the Crimean War. Mr Marks said that in South Africa at the present time England was fighting every other nation — not only foreigners but even Englishmen, as shown by the unassailable defences constructed for the Boers by an English officer of Engineers, who got what he deserved. He (Mr Marks) had had experience in different parts of the world, but he always found that a Britisher had a heart which beat true to the country to which he belonged; and when they put England, Scotland, and Ireland together, they could face the world.
Public Reception of Returned Soldiers.
On Monday evening, the Oddfellows' Hall was filled to its utmost capacity, the occasion being the welcoming of later arrivals of Grenfell members of the Imperial Bushmen's Contingent. As on the former occasion, the hall was appropriately decorated, national flags predominating, the work being carried out by Messrs Cousins and W. Logan.
Among those on the platform were the Mayor (presiding), Revs. A. Poole, G. Paul, and H.E Andrews, and Messrs R. Halls, F. Crommelin, J. Newman, J.R. Wallace, W.B. Filby, W.F. McCarthy. W.R. Watt, R.M. Vaughn, and G. Cousins.
Great cheering greeted the soldiers as they marched up the hall, the squad comprising sergeant H. BEST, Corporal L. DUMONT, and Troopers A. WALLACE, H. WATT, and A. and F. McCARTHY. The band, stationed on the platform, played appropriate music at intervals.
The Mayor opened the proceedings, and subsequently read a telegram from Mr A.H. Grimm, regretting his inability to be present to welcome the boys, adding that he shook hands with them in spirit.
Mr Vaughn addressed the meeting, welcoming and commending those who had so bravely fought the battles of the Empire, and referring sympathetically to those who had fallen.
Rev. A. Poole felt it a privilege to join in welcoming back those who had braved the dangers of South Africa. The rev. gentleman, at some length, recounted what he saw at Capetown when on his recent voyage to England, and paid a high tribute to those who went forth from Grenfell to assist in fighting the battles of their country.
Mr R. Halls said it afforded him much pleasure to do honour to the young men who had come back — whom, he considered, were not only an honour to the town, but to the whole country. He referred to what he heard had been said about these young men going forth; the remarks might have been made in the heat of the moment, and he trusted an apology would be tendered.
Rev. G. Paul then sang “The Young Brigade”.
Mr Collins, on being called upon, said he thought it would have been hardly necessary for him to say anything, but non-compliance with the invitation to come forward might have been misunderstood. There might be differences as to the justice of, or necessity for the present struggle, but whilst Great Britain was at war was not the time to argue the point, but everything should be done to bring about victory. He had great pleasure in welcoming back those with them that evening, not only as soldiers, but as personal friends. He made graceful reference to the late Henry HARDY, and warmly congratulated those who had safely returned.
Rev. H.E. Andrews considered it an honour that his first appearance before the Grenfell public was on such occasion. He spoke of various needs of the Empire, and combatted the assertion that the English hatred of slavery had passed away, concluding by welcoming those in whose honour they had met that evening.
Mr Rankin then gave “When the Empire calls”, for which he was encored.
Mr Wilfred Howarth accompanied the singers.
The band struck up “See the conquering hero”, during which Mesdames Deards, J. Newman, and J. Thomson, ascended the platform, and, amid cheers, pinned medals on to the uniform coats of the soldiers. [A mourning locket was subsequently presented Mr J.N. Hardy, father of the late Trooper HARDY].
Sergeant BEST and the remainder of the military guests responded, amid loud and encouraging cheers. Cheers were also given for the ladies and for Siater ANDERSON (now on her way home).
Messrs MOONEY and KEARINS (who had also seen service) were called before the platform, and said a few words, being very heartily received.
Mr Crommelin said he had very great pleasure in being present that evening. The crowded hall and the reception at the station on Tuesday, must have proved to the boys how high was the esteem in which they were held. It had often occurred to him how great was the strain on the parents during the time their sons were away. Mr Crommelin also referred to those who had fallen in Africa: HARDY, BENNETT, FLINT, HAMBLY, TOOHEY — who, although they did not all go direct from Grenfell, had been associated with the place, and he thought something might be done to perpetuate their memory — in the shape of a tablet or monument, to which all would gladly contribute. He concluded by calling for three cheers for the relatives and parents.
A collection towards a memorial was made in the hall, resulting in about £12 being gathered, Messrs Hill and Halls heading the list with £5. Some promiscuous cheering was indulged in (including three for Mr Cousins, who had given much time to organising the two demonstrations).
The Rev. G. Paul joined with great pleasure in the welcome to the gentlemen in khaki, and expressed high admiration for the courage shown and the spirit in which they had gone forth. Having replied to an interjection (“Speak up!”) Mr Paul dealt with certain criticisms indulged in by a local paper, and complained of the misrepresentation to which he had been subjected. He concluded his remarks by expressing a hope that the young men around him would ever stand by their country when she fought for freedom.
