Medals and awards

Heywood, Vic

State: Victoria, Australia
Issued on: Return
Dates of presentations: 21/08/1901, 26/02/1902
Number issued: 2

 

Gold medals, suitably inscribed, to:
 

21/08/1901 presentation

4th Victorian (Imperial Bushmen's) Contingent –

535 Trooper John BELL

Presentation made by Councillor S. Righetti, in the Mechanics' Institute, Heywood.
 

26/02/1902 presentation

"B" Squadron, 6th Australian Commonwealth Horse (Victorian Contingent) –

189 Sergeant-Major Herbert Andrew ROGERS

Presentation made by Mr Ewen Cameron, M.L.A., in the Mechanics' Institute, Heywood.

 

 

 
 
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Portland Guardian, 23rd August 1901
 

WELCOME HOME TO TROOPER BELL.

A most enthusiastic welcome home at Heywood was, on Wednesday night, accorded to Trooper John BELL, of the Imperial Bushmen’s Contingent, who recently returned from South Africa. The reception, which took the form of a banquet, was held in the Mechanics’ Hall. The gathering was a highly representative one, about sixty-five persons being present, with Cr. S. Righetti in the chair. During the evening Trooper BELL, who was splendidly received, was presented with a gold medal suitably inscribed. A long list of toasts was gone through, and the proceedings were enlivened by several songs, recitations and musical selections which were highly appreciated. Altogether the “turn out” was one of the best of its kind ever held here, and Trooper BELL has every reason to be proud of the sincere and hearty manner in which his safe return home was hailed.  
 
 
Hamilton Spectator, 24th August 1901
 
WELCOME TO TROOPER BELL. – A large and representative gathering of Heywood residents (writes our correspondent under date 22nd inst.) met in the mechanics’ hall last evening to tender a hearty welcome home to Trooper John BELL, of the Imperial Bushmen, who, as I stated in my last, has recently returned from South Africa. Cr. Righetti presided. Toasts of the King, the guest and many others were proposed and honoured, interspersed with songs and recitations, which were listened to with appreciation and enthusiastically applauded. During the evening it was the pleasing duty of the chairman, on behalf of the Heywood friends, to present to Mr BELL a handsome gold Maltese cross, suitably inscribed, in commemoration of the valour he displayed in facing the dangers of a battlefield. The catering, which had been given into the able hands of Mrs John Davies, was all that could be desired. The singing of “Auld Lang Syne” brought a most enjoyable evening to a close.
 
 
Portland Guardian, 28th February 1902
 

A WELCOME HOME.

As previously announced, a welcome home from the war in South Africa was tendered Sergeant-Major ROGERS at the Mechanics' Institute on Wednesday night. The welcome took the form of a social, and which was a brilliant success from every point of view. Mr Ewen Cameron, M.L.A., presided over an attendance numerically large and most representative, while the evening was marked as being patriotic, enthusiastic, and demonstrative. In addition to the guest of the evening, Captain Righetti, and Privates Redfern, Maxwell and Bush, occupied seats on the right of the chairman. In opening the proceedings Mr Cameron gave Sergeant-Major ROGERS a hearty welcome, referring to his long service in Africa, and the pleasure it gave the residents of the district to see him safe back, concluding by asking for cheers for the returned soldier. The cheers were given with much power. After some musical items, Mr Cameron intimated that he had been requested to present Sergeant-Major ROGERS with a small token of the peoples' good will and esteem. Mr Cameron spoke at some length, and alluded in terms of thankfulness that the guest had returned safely, and to the long term of service given at the front. He paid a tribute of praise also to the other soldiers in the room, who had also shared in the big struggle. Regarding the war, Mr Cameron said it must be carried to such an end as would place England in the position of conqueror, and he had no fear but that even handed justice would be meted out to all. In making Sergeant-Major ROGERS the recipient of a handsome gold medal, he said he had pleasure in doing so on behalf of the residents of Heywood, for they esteemed him as a resident, and as a credit to his native town and country, and the great empire of which he was a unit. Mr Cameron's remarks were frequently interrupted by applause. The gift was briefly but suitably acknowledged by Sergeant-Major ROGERS. The President of the Portland Shire, Mr S. Righetti, in a happy speech, proposed a vote of thanks to Mr Cameron for presiding. This was seconded by Mr J.R. Mathers and carried, and duly acknowledged by Mr Cameron.During the course of the evening quite a number of vocal items were given, while the Portland Public Band at intervals rendered appropriate selections, the whole making up a most pleasant evening. Refreshments were dispensed in the adjoining Temperance Hall, after which a ball was held in the Mechanics' Hall, which was much enjoyed. The whole venture was a marked success, and the executive committee have every reason to be pleased at the result of their efforts.
 
 
Hamilton Spectator, 1st March 1902
 

WELCOME HOME TO SERGEANT-MAJOR ROGERS.

HEYWOOD, Thursday

A large and representative gathering of the friends of Sergeant-major ROGERS met in the mechanics' hall last evening, in order to tender to him a welcome home. Mr Cameron (our member), who had travelled from Melbourne for the occasion, took the chair amid cheers. A very enjoyable programme was gone through, most of the songs being patriotic. Music was supplied by the Portland brass band, which had been engaged for the evening.

On behalf of the Heywood friends Mr Cameron presented to Sergeant-Major ROGERS a gold medal suitably inscribed. He said he had the pleasing duty to perform of making a small presentation from Heywood friends and neighbours to Sergeant-Major ROGERS to commemorate his safe return from, and appreciation of his services in South Africa. They were met to express their joyful feelings at his safe return and their gratitude that although often facing danger and death the God of battles had been pleased to bring him through unscathed. (Cheers). He was also glad to see his comrades of the first contingent present, some of whom had the misfortune to be wounded and now bore honourable scars. (Cheers). The members of H Company present, together with their comrades at Pink Hill were among the first, in the words of the song "Motherland", which they had beard that evening, to show that "Australia was there", and that Australians could bravely die. (Cheers). Sergeant-Major ROGERS had played a man's part in the great drama of war. He had done credit to himself, to his friends, the little township of Heywood and the State he represented on the battlefield. (Cheers). When the history of the South African war was written Australia would have a place in its pages, and their friend would have the satisfaction and pleasure of knowing he had played a part in the making of that history, and of the greater history that marked the event when sons of their sires from every different portion of the Empire stood shoulder to shoulder, side by side, in the cause of the Empire. They had silenced those critics who said we would forget the motherland and drift apart. They had shown that blood was stronger to bind than salt was to separate. However deplorable war might be, it was still a part of our human institutions, and was best avoided by being prepared for it. The South African war was not of our asking, and it had to be remembered that in a contest of that kind only one side could win, and that side must be the British, and when they stood in the position of conquerors, British humanity and justice would be dealt out to a brave and stubborn foe. On behalf of Heywood friends he presented this medal, knowing he would value it as the appreciation of friends. Although other medals marked his deeds as a soldier, this one showed their regard for him as a soldier and a man. (Loud cheers).

Sergeant-Major ROGERS, on accepting the medal, briefly stated bis pleasure at seeing so many of his old friends from different parts of the district present, and thanked one and all for their kindness to him.

A vote of thanks was proposed by Mr Righetti, seconded by Mr J.R. Mathers, to Mr Cameron for his coming the distance he had done to be present that evening.

Mr Cameron in reply stated that travelling from Melbourne for pleasure was very little compared with travelling to South Africa to face danger for the sake of the Empire, as the guest of the evening had done and his comrades present had done, and, therefore, all the thanks were due to them.

After a selection by the Portland brass band, the company adjourned to the adjoining hall, where an excellent supper was spread, prepared by Mrs Davies. After supper dancing began, and was continued for several hours by lovers of the pastime.
 
 
 
Details
Parent Category: Tribute medals
Category: H
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