Medals and awards

2594 Corporal Thomas Henry DUNN

3155 Trooper Christopher Michael Glannon MORAN

 

 

 

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Dubbo Liberal and Macquarie Advocate, 25th June 1902

 

RECEPTION OF RETURNED SOLDIERS AT MURRUMBIDGERIE

The reception tendered on Wednesday last to the soldiers from Murrumbidgerie who took part in the Boer war was a great success. It took the form of a social held in Mr J. Pender's Hall, kindly lent for the occasion. A pianist from Dubbo supplied the music. Miss Daisy Bentley played some extras during the evening. Mr D. Crowley, assisted by Trooper C. MORAN, acted as M.C., and gave general satisfaction. The refreshments were provided by the ladies of Murrumbidgerie and district, and were both ample and of good quality. The attendance was the largest ever seen here, upwards of 60 couples being on the floor at once, and the seats were still full. Visitors came from all parts of the district and were loud in their praises of the programme provided. The recipients of the gold medals were Corporal T.H. DUNN, Lance-Corporal T.E. DENNISON, Lance-Corporal YEO, Troopers R. MAXWELL, C. HILL, C. MORAN, and A. MUNTZ, the latter's medal being provided by the residents of Eschol as a mark of their appreciation.

The hall was nicely decorated with flags kindly lent by the Dubbo Rifle Club. In the centre of the building and over the stage were the words "Welcome Home", artistically worked with white crinkled paper on a red ground. On either side were large, framed pictures of Earl Roberts, the brave little bugler Dunn, Lord Nelson, and his old ship the Victory. The seven soldiers named were marshalled on the outside of the hall and marched, soldier-like, on to the stage.

Mr P. Lovett, the chairman, then addressed the audience on the Boer war from its inception, and complimented the soldiers on the good reports from the highest officials on the staff in South Africa.

As soon as the soldiers were arranged on the stage Miss D. Bentley sang "Soldiers of the King", everyone in the hall standing and lustily joining in the chorus. The same young lady sang "Break the News to Mother" and "Just Before the Battle, Mother". Miss Barwick sang "You'd Better Stay at Home Lad" and "Sons of the Sea" very nicely.

Mr B.W. Carroll was then called upon to make the presentation, each soldier stepping to the front to receive his present. Mr Carroll addressed them in a few well-chosen words and complimented them on their good work on the field.

Troopers DENNISON, DUNN, MORAN, and MAXWELL returned thanks.

Sergeant Graham, who, in addition to Troopers McAULIFFE, GAVIN, and BURKE, was on the stage, supported the speeches made and expressed a hope that war would never be known to them again.

By request of the Chairman, Mr Maxwell, senior, in a truly patriotic speech, addressed those present, and on conclusion was heartily cheered. Cheers were then given for Lieutenant MAXWELL (now in South Africa on active service), Mr Carroll, and the Chairman.

The proceedings throughout were of a most enthusiastic nature, and the committee, consisting of Messrs J. Fender, F.S. Lovett, W. Sharpe, F.J. Heaney, E. Hannon, R.W. Carroll, H. Hookway, and D. Fender, are to be congratulated on the success of the reception. The ladies are also to be complimented for their exertions, which added largely to the success. A patriotic recitation entitled "A Little Bit of Something up His Sleeve" was capitally rendered by Norman Lovett, who was accorded a popular outburst of applause. Several of the school children sang "The Australian Volunteers" very nicely.

Troopers GAVIN and McAULIFFE exhibited during the evening several trophies in the form of shells, sword, bullets of various kinds, and two hats given them by the Boers in exchange for their own on the occasion of their capture.

On Thursday night a juvenile dance was held and was a great success, the youngsters enjoying themselves immensely.