State: New South Wales, Australia
Issued on: Return
Date of presentation: 21/06/1902
Number issued: 1
Gold locket, suitably inscribed, to:
Penrose.
Mr and Mrs G. Johnson's hospitable home at "The Laurels", Penrose, was the scene of a very enjoyable and patriotic meeting on Saturday last, the occasion being that of a welcome home and presentation to Trooper Phillip RUSH, junr., on his safe return to Penrose after 14 months fighting in South Africa with the 3rd Imperial Bushmen. Trooper RUSH has been where the Mauser bullets at times came thick and sudden, but it is pleasing to know that he escaped both wound and disease, and, thanks to an iron constitution, has returned in the very best of health. Amongst the visitors present were Rev. Mr Cork of Marulau, Mr and Mrs G.W. Osborne of Bundanoon, District Inspector Milne and Master E.O. Milne of Goulburn, and Mr Dongues of Sydney. On behalf of Trooper RUSH's friends Inspector Milne presented him with a handsome gold locket, suitably engraved, and a pair of very valuable gold sleeve links with the recipient's monogram inscribed. Mr Milne stated that it gave him great pleasure to be present to help to do honour to a young man whom he had known all his life, and had watched his career with interest and pride as being a worthy son of worthy parents. The speaker referred to the wave of patriotism which had spread all over the world when the Empire called for assistance after the terrible experiences of Magersfontein, Tugela, and Spion Kop, and which had been voiced in Penrose by the departure for the front of the guest of the evening in company with hundreds of Australia's best. The gathering of the Penrose "commandos" this evening was fraught with lessons as indicative of what would swiftly follow if the time should ever come when it would be necessary to fight for our hearths and homes in New South Wales. Mr G.W. Osborne, J.P., also spoke in warm terms of the recipient, whose patriotism was characteristic of the British race. He also quoted from the commanding officer's report of good work done by Trooper RUSH's regiment. The Rev. Mr Cook referred with feelings of thankfulness for the lad's safe return, and stated that he (the speaker) had been present at the late Queen Victoria's coronation, and was also a sworn freeman of the city of London. Mr T. Harris, as a Scotchman extended a hearty welcome home to the Penrose soldier, who had fought for his country. Messrs R. Moyes, Hammond Gibson, G.W. Johnson, Dongues, C. Jeffery, A. Reeve, and Mrs Osborne also spoke in very high terms of Trooper RUSH and the great pleasure it gave them to welcome their soldier friend home again safe and sound after his experiences at the front as a soldier of the King.
Trooper RUSH on rising to respond was greeted with musical honours, and in a few well-chosen words expressed his great delight at being home again fit and well. He had thought often of his Penrose friends and comrades whilst camping on the veldt, and if occasion arose again he would hasten to offer himself to fight for the mother land. It was a great experience, and had, he believed, made a better man of him, and that one result of this war would be a long peace, as the Boers, who were great fighters, would settle down to be peaceful citizens.
