Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Welcome to Trumpeter H. L. Boots.
A Brilliant Spectacle.

The sight that met the eye of Trumpeter Herb Boots on entering the town on Wednesday afternoon upon his return from the battlefields, of Gallipoli, where the horrors of. modern warfare were daily witnessed by him, and where sufferings unknown to us in this peaceful abode of ours are daily being borne by our gallant soldiers the pleasing sight, we say again, must have gladdened his young heart, for it was indeed one of the greatest and most successful efforts that has been made by the people of this district to brighten up the old town and practically turn it into a fairy bower.

Everywhere one gazed could be seen flags and decorations of some kind, and the people turned out in large numbers to get a glimpse, and possibly a friendly handshake with the popular Herb. He was met at Hexham by his father and family in gaily decked motor cars and the members of the. local half-squadron of Light Horse, who escorted him to the Terrace, the returned hero riding at the head of the column with Lieut. Smith.

At the boundary of the town, he was formally welcomed home by the Mayor of the municipality (Alderman Markey) and the President of Port Stephens Shire (Councillor Swan), the Town Band (of which he was a member), school children, cadets, rifle club, and given three rousing cheers by the large concourse of people, and the band afterwards playing Auld Lang Syne.

Mr. Jas. Bishop, who acted as marshal for the occasion, then arranged the various, bodies, people, and vehicles in processional order, and headed by the band, the whole number marched up Adelaide Street, down William Street, into King Street, then around Bourke Street into Port Stephens Street and to his home, the band playing Heroes of Gallipoli, Our Flag Shall Never Come Down, Advance Australia Fair, and when in front of the returned soldier's home Home, Sweet Home.
Trumpeter Boots, who was very visibly touched by the magnificent reception, briefly returned thanks for the reception accorded him. Although the gathering in the afternoon was large, that at night in the Odd Fellows Hall was even much larger, the building not being able to accommodate the crowd. All the aisles, gallery, and the rear of the building were packed with those unable to procure seats, and many, had to, remain outside; the crush was so great. The interior of the building was nicely decorated for the occasion with the flags of the Allies, ferns, and other artefacts, and presented a magnificent sight. The work being carried out by the members of the Red Cross Society.

The guest arrived at the hall at about eight o'clock, being escorted into the hall by the Mayor and Lieut. Smith amidst deafening cheers. The Mayor presided over the gathering and read apologies for the absence of Messrs. W. Brown, M.L.A., Jno. Richardson, R. V. Swan, W. Dennett, and the Rev. Father O'Flynn. Addresses were given by the Mayor, the Rev, M. Garbett, Rev. W. T. Stuart Wright, Sergeant Stein, and Warrant Officer Kendall. The presentation from the public to Trumpeter Boots was made by the Mayor, and took the form of a solid silver rose bowl, suitably inscribed. The Red Cross Society also presented him with a safety razor in a silver case, suitably inscribed, the presentation being made by Mrs. J. M. Feeney, President of the Society. He was also the recipient of a suitably inscribed gold medal from the local branch of the Grand United Order of Oddfellows, Mr. W. Tooze making the presentation on behalf of the branch.

Trumpeter Boots, who on rising to respond was loudly cheered, said he could not find words to adequately thank the people for their kind reception and words of Welcome, and they would have to excuse him on that account. He referred to the kind treatment that he had received from the Red Cross Society whilst away, and also to the very excellent manner in which he had been treated in England, for which he was very grateful indeed. He stated that when wounded he had very great kindness shown to him by Corporal Hussey, Sergeant-Major James, Lieut. White, and others who had gone from this district, who, when hearing that he was wounded, travelled a good distance to see him. He said that although he was not attached to the regiment to which Major Windeyer and Capt. Richardson, belonged he had met men who had told him that they would follow those two anywhere.

Mr. C, H. Boots, father of Trumpeter Boots, also returned thanks on behalf of himself and family for the magnificent welcome accorded to his son on his return.
During the evening a lengthy vocal and instrumental programme was gone through, the following comprising the items: Selection by the Band; overture, Home, Sweet Home, Mrs. H.J. Smith, three songs, Mr J. Saunders song, Heroes of
the Dardanelles, Miss Bridekirk songs the Ranks of the Firing Lines and
We Don't Want to Lose You, Miss McPherson song, My Ain Folk
[ ? ], recitation, The Day, Mr. Glen song, I've Just had a Letter,' Miss
Reah Adam; violin solo, Mr. J. Milgate recitation, 'Return of the Wounded, Miss
Ruby Sutton; instrumental duet, Messrs. C. and C. Adam.

Reference
Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser (NSW : 1912 - 1955), Friday 10 December 1915, page 3