Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

'WOUNDED SOLDIERS RETURN.

RECEPTION AT THE TOWN HALL.

Three Northern wounded soldiers arrived by the Bingera on Monday on the return from the Dardanelles, viz., Private T. Christensen (Townsville), Private McSpadden (Cairns) and Trooper A. Watts (Ayr). Private Christensen who was an employee of Cathcart and Ritchie, and also attached to the staff of the Olympia Pictures, was met by a number of friends and in two decorated motor cars, with the Union Jack flying, the party drove round town and eventually to the Town Hall, where a reception was accorded to the returned soldiers by the Mayor (Alderman W. H. Swales) in the Council Chambers. There must have been over 60 people present, including the father and mother of the soldier (Mr and Mrs Christensen), of Stanley-street, North Ward. A number of lady friends were also present.

The Mayor in welcoming Private Christensen, said that whilst they deplored the fact that the men were returning wounded, they would much sooner see them in that condition than not at all. The men returning now had been in the front, offering their lives in the defence of right, and nobly had they carried out their duties. They had heard it from outside sources that the Queenslanders were one of the finest units at the front. They had proved their manhood, and had shown that they were scions of the British race. It was hard to speak of the war, as they all now had so many relatives and friends who had gone and might never return. He concluded by giving a hearty welcome to the returned soldier.

Dr. King-Patrick and Alderman R. W. McClelland also spoke, welcoming the soldier, and expressing the hope that the men returning might speedily recover. A gentleman from the audience also spoke, welcoming the returned soldier as a citizen, and referring to the awards of the Victoria Cross which had been announced in that morning's paper to Australians and New Zealanders for distinguished acts of bravery. Mr. A. Rogers also spoke, paying a high tribute to the mothers who having allowed their brave sons to go to the front, sat at home in fear and trembling in their absence. The health of the returned soldier was subsequently proposed by the Mayor and duly honored, and this concluded the proceedings.

Private Christensen, in responding, was well received. He said he had been through a fair amount of fighting and unfortunately had come out a little the worse of it, but hoped to be well enough to have another go at "Johnny Turk" ere long. In proposing the health of the parents, Mr. Hal Andrews remarked that they should feel proud to know that their son had behaved as a man, a soldier and above all, a hero. He hoped they would be long spared to see their son reach the height of his ambition and their ideals,

Private Tennessee Christensen joined the 15th Battalion and was wounded at the Dardanelles on 8th August. He was shot in the mouth, the bullet exiting out at the neck. While on the ground a Turk came at him with his bayonet and Christensen, putting up his arm, got the bayonet thrust through it, making a very ugly wound. Somebody else, it is understood, dealt with the Turk. Private Christensen's father is also an old soldier, and strange to say, in the Afghan war also received a wound in the mouth, but that was from a spear. He, however, carries the mark to this day.' from Townsville Daily Bulletin 19 Oct 1915 (nla.gov.au)