First Presentation of the Inverell Medal

Private William Jones and Private Norman Blain

William Winter Jones was a 21 year old tobacconist at Inverell when he enlisted on 2 July 1915. His friends organised two farewell functions at which he was presented with a gold fountain pen, inscribed cigarette case and a wrist watch.  Another recruit, 25 year old Norman Blain of Nullamanna also enlisted at the same time.

The citizens of Inverell arranged an official farewell for the two men where they became the first district volunteers to be presented with the inscribed bronze Inverell medal. Speaking at the presentation at the Council Chambers the Inverell Mayor said

... he hoped the memento would remind them of where they had come forward from ...

Private Jones and Private Blain served with the 13th Battalion, 10th Reinforcements which departed Sydney on the HMAT Ballarat on 5 September 1915.  Private Jones returned to Australia in 1919. His friend, Private Norman Blain, was killed in action in 1916 at Pozieres, France and has no known grave.