It was agreed that all trophies captured by units of the six States should be handed over as soon as possible, and that an immediate distribution should be made of one gun to each of the C.M.F. (1) units with, which A.I.F. (2) units have been affiliated. This will absorb only a relatively small portion of the trophies due to the States, and it was thought fitting that the first trophies allocated should go to the A.I.F. battalions and regiments which were responsible for the capture of the trophies as a whole. A first selection will be made from the trophies for the purpose of establishing at a date to be decided upon a National Australian War Museum. This would be the Commonwealth share of the material, and it would include a complete representation of all trophies and relics, as well as a collection of war pictures by Australian artists, some of which have already been painted. Another part of the Commonwealth museum would be a magnificent set of official war photographs, numbering about 12,000, and ultimately all the war diaries and other official papers in connection with the various campaigns would be assembled in this Commonwealth museum (3).
On April 20, 1920 The Herald reported on the number of War Trophies to be distributed -
The War Office Trophies Committee reported that it has distributed nearly 100,000 trophies to the Imperial War Museum, and to the over seas Dominions. Australia, with 1243 guns, has secured the greatest number of trophies. Canada comes next with 1175, and New Zealand has 384. The King desires two guns each for Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace, the Horseguards, and the Tower of London (4).
A War Trophy Committee was established in each State and they determined how the guns would be distributed. I have found the following references to local distributions in the Shires of Berwick and Cranbourne and neighbouring Shires of Dandenong, Fern Tree Gully, Korumburra, Warragul, Buln Buln and Frankston & Hastings. This post is a work in progress and I can currently find only one photo of a local gun; I do not know how many were actually installed or where, or what happened to any of them.
Shire of Berwick
Correspondence to the Berwick Shire Council June 1920 - From Victorian State Trophy committee, re distribution of war trophies to townships within the shire, the following towns to receive one machine gun each: - Gembrook, Bunyip, lona, Berwick, Beaconsfield, Pakenham, Narnargoon. - The President moved that councillors have meetings so as to decide what should be done with guns in respective ridings.--Cr Anderson seconded.--Cr Anderson moved that an extra gun be secured for Beaconsfield riding.- Cr Walsh thought they should have one for Cora Lynn (5).
The Council received further correspondence in December 1920 saying that only five guns were allocated - From Victorian State Trophy committee, soliciting co-operation. Also stating that five machine guns had been allotted to the shire (6).
Beaconsfield Upper
Report from December 1921 - A machine-gun, captured by the 46 Batt, A.I.F., and presented to the district by the War Museum Committee, was unveiled by Captain A'Beckett. Three of the returned men present:-Messrs. W. O. Gibb, C. Harris and U. A' Beckett, who were appointed custodians of the gun, requested the Assembly Hall trustees to place it in the hall for the people of the district. This was promised by Mr. Harvey Smith, chairman. (7)
Cora Lynn
Report from March 1922 - The unveiling of the memorial and machine gun took place on Wednesday, 22nd inst. Despite the showers which fell so incessantly during the afternoon, there was a very large attendance of people. The President of the Memorial Committee (Mr Anderson) briefly outlined the cost of the stone etc., to which he said the people of Cora Lynn donated most generously. He then called on Cr Groves, M.L.A., to perform the unveiling ceremony, after which all present adjourned to the Hall. (8)
Report from September 1920 - The Victorian Trophies committee having allotted a machine gun to Pakenham, it now remains for the conditions on which it was allotted to be complied with. Arrangements are being made to put matter in order for the reception of this "death dealing trophy." It will be an interesting relic of the great war. (9)
Shire of Cranbourne
Cranbourne
Report from September 1920 - On Tuesday evening next, a public meeting will be held in the Cranbourne Shire hall, when trustees will be elected for accepting a machine gun, from the Defence authorities, as a war trophy for Cranbourne (10).
Report from December 1920 - The war trophy, assigned to Cranbourne, has arrived. It is a machine gun, captured at Mount St. Quentin. The trustees have the matter of its erection in hand. There may also be a public gathering to receive it in an official manner (11).
Clyde
This is a transcription of the report, above, of the unveiling of the German machine gun at Clyde on April 8, 1921.
One of the most successful functions held in Clyde took place on Friday afternoon, the 8th inst., when the German machine gun presented by the War Trophy Committee was unveiled and handed over to the Trustees. The official portion of the ceremony was performed by Mr F. Groves, M.L.A. Mr Croskell, one of the Trustees occupied the chair. Other well known men present on the platform were Crs Hill and Hardy, Messrs W. Marriott (president of the Cranbourne branch of the R.S.S.I.L.A. (15), and trustee of the gun), T. Ridgway (trustee), E. Vinge (chairman of the school committee), G. Hook, V. Peters (head teacher Clyde North school). L. Edwards (head teacher Clyde school). Apologies were received by Crs Mills and Brunt, and the Rev. Matthews. The musical portion of the ceremony was arranged by Miss I. Hunter and Mrs Peters, who deserve great praise for the select programme provided. Speeches were delivered by Mr Groves, who presented the gun, which was accepted by Mr Croskell on behalf of the trustees, Cr Hardy, Cr Hill and Mr W. Weatherly Marriott on behalf of the soldiers. Votes of thanks to Mr Groves, Crs Hill and Hardy, and the performers, also the chairman, bought a most enjoyable afternoon to a close. The children were then issued lollies, the ladies disposing refreshments to the adults. (16)
Cardinia
Report from May 1922 - The ceremony of unveiling the honor board and machine gun in the Cardinia State School took place on Anzac Day, in the presence of very large gathering. Mr W. Duff, J.P., presided.... [Cr Hill] In reference to the honor roll, the district had responded splendidly to the call, and that of the 30 who enlisted 11 had made the supreme sacrifice, and that in regard to the machine gun it was somewhat significant that it was captured at Villiers Brettoneaux on 25th April 1918, exactly four years ago. He asked the boys and girls when they looked on this emblem of destruction to treasure the names of those who fought and died for them, and to strive and pray that war should never again occur. (17)
Carrum Downs
Report from May 1923 - A large attendance of residents of the district were present at Wells Road Hall on Tuesday of last week, when the Shire of Dandenong presented to the ratepayers a capture gun. The unveiling was performed by the president and several interesting addresses were made. Refreshments were provided by the local people. (19)
Shire of Fern Tree Gully
Correspondence to the Fern Tree Gully Shire June 1920 - From Victorian Trophy committee, notifying that in allotment of war trophies, one machine gun each had been allotted to Fern Tree Gully, Bayswater, Emerald and Belgrave.—The secretary stated that three trustees would have to be nominated for each place, and the guns would have to be mounted.—Cr. Chandler moved that a public meeting be convened at each centre to elect trustees, which must include a member of the A.I.F. in each instance.—Seconded by Cr. Butcher, and carried (20).
Bayswater
Report from April 1921 - On Sunday, April 24, an Anzac memorial service was held in the local hall grounds, a large and representative gathering being present. On the platform were Rev. McKeon (Church of England), Mr. Combridge(Church of Christ), and Mr. Watchorn (Methodist). The Rev. McKeon gave a very fine address which was much appreciated by those present. A war trophy machine gun was presented to the local committee. (22)
Shire of Korumburra
Correspondence to the Korumburra Shire June 1921- State War Trophy Committee, advising that trench mortar and a machine gun have been allotted to Korumburra in addition to the field gun already forwarded.—Accepted. (24)
Cranbourne
Report from September 1920 - On Tuesday evening next, a public meeting will be held in the Cranbourne Shire hall, when trustees will be elected for accepting a machine gun, from the Defence authorities, as a war trophy for Cranbourne (10).
Report from December 1920 - The war trophy, assigned to Cranbourne, has arrived. It is a machine gun, captured at Mount St. Quentin. The trustees have the matter of its erection in hand. There may also be a public gathering to receive it in an official manner (11).
This is a very grainy photo of the Shire of Cranbourne Offices, which shows the War Memorial (unveiled in 1939) and what appears to be a gun next to it, see photo below.
Image: Casey Cardinia Libraries
Is that the gun to the right of the Memorial?
It actually looks more like a cannon, but it is the best I can find.
Clyde
Report from December 1920 - At a meeting of the Clyde branch R.S.A (12) held at North Clyde hall on Wednesday evening, December 1st....agreed that the president (Mr Marriott) be appointed trustee for R.S.A., for the machine gun, donated to Clyde (13).
Report from December 1920 - A machine gun has been allotted to Clyde by the War Trophies committee. At a public meeting held on December 8, it was decided to receive same, and have it erected in the Clyde State school, Mr G. Ridgway, Mr. C. Crosskell and Mr W. Marriott being elected trustees. As Clyde is the smallest town in the State that has been honored by the presentation of a captured gun, those who agitated for its possession are to be commended for their enterprise (14).
Report from December 1920 - A machine gun has been allotted to Clyde by the War Trophies committee. At a public meeting held on December 8, it was decided to receive same, and have it erected in the Clyde State school, Mr G. Ridgway, Mr. C. Crosskell and Mr W. Marriott being elected trustees. As Clyde is the smallest town in the State that has been honored by the presentation of a captured gun, those who agitated for its possession are to be commended for their enterprise (14).
This report of the unveiling of the German machine gun at Clyde.
Koo Wee Rup Sun, April 14, 1921, p. 4
This is a transcription of the report, above, of the unveiling of the German machine gun at Clyde on April 8, 1921.
One of the most successful functions held in Clyde took place on Friday afternoon, the 8th inst., when the German machine gun presented by the War Trophy Committee was unveiled and handed over to the Trustees. The official portion of the ceremony was performed by Mr F. Groves, M.L.A. Mr Croskell, one of the Trustees occupied the chair. Other well known men present on the platform were Crs Hill and Hardy, Messrs W. Marriott (president of the Cranbourne branch of the R.S.S.I.L.A. (15), and trustee of the gun), T. Ridgway (trustee), E. Vinge (chairman of the school committee), G. Hook, V. Peters (head teacher Clyde North school). L. Edwards (head teacher Clyde school). Apologies were received by Crs Mills and Brunt, and the Rev. Matthews. The musical portion of the ceremony was arranged by Miss I. Hunter and Mrs Peters, who deserve great praise for the select programme provided. Speeches were delivered by Mr Groves, who presented the gun, which was accepted by Mr Croskell on behalf of the trustees, Cr Hardy, Cr Hill and Mr W. Weatherly Marriott on behalf of the soldiers. Votes of thanks to Mr Groves, Crs Hill and Hardy, and the performers, also the chairman, bought a most enjoyable afternoon to a close. The children were then issued lollies, the ladies disposing refreshments to the adults. (16)
Unveiling of the Cardinia machine gun
Koo Wee Rup Sun May 4, 1922, p. 2.
Report from May 1922 - The ceremony of unveiling the honor board and machine gun in the Cardinia State School took place on Anzac Day, in the presence of very large gathering. Mr W. Duff, J.P., presided.... [Cr Hill] In reference to the honor roll, the district had responded splendidly to the call, and that of the 30 who enlisted 11 had made the supreme sacrifice, and that in regard to the machine gun it was somewhat significant that it was captured at Villiers Brettoneaux on 25th April 1918, exactly four years ago. He asked the boys and girls when they looked on this emblem of destruction to treasure the names of those who fought and died for them, and to strive and pray that war should never again occur. (17)
Shire of Dandenong
Correspondence to the Dandenong Shire Council from May 1920 - From Victorian State Trophy committee, advising of the distribution of the following war trophies to the Shire of Dandenong: One machine gun, Dandenong; one machine gun, Carrum ; one machine gun, Aspendale. It was decided to also apply for a machine gun for Springvale (18).
Correspondence to the Dandenong Shire Council from May 1920 - From Victorian State Trophy committee, advising of the distribution of the following war trophies to the Shire of Dandenong: One machine gun, Dandenong; one machine gun, Carrum ; one machine gun, Aspendale. It was decided to also apply for a machine gun for Springvale (18).
Report from May 1923 - A large attendance of residents of the district were present at Wells Road Hall on Tuesday of last week, when the Shire of Dandenong presented to the ratepayers a capture gun. The unveiling was performed by the president and several interesting addresses were made. Refreshments were provided by the local people. (19)
Shire of Fern Tree Gully
Correspondence to the Fern Tree Gully Shire June 1920 - From Victorian Trophy committee, notifying that in allotment of war trophies, one machine gun each had been allotted to Fern Tree Gully, Bayswater, Emerald and Belgrave.—The secretary stated that three trustees would have to be nominated for each place, and the guns would have to be mounted.—Cr. Chandler moved that a public meeting be convened at each centre to elect trustees, which must include a member of the A.I.F. in each instance.—Seconded by Cr. Butcher, and carried (20).
Report from June 1920 - Fern Tree Gully is very fortunate in the allotment of war trophies. Belgrave, Emerald and Bayswater are each to have a gun which was captured by the Australian troops. Three trustees are to be appointed in each place—two Councillors and a member of the A.I.F.—to take charge of the implements of destruction, which will be erected in suitable places. The Council decides that in each of the towns named public meetings be held, at which trustees are to be appointed. The Council was pleased at being so highly favored (21).
Presentation of a machine gun at Belgrave
The Mountaineer, April 8, 1921 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article264116780
Bayswater
Report from April 1921 - On Sunday, April 24, an Anzac memorial service was held in the local hall grounds, a large and representative gathering being present. On the platform were Rev. McKeon (Church of England), Mr. Combridge(Church of Christ), and Mr. Watchorn (Methodist). The Rev. McKeon gave a very fine address which was much appreciated by those present. A war trophy machine gun was presented to the local committee. (22)
Shire of Korumburra
Correspondence to the Korumburra Shire December 1920 - From State War Trophy Committee,
intimating that a field gun has been allotted to Korumburra, and the distribution of machine guns has been extended to take in Nyora, Bena and Kardella —Received. (23)
Shire of Warragul
Correspondence to the Warragul Shire July 1921 - State War Trophy Committee, forwarding one Trench Mortar and one machine gun (war trophies). - Received. (25)
Warragul
Report from November 1921 - Presentation of Gun .The District High School [at Warragul] has received from the War Trophy Committee a ceded German gun - a trench mortar. Arrangements have been made for the gun to be presented to the school by Capt. W. M. Algie, one of the foundation pupils of the school. Capt. Algie is at present a member of the Staff Corps, Victoria Barracks. It is fitting that an old student with a distinguished war record should present this trophy to the school. The ceremony will take place at the school at 3p.m. on Monday, 21st inst, and the public are invited to attend. (26)Sea View
Report from May 1922 - In the afternoon Sir John visited Sea View, and handed over the machine gun to the committee, making an impressive speech on the lessons to be learnt as a result of the great war. (27) [Sir John Mackey, M.L.A., member for West Gippsland]
Ellinbank
Report from April 1921 - A meeting convened by Cr. W. H. Paynter was held in the State school on Saturday evening, 26th March. There was a good attendance, and Cr. Paynter as chairman briefly explained the object which was to make arrangements for the installation of the machine gun awarded to Ellinbank by the War Trophies Committee. It was decided to celebrate the event by holding a picnic and sports day on Wednesday, April 27th, the function of installing the weapon to take place during the afternoon. For this purpose it was decided to invite Brig. General Brand, State Commandant; Sir John Mackey, and the Shire President to speak on the occasion. The enthusiasm with which the project was launched is decisively shown by the fact of over £20 being promised in a few minutes towards the sports programme. (28)
Shire of Buln Buln
Correspondence to the Buln Buln Shire June 1920 - Victorian State Trophy Commission, regarding war trophies allotted to Buln Buln Shire; one machine gun each for Drouin, Neerim South and Longwarry. - Accepted with thanks; application to be made for one for Neerim North. (29)
Report from July 1920 - An Enemy Gun - Cr. Casey presided at the public meeting held in the Mechanics' Hall, Drouin, recently for the purpose of appointing trustees to take charge of the machine gun war trophy, to be presented to Drouin by the Defence Department. Messrs. W. L. Tritschler and W. Young (representing the townspeople) and Mr. A. E. Miles (returned soldiers) were appointed trustees, and it was decided to place the gun in the Mechanics' Hall until the Memorial Hill is built, when it will have a prominent position in front of that building. (30)
Neerim South
Report from December 1921 - Two captured machine guns were unveiled at Neerim South by Mr J. Swafield, a returned soldier. The Rev Mr Hobb gave the chief address. A collection was taken up in aid of the monument garden, and it was well supported. (31)
Shire of Frankston and Hastings
Report from June 1920 - State Trophy Committee advising that one machine gun has been allotted to Frankston and one to Hastings. Resolved, that steps be taken to appoint three trustees at each centre ; one returned soldier must be included as a trustee. (32)Frankston
Report from June 1920 - Last night Cr Oates, Mr Bradbury and Mr E. Barrett were elected trustees for Frankston's machine gun. (33)
A meeting to appoint Trustees for the Frankston War Trophy
Mornington Standard June 4, 1920 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article65853885
Trove List
I have created a short list of articles on Trove regarding the War Trophy Committee and references from the old Shire of Berwick and Shire of Cranbourne and neighbouring areas, access it here.
Footnotes
(1) C.M.F - The history of the Australian Army has 2 distinct phases. Pre-1947 the army was divided into 'Regular Army' and Citizens Military Force (CMF). The CMF had the most members, as it was formed from the colonial militia groups post-Federation. As both groups were unable to serve overseas, a volunteer force was created for both the First and Second World Wars, called the 'Australian Imperial Force'. After 1947, a standing peacetime infantry was formed and the CMF (which was renamed in 1980 to Army Reserve) started to declined in importance. Source: Australian War Memorial https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C1222748
(2) A. I. F - see footnote 1.
(3) The Argus, October 17 1919, see here.
(4) The Herald, April 20, 1920, see here.
I have created a short list of articles on Trove regarding the War Trophy Committee and references from the old Shire of Berwick and Shire of Cranbourne and neighbouring areas, access it here.
Footnotes
(1) C.M.F - The history of the Australian Army has 2 distinct phases. Pre-1947 the army was divided into 'Regular Army' and Citizens Military Force (CMF). The CMF had the most members, as it was formed from the colonial militia groups post-Federation. As both groups were unable to serve overseas, a volunteer force was created for both the First and Second World Wars, called the 'Australian Imperial Force'. After 1947, a standing peacetime infantry was formed and the CMF (which was renamed in 1980 to Army Reserve) started to declined in importance. Source: Australian War Memorial https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C1222748
(2) A. I. F - see footnote 1.
(3) The Argus, October 17 1919, see here.
(4) The Herald, April 20, 1920, see here.
(5) South Bourke & Mornington Journal, June 10 1920, see here.
(6) South Bourke & Mornington Journal, December 23, 1920 see here.
(7) The Argus, December 27, 1921, see here.
(8) Pakenham Gazette, March 10, 1922, p. 3. I have written about the Cora Lynn War Memorial, here https://kooweerupswamphistory.blogspot.com/2021/12/cora-lynn-war-memorial.html
(9) South Bourke and Mornington Journal, September 30, 1920, see here.
(10) South Bourke & Mornington Journal, September 30, 1920 see here.
(11) South Bourke & Mornington Journal, December 9, 1920 see here.
(12) R. S. A - Returned Soldiers Association. It was established around September 1915 (The Argus, September 25, 1915 see here) See also footnote 12.
(13) South Bourke & Mornington Journal, December 9, 1920, see here.
(13) South Bourke & Mornington Journal, December 9, 1920, see here.
(14) South Bourke & Mornington Journal, December 23, 1920 see here.
(15) R.S.S.I.L.A - Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League of Australia. Established July 1916 at a conference of delegates of the various returned soldiers' associations of Australia (The Herald, July 5, 1916 see here.)
(16) Koo Wee Rup Sun, April 14, 1921, p. 4
(17) Koo Wee Rup Sun May 4, 1922, p. 2. I have written about the unveiling of the Cardinia Honor Board and Machine Gum, here https://kooweerupswamphistory.blogspot.com/2022/01/unveiling-of-cardinia-state-school.html
(18) South Bourke & Mornington Journal, June 3 1920, see here.
(19) Frankston and Somerville Standard, May 30 1923, see here.
(20) Box Hill Reporter, June 4, 1920, see here.
(21) Lilydale Express, June 4, 1920, see here.
(22) Box Hill Reporter, April 29, 1921, see here.
(23) Great Southern Advocate, December 23, 1920, see here.
(24) Great Southern Advocate, June 23, 1921 see here.
(25) West Gippsland Gazette, July 12, 1921, see here.
(26) West Gippsland Gazette, November 15, 1921, see here.
(27) West Gippsland Gazette, May 30, 1922, see here.
(28) West Gippsland Gazette, April 5, 1921, see here.
(29) West Gippsland Gazette, June 8, 1920, see here.
(30) West Gippsland Gazette, July 20, 1920 see here. Report credited to the "Independent."
(31) The Argus, December 5, 1921, see here.
(22) Mornington Standard, June 11, 1920, see here.
(33) Mornington Standard, June 11, 1920, see here.
(34) Frankston and Somerville Standard, December 23, 1921, see here.
A shorter version of this post, which I wrote and researched, first appeared on my work blog, Casey Cardinia Commemorates: our War Years.
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