The landing of the Australian and New Zealand soldiers on Gallipoli was commemorated in all the State schools of Victoria on Thursday by simple yet impressive ceremonies. The actual anniversary day is April 25, but Thursday was selected as the day of commemoration, because next week the school children will be on holiday.
The ceremonies were carried out in most schools in the afternoon. For an hour the children sang patriotic songs and listened to recitations by fellow scholars, or readings by their teachers. Each child wore either an Anzac medal or red, white, and blue ribbons, and many carried flags. Maps showing the beach on which the soldiers landed and the heights which they carried were displayed, and essays written by scholars on the great adventure were read.
After this pleasant prelude the children assembled in the playground, where the most important portion of the day's programme was performed. The pupils were here joined by visitors - members of Parliament, members of school committees, admiring parents, and, in some instances, by returned soldiers. First of all Kipling's recessional hymn, "Lest We Forget," was sung, and afterwards short addresses were given by visitors, with the object of impressing upon the children the heroism and self-sacrifice of the Australian soldiers, Australia's pride in them, and, most important of all, Australia's debt to them. The roll of honour, containing the names of old boys who had answered the call to the colours, was read, and each name was greeted with shrill cheers. Then the children sang "O, God, Our Help in Ages Past," and at the schools at which returned Anzacs were present the veterans spoke a few words to the youngsters. Perhaps the most impressive feature of the ceremonial was the saluting of the flag.
Standing in the mellow autumn sunshine, the children fervently declared, "I love God and my country; I honour the flag; I will serve the King, and cheerfully obey my parents, teachers, and the laws." At the end of the declaration they gave three cheers, and sang the National Anthem, including the verse "God bless our splendid men." The ceremony occupied about half an hour, and at its conclusion the children were dismissed for their Easter holidays.
(The Argus, April 22, 1916, see here)
The Berwick Shire News had this information about a commemorative badge produced for the commemorations -
The Education Department is having an Anzac Day medallion struck and this will be available at all State and registered schools on the 20th. The medallions are in bronze, and bear on the one side a representation of the head of the King, surrounded by the motto, "For King and Country," and the year 1916, that of the first annual commemoration. On the other side is a design showing a wreath encircling the words, " Lest We Forget," and the date of landing, April 25, 1915. Above the wreath is the inscription. "Department of Education, Victoria." These are to be sold to children for 6d and to adults for 1s, and the profit is to go to the departments War Relief Fund.
(Berwick Shire News, April 12, 1916, see here)
The ANZAC medallion
Here are some reports from schools in the Shires of Berwick, Cranbourne and Dandenong.
Berwick
The Anzac Day celebration at the Berwick school on Thursday last was a great success. There was a large attendance of both adults and children, and the proceedings throughout were very interesting. Prior to the opening of the afternoon's programme some fine gramophone records were given by Mr J. B. Pearson. The programme was opened by the children, under the direction of Miss Paul, singing Kipling's Recessional hymn -- " God of our fathers,"-to the tune of Stella.
A version of this post was first published on my work blog Casey Cardinia Commemorates: Our War Years.
The Anzac Day celebration at the Berwick school on Thursday last was a great success. There was a large attendance of both adults and children, and the proceedings throughout were very interesting. Prior to the opening of the afternoon's programme some fine gramophone records were given by Mr J. B. Pearson. The programme was opened by the children, under the direction of Miss Paul, singing Kipling's Recessional hymn -- " God of our fathers,"-to the tune of Stella.
Mr McCann then expressed his pleasure at seeing so many present and introduced Cr a'Beckett chairman of the school committee. Cr a'Beckett said he was glad to be present, and pleased to see the interest that was being taken in the celebration It was a very important occasion. They had Arbor Day, Bird Day, Empire Day, and he understood they were to have a Flower Day, but in future Anzac Day would be the greatest of them all, as it was a time when they would meet to show their appreciation of and gratitude for the noble deeds of our soldiers at Gallipoli, where many had given their lives for King and country. All should be proud of their feat of arms. We all believed that they were fighting in a good cause, and, as a writer had said, "Thrice is he armed who his his quarrel just." The British Empire had not been built up by war and the sword. Our great desire was to build up the home, to till the field, and to progress in all these arts and sciences that make for peace. Our enemies desired to rule by the sword and were seeking to build up a world-wide empire.
The British Empire was the great obstacle in the way of their gaining this terrible domination. We were fighting in the cause of freedom, and would continue to fight. We are proud of what our men have done, and although they did not accomplish all that was intended, we do not look on their work as a failure. They held a proverbial enemy and showed that they had the same courage as their forefathers. It was the greatest of sacrifices to lay down one's life for a friend, yet many of our soldiers had done this and it was to be hoped that such acts of heroism would never be forgotten. Cr a'Beckett then went on to speak of patriotism as shown in love of home, love of district, love of race and love of empire. The Empire he said was based on mutual love and co-operation and we were proud of the men who were fighting for our liberty and freedom. By their heroism they had stamped their names in golden letters on the military annals of the world. (Cheers).
Some gramophone records, and Sergeant Gardiner was welcomed by Mr McCann and greeted with three hearty cheers. Cr a'Beckett then presented the school with their Roll of Honor and read the names of old scholars who had enlisted, numbering 51. The names are as follow :--J. Adams, John Adamson, James Adamson, H. Anderson, E. Armstrong, D. Bain, G. Bell, M. Brown, J. Brown. E. Buchanan, A. Collins, B. Collins, A. Cruichshank, J. Duncan, H. Flett, C. Franklin, E. Gardiner, C. Gardiner, G. Gardiner, C. Greaves, S. Greaves, J. Collins, N. Hallett, A. Hallett, J. Hehir, H. Harbour, W Harbour, A. Harbour, F. Hartley, J. Hillbrich, A. Hope, E. Inman, E. Loveridge. G. Lyall, A. Meyer, P. McHale, A. Miller, H. Nixon, Jas. Ogilvie, E. Paul, W. Poole, W. Rankine, L. Rankine, F. Roberts, C. Searle, C Smith, H. Smith, W. Thomas, W. Whan, E. Woodley and G. Woodley.
After the presentation the children sang "O God our Help in ages past." Sergeant Gardiner who was received with cheers, followed with a short address. He said they were there that day to commemorate an event that would be remembered as long as time goes on. It was an important event, and it should be marked in some way. He knew something of what the men had to go through at Gallipoli, and he could say they were worthy of the best that could be given them. They knew how to fight and how to die. He had seen men stand up and draw the fire to save their comrades. He was unable to go back himself, but was helping here. He hoped those present would always remember those who had gone to the front to fight for them.
Sergeant-major Leo. Rankine who was over on a visit from Adelaide, also gave a short address. He said his brother had gone to the front and he hoped to follow shortly. He also spoke to the children on the value of education. Mr McCann proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the speakers and Mr Pearson for their assistance. The Berwick school had done well in patriotic work. They had raised over £40, and the girls, assisted by Miss Paul had made a large number of articles. In connection with that day's celebration they had sold 116 Anzac medals and received £3 11s 6d. In conclusion he referred to the fine public spirit shown by Cr a'Beckett, and his readiness at all times to render assistance. He was specially pleased to see Sergeant major Rankine and Sergeant Gardiner. Mr Pearson had rendered them good service, and he was sure all appreciated the fine records given.
Cr a'Beckett, in returning thanks, spoke in eulogistic terms of Mr McCann. Three cheers were given for Mr Pearson, who suitably responded, remarking that it would give him pleasure to be present on some future occasion. The proceedings closed with a fine gramophone record of the Last Post, preceded by the Evening Hymn- " Abide with me." The children went through the ceremony of saluting the flag, and lollies and fruit were then handed around. Thus ended a most interesting celebration.
(Berwick Shire News, April 26, 1916, see here)
Harkaway
At the Anzac Day celebrations at Harkaway school an address was delivered in the morning by Mr G. O. Lyon, chairman of the school committee, and in the afternoon an address was given by Cr a'Beckett, correspondent of the committee.
(Berwick Shire News, May 3, 1916, see here)
The British Empire was the great obstacle in the way of their gaining this terrible domination. We were fighting in the cause of freedom, and would continue to fight. We are proud of what our men have done, and although they did not accomplish all that was intended, we do not look on their work as a failure. They held a proverbial enemy and showed that they had the same courage as their forefathers. It was the greatest of sacrifices to lay down one's life for a friend, yet many of our soldiers had done this and it was to be hoped that such acts of heroism would never be forgotten. Cr a'Beckett then went on to speak of patriotism as shown in love of home, love of district, love of race and love of empire. The Empire he said was based on mutual love and co-operation and we were proud of the men who were fighting for our liberty and freedom. By their heroism they had stamped their names in golden letters on the military annals of the world. (Cheers).
Some gramophone records, and Sergeant Gardiner was welcomed by Mr McCann and greeted with three hearty cheers. Cr a'Beckett then presented the school with their Roll of Honor and read the names of old scholars who had enlisted, numbering 51. The names are as follow :--J. Adams, John Adamson, James Adamson, H. Anderson, E. Armstrong, D. Bain, G. Bell, M. Brown, J. Brown. E. Buchanan, A. Collins, B. Collins, A. Cruichshank, J. Duncan, H. Flett, C. Franklin, E. Gardiner, C. Gardiner, G. Gardiner, C. Greaves, S. Greaves, J. Collins, N. Hallett, A. Hallett, J. Hehir, H. Harbour, W Harbour, A. Harbour, F. Hartley, J. Hillbrich, A. Hope, E. Inman, E. Loveridge. G. Lyall, A. Meyer, P. McHale, A. Miller, H. Nixon, Jas. Ogilvie, E. Paul, W. Poole, W. Rankine, L. Rankine, F. Roberts, C. Searle, C Smith, H. Smith, W. Thomas, W. Whan, E. Woodley and G. Woodley.
After the presentation the children sang "O God our Help in ages past." Sergeant Gardiner who was received with cheers, followed with a short address. He said they were there that day to commemorate an event that would be remembered as long as time goes on. It was an important event, and it should be marked in some way. He knew something of what the men had to go through at Gallipoli, and he could say they were worthy of the best that could be given them. They knew how to fight and how to die. He had seen men stand up and draw the fire to save their comrades. He was unable to go back himself, but was helping here. He hoped those present would always remember those who had gone to the front to fight for them.
Sergeant-major Leo. Rankine who was over on a visit from Adelaide, also gave a short address. He said his brother had gone to the front and he hoped to follow shortly. He also spoke to the children on the value of education. Mr McCann proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the speakers and Mr Pearson for their assistance. The Berwick school had done well in patriotic work. They had raised over £40, and the girls, assisted by Miss Paul had made a large number of articles. In connection with that day's celebration they had sold 116 Anzac medals and received £3 11s 6d. In conclusion he referred to the fine public spirit shown by Cr a'Beckett, and his readiness at all times to render assistance. He was specially pleased to see Sergeant major Rankine and Sergeant Gardiner. Mr Pearson had rendered them good service, and he was sure all appreciated the fine records given.
Cr a'Beckett, in returning thanks, spoke in eulogistic terms of Mr McCann. Three cheers were given for Mr Pearson, who suitably responded, remarking that it would give him pleasure to be present on some future occasion. The proceedings closed with a fine gramophone record of the Last Post, preceded by the Evening Hymn- " Abide with me." The children went through the ceremony of saluting the flag, and lollies and fruit were then handed around. Thus ended a most interesting celebration.
(Berwick Shire News, April 26, 1916, see here)
Harkaway
At the Anzac Day celebrations at Harkaway school an address was delivered in the morning by Mr G. O. Lyon, chairman of the school committee, and in the afternoon an address was given by Cr a'Beckett, correspondent of the committee.
(Berwick Shire News, May 3, 1916, see here)
Pakenham District
The only other report I could find of ANZAC Day 1916 events was this account of activities which would take place in Pakenham district schools
On Anzac Day, to-day, preparations are being made at all schools for enthusiastic gatherings. Pakenham Upper, Pakenham, Toomuc Valley, and Pakenham South schools are all to have concerts, &c., and addresses by members of the school committees and others. At Pakenham Councillor Close is to address the children, and at Pakenham South, Messrs Greenwood, Staughton and others.
(Dandenong Advertiser, April 20, 1916, see here)
On Anzac Day, to-day, preparations are being made at all schools for enthusiastic gatherings. Pakenham Upper, Pakenham, Toomuc Valley, and Pakenham South schools are all to have concerts, &c., and addresses by members of the school committees and others. At Pakenham Councillor Close is to address the children, and at Pakenham South, Messrs Greenwood, Staughton and others.
(Dandenong Advertiser, April 20, 1916, see here)
Yallock
ANZAC Day Celebrations - Anzac Day was celebrated at the Yallock School on Thursday. The Rev. H. de Putron Hitchcock addressed the children early in the afternoon, owing to his having a similar, function at Lang Lang at 2 o'clock. The ladies supplied lunch for the children in their usual sumptuous manner, after which the new flag was unfurled, and then the Education Department's programme was adhered to with songs and recitations by the children, who did credit to their teacher, Miss Merrigan, who has had charge of the school for so short a time. Tennis for-the grown-ups, and races for the children filled in the rest of the afternoon, when tea was served and all left for home, having thoroughly enjoyed the outing.
Following is a list of winners of the various events -
Boys - R. Cox. 1, D. McGhee 2, E. Pretty 3.
Boys - E. Garnham 1, S. Cameron 2, C. Finck 3.
Girls - T. Garnham 1, E. Hatty 2, E. Braham 3.
Girls - N. Dalrymple 1, I. Games 2. M. McGhee 3.
Girls - D. Hatty 1. M. Dalrymple 2, M. McGhee 3.
Boys - G. Collyer 1, W. Garnham 2, W. Cameron 3.
Girls - Vera Tanner 1, D. Finck 2, M. McGhee 3.
Boys - N. Bethune 1, L. Finck 2, B. Cox 3.
Boys' High Jump - G. Collyer 1. L. Finck 2.
Young Ladies' Race - Miss Trusscott 1, Miss R. Savage 2.
(Lang Lang Guardian, April 26 1916, see here)
ANZAC Day at Dandenong State School This important event was celebrated at the above school last Thursday. There was a large attendance of children, parents and friends. Mr Talbot explained that the celebration was taking place that day as the anniversary (25th April) of our troops landing on Gallipoli Peninsula came during the school vacation. He explained the origin of "Anzac," from the first letter of each words of Australia, New Zealand Army Corps. He eulogised the great work our soldiers had done, and pointed out that whatever sacrifice we could make would never compensate for the great sacrifices our men had made on that memorable occasion. We rejoiced in the great deeds, because our boys did it, and mourned because some of our old pupils were killed in the fight. Song by children, under Miss Forsyth, "Lest we Forget;" short and interesting addresses were given by Rev. Buntine, Dr. Taylor, E. P. Walker and A. W. Parson.
ANZAC Day Celebrations - Anzac Day was celebrated at the Yallock School on Thursday. The Rev. H. de Putron Hitchcock addressed the children early in the afternoon, owing to his having a similar, function at Lang Lang at 2 o'clock. The ladies supplied lunch for the children in their usual sumptuous manner, after which the new flag was unfurled, and then the Education Department's programme was adhered to with songs and recitations by the children, who did credit to their teacher, Miss Merrigan, who has had charge of the school for so short a time. Tennis for-the grown-ups, and races for the children filled in the rest of the afternoon, when tea was served and all left for home, having thoroughly enjoyed the outing.
Following is a list of winners of the various events -
Boys - R. Cox. 1, D. McGhee 2, E. Pretty 3.
Boys - E. Garnham 1, S. Cameron 2, C. Finck 3.
Girls - T. Garnham 1, E. Hatty 2, E. Braham 3.
Girls - N. Dalrymple 1, I. Games 2. M. McGhee 3.
Girls - D. Hatty 1. M. Dalrymple 2, M. McGhee 3.
Boys - G. Collyer 1, W. Garnham 2, W. Cameron 3.
Girls - Vera Tanner 1, D. Finck 2, M. McGhee 3.
Boys - N. Bethune 1, L. Finck 2, B. Cox 3.
Boys' High Jump - G. Collyer 1. L. Finck 2.
Young Ladies' Race - Miss Trusscott 1, Miss R. Savage 2.
(Lang Lang Guardian, April 26 1916, see here)
Lang Lang
The anniversary of the day on which the Australian and New Zealand soldiers landed on Gallipoli was celebrated at the Lang Lang State school on Thursday last. In the morning the ordinary school programme was carried out, and in the afternoon a number of parents and friends assembled, while the children sang Kipling's "Lest we Forget." "O God, our help in Ages Past," and the National Anthem, including the verse "God bless our Splendid Men." The ceremony of saluting the flag was also gone through, and the declaration made: "I love God and my country ; I honor the flag ; I will serve the King, and cheerfully obey my parents, teachers and the laws " During the afternoon short and appropriate addresses were delivered by the Rev H. de Putron Hitchcock and Mr W. Cole.
(Lang Lang Guardian, April 26 1916, see here)
ANZAC Day at Dandenong State School This important event was celebrated at the above school last Thursday. There was a large attendance of children, parents and friends. Mr Talbot explained that the celebration was taking place that day as the anniversary (25th April) of our troops landing on Gallipoli Peninsula came during the school vacation. He explained the origin of "Anzac," from the first letter of each words of Australia, New Zealand Army Corps. He eulogised the great work our soldiers had done, and pointed out that whatever sacrifice we could make would never compensate for the great sacrifices our men had made on that memorable occasion. We rejoiced in the great deeds, because our boys did it, and mourned because some of our old pupils were killed in the fight. Song by children, under Miss Forsyth, "Lest we Forget;" short and interesting addresses were given by Rev. Buntine, Dr. Taylor, E. P. Walker and A. W. Parson.
The report and Honor roll, by Mr Talbot, showed that 69 old pupils were either in camp or had gone to the Front. Four of these had given their lives for the cause, viz, E. Martin, H. Masters, K. Curlewis and R. Hepburn. Song, by children, "O God, our help - Ages past." The Anzac heroes present were Sergt Harold Tulloch, and Private Henry Newsome, old pupils from the school. These soldiers present gave details of the risks they had to contend against in modest respose; and Recruiting Sergeant Pickett gave an interesting detail of his efforts, and urged the necessity of eligible men to strength our forces.
Mr Talbot then gave a statement of the results of the efforts of the patriotic organisation. £70,000 had already been raised. Each school had a treasurer, and each teacher kept a record of every penny received in the metropolitan district.--Nott street, Port Melbourne, average over 700 pupils £102; Oakleigh, average over 550 pupils £71 ; Armadale, average over 600 pupils £78; Box Hill, average over 500 pupils £50 ; Dandenong, average over 375 pupils £104. Since the above was published Dandenong has collected £21 and has given to the local Red Cross £28, making a total for our school of £153. A presentation of useful articles was then made to Mr Fisher, who responded. The children sang "Unfurl the Flag," the British flag was saluted, followed by the National Anthem, after which the scholars marched in order to the school room, and were dismissed. The tout ensemble of the affair was most pleasing. The singing was timous, and drilling of the children showed that care had been taken to perfect them; the general intelligence displayed by the young people was a matter for congratulation to all concerned.
(Dandenong Advertiser, April 27, 1916, see here)
(Dandenong Advertiser, April 27, 1916, see here)
A version of this post was first published on my work blog Casey Cardinia Commemorates: Our War Years.
