Jack O'Riordan and Terry O'Riordan (and their dog) Rossiter Road, Koo Wee Rup, taken in July 1925, when the American Fleet visited Melbourne.
Photo supplied by Robert Dusting, Koo Wee Rup Swamp Historical Society collection.
The American Fleet had arrived in Melbourne on July 23, 1925. The ships were berthed at Princes Pier and Victoria Dock and were open to the public. At Prince's Pier people could visit U. S.S. Seattle, U.S.S. Pennsylvania, U.S.S. Oklahoma and the U.S.S. Nevada. At Victoria Dock - U.S.S. Omaha, Altair, and Melville, and all the destroyers. The arrival of the Fleet was well reported and many activities were organised for the Officers and the Crews. The Fleet left Melbourne on August 6.(2).
American Fleet at Victoria Dock, 1925 (3)
Photographer: Charles Daniel Pratt (Airspy). State Library of Victoria Image H91.160/475
The sailors visit Korumburra
Koo Wee Rup Sun, July 30, 1925, p.4
So we now know that some of the sailors came even closer to Koo Wee Rup, as they visited Korumburra, travelling by train and saw a football match between Bayles and Korumburra vs Leongatha and Meeniyan. Perhaps Jack and Terry also had a trip to Korumburra that day, or they waved to the soldiers at the Koo Wee Rup Station as the train went through or they may even have been lucky enough to go to Melbourne to see the Fleet.
As you could imagine, for a small town like Korumburra, which at the time had a population of about 2,500 (4) an event such as this required much planning and tight logistics Not only did they expect the 200 sailors on Saturday, July 25, but many visitors who would come to join in the festivities. The first report in the local newspaper, the Great Southern Advocate, was on May 28, 1925, which fully supported the idea of the visit (5). A public meeting was held on June 22, where a Committee was formed, and the Councillors present announced that there will be no financial support for the visit from the Shire of Korumburra. The Committee consisted of Crs Western and Kurrle, Dr. Reed, and Messrs Lloyd, Bonwick, Knyvett, Petersen, G. Knight, Pam, Nicholson McArthur and J. Wilson. (6).
A later meeting of the Committee noted that 1000 souvenir buttons had been ordered and
would shortly be on sale (7). The catering for the event had been under discussion for weeks, at the first public meeting it was decided that the only way to cater for such a large assemblage would be to get proper catering from some caterer. It was too big a thing to ask that ladies to undertake it. (8). However it was later reported that last Thursday afternoon a fair number of ladies attended a meeting to consider the best ways and means of catering for the visit of the American fleet contingent on July 25th. Cr. W. Herbertson was in the chair. He said he recognised that the catering was a big undertaking, but considered the ladies could best discuss the matter among themselves. On a vote being taken the ladies unanimously agreed to carry out the catering. (9)
A committee of ladies was formed - President, Mrs. G. G. Knight, vice-president, Mrs. H.J. Bonwick; secretary, Mrs McArthur; general committee, Mesdames Horsley, Western, Thompson, Pam, Wynne, Ritchie, Herbertson and Miss Wilson. Sub-committees were appointed for the out-lying districts. (10). As as we will see from the report of the day below, they did a wonderful job.
Activities were planned including the football match and other sporting events; and transport was organised - as the Great Southern Advocate reported - As an inducement to patronize the gathering and bring visitors from outside districts to the celebrations the association has very wisely decided to run a special train from Stony Creek. The association is to be heartily congratulated on its decision to run this train as it will provide the opportunity of bringing many people to the town who might otherwise not have came. (11)
The Great Southern Advocate of July 23 announced the final programme for the day -
Arrival of train 11 a.m. Officers and men to be met by a guard of honor consisting of 21 returned
soldiers, the band, and chairman and committee. The men to be disbanded till 11.40, when they
will assemble at the fire station. After falling into line at 11.50 they will march, headed by the
fleet band, to the drill hall, where lunch will be served at noon. The sports programme will start
on the show ground at 1 p.m., and will continue during the afternoon. A feature will be the
football match between the South Gippsland Association teams. Tea will be served in the drill hall
at 5.30, and the dance will be conducted from 7.30. At 9.30 the sailors will be supplied with a buffet supper, and return for Melbourne at 10.30 p.m. (12)
Commercial Street, looking west, Korumburra, c. 1930s.
Photographer: Rose Stereograph Co.
State Library of Victoria Image H32492/7531
The Great Southern Advocate reported on the sailor's visit to Korumburra on Saturday, July 25 1925, and it was certainly a red-letter day for the town.
The American Sailors. Visit to Korumburra. "A Wonderful Time," So Said the Sailor Boys
Not more than once or twice at most, in a generation, can we expect to be honored with the visit of a naval expedition of such magnitude, as is now present in Australian waters, and the International significance of this re-union with our kinsmen overseas is of world wide importance. There is not a civilised nation on the earth but is watching the progress of the American fleet, and the nature of its reception by the Dominions of the British Empire. For it is recognised that the combination of these two English-speaking peoples with their powerful armaments on sea and land, must and will determine the policies of practically every other nation. While they devote their highest efforts to the maintenance of the peace of the world, it will be almost impossible for any other combination of Powers to wage another great war.
It is the contemplation of these facts which adds so much to the earnestness of the welcome extended to our American friends, and kinsmen. And some of the enthusiasm was seen in Korumburra on Saturday, when shortly before noon, a special train brought a contingent of officers and men on a visit to this town and district.
About ten o'clock people began to make their way to the railway station, and when the train steamed in hundreds of residents, young and old were clamouring for a good position to get the first-glimpse of the visitors. The shire president, Cr. W. Herbertson and other members of the reception committee were on the station to bid them welcome, and after a few minutes came off the station "at the double" and formed up in Commercial street at the top of Radovick street. The band which accompanied them, composed of Phillipinos, marched at the head of the contingent to the fire brigade station, where the men were dismissed. People were coming in from all round the district, and it is questionable if ever there were more people in Commercial street at the one time than on Saturday about 11.30 a.m. For about 40 minutes the sailors had a look round the business part of the town, and soon made themselves good friends with all.
About noon the sailors formed into line again at the fire station and marched to the drill hall, where a very fine dinner had been prepared for them by the ladies. No trouble had been spared by the ladies in decorating the hall, and the nicely attired bevy of pretty girls ready to wait on the sailors gave the place a very pleasing appearance. The menu for the dinner was as follows: - Roast beef, sirloin of beef, roast lamb, roast pork, and apple sauce, mashed potatoes, pickles, beetroot and sauces. Sweets. - Plum pudding and vanilla sauce, apple pie and cream, preserved fruits and pastry, Vienna rolls, crackers and cheese. Tea, coffee, soft drinks. Fruits in season. Cigarettes.
Dinner having been partaken of, and the toast of "The King and President" having been honored the chairman, Cr. Herbertson proposed "Our Guests." They all recognised that the American navy was the admiration of the whole civilised world, and the American people had launched some great national schemes which were copied by other countries. One in particular was the irrigation scheme, which had been a revelation in Australia, and especially Victoria. Great areas had been made productive and it fostered settlement. The brains behind the great electricity scheme was in America, and this also had been a boon to Victoria. He recognised that the visit of the fleet to Australia was one of national importance, and it would prove the means of creating a greater and closer friendship between the two countries. That you have come here to help us was proved in the loan that was recently raised in America on our behalf. He hoped their stay in Australia would be of educational value, and when they returned home they would be able to tell their people of the great opportunities there were here for men of their type. He had every confidence in the Americans and believed that if ever the day came when Australia was involved in war they would come to our assistance and help us to fight for right against might. He desired to extend to those present a most cordial welcome, and hoped they would all have a very enjoyable day. (Applause.)
Mr. Tyner, M.L. C., in supporting the toast said the visit of the fleet, he was sure, was going to strengthen the bonds of friendship between the two countries, and in welcoming them here that day we are remindful of the splendid hospitality given to our soldiers while passing through America.
Ensign Hennigar, of the battleship Oklahoma, expressed thanks for the wonderful reception and hospitality given to the sailors. He was sure they would all enjoy the outing, and the great act of kindness would impress on the minds of the men the loyal friendship that existed between the two countries. He was pleased to be here amongst such warm-hearted people, and appreciated to the full all that had been done to give them an enjoyable time (Applause.)
When the sailors rose from the tables they insisted on the girls sitting down, and the lads in turn waited on the tables while the girls had dinner. The girls were quite delighted with the compliment of having the sailors waiting them. Not satisfied with this, the lads in blue helped the ladies to wash up afterwards.
Commercial Street, Korumburra, c. 1930s.
Photographer: Rose Stereograph Co.
State Library of Victoria Image H32492/7551
A sports meeting was held on the show grounds in the afternoon at which there was a great gathering. The principal attraction was a football match between Leongatha and M.& S. United [Meeniyan and Stony Creek United] combined and Korumburra and Bayles combined. After an interesting game it resulted in a draw - 10.10 each. Other interesting items were a flag race, in which the sailors took part, gymnastic display by members of the Boys' Club, and a tug-of-war between teams from the footballers and the sailors. During the afternoon the visiting Phillipinos band played a programme of excellent music on the lawn in front of the stand, and this was probably the most enjoyable item of the afternoon, some of it real genuine jazz music.
About 5.30 the sailors again mustered at the drill hall, where tea was waiting for them. The menu was:- Ham and tongue, roast beef, roast lamb and pork, pickles and sauces. Sweets.- Fruit salads, trifles, fruit jellies, cream and fancy cakes and biscuits. Tea, coffee and cigarettes.
Many members of the public also came along and had tea, otherwise the committee would have been left with a great deal more eatables than they were. At the conclusion of tea very little time was lost in preparing the hall for dancing. While this was being done the band played severed animating jazz selections, which made both boys and girls quite anxious to make a start with the dancing. About seven o'clock all was clear and then the really most enjoyable and social part of the whole festivities was entered into. Most of the sailors could dance, and so could the girls that were there - and they did too, every dance, some of them. Some of the local boys were rather jealous of the good time the sailors were having, but the girls did not seem to care. They were out to give the visitors a pleasant time and they did. About 9.30 the visitors were treated to a cup of coffee, and after the band played the National Anthems of Britain and America, the sailors and many of those in the hall went to the railway station. About 10.40 p.m. the train - steamed out, amidst cheers from the departing boys and those on the platform.
It was easily one of the most pleasant and happy functions ever held in our district, and we will long retain happy memories of the visit of the American sailors to Korumburra. They were a gentlemanly, manly lot, and it was a pleasure and privilege to have had them here.
Too much praise cannot be given the committees which carried out all the arrangements. Mrs Gordon Knight (president), and Mrs. McArthur (secretary) had a band of willing workers to help them, and they received exceedingly great help from ladies in the country districts. Cr W. Herbertson, president, and Mr. P.McGrath, secretary of the general committee, have every reason to be well satisfied with the very pleasant and successful function. (13).
There was one more report in the Great Southern Advocate of the visit of the American sailors to Korumburra -
Some of Korumburra's young ladies, who had such a good time with the American sailors on their visit to our town, went to Melbourne last weekend to re-new acquaintances. Most of them have returned and speak of having had a great time. (14). I wonder if any of the girls kept in contact with the sailors after the Fleet left Melbourne?
Trove list - I have created a list of the Great Southern Advocate articles connected to the visit of the American sailors to Korumburra, on July 25, 1925, access it here.
Footnotes
Trove list - I have created a list of the Great Southern Advocate articles connected to the visit of the American sailors to Korumburra, on July 25, 1925, access it here.
Footnotes
(1) O'Riordan family - https://kooweerupswamphistory.blogspot.com/2014/05/les-oriordans-recollections-early.html John Henry (Jack) O'Riordan born July 28, 1919. He served in World War Two in the Army and the Air Force; Terence Joseph O'Riordan was born May 4, 1921, and served in the Air Force in World War Two (https://nominal-rolls.dva.gov.au/ww2)
(2) The Argus, July 24, 1925 had a four page report on the arrival of the Fleet, read it here, here, here and here; where the boats were - The Argus, July 24, 1925, see here; The Argus, August 6, 1925 see here.
(3) Incorrectly dated as 1927 at the State Library of Victoria.
(4) Victorian Places https://www.victorianplaces.com.au/korumburra
(5) Great Southern Advocate, May 28, 1925, see here.
(6) Great Southern Advocate, June 25, 1925, see here.
(7) Great Southern Advocate, July 9, 1925, see here.
(8) Great Southern Advocate, June 25, 1925, see here.
(9) Great Southern Advocate, July 16, 1925, see here.
(10) Ibid
(11) Ibid
(12) Great Southern Advocate, July 23 1925, see here.
(13) Great Southern Advocate, July 30 1925, see here.
(14) Great Southern Advocate, August 6, 1925, see here.
