Saturday, November 4, 2023

Motor and Transport Defence League - the Monster ½ Mile Petition

We were fortunate to have  a tour of the stacks at the Public Records Office of Victoria (PROV) recently.  We were shown around by PROV staff, Leigh and David. It was so much fun and so interesting and one of the treasures we were shown was the Monster ½ Mile Petition - it is 2,703 feet in length and contains 36,073 signatures, and is housed in a purpose made storage box. The petition, organised by the Motor and Transport Defence League,  asked Parliament to reduce the registration fees for motor-cars from 3/ to 2/6 per power-weight unit. 


Monster ½ Mile Petition
Image: Isaac Hermann

At the time petitions to the Government had to be on one continuous sheet of paper, thus sometimes individual sheets were attached to a length of fabric or paper, to make it continuous. In this case, the Motor and Transport Defence League used a large roll of papers attached to a large spool to create the petition, which made it a convenient format to collect signatures. It is shown in the image below which was taken at the International Melbourne Motor Show.


Collecting signatures on the Petition at the Motor Show


The Argus of July 8, 1936 had the following report on the presentation -
Petition Half a Mile Long. Two Members Fail to Lift It.
Bearing the signatures of 36,073 "enfranchised citizens of Victoria," and wound on a large spool in the fashion of a surf reel, a petition half a mile long was presented in the Legislative Assembly yesterday. It asked Parliament to reduce the registration fees for motor-cars from 3/ to 2/6 a power-weight unit. 

Mr. Lamb (U.C.P., Lowan), who presented the petition said that it contained the signatures of residents of every city, town, and village in Victoria. The petition was sponsored by the Motor Transport Defence League, and its preparation occupied more than two months. 

Mr. Lamb, having moved that "the petition do lie upon the table of the House," sought the assistance of Mr. Dillon (U. A .P., Essendon) to lift the spool, on which was inscribed "Monster Petition," from the floor, but the combined effort of the two members failed to move it. The petition was allowed to rest on the carpet near the clerk's table, where members inspected closely the bulkiest document ever accepted for transference to the archives of the House.

Following the presentation of the petition, the Motor and Transport Defence League
(1) entertained a few of their supporters at dinner at the Hotel Windsor. The president of the league (Mr A. E. Kane) presided, and the guests included the Speaker (Mr Everard) and Messrs Dillon and Hollway, M.L.A. (2)


The presentation of the Petition

The Age had a more detailed report of the petition -
"Half a Mile" of Petition. - Bearing over 36,000 signatures, and wound round a carrier of the type 
generally used for electric cables, a petition urging amendment of the Motor Car Act to modify registration fees, was presented to the Legislative Assembly yesterday. Mr. Lamb (C.P.), who, with Mr. Dillon (U.A.P.), presented the petition, said it was, 2703 feet - or more than half a mile - in length, and, he moved that standing orders should be suspended to enable it to be read. Members inquired "Names and all?" The petition suggested that the clause providing for the charge for each power weight unit for motor cars should be amended to 2/6 instead of 3/ as at present, provided they were fitted with pneumatic tyres on resilient wheels. This, it was stated, would create a flat rate of 2/6 per power unit for all private and commercial vehicles, removing an invidious distinction in favor of one section of the community. 

The upkeep of the roads was the petition claimed, more justly met from the existing tax on petrol, of which only one-third was devoted to that purpose. The amount now yielded by the present registration rate far exceeded the anticipations of Parliament, and it submitted the sliding rate on commercial vehicles was inequitable. The increasing power weight units per vehicle should, it argued, be sufficient to cover all road requirements, as motor cars were no longer luxuries but "virtual necessities," without which many citizens could not enter into business competition with their rivals owing to inability to pay high registration fees. If the amendment were made, it was suggested the revenue would probably increase.

After viewing the bulky document the Speaker blandly directed that it should "lie on the table of the House." And, like all petitions that are presented to Parliament, it was forthwith transferred to the vaults under Parliament House, there to join the records of Parliament —and to be forgotten. (3)

Was the petition successful? The Chief Secretary estimated, in October 1936, that the reduction in the charge from 3/ to 2/6 a power-weight unit, would cost  £125,000 for twelve months. (4) The issue had still not been resolved a year later as in September 1937 it was reported that the Motor Registration Branch estimated that State revenue would  decline by £188,000 if the reduction was put into effect. As  a matter of interest the same article reported that during the last financial year the revenue of the Motor Registration branch reached the record figure of £1,647,000. (5) Perhaps, indeed the petition was put into the vaults and forgotten.

Footnotes
(1) Motor and Transport Defence League - established in 1934 - see The Argus, September 4, 1934, see here; their rationale for the petition The Age, May 1 1936, see here.
(2) The Argus, July 8, 1936, see here.
(3) The Age, July 8 1936, see here.
(4) The Age, October 22 1936, see here.
(5) The Age, September 10, 1937, see here.

Sunday, October 22, 2023

Royal Victorian Motor Yacht Club World War One Honour Board

We used to have a boat which we moored at the Royal Victorian Motor Yacht Club (RVMYC); we sold the boat many years ago, but the other day I visited the Club with a friend and I took a photo of their Honour Board. This post looks at the World War One soldiers listed on the Roll of Honour (and one day I will look at the Second World War soldiers) but first, here is a short history of the RVMYC.


The RVMYC Honour Board
Photo: Heather Arnold October 2023

A report in the sports newspaper, Winner, in July 1914, written by Donald MacDonald outlined the history of the Club which was established on March 4, 1904 as the Victorian Launch Club. This was the first power boat club in Victoria. It had for its executive officers - Commodore, Mr. F. M: Linley; hon. secretary, Mr. E. H. James; hon. treasurer, Mr. K. Lowther. The patron was Captain (now Admiral) Creswell.


Victorian Launch Club Committee, 1905 - E.H. James (Hon. Secretary), F. Garner, E. Huon, C. Garner, R. Lowther. Front: H. Barker, F. Linley (Commodore) and J. McQuade (Vice-Commodore).

The report continues - In 1908 a split occurred in the club. A number of members resigned and formed a new organisation, as a protest against members of the trade making too great  a use of races for advertising purposes. This new club was called 'The Motor Boat Club of Victoria,' and was at once, successful and popular, interest being kept up by the arranging of social functions as well as racing. The parent club conducted an extensive racing programme, and excellent work was done in the development of the faster type of boat. Fortunately the differences that existed were soon overcome, and the two clubs amalgamated some eighteen months later. (1)

The date of this amalgamation was April 1909 and the Leader reported that -  The Victorian Launch Club and the Motor Boat Club of Victoria have amalgamated. The combined clubs are now known as the Victorian Motor Boat Club. The office bearers are as follow:- Mr. Kinnear, commodore; Mr. C. Oxley, vice-commodore; Mr. C. O. Dentry, rear-commodore; Mr. Chesterman, handicapper; committee, Messrs. J. Beale, J. Murdoch, G. F. Thomas, C. Stringer, A. M'Kinnon and J. Winter; Mr. E. L. Boden, secretary. (2)

Initially the Club met at the Port Phillip Hotel until November 1913 when it moved to a suite of rooms conveniently situated at Prince's Walk, near the landing stage. (3) It is pictured below. The seventeen World War One Soldiers listed on the Honour Board, would have been very familiar with the Prince's Walk club rooms.  Prince's Walk was on the north bank of the Yarra River, on the east side of Princes Bridge. In the 1930s the Club moved to its present location on The Strand, in Williamstown, changed its name to the Victorian Motor Yacht Club and in 1937 it became the Royal Victorian Motor Yacht Club. (4)


Victorian Motor Boat Club, on the left, on  Princes Walk in the December 1934 flood. The sign on the building next to the Club says Kelvin Motor Boat Engine.
Floods, Yarra from Princes Bridge. Image has been cropped.


What follows is a list of  the World War One Soldiers who are on the RVMYC Honour Board. They are Abrahams, Frederick Alfred (Fred) / Abrahams, Louis Henry / Adams, H / Deacon, Allan Stanley / Dentry, Charles Clifford / Dixon, Herbert Fitzroy / Frankland, Harold Lear / Jones, Norman Henry / Langford, Leslie William / MacDonald, Donald / McBean, Charles Mortimer / Reid, Andrew Lambert / Stringer, Charles Henry / Stringer, Leslie / Watt, Ian Charles / Watts, Stanley Keevil / Winter, John Stodart. I have included their service number (SN), so you can look at their full record on the National Archives of Australia website www.naa.gov.au   

I hadn't realised that the club wasn't in Williamstown during the First World War, so my initial assumption that most of these men would have  a Williamstown connection was dashed, thus it was a bit harder than I expected to identify these men. The Winner newspaper had regular reports, written by Hugh G. Hanna, on motor boating and boaterists, as he called those who participated in the sport. These reports included photos of members of the Victorian Motor Boat Club who enlisted and these photos are included here. Also of interest is that Hugh Hanna writes about, and has photos of, other Club members who enlisted who do not appear on the Honour Board, which makes me think that the names were compiled sometime after the War ended, perhaps even in conjunction with the World War Two names.

Abrahams, Frederick Alfred (Fred).  The death of 25 year-old Fred on active service in France on September 10, 1916 was reported in the Winner, on November 8, 1916 -
Prominent Boaterist gives life for the cause -  Mr Hugh G. Hanna, hon. secretary of the Victorian Motor Boat Club, writes: - A cablegram has been received by Rear-Commodore H. Abrahams, from his aunt, Mrs G. Abrahams, who is at present in London, stating his cousin Fred had been killed in action in France. The news will be received with deep regret by the many friends of deceased. Mr Abrahams reached England just after the outbreak of war. He was one of the first to volunteer for active service, was rejected either two or three times, but so strong was his determination that he eventually enlisted in the Queen's Westminster Rifles. He had previously gone up for his commission, and passed with flying colors, but would not wait to be gazetted, and received his death wound before it reached him. His first engagement was at the big push on the Somme, where he remained fit and well in the trenches continuously for four months. The late Mr Fred Abrahams was the only son of the late Louis Abrahams, the founder of the firm of Snider and Abrahams Proprietary Limited, Lonsdale street. He was educated at Wesley College, was one of the keenest of the crew of the Kallara, formerly the property of his cousins, Lew and Bert. He was an inseparable companion of the latter. For three years off and on this boat was a familiar sight at the various ports round the bay. He left for England, it may be remarked, just prior to the launching of Katandra. Lew, the skipper, our ex-Rear-Commodore, also volunteered for active service, and is at present in camp in England with the motor transport. The members of the V.M.B.C. desire to extend their deep sympathy to the friends and relatives of their old club mate, whose lose they all deeply deplore. (5) Fred was the son of Louis and Golda (nee Brasch) Abrahams. Snider and Abrahams manufactured cigars and cigarettes.


Fred Abrahams, Killed in Action in France September 1916
The Winner, November 8, 1916 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article154553111


Abrahams, Louis Henry (SN 11633). Louis was the cousin of Fred, above.  He enlisted on February 14, 1916 at the age of 25 and his occupation was a supervisor. His next of kin was his father, Laurence, of Kallara, Park Street, South Yarra. Louis was assigned to the 3rd Divisional Supply Column, Motor Transport. After serving in France, he was granted leave without pay from March to August 1919 and given permission to return to Australia via America, at his own expense. Louis was the Rear-Commodore of the Club until his enlistment, when his brother Herbert took over the role. Louis and Herbert were the sons of Laurence and Esther (nee Hyams) Abrahams. Louis died at only 49 years of age in 1940 - it appears that he had a love of sailing and machines all his life. This is from his obituary in the Herald
Mr Louis Henry Abrahams, 49, who died last night on his yacht at Williamstown, following a sudden illness, was a prominent figure in Melbourne's business life, and well known in yachting and aviation circles. He was joint managing director of Radio Corporation Pty. Ltd., Universal Guarantee Ltd., and Electronic Industries Ltd. He served in the last war with the 3rd Divisional Supply Column and was notable, in his business life, for encouraging aviation. In addition to yachting activities as a member of the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria, he did much flying in his own plane and introduced the use of planes by travellers of the companies with which he was associated. (6)


Louis Abrahams, who was the Rear-Commodore of the Club before his enlistment.


Adams,  H. I had some trouble finding this man until I identified Donald MacDonald (see below) and then I found this reference to H. Adams in connection to Donald MacDonald and it fell into place - so now I know the role Mr Adams played in the War effort and have a photo of him, I just don't know his given name. The following was written by Hugh  G. Hanna and appeared in the Winner in September 1915
Mr H. Adams has been appointed to Mr Donald Macdonald's staff of the Radiotelegraph Branch in the Pacific, where a number of Wireless Stations were annexed from the Germans. Mr Adams has just arrived at Rabaul, New Britain. He is a young man who has had a good general experience in engineering and electrical matters, having been connected for several years with The Bnstol Tramways and Carriage Company, the largest company of its kind in the West of England. On his arrival in Australia he joined the staff of Messrs Brodribb Bros., motor and general engineers, St. Kilda road, where he won the thorough appreciation of the firm for his skill and reliability. He should prove a decided acquisition to the staff to which he has been appointed. Mr Adams has left a host or warm friends behind him, all of whom wish him every success, and there is no doubt he will make many staunch friends in the Islands. (7)


H. Adams


Deacon, Allan Stanley (SN 3006) Allan was a 29 year old engineer when he enlisted on September 29, 1915. His address was 342 Albert Street, East Melbourne.  He had been born in Scotland and his next of kin was his father Cecil, who lived in Scotland. Allan was assigned to the 5th Field Company Engineers and he Returned to Australia May 20, 1919. Allan married Beatrice Nelson on September 3, 1919 and he died in Sydney in 1972. 


Allan Deacon donated a prize for a Victorian Motor Boat Club race

Dentry, Charles Clifford (SN 730) Cliff, as he was known, enlisted on July 22, 1915 in the 29th Battalion, B Company; he was a 31 year old clerk. He was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, in recognition of valuable services rendered with the Armies in France and Flanders. He reached the rank of Staff-Sergeant and Returned to Australian May 8, 1919.  Cliff was the son of Charles Omer and Flora (nee McPherson) Dentry living at the time in Barkly Street, Brunswick. Cliff and Charles were members of the Victorian Motor Boat Club - Charles having served as Commodore and Secretary and Cliff as secretary. Cliff's brother, Norman also enlisted, but is not listed on the Honour Board.

Dentry, Norman Hugh St Omer Dentry (SN 437). Norman enlisted on September 5, 1914; he was a 27 year old surveyor/engineer and was Killed in Action in Belgium on October 31, 1917. Cliff and Norman were the first cousins of Leslie Bassett Stringer, whom I have written about below.


Cliff Dentry


Dixon, Herbert Fitzroy (SN 9340) Herbert was a 23 year old motor mechanic and enlisted on July 26, 1915 assigned to the Army Medical Corps Motor Drivers. He attained the rank of Sergeant and was Mentioned in Despatches. Herbert Returned to Australia April 27, 1919. Herbert was the son of Herbert and Florence (nee Schilds) Dixon and was living in Canterbury at the time of his enlistment with his wife, Katie (nee Lowe); their little daughter Lyla, was born in September 1916, whilst he was on active service. Herbert died in 1958.


Herbert Dixon

Frankland, Harold Lear (SN 15127 and 7870)   A. Frankland is listed on the Honour Board and he is mentioned in the article below, and thus we know he was a member of the Army Medical Corps, but I can't find an A. Frankland who enlisted, so I believe I am correct that the man on the Honour Board is actually Harold. Harold enlisted on August 19, 1915, he was a 23 year old electrician. He was assigned to the No. 14 Australian General Hospital and reached the rank of Staff Sergeant. Harold Returned to Australia January 31, 1919. Harold was the son of Frederick and Bonnie (nee Lear) Frankland and was living in  Davis Avenue, South Yarra on enlistment.


 

Harold Frankland

Jones, Norman Henry (SN 22091) Norman was 22 year old scale maker when he enlisted on April 19, 1917 and was assigned to the  Engineering Field Companies, General Reinforcements. He Returned to Australia July 13, 1919. Norman was the son of Edward and Elizabeth (nee Murray) of 67 Johnston Street, Fitzroy. Edward was a Scale and Platform Weighing Machine manufacturer. Norman's brother Ernest also enlisted, and for some reason he is not on the Honour Board, although he was involved with the Motor Boat Club, but I have written about him below, because he deserves to be listed.

From a report of Victorian Motor Boat Club activities -  N. H. Jones has enlisted.

Jones, Ernest Paul (SN 5248) Ernest enlisted on July 12, 1915 at the age of 24 and his occupation was listed as a paper box maker; although his Roll of Honour circular notes his training as a motor boat mechanic.  His next of kin was his father, Edward. Ernest was Killed in Action in Belgium on September 20, 1917. Ernest and Norman had a boat named Pax, with the Victorian Motor Boat Club and in Ernest's will, which he made before he embarked, he left his share of this boat to his brother Norman.


From Ernest's will from his Attestation file.
National Archives of Australia www.naa.gov.au
First Australian Imperial Force Personnel Dossiers, 1914-1920


Ernest Jones, Killed in Action


Langford, Leslie William (SN 1512) An L.W. Langford is mentioned in the article, above, where he is enlisted around the same time as Norman Jones, in 1917. However, the only L.W. Langford I can find is Leslie William, a clerk,  and he enlisted at the age of 21 on July 1, 1918; he was sent overseas to England and Returned to Australia August 22, 1919. Leslie was the son of Clements and Sarah (nee Coverlid) Langford of 23 Clifton Street, Richmond. There are mentions in the newspapers of Langfords connected to the Victorian Motor Boat Club - a G.L. Langford and a C. Langford and Leslie had a brother George and a brother Clements, so even though Leslie's enlistment date is nearly a year later than the newspaper article, I believe I have the right man. His father, Clements, was a master builder and amongst other projects, built the spires on St Pauls Cathedral. Clements died in 1930 and one of his obituaries noted that he was fond of boating and motor-boating. (8) Leslie married Edith Damyon in April 1920, he died in 1967, aged 71.


The Sarona, built for Leslie's brother, Clements.


MacDonald, Donald.  Donald MacDonald was a regular contributor to the Winner newspaper on motor boating and aviation and had an article on the history of the Victorian Motor Boat Club published in that paper in July 1914 (9). A report in the The Herald  in November 1918 tells us something of his War time activities-  
Immediately before the beginning of the war there were three German high-power stations in operation in the Pacific, namely, Yap, Nauru and Samoa. A fourth station of similar size had been begun at Bita Paka, situated close to Rabaul, the capital of the German South Sea possessions. Rabaul was in New Britain. The report continues -
When the late Brigadier-General Sir Samuel (then Colonel) Pethebridge left Sydney by the s.s. Eastern on November 24, 1914, on a tour of inspection Mr Donald Macdonald, an electrical engineer in the Postmaster-General's Department, accompanied him with a small wireless erectional gang for the purpose of making an examination of the German stations, and erecting some additional temporary stations necessary in connection with the conduct of military operations. (10)

MacDonald and his gang  re-erected the wireless plant at Bita Paka which had been dismantled by the Germans on the landing of the Australian naval and military expeditions in September, 1914. (11)  He was also in charge of the wireless stations in New Britain.  

In July 1915, Hugh Hanna, who was a member of the Victorian Motor Boat Club and produced regular reports on the Club's activities for the Winner wrote - This being the birthday issue of "The Winner" and the occasion of laudatory reference to the patriotism of those contributors who have volunteered for active service, I have been specially requested by the Editor to mention Mr. D. Macdonald....Although Mr. Macdonald did not volunteer for active war service, in a sense, I fully agree that his efforts in placing the Commonwealth Radio Service on an efficient footing are no less valuable on that account, particularly so as some of the wireless stations are located in territory formerly belonging to the Germans. (12)

Donald MacDonald also employed two other Victorian Motor Boat Club members on radio stations in the Pacific - Mr H. Adams (see above) and Charles Stringer (see below). Not surprising that his fellow boaterists would have  an interest in radio communication and could no doubt see the value it could be in recreational boating.

Donald MacDonald's appointment
Commonwealth of Australia Gazette, June 8, 1916, p. 1304. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article232469199

On January 21, 1916 Donald was appointed Lieutenant-Commander Telegraphist, the appointment being made for temporary service in the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force, such appointments to continue in force during the present war and for six months thereafter. (13)


Donald MacDonald

McBean, Charles Mortimer (SN 8207) Charles enlisted June 18, 1915; he was a 27 year old salesman. He was promoted to the rank of  Lieutenant and Returned to Australia January 14, 1919. Charles was the son of William and Lucy (nee Mortimer) McBean of 71 Riversdale Road, Hawthorn.  Charles' grandfather, James McBean, established a jewellers business in the 1850s and from the 1890s  occupied premises in the Block Arcade in Melbourne. William and later Charles also worked in the family business. (14) Charles died in January 1949.


Charles McBean

Reid, Andrew Lambert (Lieutenant).  Andrew was a 26 year old refrigerating engineer when he enlisted on January 18, 1916. He was Killed in Action in Belgium on June 9, 1917. Andrew was the son of Henry Newman Reid and his wife Lucy (nee Marsden) of Haverbrack Avenue, Malvern. His father was the manager of the Glaciarium. The Glaciarium was the first ice-skating rink in Melbourne, it was located in City Road, South Melbourne and opened in 1916. As might be expected, Andrew was a champion ice skater, as noted in one of his obituaries. The Winner had this obituary in an account of a Victorian Motor Boat Club meeting -
The secretary was asked to forward a letter of condolence to the relatives of Lieut. A. L. Reid, owner of Mohawk, who was killed while on active service in France. Lieut. Reid, at the head of his men, was being piloted to his station near the front trenches, at Messines, in the early morning, on June 9, when they ran foul of the enemy, and he was killed in the scrimmage which followed. Lieut. Reid, who was a most popular officer, was, for nearly a year, acting as instructor at the Broadmeadows and Royal Park camps before he could get away. He had to sacrifice his rank to do so, but the fact that he regained it on service speaks well for his determination and pluck. Lieut. Reid was the first son of Mr Newman Reid, who built the Melbourne Glaciarium, as well as the one in Adelaide. All who were privileged to know Andy will grieve with his relatives in the loss of a noble son, a capable officer, a true friend, and a sport of the first water. (15)

Andrew Reid

Stringer, Charles Henry (SN 250) Charles was a 45 year old engineer, when he enlisted on December 11, 1914, in the 2nd Tropical Force. His war service record notes that he was detailed for duty at the Radio Telegraph Station, Bita Paka, in September 1915; the same radio station re-commissioned by  Donald MacDonald (see above)  and no doubt hand-picked by MacDonald for his team. Charles spent more time there and at Rabaul and Returned to Australia for discharge April 12, 1917. Charles was a committee member of the Victorian Launch Club and an inaugural committee member of the Victorian Motor Boat Club. He was married to Caroline Charlotte Dentry, the sister of Charles Omer Dentry, whom we have written about above. 


Charles Stringer's War Service
National Archives of Australia www.naa.gov.au
First Australian Imperial Force Personnel Dossiers, 1914-1920


Stringer,  Leslie Bassett (SN 1734) Leslie is the son of Charles and Caroline; the nephew of Charles Omer Dentry and the first cousin of Cliff and Norman Dentry. Leslie was a 20 year old clerk when he enlisted on May 17, 1915. He obtained the rank of Corporal and Returned to Australia July 23, 1919. However, before he returned he got married on February 8, 1919 to Norah Stringer, whom I presume must have been a relative of some degree. Sadly, Norah died at the age of 36 in 1932, however Leslie lived until he was 98 and died in 1992. They had two children together and are buried at the Brighton General Cemetery.


Leslie Bassett Stringer

Watt, Ian Charles (SN 7914). Incorrectly listed as J.C. Watts on the Honour Board, and his correct name is confirmed by the article, below. Ian was a 21 year old farmer from Echuca when he enlisted on July 10, 1915, assigned to the 1st Australian General Hospital, Army Medical Corps.  He Returned to Australia May 11, 1919. Ian was the son of  James and Sybil (nee Lauder) Watt and his next of kin was listed as his mother, Sybil, whose address at the time was 241 Toorak Road, South Yarra. After the War Ian is listed in the Electoral Roll in St Kilda and he married Enid Mather Tombs in 1934.

Winner, October 13, 1915 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article155521684

Ian's brother, James Lauder Watt also served - he enlisted on March 12, 1915 with the rank of Lieutenant. He was a 26 year old, and operated the Echuca farm with his brother; James was awarded the Military Cross and Returned to Australia March 5, 1919.  He also served in the Army in World War Two. 


Ian Watt, incorrectly named as J.C. Watt.


Ian was no stranger to drama when it came to motor boating and this incident was report in September 1912 -
Through an accident to the driving-gear of the motor-launch Peggy, a party of five young men and three young women were compelled to spend the whole of Sunday night out on Hobson's Bay. The accident happened at 6 o'clock on Sunday evening, off the Brighton Pier. An attempt made to set the engine in motion resulted in the "starting" handle suddenly snapping asunder, and no repair was possible at sea. The launch was only half a mile from the shore, but in spite of distress signals, and blue flare lights, assistance was not forth coming. The party was rescued at day break, through a man in a dingy seeing them. The Peggy, which is 36 ft. long by 8ft. in width, is owned by Mr. S. Darby, of the Acme Motor Company. The names, of those who were on board the launch are as follows:-Julius J. Meyer, George Green, Rex Lindsay, Edward Sevier, Ian Charles Watt, Miss F. Ramshaw, Miss F. Yourelle, Miss J. Yourelle. (16)

Another report covered more of the rescue. The flares and distress signals were 
seen at Kemp's Hotel during the early hours of this morning, but it was attributed to a passing boat.
Later, however, the predicament of the party was realised, and Mr Holloway, a fisherman, put off in a dinghy, and brought Mr Green, one of the party, ashore. Mr Green communicated with the city for assistance, and soon two or three boats were making for the Peggy. Owing to the heavy sea that rose early this morning, it was impossible to again set off from Brighton to the boat, and all had to remain on board until the Harbor Trust's Commissioner arrived on the scene. The Commissioner towed the Peggy to Williamstown, and from there the Rob Roy, under Mr Harry Hansen, did the work. About 3 o'clock the Peggy reached her anchorage at Prince's Bridge, where anxious friends were waiting to welcome those on board. (17)

Watts, Stanley Keevil (SN 13084) Stanley was a 20 year old bank teller and he enlisted on April 6, 1916, assigned to the 1st Australian Auxiliary Mechanical Transport Company. He Returned to Australia July 7, 1919. Stanley was the son of Walter Keevil and Charlotte (nee Watson) Watts of 130 Wellington Parade,  East Melbourne. He married Julia Adeline Culhane in 1928 and they lived in the St Kilda area. Stanley died in 1968. 

Stanley was the owner of the Cleopatra, which he purchased in June 1915; it must have been a wrench leaving her behind to serve overseas. In the early 1920s, Stanley was Rear Commodore of the Club and still owned and raced Cleopatra.

Stanley buys Cleopatra, 1915

Stanley has his motor cycle stolen, 1916


Cleopatra wins, 1921
Williamstown Chronicle December 17, 1921 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69513636

Winter, John Stodart (SN 11966) John was an inaugural committee member of the Victorian Motor Boat Club. He enlisted on April 18, 1916, assigned to the 3rd Division Supply Column and reached the rank of Lance Corporal. He was 39 years old and a motor garage owner, and his next of kin was his wife Mary (nee Barry), of North Road, Brighton.  John Returned to Australia August 24, 1918 and was discharged due to defective hearing. John's father Samuel Vincent Winter, was the General Manager of the Herald newspaper and his uncle Joseph Winter, was the manager of The Advocate, the Catholic newspaper. (18) John died in 1968, aged 91.


Farewell to John Winter and Louis Abrahams.



John Stodart Winter

Trove list - I have created  a list of articles on Trove connected to the early history of the Club and the seventeen men on the World War One Honour Board, access it here.

Sources - General information about the soldiers comes from their files, officially known as the First Australian Imperial Force Personnel Dossiers, 1914-1920 at the National Archives of Australia, www.naa.gov.au. Family information comes from the Indexes to the Births, Deaths and Marriages and personal notices in the newspapers and the Electoral Rolls  and other information about their activities with the Victorian Motor Boat Club from articles on my Trove list.

Footnotes
(1) Winner, July 29, 1914, see here.
(2) Leader, April 3, 1909, see here.
(3) Winner, July 29, 1914, see here.
(4) See articles in my Trove list, here.
(5) Winner, November 8, 1916, see here.
(6) Obituary - The Herald, January 13, 1940, see here; Louis had two letters from the Front published in the Winner, whilst he was on service overseas - Winner, September 6, 1916, see here and  Winner, September 27, 1916, see here.
(7) Winner, September 15, 1915, see here.
(8) Clements Langford -  The Argus, February 7, 1930, see hereThe Herald, May 14, 1936, see here.
(9) Winner, July 29, 1914, see here.
(10) The Herald, November 21, 1918, see here.
(11) Daily Express, October 30, 1920, see here.
(12) Winner, July 21, 1915, see here.
(13) Commonwealth of Australia Gazette, June 8, 1916, p. 1304, see here
(14) McBean Jewellers - The Argus, December 13, 1921, see here; The Argus, April 18, 1921, see here.
(15) The Winner, September 19, 1917, see here.
(16) Australasian, September 14, 1912, see here.
(17) Mount Alexander Mail, September 10, 1912, see here;  A short interview with Mrs Watt, about her son's adventure, The Herald, September 9, 1912, see here.
(18) Samuel Winter and Joseph Winter - Australian Dictionary of Biography entry
https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/winter-samuel-vincent-4875

Saturday, October 14, 2023

The War Trophy Committee and the War Trophies distributed to the Shires of Berwick and Cranbourne and neighbouring Shires

In late 1919 the War Trophies Committee was established and its role was to distribute 'war trophies' which had been captured during the War. A meeting was held on October 16, 1919 and the report of this meeting tells us how the guns would be distributed and it also has an insight in to how the Australian War Museum collection was started -
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)

Pakenham
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).


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).


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.

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)

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).

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).

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)

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)

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

Report from December 1923 of the unveiling of the Honor Board at Frankston on December 18, 1923, and at the same ceremony the machine guns were presented  -  At a later stage, General Elliot formally presented the war trophies allotted to Frankston, by the Victorian trophies committee. These consisted of two German machine guns captured during the Australian advance near Geneve, France, by the 24th Battalion, on 4th October, 1918. Cr. Oates, on behalf of his cotrustees (Messrs. E. Barrett and J. Bradbury), accepted the trophies, and promised to guard and care for them as worthy mementoes of our boys wonderful achievements in the Great War. (34)


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.
(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.
(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.