Remembering them: People of St George and the First World War

Mateship & Mercy

As part of the National Trust Heritage Festival, Hurstville Museum & Gallery hosted a talk on Monday 11 May 2015 to complement this year’s theme conflict and compassion. The presentation, given by Local Studies officer David Clarke, highlighted the compassion and camaraderie shown by the people of the Hurstville district during the trying times of the Great War. 
Through letters, diary extracts and correspondence the experiences of local service men and their loved ones came alive to paint a holistic picture of the impact of the conflict. Hearing such personal stories was an incredibly emotional and touching experience for the audience. 

Two stories in particular stood out for the remarkable way in which they intersected. 

The SS Barunga, a former German-Australian liner seized by Australia Government at the beginning of the war and repurposed as a transporter, was the common thread joining the experiences of Hurstville residents Mrs Margaret Edser and Hurstville servicemen William John Duffell. Following the death of her husband, Charles Edser, on the Western Front in 1917, Mrs Edser pursued a lengthy quest for the return of her late husband’s belongings, to be shipped home.  It happened that the belongings met the same fate as the gunner William Jon Duffell when the SS Barunga sunk after being struck by a torpedo in July 1918. Fortunately, William John Duffell was among the survivors who were rescued. He later remembered: 

"I managed to grab a pair of pants, a shirt and a pair of canvas shoes. I lost everything but my pocket book and the Bible I got from the church". (Hurstville Propeller, 4 October 1918, p.1).

Gunner William John Duffel was among the survivors who were rescued from the SS Barunga.
Image from Hurstville Honour Roll, No 1.
Hurstville City Library Museum & Gallery collection. 

Mrs Edser was not so lucky, left back in Hurstville without the belongings of her beloved, which had been lost at sea. 

Charles Edser, was killed in action in Belgium in October 1917.
Image from the Hurstville Honour Roll, No 1 .
Hurstville City Library Museum & Gallery collection.

Stories such as these put a face to the men and women whose lives were forever changed by the Great War. The audience joined together to pay their respects, concluding the talk with the words ‘Lest We Forget’.

Don't forget to visit our exhibition before it closes on Sunday 31 May 2015!

Remembering them: People of St George & the First World War 

Watch this video of descendants of First World War soldiers presenting their family memorabilia. 

Keepsakes: First World War Memorabilia

Remembering them: People of St George & the First World War

Homefront support: Hurstville's carnivals and sport demonstrations

Soon after the war broke out in 1914, music and theatre events, carnivals and sport demonstrations were regularly held in the local area to raise funds to support the nation during the war.

The carnival programs, many of them held at Hurstville Oval, would include games such as egg and spoon races, handicap wood chopping and greased pig chasing.

In November 1914, a ‘sports demonstration’ involving athletic events, processions and displays by school children and military units was staged at Hurstville Oval for the benefit of the Patriotic
Fund. The fund had been founded by the Lord Mayor of Sydney, Alderman P.W. Richards, to support the families of the Australian military personnel.

The Hurstville Propeller reported on 4 December 1914, p. 2:

"Saturday last was a gala day in Hurstville, when the sports demonstration arranged by the combined lodges and the citizen committee took place."

Hurstville Propeller, 4.12.1914, p.2.
Hurstville City Library Museum & Gallery collection. 

Patriotic sports, Hurstville Oval, November 1914.
Hurstville City Library Museum & Gallery collection. 

School children's display, Hurstville Oval, November 1914.
Hurstville City Library Museum & Gallery collection.

Another carnival was held at Hurstville Oval on 20 April 1918, in aid of the local War Relief Fund, "to gather funds to disburse among local soldiers or their dependants who may be in need" (Hurstville Propeller, 12 April 1018, p. 2). Despite heavy rain, around 5000 to 6000 people enjoyed the event. Only the night program was cancelled due to the bad weather (St George Call, 27 April 1918, p. 6).

Hurstville Propeller, 19 April 1918, p. 2.
Hurstville City Library Museum & Gallery collection.

Do you want to find out more about Hurstville's homefront support? Come and visit our exhibition

Remembering them: People of St George & the First World War on show until 31 May 2015.

Follow our Commemorating WW1 and Anzac Day Pinterest board.

National Trust Heritage Festival 2015

The National Trust Heritage Festival started in NSW in 1980 to nurture & promote heritage related events in NSW. From the 11 April – 26 May 2015 join the National Trust in celebrating Australia’s cultural heritage, through talks, tours, exhibitions and events across NSW, the National Trust invites people to explore our heritage and find out what has shaped Australia.1 

To celebrate the theme of this year’s National Trust Heritage Festival Conflict and Compassion Hurstville City Library, Museum & Gallery will be hosting the following events:

We will start our program of events on Wednesday 22 April 2015 with a beautiful and informative tour of Oatley Park. You will be guided on a journey through the natural beauty of Oatley Park with Oatley Flora & Fauna Conservation Society Inc. This walking tour will explore the abundance of flora and fauna and significant sites relating to the heritage of the area. Yummy refreshments will be provided! 

More information.

Hurstville War Memorial c.1930

 Image: Hurstville City Library Museum & Gallery collection

Join us on Wednesday 6 May 2015 for a bus tour where we will visit some of the war memorials and places of commemoration throughout the Hurstville and surrounding suburbs. There will be time to view the Remembering them: People of St George and the First World War exhibition is included. Scrumptious refreshments will be provided. 

More information.

 
Image: Hurstville City Library Museum & Gallery collection

On Monday 11 May 2015 join Hurstville City Library Museum & Gallery staff as they present the talk 'Mateship and Mercy' which highlights the compassion and camaraderie of the people of the Hurstville district during the First World War. Extensive research has been undertaken, finding a selection of published letters, diary extracts and correspondence, reflecting the experiences of both local service people and their loved ones during the conflict. 

More information.

Our final program for the National Trust Heritage Festival will be a film screening of 'Revealing Gallipoli' on Tuesday 26 May 2015. Revealing Gallipoli tells the story of the nine-month battle, which ended with the evacuation of all its troops in December 1915. The film was produced in 2005 and has been provided by the Commonwealth Department of Vetrans' Affairs. After the screening, talk some time to view the exhibition 'Remebering Them: People of St George and the First World War'.

More information.

Bookings are essential for all programs.

Remembering Them - People Of St George And The First World War exhibition runs from the 15 February to the 31 May 2015 at Hurstville Museum & Gallery.This exhibition commemorates the ANZAC centenary in 2015 showcasing the experiences of men and women of the St George area during WW1. Personal stories will come to life through soldiers‚“ diary and letter extracts. A highlight on display from the Hurstville City Library Museum & Gallery collection will be the pictorial honour rolls portraying over two hundred photographs of soldiers.

Hurstville Museum & Gallery 

14 MacMahon Street Hurstville 2220

Phone: (02) 9330 6444 or museumgallery@hurstville.nsw.gov.au

Visit our Website for more information.

  1. Australian Council of National Trusts http://www.nationaltrust.org.au/nsw/Heritage-Festival

Remembering Them: People of St George & The First World War

Sailors' and Soldiers' Memorial

The Hurstville Sailors’ and Soldiers’ Memorial Monument, was unveiled in May 1922 to honour local people who died as a result of their involvement in the First World War. The monumnet was created through the industry and generosity of the Hurstville community. 

Unveiling of the Hurstville War Memorial in May 1922.
Image: Hurstville City Library Museum & Gallery collection. 

The memorial was initially proposed to be a Memorial School of Arts building in MacMahon Street which would honour those killed in the conflict whilst also providing social and educational facilities for returned veterans. Ultimately however, the community decided to construct both a monument and a Soldiers’ Memorial Hall, the latter being officially opened in June 1929 and later becoming the Hurstville RSL Club. 

Hurstville Memorial Hall, 1930s.
Image: Hurstville City Library Museum & Gallery collection.

The monument survived a proposal for its relocation in 1926 after which its surrounds were improved with the addition of turf, gardens, pathways and a flagpole. Fittingly, the names of local people killed in subsequent wars have been added to the monument. The memorial has witnessed the ebb and flow of passion for the commemoration of conflict, its very surrounds have undergone change, but its essential core, afforded it by the sacrifice of those it honours and the foresight and spirit of the community which insisted on its creation has been undiminished by time, adding to its reverence and empowering its manifold significance as local landmark, civic facility and, most poignantly, monument of tribute.

Hurstville Railway Square, c. 1926.
Image: Hurstville City Library Museum & Gallery collection. 

Sailors' and Soldiers' Memorial, mid 1930s.
 Image: Hurstville City Library Museum & Gallery collection.

Hurstville Memorial surrounds, c. 1952.
Image: Hurstville city Library Museum & Gallery collection.

Do you want to find out more about other places of commemoration in the Hurstville area?
Join our bus tour:

Places of Commemoration Bus Tour - National Trust Heritage Festival

Wednesday 6 May 2015, 10am - 12.30pm

Ages: All welcome

Cost: $10.00

Book here: LMG What's On

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Have a look at other memorials in the Hurstville area: Register of War Memorials NSW

Seniors Week 2015

Over the last couple of weeks we celebrated Senior’s Week across the Library Museum & Gallery through a range of programs and events. 

We had a wide range of computer classes available  to our seniors ranging from basic computer classes to learning how to use and iPad and even Skype!

On Tuesday 17 March our bus tour took our participants across the vast area of Hurstville and its surrounding suburbs in search of our wonderful historic homes and churches. We even managed to stop in for morning tea at the beautiful Corollary House otherwise known as Gardens on Forest. Where we were treated to a talk and tour of the house and an impromptu sing-a-long. 

Our second stop on the bus tour was at the St Johns Anglican Church on the corner of Forest Road and King Georges Road. With a very interesting presentation and tour  by Minister Bart Vandenhagel. Who informed us that the new and improved steeple had just been installed and they are in the process of installing light. Keep a look out for it when you go past.

On Tuesday 17 March University of the Third Age got people thinking, talking and questioning, and on Wednesday 18 March Our Silver Sneakers group fitness run by BlueFit class got our participants moving through carefully coordinated obstacles.

We had Alzheimer's Australia Memory Van stationed at Penshurst Library on Thursday 19 March, with an informative presentation and discussion where our participants learnt strategies to help with memory and reducing the risk of developing dementia.

On Friday 20 March we had a very busy day, starting of with a hip and groovy jazz set, preformed by the  three cool guys from The Jazz Professionals.

Listen to a short snippet of the tremendous trio.

Followed by a detailed look into the personal stories and artefacts on display at the Remembering them: People of St George & the First World War exhibition with curator Birgit. 

To finish the day off we had a very relaxing Art as therapy class where participants got hands on with creating their own masterpieces.

  

Don't miss out next time on the exciting programs that Hurstville Library Museum & Gallery have to offer, join our online e-Newsletter where you will get a weekly highlight of our upcoming events. Or just keep up-to-date by checking out our What's On page.

Remembering them: People of St George & The First World War

ANZAC DAY TRADITIONS

The landing of Australian and New Zealand troops at Gallipoli on the 25th of April 1915 founded the events that were to inspire and sustain a potent Anzac legend. We remember this legend each year on Anzac Day, as we did 99 years ago on that first Anzac Day in 1916.

Looking back today, it is hard for us to truly empathise with what the first anniversary of the Anzac landing meant to those soldiers who had served in Gallipoli. Some light can be shed by the first-hand accounts of Australian servicemen who experienced Anzac Day with their comrades.

Memorials in Egypt

Extracts of letters written by the brothers William and George Simms, of Penshurst, paint the scene of Anzac commemorations in Egypt in 1916. Their correspondence was published in the Hurstville Propeller in June of that year. [1] According to the brothers,

‘Anzac Day, the day which needs no explanation as to its meaning and importance’, was marked in Cairo by a memorial service organised by Anzac troops and attended by 1500 persons. The emotion of the day was felt by all present. ‘What an awe-inspiring spectacle it was to witness hardened war-stained warriors and hopeful untested soldiers alike battling with an unconquerable emotion, which spoke of past glories of fallen heroes.’ Hymns were sung and the Last Post sounded ‘amid a death like and saddening stillness. For any soldier who has been in action, or had a dear comrade die, this call has sepulchral significance.’ 

Commemorative services have been held across the world on Anzac Day ever since. Traditionally, they take place at dawn; the time of the original landing in Gallipoli.

Gallipoli, Turkey. 25 April 1923. Buglers sounding the last post as the firing party loads during an Anzac Service at Anzac Cove. Image: AWM H12949. (Donor Miss M. Berkeley).

Anzac Day marches

In Egypt 1916, following the memorial service, the troops marched four miles through Cairo to the Military Cemetery, where floral wreaths were placed on each soldier’s grave to pay tribute to the ‘honoured heroes’. Though their families were far away, their brothers in arms tended to them. ‘The cemetery is splendidly looked after and a headstone marks the place of those who are buried there. These have been erected by their comrades.’

Unidentified Australian soldiers march through the Cairo's city streets on Anzac Day 1916 on their way to do honour to their fallen comrades at Old Cairo Cemetery. 
Image: AWM C00016.

The march in Egypt was but one among many Anzac Day 1916 marches all over the world. In London, over 2,000 Australian and New Zealand troops marched through the streets. In Sydney, accompanying the marching soldiers were convoys of cars carrying those wounded in Gallipoli. Though they had to be attended by nurses, these soldiers could not be prevented from honouring their fallen mates on this day.

First World War returned soldiers marching through the streets of Sydney during an Anzac Day march, c. 1938. The men hold their hats over their hearts at the Centotaph. 
Image: AWM A03638.

Fun and games

A day of sports and games was also held in the Australian camp in Egypt. Two-up was undoubtedly played, for the game was very popular among the Australian diggers in Gallipoli as they huddled in the trenches.

Spectators enjoy a boxing match between two contestants during the sports carnival that was part of the Anzac Day celebrations at Tel el Kebir camp in 1916. 
Image: AWM C00267.

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The finish of a race at the AIF sports meeting, held at Duntroon Plateau on 
Anzac Day 1916. Image: AWM C04400.

Anzac biscuits

Originally called soldiers’ biscuits, Anzac biscuits were renamed after the Gallipoli landing and were a very popular food to send overseas to the Australian forces.

Try this Anzac biscuit recipe from 1926!

Ingredients:

2 cups rolled oats

1/2 cup sugar

1 cup plain flour

1/2 cup melted butter

1 tbls golden syrup

2 tbls boiling water

1 tsp bicarbonate soda (add a little more water if mixture is too dry)

Method:

Combine dry ingredients. Mix golden syrup, boiling water and bicarbonate of soda until they froth. Add melted butter. Combine butter mixture and dry ingredients. Drop teaspoons of mixture onto floured tray, allowing room for spreading. Bake in a slow oven.

Have you made Anzac biscuits at home? Please share your recipes and photos with us and tag us on facebook, twitter and instagram: #HurstvilleFamilyRecipes. 

A stack of ration boxes on the beach at Anzac Cove, 1915, arranged so that they form a shelter for the men responsible for its distribution. Can you see the man standing behind a stack of biscuit crates? Image: AWM C03393.

Do you want to find out more about the Anzacs? Come and visit our exhibition

Remembering them: People of St George & the First World War on show until 31 May 2015.

Follow our Commemorating WW1 and Anzac Day Pinterest board.

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[1] Hurstville Propeller, 16 June 1916, p. 3.

Remembering them: People of St George & the First World War

Family keepsakes

Many objects on display in our ‘Remembering them: People of St George& the First World War’ exhibitions are family treasures preciously kept for generations and generously loaned to the Museum & Gallery.

Carmel and Ellis Bollard
Photograph: Hurstville City Library Museum & Gallery

Oatley residents Carmel and Ellis Bollard presenting here their war memorabilia. Ellis’ father, Raymond Thomas, joined the 13th Battalion, 26th Reinforcement in 1917 and returned to Australia in December 1918. Among the memorabilia are Raymond Thomas’ diary and letters.

Ken Muggleston is preciously keeping his father’s war memorabilia. Here, he is reading from old letters and diaries. Alfred ‘Laurie’ Muggleston was a 29 year old station master of Hurstville when he enlisted in December 1916. He served at the railway station in Proven and Poperinge, near Ypres, France. 

Ken Muggleston
Photograph: Hurstville City Library Museum & Gallery

Written letters, documents, diaries, photographs, medals and other war related objects have a deep personal significance to many families to remember their ancestors who were involved in the war.

All these objects from the First World War are at least 100 years old! Some of them, especially paper documents and photographs are delicate items and need special care for their preservation.

Here are some quick facts how to handle and store your paper based memorabilia:

• Have clean dry hands when handling your artefacts
• Use both hands when handling your items
• Making copies of your paper documents and photographs limit the need to handle originals
• Store your items in a clean, dry and insect free place. Silver fish love to eat paper!
• Place the items in archival plastic sheets. Food storage bags made of polyester, polyethylene or polypropylene are suitable alternatives.
• Do not store them in direct sunlight or near heaters or fireplaces, where there are rapid changes of temperature. This can cause discolouration and staining of items.
•  Remove rubber bands and metal clips; they can cause damage to paper as they perish and rust over time.

This information is copied from: ‘Memories & Memorabilia. Recognising and Preserving Australia’s War heritage’, written by Dr Richard Reid, Department of Veterans’ Affairs; Dr Gordon Forth, Deakin University; and Sophie Lewincamp, Centre for Cultural Materials Conservation, The University of Melbourne; published by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Canberra 2014.

Do you want to find out more about how to care for your wartime memorabilia?

Available online from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs’ website is a guide to preserving your family's heritage items. View it here.

Interested in more? 

come and visit the exhibition 'Remembering them: People of St George & the First World War' at Hurstville Museum & Gallery until 31 May 2015.

5000 Poppies

On Thursday 12 February 2015, the Wrapped with Love knitting group gathered at Hurstville Museum & Gallery among our Remembering them: People of St George & the First World War exhibition to participate in the 5000 Poppies project. This project was initially aimed at ‘planting’ “a massive field of handmade poppies in Fed Square Melbourne on Anzac Day 2015 as a stunning visual tribute to Australian servicemen and women for more than a century of service in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.”[i]  

Images: Hurstville City Library Museum & Gallery

The request went out far and wide for knitters and sewing enthusiasts to create poppies for the display. It wasn't too long before their aim of 5000 poppies double, tripled and quadrupled, with efforts coming in Australia wide and even around the world. There is now an estimated 140,000 poppies collected and that number is still growing!

Images: Hurstville City Library Museum & Gallery

The Wrapped with Love knitters were excited to contribute to the project and armed with red wool, buttons, knitting needles and patterns started the task of creating as many poppies as they could. The group made a fantastic effort in creating 191 poppies to be sent to join the rest of the poppies in Federation Square, Melbourne.

 Hurstville pictorial honour rolls displayed in the exhibition

 'Remembering them: People of St George & the First World War'.

Hurstville City Library Museum & Gallery collection.

We have sent our poppies with our dedication, a poem from Anne McFarlane of Mortdale, which was published in the Hurstville Propeller, 16 March 1917.

When our boys come home

When the clouds are lifted
And this cruel was is o’er,
Will our boys be ever with us,
As they were once before.
In the silent watch at night,
My thoughts to them do roam;
Oh, won’t all things be bright,
When our boys come home.

Images: Hurstville City Library Museum & Gallery

For more information on the 5000 Poppies project please follow the link https://5000poppies.wordpress.com/.

For more information on any programs and events at Hurstville City Library Museum & Gallery, check out the ‘What’s On’ section of our website.

The Wrapped with Love knitters are all volunteers and meet at Penshurst Branch library on the 1^st and 2^nd Thursday of each month between 1.30 – 3.30pm.
For more information on the Wrapped with love knitters please contact Penshurst Branch Library on 02 9330 6422.

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[i] https://5000poppies.wordpress.com/about/