World War 1 from the AHS Magazines

206 Pages·2015·0.71 MB·English

World War I
from the
Adelaide High
School
Magazines
WORLDWAR1-fromtheADELAIDEHIGHSCHOOLMAGAZINES
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This publication was compiled by the late Bill Pearce,
former Deputy Principal at Adelaide Girls’ High School and Adelaide High School.
The articles have been extracted from the
Adelaide High School Magazines – 1914 - 1921
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Hands Across theSea.
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(Copyof alettersent toManchester.)
"September16,1914.
''TotheStudents ofthe HighSchools of Manchester.
Dear Fellow-Students -- Professor Findlay, of your city, recently honoured us by
visiting our School and treating us to a stirring address. At his request, through the courtesy
of your Director of Education, we are addressing these few lines of greeting to you, our
fellow-Britons across the seas. In this time of National calamity, when our ideals, our unity,
our veryexistence as an Empire are threatened, we feel the deepest attachment to the dear old
Mother Country; We feel that her battles are our battles, that her safety and ours stand
together; and we desire earnestly to assure you that our thoughts are almost continuously
turned towards the battle-ground of Europe, where the valiant British soldiers are defending
not only British honour, but the integrity of weaker powers. We look with pride to the navy,
whose power on the sea has enabled us so far to develop a bloodless Commonwealth. We
would have you to feel also that we on this side are Britons too, ready to do our little part in
the great struggle, confident because our cause is just, our sword drawn for honour to support
theweak, andnot foraggression,that intheendsuccess will crowntheefforts ofourarmies.
''With earnest prayers for a speedy ending, with victory on the side of freedom and
liberty,
"Believeus tobe,
"Ever yours intruest loyalty,
"MYRTLE BERRY,ChiefPrefect (Girls).
"THOMAS A.MADIGAN,ChiefPrefect (Boys).
"FortheAdelaideHighSchool Students."
Michaelmas, 1914,page 3
ACALL toARMS.
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BYDON.
From far across the billowy main the dread note was sounded. England had been
compelled to take up arms; and Australia, humbly followed her wise mother’s example,
prepared to guard her own shores in case of foreign interference. It is owing to this fact that
some of our students can look back on the strange experiences which I am called upon to
relateto you.
It was nearly half-past three when we left school, and soon after five most of us had
reported at the drill hall, On arriving there we were sent home again to get together such
things as are necessary for the individual soldier in camp. We did not go to war that night, as
most of us expected, but were again dismissed, and ordered to return the following morning
at 6.45. Two of our fellows were unable to get back as earlyas that, so they decided to spend
the night at the drill hall. Before going to bed they went for a walk round the city of
Hindmarsh, and bought some eatables. This showed much foresight on their part, as it was
twenty-four hours before any rations were issued to us. On their return they put some forms
togetherand, aftermakingtheirkitbags intopillows, laydownto -wait forthemorning.
At last it came. When all had assembled, we were got ready for our various
destinations. We anxiously inquired what our fate was to be, and soon found the verdict was
" penal servitude," for, of all places on earth, we were destined for the Adelaide Gaol. It was
some relief to learn afterwards that the Powder Magazine, and not the Gaol, was to be our
sceneof action.
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AttheMagazine.
Beginnings are rarely pleasant, and our case was no exception. On our arrival, we
found that there was one tent up, which was insufficient to accommodate twenty men and an
officer. There was no food, and the oftheard camp cry, "When do we eat?" was becoming
audible. Guards had to be posted immediately. It was so arranged that they surrounded the
Magazine. Their duty was to prevent anyone from coming on the premises, to hunt away
from the vicinityanysuspicious-looking characters, and various other lesser duties. That first
day took a long time to "steep itself in night." We sat around, looking at one another, and
unanimouslyagreedthat warwas arotten game.
And so it is! There was no cook, nothing to cook, and less to eat. Moreover, if no
tents camebeforenightfall,manyofus wouldbe forcedtosleepunderthestarlight sky.
"Offshot,thespectrebark,
At onestridecamethedark."
The clouds cleared away and a severe frost was imminent. We stretched ourselves on the
"dank anddirtyground," without acovering,save ourovercoats andordinaryclothes.
It must have beenabout midnight when 1wokeup,withmybodynumbed bythe cold.
How I longed for four o’clock, when they would come to call me to my post. The time
passed,as timealways will,andbybeingactiveonmybeat circulationwas restored.
Thefollowingdaybrought withit manychanges whichconducedtoourcomfort.
Tents and blankets arrived, which were promptly put to good use; instructions were received
that we should go to the Newmarket Hotel for our meals, and, having left someone on guard,
off we went. It was amusingto see some of the fellows, as theywould hold up a serviette and
ask what it was for; but there seemed no lack of knowledge as to how to dispose of the
eatables. We went to this place for six meals, at the end of which time news came that on the
following day, provisions would be sent. One soldier (who proved himself very capable) was
appointedcook,but
"Owhat afall was there,mygallant mates !
For you,and I.andall ofus, fell down
Whenbullybeefreplac’dourdaintymeal."
From thenonwelived"untoourselves,"seeingonlythosewho cametosee us.
It maybewell at this point tomentionsomethingabout ourwork.
It could hardly be expected we young soldiers should realize at once the seriousness of
wearing the King’s uniform under active service conditions. Surely it was no joke when we
were put in possession ofenough ammunition to shoot a hundred men, and Ithink some of us
would have been slightly incapacitated had a careless watcher let someone through to fire the
magazine. Our Officer impressed on us from time to time the importance of being alert when
on guard. This was not the easiest thing in the world at four in the morning, when nothing
could he heard but the song of the watchers at the Gaol, who every half-hour passed the
signal round. The first would start in a high key, and gradually go down into the depths; the
next would start down low and rise up gradually, as if he felt unwell; others would come in at
alatertime withlugubrious andlamentingstrains. Idonot knowwho composedthe words of
their song, but it takes about a half minute for each one to sing them. They are very simple,
and soon learnt. "All's well!" was the mocking cry which broke on our ears as we shivered
and yawned,thinkingof warm beds at home. "All's well!" Bittersarcasm.
As time rolled on the moon waned. More guards were put on at night. This meant
more work and less sleep, but we were getting used to it now, and longed to stay there rather
thangotothe "Fort,"about whichevil rumours hadfloatedtoourears.
We were in our ninth day, when a watcher, at about eleven in the morning, saw afar off a
small company of armed men. He called the rest of the drowsy guard, and a rush was made
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for rifles. After a series of salutes the new guard took charge, and we set out for the railway
station. Our stay at the Magazine had ended, and we were now going to something, about
whichwehadheardnothinggood.
* * * * * *
TheFort.
Our beginning here was somewhat gloomy, too. When we arrived there was not a
single tent standing. Accordingly we were told to put our things in a heap until arrangements
couldbemade.
Fish was served up for dinner. It was rather hard to relish, as the heads had not been
cut off, and the scales were still on. Into my tin a fierce-looking head bobbed, but it was
immediatelyejected.Ascalyfeed,indeed!
Things brightened up as the day advanced. Tents were erected, and we soon found
ourselves in comfortable quarters. There was a treat ahead, however, for we were to have a
whole night's sleep, with some of our clothes removed, and with bootless feet; besides this,
thesandat Largs is so niceandsoft, andmakes a first-ratemattress.
The next day was Saturday. In the afternoon there was a "footer" match but this did
not concern us in particular. So one of our number, who was like Flute, in that he had a beard
coming, decided to spend the afternoon gathering in his harvest. We were all very much
disappointed at not getting another night's sleep. Soon after five we were called out, carrying
blankets, rifles, packs, and overcoats. With this load we struggled through the deep sand. Our
post was alongside the railway line, where we made our beds, and prepared for the few
snatches ofsleep,which, iffortunate,weshouldbepermittedto get.
Morpheus did not have undisputed power that night, however. We all stayed awake
till about nine. when I went on duty till eleven; at one o'clock I was again standing
motionless behind a bush, waiting for the early morning enemy. Keener grew the air, the
silence more profound. Yonder were the soldiers lost in deep, slumber, and, in the distance,
as though to add solemnityto the solitude, the restless sea moaned as she broke herself on the
golden shore. Suddenlythrough the crisp air rang the command, loud and clear, " Halt !" Yet
again, " Halt !" then Bang! Bang! It was a watcher on another post, who had evidently come
into contact with an enemy. I watched more keenly, and looked to myrifle to see that all was
ready for instant action. No one came, however, and from what we could find out the next
dayweconcludedthat thesentinel whofiredthoseshots hadaprettyvivid imagination.
At last the east grew pale, one by one the stars were quenched--that long night had
fled at theapproachofanotherday.
It was quite a new experience to be out of bed at six o’clock on a Sunday morning;
but it is quite necessary to get up at this early hour because there are many little odd jobs to
do, and bynine we have to be readyfor the Church parade. This particular Sabbath was spent
by most of the comrades in seeing their friends; but the treat was to come in the evening,
when there was a picture show. Of course, we were all very tired, and nestled down on the
ground to watch the pictures. Twice during the programme we found ourselves on our feet
singing the National Anthem and, of course, it was sung again to conclude. You should have
heardthem sing. Ibegan tothink,"Well,iftheKingcan’t quitehearit,he must feel it."
This endedthe "dayof rest andgladness"
Nothingof note happened on Mondayand Tuesday; but Tuesdaynight, when some of
us had just got into our blankets, the tentpegs were quietlypulled up, and down came the tent.
This causeda commotion,andbanishedsleeptill alatehour.
The following morning me were given the duty of guarding the ordnance tents for
twenty-four hours. One mate made a washing-day of it when he was off duty. I don't know
that he got much dirt out of his clothes, but I heard him remark, "It would be a pity to make
them too clean, as they will only get dirty again." On Thursday, about seven in the morning,
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we were relieved. After breakfast we went off skirmishing until about two o’clock. During
the afternoon we were informed that we had to spend that night on outpost duty. You can
quite imagine we were very weary by the next morning; in fact, I lost a saveloy and roll by
staying in bed later than I ought, for the officer was kind enough to buy one for every man.
On Friday we worked hard, and by nightfall were glad to get a good sleep, which luxury had
not been enjoyed since the previous Tuesday. On Saturday we marched from the Fort to
Adelaide.alongway, yes, but wewere goinghome.
As I look back over the experiences of the few days, and remember that joys and
hardships go hand in hand to make up the harmonyof life, Ifeel assured that, should there be
for us another call to arms, the Adelaide High School Militia men will answer cheerfully,
withtheNational Anthem ontheirlips andloveforthefatherlandintheir hearts.
Michaelmas, 1914,page 4,5.
Staff Notes.
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photograph
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Mr.S.W.COOMBE.
Mr.S.W.Coombealso joinedthestaff inAugust. Mr.Coombe was apupil teacher in
the School during1905-6. He was appointed to the staff of the High School 1911, but left the
Education Department in the following year to take a position in New South Wales. Last year,
however, he returned to South Australia, and two months ago again joined our staff. A few
days later came the call for volunteers, and Mr. Coombe was amongthe first to offer himself.
Although Mr. Coombe had some time ago received a commission, he waived this, and
entered the ranks. He has already been appointed colour-sergeant of his Company. We
believe that Mr. Coombe will have the full confidence of his men, and will exercise an
inspiring and encouraging influence among them. We praythat he may go unharmed through
thecampaign,andlook forwardtothe great joyof welcominghim home.
Michaelmas, 1914,page 6
Old Scholars’Column.
The Committee had made arrangements for the annual dance on Friday evening,
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August 7 . There is no need to recall now the widespread excitement and perturbation of that
week. In view of this the committee postponed the evening’s programme. A meeting was
arranged for September 4, when there was a splendid attendance. It was hoped that many of
“our boys” in Morphettville Camp would be present, but unfortunately arrangements in this
direction miscarried. However, members spent an enjoyable evening, and the opportunity
was taken to sayfarewell to Lieut. G. D. Munro, Sergt. L. M. Gehlert, Private E.D. Meldrum,
andPrivateW.S.Gaskell.
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Miss M. Rees George has been spending an enjoyable holiday in Scotland and in the
Orkneys. It was her intention to leave England very soon for Australia, but the present state
ofaffairs mayinduceher topostponeherseavoyage.
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The High School and its predecessor, the Pupil Teachers’ School , are sending a
splendid representation of “old boys” in the First Imperial Contingent. Their schoolfellows,
past and present, are proud of them, and are assured that not only will they uphold worthily
the honour of their school and country, but that they will always be ready and willing when
duty calls. Cheerfully have they been preparing themselves at Morphettville. With ever-
buoyant spirits and unwavering determination will they face the perils that lie before them -
the fatigue of the long march and heavy day’s work, the sickness and disease that may await
them, and the horrors of the battle-field . It is needless to remind them that they will always
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OutbreakofWorldWar1.
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MissMadelineReesGeorge,secondHeadmistressoftheAdvancedSchoolforGirls
whichamalgamatedwiththeAdelaideContinuationSchoolin1908tobecomethe
AdelaidehigSchool.
3
ThePupilTeachers'School(P.T.S.)openedin18??andformedpartofA.H.S.in
1908.
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be present in our thoughts, and that, in so far as the censor will allow, we will follow them in
their voyages and marches; that we will rejoice when we hear of their victories, or, should
misfortune in any form o’ertake any of them, we will remember that those who were our
class-mates and companions of the happy days of yore have gone forth to maintain the
honour of our Mother Country and to protect our own hearths and homes. May they fight the
good fight, and may God protect them, and great will be our rejoicing when safely and
victoriouslytheymayreturnhome.
The following is a list of those who are going with the First Imperial Contingent:-
Lieut. Horace G. Viney(of the A. and I staff) was a pupil teacher at the school in 1901-2. He
passed through the University Training College, and was an assistant in several of our
schools. He took a keen interest in the senior cadet movement. Mr. Viney resigned his
position in the Education Department and accepted a position in Queensland. While he was
in the Northern State his interest in military matters became so marked that he took the
opportunityof joiningthe Permanent MilitaryStaff. He has been trusted with important work
in various Schools of Instruction and Lieut.-Col. F. M. Rowell recognised his merit and value
whenheapplied forhim as his adjutant inthe Light HorseRegiment.
Lieut.-Col. Sydney F. Rowell was a student at the School for 1908-1910. He was one
ofthefirst entrants tothe Royal MilitaryCollege, Duntroon,wherehe had asuccessful career.
His fourth and final year was cut short by the outbreak of the war, when he, together with
those of his year, were given commissions in the Australian Army. We believe that Lieut.
Rowell is next to youngest officer of the Permanent Staff. He comes of a family which is
well known in local military circles. His father, Col. J. Rowell, C. B.., had charge of a
contingent in the Boar War, and had a successful and highly-honoured military career. Lieut
Rowell is going as an officer in the Light Horse Regiment, which is under the command of
his cousin, Lieut.-Col.F. M. Rowell.
Lieut. Geoffrey C. Prisk was a fellow student of Mr. Rowell, both at the A.H.S. and
the R.M.C. He also recently received his commission, and has been attached to an infantry
battalion in Victoria. Mr. Prisk only had a stay of two days in Adelaide to see his family and
friends.
Lieut. Gordon Munro was a pupil teacher at the School for 1909-1912. He was this
year a student at the University Training College. He has taken great interest in his military
work, and has been appointed to one of the Tasmanian companies under a fellow teacher,
Capt.J.A.Kayser.
Sergt. Horace N. Henwood was one of the early Exhibitioners at the P.T.S.. He
enrolled at the school in January 1903. Later he entered the Civil Service. Mr. Henwood was
for a long time Secretary of the Exhibitioners’ Old Scholars’ Association, and had been
appointedtothepositionofauditorinthepresent Associationforthecurrent year.
Corporal Lewis H. Lewin entered the School in 1910. After spending some time in
the office of the Eastern Extension Telegraph Company he decide to prepare himself for the
entrance examination of the Royal Military College, Duntroon. With that end in view he
returned to school. The outbreak of the war was followed by the postponement of the
examination,and Lewinimmediatelyofferedhimselfas avolunteer.
Corporal Vernon A. Wickens gained an exhibition at the P.T.S. in December, 1902.
Since leaving school he has been at the A.M.P. Office, Adelaide. Mr. Wickens is well known
as aprominent football player.Hehas beenacceptedinthe Light HorseRegiment.
Private Norman R. Bennett was a fellow-student at school of T. F. Rowel and G.
Prisk. He was dux of his class for many terms, and won an Education Department
Scholarship to the University. He is in the third year of his medical course, and as a member
oftheNursingPartyoftheArmyMedical Corps, will probablyreceivevaluableexperience.
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Sergt. J. E. Pearce was a pupil teacher at the School for the period 1909-1911. He
took a keen interest in the school athletics, and, when the Sports’ Club was reorganized by
Mr. Rossiter, “Jack” was elected the first General Secretary. Mr. Pearce was a leading
member of our tennis team and had considerable musical ability. He is in E Company of the
Infantry.
Sergt. W. Frank Lodge was a student at the School for 1908-1909. After leaving
school headopted acommercial career.
Private C. Roy McLaren was a pupil teacher at the School for 1909-1911 After
passing through the University Training College he was appointed an assistant at the
WellingtonRoadSchool.McLarenis inGCompanyinthe Infantry.
Sergt.Wm.F.McCann was aclassmateofJ.E.PearceandC.R.McLaren.
PrivateWilfredS.Gaskell enrolledas anExhibitionerat theSchool inJanuary,1907.
At school he was a sturdy footballer. Later he entered the service of Smith, Timms, and Co.,
and then of Mr. Timms. His work was of such a nature that he had to travel long distances in
all weathers, withtheresult that hehas becomeof strongandhardyphysique.
Private Newton King was a student at the School for 1908-1910. He was known as a
genial,good-humouredlad.
Private Eric D. Meldrum was a pupil teacher at the School in 1907. He was
transferred to the Civil Service, and has been in the office of the Registrar of Births, Deaths,
andMarriages.
Private Charles D. Gill entered the School in 1909, and is an old Port Pirie boy. On
leaving school he entered the professional branch of the Electrical department of the Post
Office. Gill is oneofthe signallers attachedtothe Tenth InfantryBattalion.
Referenceis madeelsewheretoColour-Sergt.S. W.Coombe.
Michaelmas, 1914,page 7-9
General Notes.
Assemblies.
On August 5 we were introduced to Mr. Lorenso, one of South Australia’s military
leaders, who had been brought into greater prominence since the outbreak of the war. Mr.
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Adey then gave us some words of advice on our conduct during the existing crisis, telling us
that we would never too fully appreciate the unpleasant position in which the Germans of
SouthAustraliawereplaced.
The war was at its height when the School was assembled on August 26, and our
attention was drawn to several subjects concerning it. First of all, our batch of soldiers, who
had been called away on active service, calmly stood while they were loudly applauded.
Then Mr. Adey spoke to us about commencing a War Fund, which would represent the self-
sacrifice of the students, and finally they informed the students that they were wasting an
enormous quantityoffooddaily- awaste whichwas entirelywanton, and whichmust cease.
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W.J.Adey,firstPrincipalofA.H.S. 1908-1920
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We were brought face to face with the seriousness of the International crisis on
September 10, when we assembled to bid farewell to Mr. Coombe, who had been a member
of the School staff, and who was about to leave South Australia as a member of the
Expeditionary Force. Mr. Adey in a stirring address pointed out the loyalty and devotion
which helped to form the characters of such men as Mr. Coombe - men who took a serious
view of their duty, and who were so ready to carry it out. He hoped that there would be no
need for Mr. Coombe and his comrades to join the firing line, and that he would soon be able
to return and resume his civil duties. Mr. West and Mr. Coghill expressed admiration for Mr.
Coombe and hoped for his speedy return. Mr. Coombe was accorded a royal welcome when
he rose to speak. He said that no man in the Contingent looked upon his self-appointed task
as a pleasure trip; that every man realized the seriousness of his duties and that all of them
were fully prepared to take part in the foremost of the struggle. He hoped that he would not
be away for a very long time , but he said that, during the whole of the enterprise he would
endeavour to so conduct himself that he would do honour to South Australia and to the
School. At the conclusion of the assembly three hearty cheers were given for Mr. Coombe
andall his comrades.
Interchangeof Visits.
The visit, which would have been the first one from the girls of Melbourne High
School,has beenpostponed,and ourboys have beendenied theprivilegeof beingentertained
at Melbourne, for this year. It would at first appear unfair that all our hopes, which seemingly,
had been confirmed beyond doubt, should be shattered so quickly, and that all our vague
wonderings should be in vain. Yet, when we consider carefully the immediate and far-
reaching consequences of this latest European crisis, we cannot fail to conclude that the
postponement of the visits has been a wise course to adopt, and one which is entirely just to
all parties concerned,
There are many who, by the postponement of this year’s visits, have lost for ever the
chanceoftakingpart inthem,but iftheyonlyrememberthat -
“Thebest laidschemes o’micean’men
Gangaft agley,
An’lea’eus nought but griefan’pain
Forpromisedjoy,”
their disappointment mayperhaps be less. And let those who will be afforded the opportunity
ofenjoyingthesevisits inthefuturelookforward tothem withevengreatereagerness.
Michaelmas, 1914,page 9-10
Jottings.
That the promoters of the present war would meet with stern resistance in Australia,
especiallybytheboys’teams whowouldhave crossedtheborder.
That the soldiers who represented us at the “Fort” are henceforth and forever to be
addressed as “men,” and solemnly saluted when met in the street. That they faced the
assemblywithmorequalms thaniftheywerebeforean enemyusing16-in. Krupps.
Michaelmas, 1914,page 11-12.
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