Gawler Military Involvement

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Military

Gawler has a long history of military involvement; including military activities in the region, local people in the military and military-related organisations, memorials and commemorative events.

The earliest military-style organisation in Gawler, the voluntary “First Gawler Rifles” existed as far back as 1859, followed by the formation of the Volunteer Mounted Rifles in 1890, although the Mounted Rifles disbanded five years later when a new Act enforced volunteer forces to become militia.

South African War or Boer War (1899-1902)

April 1900 saw enthusiastic crowds gathered in Murray Street as several local members of the Imperial Contingent, headed by May’s Brass Band, marched to a social held at the Institute Hall to farewell them on their way to the South African War. Just months later the ‘stern realities of war’ came home when two of the group, Troopers F J Tothill and A R Nicholas, were killed.

Trooper Bruce Harold May, son of Alfred May founder of May Bros, was also killed, after being accidentally shot by a comrade during a mounted infantry competition whilst serving in South Africa.

News of the declaration of peace in South Africa reached Gawler shortly before 9 am on the 2nd June 1902 and was heralded via the booming of Dr Popham’s cannon, the blowing of whistles at Martin & Co, May Bros and the Union Mill and the flying of flags galore.

That night hundreds of people gathered in the streets to watch a torchlight procession, with Rigg’s Gawler Band playing a prominent part; speeches were given from the Town Hall balcony and the evening was concluded with the National Anthem and cheers for the King.

For details of all of the Gawler personnel who served in the Boer War see https://gawlerworldwar1.weebly.com/boer-war.html (This website is an excellent, thoroughly researched resource, proudly created by Beth Page).

Great War or First World War (WWI)(1914-1918)

The years leading up to the Great War (WWI) saw numerous preparations, including the formation of a branch of the Light Horse in Gawler; the initial 15 members turning out on their mounts for the first time in November 1912 to perform drills under Sergeant-Major Denniston.

March 1913 saw the first of many military training encampments at Gawler, with the Evanston Racecourse housing 1600 recruits for an eight day camp. At the end of the camp the people of Gawler stood and watched as the “long column of khaki-clad trainees” marched to the train to the music of a military band (The Advertiser 29 Mar 1913). The camp was historically significant in that it was the first held in South Australia under the universal training system.

A second camp was held at the Evanston Racecourse the following Easter, April 1914, with the total number in the camp this time approaching 3000, housed in 750 tents. Gawler businesses were given the opportunity to provide some of the supplies but the orders were too large for them to fill; however local photographers and stores selling soft drinks, sweets and fruit did good business when the troops were on leave in the evenings and the streets of Gawler filled with khaki. The camp was opened for the church parade on Sunday afternoon and thousands of local and visiting folks attended.

Within weeks of the declaration of the war on the 2nd August 1914, local men enlisted to fight. The first Cecil Stephen Hincks enlisted on the 19th August 1914, followed on the 24th August by Arthur Ernest Beard, Rodney Vernon Franklin, Leslie Bryant Howie, Arthur Harold Robinson and Frank John Scott. These first six recruits were photographed together before embarking on the 20th October 1914 aboard HMAT "Ascanius". [***Link to photograph***]

Local women also enlisted, including Sister Elsie Maud Trenaman, Matron of Gawler’s Hutchinson Hospital, who was impelled by the urgent need for skilled nurses; she embarked for overseas on 15th May 1915 aboard “Mooltan”.

News of the first local man killed reached Gawler on the 12th January 1916; Private Andrew Downie Cochrane, died of wounds on the Gallipoli Peninsula, on the 9th December 1915. Andy, as he was known, had made his home in Gawler some years prior, he was a splendid horseman, riding in most of the country racecourses and picnic race meetings and had been training horses at the time of his enlistment (Bunyip 28 Jan 1916).

Meanwhile back home, the town of Gawler continued to host military training camps. April 1915 saw three successive Light Horse Regiments (24th, 22nd & 23rd), training without their horses for a fortnight each. This time the camp took place at the Gawler oval, where the grandstand was enclosed with canvas for use by the officers and a shortage of tents (only about 15) saw many of the 300 plus men sleeping in the main hall. Lieut.-Col. R. R. Baldwin extended gratitude to the people and societies of Gawler for the way they entertained the officers and men, and in particular to Rigg’s Vice Regal Band for the role they played supplying the music for the church parade.

In September 1915 camps were again set up at the Evanston Racecourse, housing 500 to 600 at a time in a succession of troops over a two month period. The campsite was declared to be “one of the best camps in the Commonwealth” and the men were said to “all express the wish, if occasion arises, to again camp in Gawler whose inhabitants they are much pleased with.”.

The racecourse camp was re-established the following year in August 1916 with a constant succession of troops scheduled through until March 1917 and for a few months within this period troops were also camped at the Gawler oval (also referred to as the Exhibition Grounds)(Bunyip 4 & 18 Aug 1916, 29 Sep 1916 & 8 Dec 1916).

In addition to welcoming the multitudes of training troops, the citizens of Gawler were assisting the war effort in other ways. May Bros Foundry undertook the manufacturing of shells, the local ladies of the Coo-ee Knitting Club and Knitting League knitted socks, helmets and other necessities for soldiers and local members of the Red Cross Society and Cheer Up Society raised funds, collected jams, cakes and other goods for the soldiers and organised amusements for them.

The 22nd July 1918 saw a visit by 100 French soldiers who were returning to New Caledonia on furlough. At short notice Gawler’s Cheer Up Society decorated the town with flags and bunting and arranged a convoy of local motor car owners to transport the visitors from the train station to the Town Hall and afterwards for a short run out into the countryside.

Then on the morning of 11th November 1918 Gawler again gathered, this time to welcome French General Pau and members of the French Mission who were on a three month visit to Australia to strengthen trade ties between the nations and acknowledge the contributions and sacrifices of both countries during the war. Through an interpreter General Pau thanked the crowd “on behalf of France for the help of Australia’s sons and the many lives given to protect his beloved country” and made the posthumous presentation of the French Croix de Guerre to Mr C R Franklin, whose son Lt Rodney Vernon Franklin, one of Gawler’s first six recruits, was killed in action. Mr Franklin consented to have the medal “displayed in the show window of “The Bunyip” so that it may be seen by the citizens of Gawler”.

That evening there were “scenes of wildest joy” never before witnessed in the history of Gawler as the news was circulated that Germany had signed the armistice –citizens visited the Bunyip office in the fear that the glad message may be another of the hoaxes that had reached the town before, but shortly after 8 o’clock they were able to verify that the news was official. When the news reached the Town Hall it burst into a flood of light and the council which had been sitting at the time assembled on the steps of the building where they sang the National Anthem and gave cheers for the victory. Soon the factory whistles and church bells sounded and young and old hurried to Murray Street to join the celebrations, Rigg’s band left their practice room and were soon on the balcony of the Town Hall playing, the Mayor spoke a few words and suggested a procession which was gladly taken up with hundreds marching up to the McKinley Monument, down to the bridge and back to the Town Hall.

Celebrations continued throughout the town over the following days, including services of thanksgiving in many of the churches and outside the Town Hall and the creation of an effigy of the Kaiser by the ladies of Essex House, which was hung over the railings of the Town Hall, towed on a wire until it was suspended over the centre of the main street and burned to heavy cheering.

For details of all of the Gawler personnel who served in WWI see https://gawlerworldwar1.weebly.com (This website is an excellent, thoroughly researched resource, proudly created by Beth Page).

Bunyip (Gawler, SA : 1863 - 1954), Friday 8 March 1929, page 12

SOLDIERS IN THE MAKING.

Gawler is again the battle ground for the making of youth into soldiers of the Commonwealth, and on Wednesday there was an invasion of over 2000 young men, representing the 3rd Infantry Company, to go under canvas for eight days, on the heights known as Gawler Hills, about half a mile from the town.

The battalions represented are the 10th, 27th, 43rd, and 48th, together with 45th Div. Signallers, 3rd Field Ambulance, and the Army Medical Corps. It was fitting that the 10th battalion should have the honor of leading the way into the town from the station, as the residents have many poignant memories of the original boys of this battalion, those gallant soldier sons of the State who first landed and stormed the heights of Gallipoli, shedding their blood like water but making fame for Australia as they struck terror into the hearts of Turks. Smartly yet unostentatiously the 10th swung up Calton Hill to their quarters, gaining the commendation of the Brigade Commander and Camp Commandant, Col. J. C. F. Slane, D.S.O., V.D.— "A fine turnout; one of the best I have seen."

Troops from the second special train also marched up Calton Hill; the third swung along Murray street, and headed by their band, made a most inspiring sight; and the fourth special train emptied its loading of troops on the Angaston railway near to Mr. Eime's residence. Immediately on arrival there was the welcoming call on the bugle, "Come to the cook-house door, boys," and readily did the boys "tuck in" to the roast beef, potatoes, etc., prepared by the many cooks.

Wednesday afternoon was devoted to "shaking down," the troops being shown how to prepare their tents, bedding, etc., with personal labor in the filling of paliases with straw. Towards evening there was a muster parade, and afterwards medical inspection to prevent any out break in infectious disease.

Thursday saw the first of the training in earnest, the troops being handled in sections. Today and Saturday the troops will indulge in field training including field firing, two firing grounds, being provided on the wide scope of country now under control of the military authorities, by proclamation.

Sunday will be the spectacular day for the public. Church Parade will take place at 10 a.m., and at 11 a.m. will be the Ceremonial Parade a wonderfully attractive demonstration, to which the public are heartily invited. Afterwards the camp will be thrown open to visitors.

Monday will witness company training, the whole of the work leading up to the grand climax on Tuesday, when battalion tactics will be indulged in, giving the trainees an idea of what real skirmishing is like. Several miles of open country are available for this purpose. On Wednesday camp will be struck.

The advance guard of this army of trainees did not make a good impression on local residents, particularly those residing on the routes to the camps, the visitors again taking liberties with picket fences, garden rockeries, etc., the battens being torn off and the stones carried on to the roads as causeways.

Desiring protection against repetitions of damage done by previous camps, a petition largely signed was sent the Commissioner of Police, who himself an oId soldier, at once saw the need of strict discipline with protection to civilian property. Extra police were forwarded to Gawler, and as an addition, a cycle patrol was also allotted. This promptness by the Commissioner together with the vigilance shown by Sgt. Hansberry and his local staff kept the town very quiet and orderly, the only sounds of revelry being the community singing of the boys as they wended their way up the hill to the camp.

Bunyip (Gawler, SA : 1863 - 1954), Friday 15 March 1929, page 6

CEREMONIAL PARADE.

The open invitation of Col. S. Slane, Commander of 3rd. Infantry Brigade and Camp Commandant of the infantry training camp at Gawler, for the public to witness the ceremonial "march past," and saluting of the colours, brought out an immense assemblage of people on Sunday morning. The march past was timed for 11 a.m., and long before that hour all cars speeded for Gawler. Military traffic controllers parked cars on one side of the road the full length of the allotment occupied as a training ground, and the overflow were sent off along the Calton Road continuation, whilst others were parked in an adjacent allotment. Fully 500 cars must have been assembled and the march past was witnessed by over 2,000 people.

Marching in companies, to the music of their bands, the famous 10th battalion led the way; followed by the 27th, 43rd, and 48th battalions; then the 3rd. Field Ambulance, Signallers and A.M.C.

The sight was a most spectacular one, and although the red dust rose in clouds and smothered the people, they waited until the conclusion of the ceremony. Twice past the colours marched the troops, and were then returned to their parade grounds and dismissed for the day. A thrilling emotional ceremony was witnessed on the parade ground of the 10th battalion. Their's is the only battalion with war honours — the originals were the gallant boys who stormed the heights of Gallipoli, and afterwards were famous in the fields of Egypt and France— and before dismissal the troops honoured the colours. The colour officers marched ceremonously to the front, where the colours were saluted and the soldiers stood at attention with arms flashing as the proud flags were borne away to safe keeping of the battalion.

The camps were afterwards surged by the public, every latitude being given to see for themselves the preparations and arrangements made for the boys in training.

Bunyip (Gawler, SA : 1863 - 1954), Friday 22 March 1929, page 8

CAVALRY IN CAMP.

The Gawler Hills are now the camping ground of the 6th Cavalry Brigade, made up of Light Horsemen from Mount Gambier in the south and Orroroo in the north. They came in on Tuesday and at once settled down to training, the camp for the greater part being allowed to stand after vacation by the infantry. In all there are about 900 horses in the lines. The camp is under the command of Colonel T. A. Brinkworth, Brigade Commandant and the Staff Captain is W. E. Pascoe.

Yesterday (Thursday) the camp was visited, and inspected by His Excellency the Governor; and to-day (Friday) the Chief of the General Staff of Army Headquarters in Melbourne will arrive. Units in the camp are the 18th (the only compulsory Light Horse unit and situated in Adelaide); the 9th (Port Pirie; 23rd (mid-northern); Signallers Army Corps, and Army Medical Corps.

On Saturday afternoon the troops will indulge in a Sports meeting on the Gawler Oval, when the executive is looking to the general public to give their hearty support by patronage. On Sunday a Church Parade will take place, and at 11 a.m. the troops will march pass. In the afternoon the camp will be thrown open for inspection by the public.

Click Here to view photos of Military in Gawler

Nikki Wight writes: My grandmother, Hazel Attrill (nee Mitchell) says Jack Ronald 'Ron' Mitchell was in the Light Horse and she believes the group photo was taken whilst Ron was training with the Light Horse at Gawler (Nanna is 94 but has an excellent memory so this is likely to be correct, she also recalls she was in church with her parents when they heard the 'boys' ride home from training). Nanna, Ron & family were from Koolunga so his individual photo probably isn't relevant to 'Gawler History' but I have included it as his uniform may help to date the photos - Ron & his horse 'Minnie' are indicated by the red line in the group photo. I suspect the photos were taken in the 1930s during the inter-war period or early during WWII - the individual photo has 1938 on the back but we don't know who wrote it or when (Ron was born 1915, so it wouldn't be before 1930 and he went on to serve in the RAAF during WWII - his WWII RAAF records aren't available online yet so I am not sure when he enlisted with them and I have not been able to find any army records to date his Light Horse involvement). <Click here> and <click here> to see Nikki Wights photos.

Please <click here> to read a Bunyip newspaper story regarding forgotten WWI soldiers being honoured at Willaston Cemetery (9 Dec 2020).

Please <click here> to view the Fred Brooks RAAF and WAAAF photo collection.

To see images Gawler Military Involvement [1] .

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References

Gawler Military Camp 1929 (7 of 7)

Gawler Military Camp 1929 (6 of 7)

Gawler WW1 military camp

18th/23rd Light Horse, 1931

Memories of Gawler Military Involvement

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