Sub-Branch History

1915

SEMAPHORE CHEER UP GROUP

Photograph depicting members of the Semaphore Cheer Up Group, including Army personnel and musicians, at Semaphore. This photograph is attributed to Martin Harold Pulford. The Cheer-Up Society of South Australia was formed in November 1914 by Mrs Alexandra Seager, with the help of W.J. Sowden, the editor of the Register, and a small band of voluntary women helpers. The avowed object of the Society was 'to promote and provide for the comfort, welfare and entertainment' of soldiers and sailors while in Adelaide. In 1915 the Society opened the Cheer-Up Hut on land made available by the S.A. Railways at the rear of the City Baths; here free meals and entertainment were cheerfully made available by the Society's voluntary helpers to all those 'who took up arms in the cause of the Empire'.

Description

Pressed metal patriotic bagde with showing a wreath and the words 'SEMAPHORE CHEER-UP SOCIETY WELCOME HOME'. There is a pin fastening on the reverse.

Summary

The South Australian Cheer-up Society was established in 1914 and comprised volunteer women workers who offered support to soldiers through the distribution of comforts, provision of meals and entertainment. Badges such as this were sold in an effort to raise funds. This badge was worn by Mrs Winifred Mabel Waters, wife of 4542 Private Johny Waters who died in France in 1917. Born in Cornwall, England, Private Waters migrated to Australia with his family at the age of 4 and settled in South Australia. As a 23 year old motor driver he enlisted with 27 Battalion on 20 December 1915. He embarked from Adelaide aboard HMAT Shropshire on 23 March 1916 and proceeded to join his unit in France in December. On 27 February 1917 during the German withdrawal to the new Hindenburg Line defences, Waters was wounded in action. He had been fighting at Malt Trench, between Warlencourt and le Barque in France and received a severe gun shot wound to the head which fractured his skull. He was admitted to 3 Canadian Stationary Hospital but later died of his wounds on 7 March. He is buried at Doullens Communal Cemetery, France. In 1922 Mrs Waters married a returned soldier, 1452 Driver Richard Trendall.AWM REL33174

Presentation of a field kitchen to the 1st Royal Australian Naval Bridging Train by Lady Helen Munro Ferguson, the kitchen was donated by the ladies of Port Adelaide. His Excellency, the Governor General of Australia, Sir Ronald Munro Ferguson, is standing by her side.

1915

July 17th

Semaphore Concerts.

Despite adverse weather, the concerts held this afternoon and evening in the Semaphore Kiosk in aid of the Wounded Soldiers' Fund proved successful, the attendances at each being highly satisfactory. It is the object of the conveners and committee to establish, if possible, a hospital ward, for Port Adelaide soldiers who have been' injured and are being seat back. The programmes submitted at both entertainments were of a high standard, and the organisers are 'to be complimented on the completeness of their arrangements. It is the first occasion the Kiosk Hall, which is situated on the jetty, has been used, it having been completed' only on Friday evening. For concerts and dances it is an ideal place, the furnishings being on a most elaborate scale. The hall itself measures 30 ft. by 40ft., and is fitted with fumed oak wall and chairs, while the floor is of pine. The windows are dressed with silk poplin, and around the walls are hanging fine paintings, works of art by Miss Bond, daughter of the kiosk proprietor. The place is well ventilated, cosy, and, well lighted.

'
The afternoon concert consisted chiefly of vocal and instrumental items, and that the efforts of the performers were appreciated was testified by the loud and frequent applause. The programme opened with the rendering of the National Anthem, after which Miss A. Winser sang 'When the Birds go North,' followed by 'Grey Days.' Miss Lorna Sidoli pleasingly rendered 'Your King and Country Need You.' Miss D. Thorpe sang 'Somewhere a Voice is Calling.' Miss Linda Watson gave 'Your Heart,'' Miss M. Sidoli ''Soul's Blossom,' and Miss M. Boord 'Sunshine and Rain.' Pianoforte and violin, solos were played respectively by Misses K. and A. Meegan. Afternoon tea was served by members of the committee, who were appropriately garbed in the costumes of Red Cross nurses. Miss M. Miller, on behalf of the conveners and committee, thanked the audience for their support to such a worthy cause, and announced that 49 pillows and 43 towels had been received as a result of the afternoon's effort. That was a highly encouraging result, and she congratulated the committee upon the success of their efforts. The conveners and committee were Nurse A. F. Boord and Miss M. Boord, and Misses L Tobin. Y. and M. Sidoli, M. Harris. C. Ransford, E. Bull, and L. Gee.

The evening's programme was as follows: — Overture, 'Pomp and Circumstance' (Elgar). Mr. F. Bowden; songs, 'I Hid My Heart' (D'Hardelot) , Miss Frith: 'There's a Land' (Allitsen) and 'Mother Machree' (Ball), Miss V Weymouth; 'Invictus' (Huhn). Mr. C. Fergusson. Violin solos were contributed by Miss Gladys Fox, and elocutionary recitale by Miss Dorothy Skewes.

The Mail Saturday 17 July 1915, page 5 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article59392693

1915

September 11th

PORT ADELAIDE MAYORESS FUND.

Previously acknowledged £1,607 8/3 A. Friend Port Adelaide, £1; half proceeds entertainment, St Bead's Literary Society, per Mr. R. Mason, £5;

Semaphore committee, per Mr. E. J. Ellis and Mr. A. A. Connolly, £40; British Imperial Oil Co.per Mr. A. A. Connolly, £4 1; employes Sugar Reñnery, £2 17/1; S.A. Harbors Board, per Mr. A. J." Leedham, £12 2/6;

Port Adelaide - committee, per Mr. J. E. Lewis, £6 14/6;

Alberton committee, per Mr. J. S. Dixon,£13 7/5;

Rosewater committee, per Mr. C. W. Hutchins, £6 11:

Port Adelaide Telegraph girls,£4

Queenstown committee, per Mr. E. S.Barnett £7 7/3; Colton, 'Palmer. Preston, per Miss 5. Lockier.- £3"17/; Miss Dallion, per Mrs. Weaver, £1: Mrs. Richards, per Mrs. Weaver, 10/;

total, £l,80O 3/8.

1915

October 14th

SEND-OFF TO SOLDIERS.
The Cheer-up Society will tender a send off banquet to over 2000 soldiers at the Exhibition Building tomorrow evening. There will be a musical programme. The public will be admitted to the gallery.

 State Library SA PRG280_1_18_31

1916

January 29th

SEMAPHORE PATRIOTIC SPORTS. - MONDAY'S FINE CARNIVAL.

The patriotic sports at the Semaphore, which will be held on Monday next, Foundation Day, promises to be a huge success. One of the features of the carnival will be a magnificent arch erected on the shore end of the jetty styled 'For King and Empire.' This arch, which is surmounted by two men-of-war boats on the top, and life size figures of a soldier and a sailor at both ends, is claimed to be one of the finest ever erected in South Australia. Sports for sea and shore are in abundance, also a wide variety of amusements for the children. The grand ketch race starts at 10.15 a.m. The secretary (Sir. E. J. Ellis) and his committee have spared no efforts to mike this patriotic carnival a success. The Semaphore beach is one of the finest in the State.

The Mail (Adelaide, SA : 1912 - 1954), Saturday 29 January 1916, page 4  http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article59383987

1916

February 12th

SANDBAG DAY - PORT ADELAIDE CARNIVAL

The great need of sandbags for trench warfare was brought under the notice of the people of Port Adelaide on Friday, which was celebrated as Sandbag Day. The main part of the seaside city was relieved of its customary somberness by flag decorations, which, stretching across the principal thoroughfares, gave the 'place a holiday air. The Mayor '(Mr. J.Sweeney), who officiated as Chairman' of the Committee, had associated with him Messrs. R. H. Smith, R. C. Smith, I. J. Clark, and K. Fotheringham (Secretary), and these gentlemen assisted, by the Mayoress, and members of the Semaphore and Alberton Cheer-Up Society  worked all day and well into the night to make the engagement a financial and spectacular success. Nothing was wanting to impress upon the citizens the great demand for sandbags, and every opportunity was given them to demonstration to send material to the various receiving depots. For some time the basement of the town hall has been utilized nightly for the' manufacture of bags, and Friday's 'demonstration should Air those who can not join the military forces to become sandbag workers in the great cause. At the corner of Commercial road and St. Vincent street, a practical demonstration of the effectiveness of the sandbag barricade was given by the men in khaki.

In the evening the streets were crowded with sightseers, among whom the collectors with their 'S.O.S.' bags continued untiringly to solicit contributions. Musical parties, which attracted large audiences, were stationed at  various centres. The Port Christys, under Mr. W. Remphrey: the Scotch Concert Party, with Miss Jessie Galbraith and CpL McPherson as the chant performers; the Gaul Sisters, with whom was associated Mr. Sammy Lunn and the Port Citizen Band gave their services gratuitously, and kept the crowd amused and interested. Cashiers, stationed at the town hall and at Capt. Creer's residence, Semaphore, received the collectors bags, but it was late before the last of the money was handed in, and a complete account of the day's takings will not be available until to-day. The committee, however, is satisfied that the effort win result in a substantial sum being added to the 'S.O.S.' Fund. The Mayoress made a successful house-to-house canvass, and waited upon many of the prominent commercial houses with satisfactory results.

 

At Lefevre Peninsula State School £7 4 was collected from the children, and Glanville School contributed £4 13/4. Port Adelaide School accounted for £3 1/8, and Alberton 16/4.

 

Following is a List of the lady collectors

Leferre's Peninsula - (Semaphore Cheer-Up Society)

Mesdames Thomas, Weetman, Henley, Mason, Ninis, Shecham, Coldwell, Reynolds,
Todd, H. W. Thompson, Harden, Cartwrhft, Throrgarland. Phillips, Martin, Wigley and Creers; Misses Shearer. Dora Morris, Cragen. Corlett, L Sandler. Todd, Birber. Dwwhirst. Ball, D. Sweeney. Wigler, Williams, Witcombe, Bum, and Sanders (Secretary).

 

Port Adelaide (Alberton Cheer-Up Society)

Mesdames Phillips, Willis. West, Thomas, Heminnie, Matthews, Hastings, Fergason, Wood, Wycoll, Osmond, Glen. Moon, Badcock. Murry, L. Taylor, Richardson. E. and C. Dunn, McQuigill. Thomas. Went, Carter, Teitzel, McLaurin, Cheesmon, Banburry, Burls, Leslie, Brandt, Harriot, and Hetta Wood (Secretary).

Alberton.— Mesdames E. Furtheringham, H.Thomas, Misses E. Morgan, N. Gower; and R Trenbath.

Queenstown.— Mesdames O. Lowe, R. Harris, and L. Aurther.

Rosewater and Yatala.— Mesdames Smith, Watson, and Sweeney, Misses Nielson, Elliot, O. Pultney. and Murray.

1918

April 16th

THE SOLDIERS APPEAL - BIG CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED FOR BUILDING FUND.

The fortnight's building appeal on behalf of the South Australian branch of the Returned Sailors' and Soldiers' Imperial League of Australia was begun in Adelaide on Monday, and will be continued in all parts of the State until April 30. As headquarters for the time being the premises at Austral Gardens, North-terrace, were recently acquired on lease from the South Australian Government, and the association is endeavoring to raise £50,000 to secure the ownership of a building which will Serve as a memorial more durable, than bronze and marble to the men who fell in fighting for their country. The committee are confident that the appeal will be very readily and generously responded to by the public. It is hoped that the residential club or institute, which it is, proposed to provide, will, when complete, comprise reading, writing, billiard and dining rooms, also sleeping accommodation, and administrative offices, where returned soldiers may Receive all information for their guidance, so that they may be reinstated in civil life under the best possible conditions.

 

The club is intended to provide for returned men a clean, wholesome attraction, that will also assist in cementing the great bond of comradeship which has been so dearly sought by the members of the Australian Imperial Forces in their endurance of the common dangers, sufferings and sacrifices on the battlefields of the great war.

 

The aim of the organisation is that its administrative offices may enable returned nurses, sailors, soldiers, and their dependents of fallen comrades to receive all information that they may require for their guidance and for the purpose of safeguarding their rights. As an assurance to the public that the association is thoroughly representative, the committee point out that of the men who have Returned and received their discharge, 3,400, or about 90 per cent are on its roll of financial members. They also' draw attention to the fact that the present is the-first direct appeal for financial assistance from which all of  the proceeds will be the property of the 'Returned Sailors' and Soldier' Association.

 

The president of the committee directing the appeals is Captain A. S. Blackburn, V.C. M.P. Other members are: - Vice-presidents, Messrs. E. V. H. Martin and D'. Kerr, M.M., Chaplains D. McNicol and A. H. Teece, M.C. Sergeant T. Hannam, Dr. C. Dugnid, and Messrs G. Spry, W. T. Hyde, J. Morrison, L. M. Axford, C. Timcke, W. J. Price, L. E. Colley, E. Thomas: P. H.Hockridge, D. Gordon, and R. J. B. Moffat, Mr. A. R. G. Fearby is general secretary, and "Mr.' JR." Woodhead assistant secretary. Tne appeal in the country districts has been mainly, organised oy Mr. G. W.Cain.

Throughout the fortnight the effort will be sustained by means of button-days, carnivals, sports, concerts, bazzars and other fixtures in different places.

HEADQUARTERS AT AUSTRAL GARDENS - THE OPENING. CEREMONY

Possesslon having been taken, by the South Australian branch of the Returned Sailors' and Soldiers' Imperial League, of the Austral Gardens property, lent by the State Government until the organisation has funds to secure headquarters of its own, the'opening ceremony was performed by his Excellency the Governor on Monday afternoon. There was a large gathering of prominent citizens, including the Acting Premier (Sir Richard Butler), the Commissioner of Crown Lands (Hon. H. Jackson), the. Minister of Education (Hon. W. H. Harvey) the District. Naval Officer (Captain Burford, R.A.N.), the Military Commandant (Brigadier-General Forsyth, C.M.G.), Captain Blackburn, V.C., M.P. (president of the Returned Soldiers) and members of the Executive. His Excellency was attended by his private, secretary (Mr. Liegh Winser and Major Connor, A.D.C.). The grounds were decorated with flags and streamers, and presented a bright appearance. A guard of honor for the Governór was provided by the South Australian Corps of Veterans. 

 

Mr Jackson said it was this pleasant duty, in the absence of Mr. Blundell in Melbourne, to hand to Captain Blackburn for the association, a memorandum of the lease of the property from the Government for five years. The duty was one which could have been more fittingly performed by Mr. Blundell than whom there had been no harder worker in South Australia on behalf  both of the men who were going to the front and the men when they came back. (Cheers.)

 

His colleague would have been present but for the fact that he was attending one of the most memorable conferences ever held in Australia that convened for by the Governor General on the subject of reinforcements (Cheers.)

 

Whatever the Government had done for the association had been done with the kindliest and best wishes towards it and its members." They were hopeful that as a result of their getting into those premise they would be able to keep the returned men. together, and that the club would be a place where they would meet and converse 'about the different exploits and battles they were in, and keep up the good fellowship' that had marked their attitude when fighting for their country and its liberties. The Government wished the association every success In the great work it had taken in hand, and hoped that all the men who had been at the front would derive benefit from the club (Cheers.)

 

Captain Blackburn, in thanking the government, said the day marked a climax, for which the Executive of the association had been working for the past two years. They had wanted a home for their members where they could be banded together as by those ideals for which they had fought and for which so many of their comrades would fight no more.

 

During the last week or fortnight he had been asked by many people why they required those rooms. They had a membership of 90 per cent, of the South Australian returned men On that basis they would at the end of the war have a membership of 20,000, in addition to which it would be, as now, their special care to look after and safeguard in every way the dependents of those who had obtained the greatest honor that could fall to any man a little white cross in France or Gallipoli. It was impossible for them look after and watch the interest's of that number of people without having administrative quarters in which to do it.

 

He had also been asked during the last fortnight why, after being given the Austral gardens premises, they were appealing for funds. The Government had very kindly leased the property to them for five years, but the thought that at the conclusion of five years their real work and difficulties would begin. At present the whole of the people of South Australia were doing all they could to assist returned men, but there would probably be 10 times as many of them after the war. He believed that in five years premises would be needed, and needed badly, for returned soldiers. The Austral Gardens had been lent to them for five years. They wanted to raise enough funds to buy premises  of their own.

 

During the next fortnight the newspapers would contain daily advertisements of various concerts, button days. etc. which had been arranged in connection with the appeal. He asked the public to give during the fortnight according to their means. It was the first time in South Australia that returned soldiers had themselves asked for help. They had frequently received welcome aid through other channels, but never before had they made a direct appeal.

 

The Society of Arts have generously given 20 pictures by leading artist , and they were to be disposed of in an art union. Mr. Walter Wood had arranged a series of concerts to be held in Adelaide and différent suburban centres, and the association Solicited hearty Support for all of these. The big button day would be on April 26 They thanked the Government sincerely for leasing the premises  to them and asked the people of the State to assist, them in becoming owners of a property.(Cheers.)

Captain Blackburn then asked Sir Henry Galway to declare the clubrooms open.  His Excellency said:- It was with very great pleasure that I accepted the invitation of the league to be present here and to open these fine premises it was a thoughtful and generous gesture of the Government to lend them for the purpose for  which they will be used during the next five years. He expatriate the hope  express by Captain Blackburn that at the end of that period that the association may be in a position to purchase  these, or even better, premises  throughout.

 

I allow that the term "club"  is an unfortunate one in some respects but .......... better name. The public may look upon a club as a place where men go to lounge, drink, and play billiards etc. Captain Blackburn has told us what the objects of this club are. One of them is to look after the defendants of gallant  men who have fallen in battle. Another, I fancy, and a very important one, is to look after those men who are so maimed that they cannot do regular work - some being fit only for light work and some not fit for any work. These would be more likely than others to drift into the streets or the workhouse if not looked after, and who can look after them and their dependents better than their comrades? These are, I think, aims that should make the appeal very popular. I have no doubt that after the war a great memorial will be raised in this city, worthy of the magnificent services and immortal sacrifices" of which it will be commemorative. But there will be other war memorials throughout Australia and among them will be this club and its branches dotted throughout the State 'where the men who have returned to health and strength will be able to look after those not so fortunate, and where all, whether maimed or otherwise, will "fight their battles o'er again" and disguss among themselves how they can best help to solve, the many after-war. problems which will come when peace ...........to the world. We look forward beyond the welter of strife and blood to the men who have fought for their country proving themselves grand citizens in peace as they have proved themselves valorous men in war, and may all good luck be with them. (Cheers.)

I hope the public will subscribe generously and that the club will carry out all its aims to the letter, and be successful In every possible way, and it deserves to be.

 

His Excellency made an appeal for unity in the present crisis, and his remarks are reported elsewhert. He also, on behalf of the Semaphore Cheer - Up Society, presented to the executive a fine new flag with the emblem of the league worked on it, to take the place of a smaller, one, presented by the same organisation on Australia Day two years ago. His Excellency expressed the hope that it would be flown in company with the Union Jack, the emblem of victory. (Cheers.)The Advertiser, Tuesday 16 April 1918, page 4 

1918

August 30th

WATTLE BUTTON DAY: HELP FOR THE TROOPS.
The Wattle Day League, ambulance department, held a button day yesterday in the city and Port Adelaide and Semaphore, with the purpose of increasing the funds for the orthopedic wing of the Keswick Military Hospital, and it is expected that a substantial sum will be collected. There were 14 stalls in the city streets, and between 400 and 500 lady sellers took part in the "drive". Mr."Sammy" Loman was in attendence in a motar ambulance, which had been used at the front. The car was built in Adelaide and was taken to the front by Mr. Cecil T. Bray, and used in the Vosges Mountains and around Verdun, and it carried many Hundreds of wounded French soldiers to hospital. A sale of six artists' proof buttons, decorated by Mr. A. W. Patrick, was held in. the vestibule of the Royal Exchange during the afternoon, and collectors gave high prices for them. Mr. Loman had a representation of an ambulance man carrying a wounded soldier on his back, and he invited the public to cover the canvas with coins, which was done readily, and several times over.

The chief officers of the Wattle League are: President, Mr. Herbert Solomon; Treasurer, Mr. C. E. Manthorpe; Minute Secretary, Miss Ireland; and Secretary Miss E. M. Higgins. The ambulance committee consists of Mr. W. C. Totrode (chairman), Mr. G. E. Mantihorpe (treasurer), Mr. P. A. Moss and Miss E. M. Higgins (joint hon. secs). The conveners of button day were Mrs. P. A. Moss, Mrs. W. C. Torode, and Misa Ireland. The country towns at which buttons were sold were Renmark, Greenock, Murray Bridge, Tarcowie, Charendon, Goolwa, Meadows, and Auburn.

The Ladies in charge of the chief selling buttons were: Railway station. Mrs. J. McGuire and Mrs. P. McM. Glyun; Bee-hive Corrner, Mrs. "Walter C. Torode; P. A. Moss; Rundle street, Mrs. Hennessey; Grand Central corner, Mrs. Frank Stevens; Adelaide Arcade, Rundle street, Miss Ireland; Oriental corrner, Gawler place, Mrs. H. P. Wilson; Royal Exchange, Mrs. lambe; Town Hall, Mrs. Lewes: Moore's corrner, Gouger- street, Mrs. Weston (representing the A.N.A.) General Post Office. Mrs. Herbert Solomon: Bank ok Adelaide corner. Miss Cougilan (representing the A.I.F.) ; Bowman Arcad, Mrs. Wellington (representing the Cheer up Society); and Levy's corner Mrs. N. Solomons.

The Wattle Day league is the only body authorised to collect money for the wing of the hospital at Keswick, and the public recognised the deed of the hospital by giving freely through out the day.

PORT ADELAIDE AND SEMAPHORE:
Good business was done at Port Adelaide and Semaphore. At Port Adelaide £65 1/6 was collected, and at the Semaphore £49 14/.

Saturday 31 August 1918 The Daily Herald (Adelaide, SA : 1910 - 1924)

ROLL OF HEROS: CASUALTY LIST NO. 426

PORT ADELAIDE, SEMAPHORE AND SURROUNDS

Died of Wounds
2nd Lieut. J. A. Horrocks, Largs Bay (11/8/18)
Cpt A. Smart, Cheltenham (30/7/18)
Wounded
Pte. W. J. Forbes Largs Bay (p.r. ill)
Lieut.C. C. J. McCann, MC, Glanville (2nd oce)
Sig. A. K. O'Connor, Queenstown (gas)
Pte. R. H. Row Glanville (p.r. ill)

Saturday 31 August 1918 The Daily Herald (Adelaide, SA : 1910 - 1924)