The Doncaster Athenaeum Hall War Memorial
This article examines the background to the establishment of the First World War Memorial at the Athenaeum Hall in Doncaster in 1921, by using newspaper articles of the time from “The Reporter (Box Hill)” newspaper sourced from the National Library of Australia on-line digital archive TROVE.
At the end of the First World War in 1918, war memorials and honor boards were being erected by local communities to commemorate the local soldiers who had given their lives during the war and to those local men who had enlisted and served their country.
The Shire of Doncaster was one of those communities and on 5 December 1918, a public meeting convened by Shire President Frank McNamara was held at the Doncaster Athenaeum to discuss the erection of a suitable memorial, and the establishment of a fund for the benefit of the “Returned Boys of the District”. [1]
The Doncaster community supported the proposal and a committee was formed to progress the fund for the provision of a memorial. The first meeting of the committee was held at the Shire Hall, Doncaster on Wednesday evening, 12 February, 1919, when Cr. Tully was elected as chairman of the committee. It was decided that as soon as the health authorities would allow, a public meeting would be held throughout the district to interested residents in the project. A fund was opened, and contributions would be received and acknowledged by the honorary secretary, Mr. R. A. Simmons, c/o shire hall, Doncaster. [2]
On 8 August 1919, the Doncaster branch of the Returned Sailors' and Soldiers' Imperial League of Australia (R.S.S.I.L.A.) was opened. The R.S.S.I.L.A. was founded by returning soldiers from the First World War with the aim of continuing to provide the camaraderie, concern, and mateship shown among Australian troops while they were at war. An article in “The Reporter (Box Hill)” newspaper reported on the associated social evening, the fine attendance and great interest shown, and the events that took place on the night. It reported that “it was most encouraging to the members, who had made splendid preparation for their big night with prominent speakers and performers, a first-class musician for the dancers, a tres bon supper for the hungry, a wealth of wattle blossom and the grand national colors up and admirably arranged. Mr. Ken Graham ably fulfilled the duties of chairman, and introduced the speakers, Lieut. Taylor, Sir Robert Best, M.H.R., Mr. Everard, M.L.A., and General Brand, who all had an appreciative hearing, the general greatly pleasing the audience by his sympathy and admiration for his men, and the many amusing experiences recounted. Songs and recitations were given by Sergeant Prescott and Misses Prescott and Lawford. Miss K. Clay ably acted as accompanist. After supper, the hall was cleared, and to the music rendered by Mr. Chung, a large crowd enjoyed a very pleasant dance till 1 a.m., and in the light of a bright moon many tired, but happy, visitors wended their way homewards, one and all declaring that it was the best they had ever been to. The sub-branch would like to take this opportunity of thanking their many kind friends who worked so hard with them in making the evening so successful. At the last meeting of the Athenaeum committee, Cr. H. Clay brought forward a proposal that 20 residents should each lend the committee £50, free of interest, and thus help to reduce the debt on the hall. Already some £250 has been paid as interest on the sum borrowed. District soldiers lately returned include Gunner H. Petty, who was president of the shire when he enlisted, and Trooper H. Bloom, who fought through the Campaign in Palestine with the famous 8th Light Horse. Both Soldiers received a hearty welcome home. It also noted that the soldiers' memorial and benefit committee will this month hold two public meetings to consider the plans proposed by the committee”. [3]
A week later on the evening of Wednesday 27 August 1919, a public meeting to further the Doncaster soldiers' memorial and benefit fund movement was held in the Doncaster Athenaeum. “The Reporter” newspaper reported on the evening. “The shire president (Cr. F. McNamara) presided with proceedings being opened with the National Anthem, after which there were two musical numbers, Miss Jones singing "The dawn of the greater day," and a flute solo was given by Mr. Gordon Petty. The chairman then unveiled the shire honor roll, containing about 146 names of district soldiers who have served in the war. An excellent speech was delivered by Sir Robert Best, M.H.R. who touched on the work done at the peace conference, and generally the accomplishments of the Australians at the front, and its representatives around the peace table. He strongly supported the movement for the establishment of a memorial in honor of those who had done so much for them. After a song by Mrs. J. Smith, Cr. Tully also addressed the gathering. The weather was not too favorable for the meeting, and the attendance consequently was limited. It was proposed that the memorial should take the form of a granite monument”. [4]
In October 1919, the honorary secretary of the R.S.S.I.L.A. Mr R.L. Cameron wrote to the newspaper raising his concern over the lack of consultation with the returned servicemen. “Sir - At a meeting of the Doncaster district sub-branch R.S.S.I.L., the subject of a memorial fund being raised in the district was brought up for discussion, and the ''diggers" felt that they had been somewhat slighted in the matter, in as much that they have not been approached in regard to the matter or asked to assist in any way in the raising of the fund, which is the usual custom in other districts where memorial funds are being raised. Trusting that a little more confidence in the soldiers by the committee will meet with the approval or the memorial committee”. [5]
In November 1919 though, the newspaper reported that the returned soldiers, fathers, memorial and Athenaeum committees were all working in harmony to secure a memorial worthy of the district. Designs are in preparation for a monument to be erected in front of the Athenaeum, which will then be called the Soldiers' Memorial Hall, if the subscribers agree to the proposals. [6]
It appears that there was agreement that the memorial would be best placed at the Athenaeum Hall and in March 1920, the Athenaeum trustees, Messrs. T. Petty, J.P., R. Clay and W. Lawford, gave their consent to have the soldiers' memorial attached to the hall front. Mr. Lawford, who then lived at Benalla, wrote that he gladly gave his consent, and forwarded a cheque for £5 towards the memorial. [7]
At a meeting in early April 1920 of the Doncaster Soldiers' Memorial committee, the architect Mr. G.T. Potter of Market Street, Melbourne was engaged for the design of the memorial where he explained many things connected with the several designs submitted by him, and though it was at first decided to accept the most costly, when it was pointed out by Mr. Potter that on such a quiet road any vandal could easily get away with the costly bronze plates, the second design in granite, to cost about £500, was chosen. Mr. Potter was instructed to call for tenders at once, and it was noted that although the contractors for such work have their hands more than full at present, the memorial will be erected with as little delay as possible. [8]
In mid-April 1920, tenders were invited for a sailors' and soldiers' memorial in granite and with minor alterations to the Athenaeum Hall, Doncaster. [9]
In July 1920, the memorial committee accepted a tender for the work. The committee proceeded with the preparation of a list of the names that they proposed to have placed on the memorial and requested that any resident aware of any additional named communicate with the honorary secretary Mr R.A. Simmons before the 23rd of the month, after which date the committee indicated that it would not be responsible for the correctness of the list. The subsequent list of proposed names included: W. Beavis, H. Bloom*, C. Bull, G. Bell*, W. Bayley, H. Bloom, J. Beavis, J. Beale, W. Brown, C. Barker, F. Blake M.M., H. Clark R. I. Cameron, S. Clark, T. Crouch, M.M. and bar, R. H. Clay*, H. Crouch, T. Cullen, W. Crouch, M.M.. N. A. Crossman, K. Crouch, N. Clark, D. B. Duncan, G. Dempster, J. W. Downing, H. Downing,* T. Elder, M. Elder M.M.*,F. Elder, P. L. Edgoose G. Ellis, H. A. Fromhold, K. Graham, H. D. Graham, P. Graham*, D. Gales, J. Hardridge, H. Hillman*, A. Howard. A. Hardidge, T. Hunter, A. Ireland, G. P. Johnston, H. B, Johnston. K P. T. King*, S. Kent, T. Kent, G. A. Lloyd, F. Longmore*, R. Longmore, B. Laurie, C. Mathews, J. Mathews, A. F. Miller, J. Mackinlay, A. B. Mahoney, H. McWhinney, R. Peter Budge*, C. Pekitt, T. H. Petty, W. Reischieck*, W. Rust*, A. S. Reeve, H. Shelton, H. O. Smith. J. Simpson* H. Simpson, G. Shepherd, F. J. Symons*, H. Sloan, M.M. and 2 bars, F. Svanborg, J. F. Thiele, P. Tainton* O. Thiele, T. Toogood, G.Uebergang, O. White, G. A. White, J. White, C. Watts, W. Watts. C. W. Watson, G. W. Well, K. Wright* E. H. Zerbe, F. Zerbe. - * Killed In Action [10]
In October 1920, a bazaar was held at the Atheneum Hall to raise funds to help cover outstanding liabilities of the remodelled hall and its facilities. Mr Tom Petty, chairman of the hall committee, in his speech recognising the efforts of all on the day spoke on the memorial and stated that when the tablets were placed in position, it was intended to turn the building into a Memorial Hall. Mr. K. Graham, president of the Doncaster branch of the Returned Soldiers' League, was next called on to explain matters regarding the memorial tablets which are to be erected. He said that the memorial to be installed in memory of their fallen comrades was to be placed in front of the entrance door. It would be of polished granite laid each side of the door, with a big granite slab stretching across. All the names of the soldiers who had enlisted from the district are to be inscribed thereon, and within the next fortnight the tablets will be placed in position and indicated that they would add to the attractiveness of the front of the hall. Nearly £600 had been subscribed to the memorial, and £490 was being spent on the monument. [11]
Memorial at front of Atheneum Hall, 802-806 Doncaster Road, Doncaster extract from c1920-1954 Rose Stereograph Co Glass Negative. State Library H32492/2089. slv.vic.gov.au
On Sunday 24 April 1921, the memorial was formally opened at the Anzac Memorial service arranged by the Doncaster branch of the R.S.S.I.L.A.. “The Reporter” newspaper reported that “it was well attended, the Athenaeum being crowded to the doors. The president (Mr K. Graham) introduced Brigadier-General Elliott, who spoke on the spirit of self-sacrifice as the chief thought for Anzac Day. He described vividly many stirring incidents in the now historic landing at Gallipoli. The general expressed a hope that the spirit of Anzac would not die out, but would go on through the ages, inspiring generations to come. At the presentation of war service medals, which followed his address, Brigadier-General Elliott shook hands and spoke cheery words to each recipient. After the service the people assembled outside in front of the draped soldiers' memorial, which is built round the entrance to the Athenaeum. It was designed by Mr. Potter, a returned soldier, and the polished marble tablets contained nearly 100 names. On Sunday a large laurel wreath surmounted it and nearby one was placed by a bereaved mother in loving memory of her sons. After unveiling the memorial, the general gave a brief address. Referring to the captured German machine gun which was on view outside the hall, Brig-General Elliott reminded his hearers that it was bought with the blood of our boys. Cr Tully, J.P., chairman of the memorial committee, formally handed the memorial over to a committee consisting of the shire president (Cr. McNamara), the Athenaeum president (Mr. T. Petty, J.P.), and the soldiers' president (Mr. K. Graham). When these gentlemen and Hon. W. Anglis, M.L.C., had spoken briefly, the "Last Post" was sounded, while all present stood with bowed heads. At the indoor service the Doncaster Brass band, led the singing, and the local clergymen read the Scripture lesson, and the prayers”. [12]
The memorial included the two bronze edged granite panels of each approx. 700mm x 1500mm with the inscribed soldier’s names in gold in two columns on each panel. Above each panel was a decorative bronze wreath with the date 1914 inside one and 1919 inside the other. Above that a bronze lettered plaque reading “TO THE SAILORS AND SOLDIERS OF DONCASTER WHO SERVED IN THE GREAT WAR” and at the top a panel with the words “LEST WE FORGET” in bronze, and with other surrounding memorial adornments. An attached bronze plaque commemorating the unveiling read “THIS MEMORIAL WAS UNVEILED BY BRIGADIER GENERAL H.E. ELLIOTT C.B., C.M.G., D.S.O., D.C.M., ON 24th APRIL 1921”.
The final names (96 in number) inscribed on the unveiled memorial are:
On panel 1 - under the wreath with inscribed 1914 (left-hand side panel):
W. BEAVIS, J. BEAVIS, R. BLOOM *, H. BLOOM, C. BULL, C. BELL *, W. BAYLEY, J. BEALE, W. BROWN, C. BARKER, F. BLAKE M.M., A. E. BLAKE, H. CLARK, S. CLARK, N. CLARK, R. L. CAMERON, T. CROUCH. M.M. & BAR, S. CROUCH, W. CROUCH M.M., E. CROUCH, R. H. CLAY *, T. F. CULLEN, N.A. CROSSMAN, J. CLEGG *, D. B. DUNCAN, G. DEMPSTER, J. W. DOWNING, H. DOWNING *, T. ELDER, M. ELDER M.M. *, F. ELDER, P. L. EDGOOSE, G. G. ELLIS, H. ELLIS, H.A. FROMHOLD, H. D. GRAHAM *, K. GRAHAM, P. GRAHAM *, D. GATES, J. HARDIDGE, A. HARDIDGE, E. HILLMAN*, A. HOWARD, T. HUNTER, A. E. IRELAND, G. P. JOHNSTON, H. B. JOHNSTON, K. P. T. KING*.
On panel 2 – under the wreath with inscribed 1919 (right-hand side) panel:
S. KENT, T. KENT, G. A. LLOYD, F. LONGMORE *, R. LONGMORE, B. LAURIE, C. MATHEWS, J. MATHEWS, A. F. MILLER, J. MACKINLAY, A. B. MAHONEY, R. MCWHINNEY, A. MCINNES *, E. PETER-BUDGE *, C .PECKITT, T. H. PETTY, W. RIESCHIECK *, W. RUST *, A. S. REEVE, H. SHELTON, H. D. SMITH, J. SIMPSON *, H. SIMPSON, G. SHEPHERD, E. J. SYMONS *, H. SLOAN M.M. & 2 BARS, F. SVANBOR *, J. F. THIELE, O. THIELE, P. TAINTON *, T. TOOGOOD *, F. E.TUBBS, G. UEBERGANG, J. VEITCH, O. WHITE, G. A. WHITE, J. WHITE, C. WATTS, W. WATTS, CC. W. WATSON, G. W. WELLS, R. WRIGHT *, H. WILLIAMSON, A. D. WILLIAMSON *, S. G. WILLIAMSON *, E. H. ZERBE, F. ZERBE.
Note to above: * = Killed in Action; M.M. = awarded Military Medal (for act of gallantry and devotion to duty under fire); M.M. & Bar = twice awarded Military Medal; M.M. & 2 BARS = three times awarded Military Medal.
Those who died in action were:
R. Bloom, C. Bell, R.H. Clay, J. Clegg, H. Downing, M. Elder, H.D. Graham, P. Graham, E. Hillman, K.P.T. King, F. Longmore, A. McInnes, E. Peter-Budge, W. Reischieck, W. Rust, J. Simpson, E.J. Symons, F. Svanbor, P. Tainton, T. Toogood, R. Wright, A.D. Williamson, S.G. Williamson. These 23 names who died in action represented almost 1 in 4 of those who fought.
Those awarded the Military Medal (M.M.) were: F. Blake, T. Crouch (and bar), W. Crouch, M. Elder, H. Sloan (and 2 bars). [13]
In May 1921, an advertisement in “The Reporter” newspaper by Mr. A.F. Miller, secretary of R.S.S.I.L.A. advised that a photograph depicting Brigadier General Elliott in the act of unveiling the Memorial and Honor Roll at Doncaster on Anzac Sunday may be purchased from the following persons: Mr Symons, Post Office Doncaster; Dimond Bros., Doncaster,; Mrs Sykes, Doncaster East. This is most likely the photograph that is held by DTHS in its collection as DP0050. (14)
The war memorial panels remained at the front of the Athenaeum Hall until around 1969 when road widening works to Doncaster Road necessitated the removal of the front of the hall and the panels and the other adornments, with the panels, wreaths and lettered plaques being relocated on a new front wall to the building.
Prior to the sale of the hall in 2001 and subsequent demolition, these panels, wreaths and lettered plaques were relocated in 2000 to a new war memorial located at the Doncaster RSL sub-branch on the corner of Doncaster Road and Leeds Street Doncaster where they remain today along with other plaques commemorating those who have served in the various military conflicts in which Australia has been involved.
Doncaster RSL War Memorial at 1 Leeds St, Doncaster. Includes Athenaeum Hall granite panels, decorative wreaths, and bronze plaques reading “LEST WE FORGET”, “TO THE SAILORS AND SOLDIERS OF DONCASTER WHO SERVED IN THE GREAT WAR” and the unveiling plaque “THIS MEMORIAL WAS UNVEILED BY BRIGADIER GENERAL H.E. ELLIOTT C.B., C.M.G., D.S.O., D.C.M., ON 24TH APRIL 1921”. Photo June 2023 by DTHS May2023.
Granite panel with soldier’s names under the 1914 decorative wreath.. Originally located at Atheneum Hall. 2023 located at Doncaster RSL 1 Leeds St Doncaster.. The final names (96 in number). May2023
Granite panel with soldier’s names under the 1914 decorative wreath.. Originally located at Atheneum Hall. 2023 located at Doncaster RSL 1 Leeds St Doncaster..
Doncaster War Memorial Plaque. Middle bottom between 1914 and 1919 panels. 2023. Doncaster RSL 1 Leeds St Doncaster. Records unveiling by Brigadier General H.E. Elliott CB CMG DSO DCM– 24 April 1921. Originally located at Atheneum Hall. Photo June 2023 by DTHS.
Sources:
1. 1918 'Advertising', The Reporter (Box Hill, Vic. : 1889 - 1925), 29 November, p. 3. , viewed 15 May 2023, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article75171129
2. 1919 'DONCASTER SOLDIERS’ MEMORIAL BENEFIT FUND.', The Reporter (Box Hill, Vic. : 1889 - 1925), 14 February, p. 3. , viewed 15 May 2023, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article257148920
3. 1919 'DONCASTER NOTES.', The Reporter (Box Hill, Vic. : 1889 - 1925), 22 August, p. 3. , viewed 15 May 2023, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article257152439
4. 1919 'DONCASTER MEMORIAL FUND.', The Reporter (Box Hill, Vic. : 1889 - 1925), 5 September, p. 5. , viewed 12 May 2023, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article257152543
5. 1919 'OPEN COLUMN.', The Reporter (Box Hill, Vic. : 1889 - 1925), 10 October, p. 5. , viewed 28 May 2023, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article257152746
6. 1919 'DONCASTER NOTES.', The Reporter (Box Hill, Vic. : 1889 - 1925), 14 November, p. 2. , viewed 28 May 2023, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article257152996
7. 1920 'DONCASTER NOTES.', The Reporter (Box Hill, Vic. : 1889 - 1925), 26 March, p. 2. , viewed 16 May 2023, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article257153745
8. 1920 'DONCASTER NOTES', The Reporter (Box Hill, Vic. : 1889 - 1925), 9 April, p. 5. , viewed 16 May 2023, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article257153795
9. 1920 'Advertising', The Reporter (Box Hill, Vic. : 1889 - 1925), 16 April, p. 2. , viewed 16 May 2023, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article257153828
10. 1920 'SOLDIERS’ MEMORIAL, DONCASTER.', The Reporter (Box Hill, Vic. : 1889 - 1925), 16 July, p. 5. , viewed 16 May 2023, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article257154402
11. 1920 'BAZAAR AT DONCASTER', The Reporter (Box Hill, Vic. : 1889 - 1925), 22 October, p. 4. , viewed 28 May 2023, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article257155204
12. 1921 'DONCASTER.', The Reporter (Box Hill, Vic. : 1889 - 1925), 29 April, p. 3. , viewed 12 May 2023, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article257156816
13. Transcription of memorial at Doncaster RSL sub-branch – May 2023.
14. 1921 'Advertising', The Reporter (Box Hill, Vic. : 1889 - 1925), 27 May, p. 2. , viewed 31 May 2023, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article257157097
Source: Ian Schafter DTHS - June 2023
90th Anniversary of Doncaster Returned Services League Sub-Branch - 1919-2009 A Brief History (Jones 2009)
Location
Location: Sub-Branch Club Rooms
July 1919 to February 1955: Atheneum Hall Doncaster Road
Unveiling of the War memorial in 1921. The memorial was placed around the original entrance to the hall. The panels were moved in 1970 when Doncaster Road was widened. See also DP0050: The memorial was placed around the original entrance to the hall. The panels were moved in 1970 when Doncaster Road was widened. Photograph shows original lettering on front of building "Athenaeum 1871 Hall Library"
DP0054 Athenaeum Hall, Doncaster 1968. Shows the new front (1914) and the War Memorial (1921). The front of the whole was removed about 1971 when Doncaster Road was widened, and the memorial panels reinstated to where they are now.
This document was compiled by Bob Jones, who served in the Royal Marines and visited Australia as a serviceman in March/April 1945. He migrated to Australia with his family in 1966 and has lived locally since that time. He joined the sub-branch in 2006.
Bob was ably assisted by Austin Brown who served in the British Army, the Royal Engineers. Austin migrated to Australia in 1950, and has lived locally since he joined the sub-branch in 1992.
The work is part of the arrangements and organisation by a sub-committee formed to arrange the branch's 90th anniversary celebrations due in July 2009. the sub-committee, all of whom contributed as follows:
Need transcription. of above image and rest of document.
DTHS Library DB0440: Permission to publish 90th anniversary booklet online was granted via email from rsldoncastersubbranch@gmail.com 9June 2021.
Doncaster War Memorial
Photographs supplied by Craig Tilley
The monument commemorates those who have served in the various conflicts in which Australia has been involved.
It was unveiled in 2000 and incorporates the World War One Honour Roll unveiled by Brigadier General P. E. (Pompey) Elliott in April 1921 at Atheneum Hall, and also the World War Two memorial unveiled on the 6th March 1955 by Lietenant General Sir Horace Robertson MBE DSO.
Actual Monument Dedication Date: Sunday 13th August, 2000
Front Inscription: Lest We Forget
1914 1919
[ Names ]
To the sailors and soldiers of Doncaster who served in the Great War
Plaque : Dedicated by the people of Doncaster To the memory of those who gave their lives in World War 2 1939 - 1945
[ Names ]
Vietnam
[ Names ]
"At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember them"
Plaque : Australia Remembers
1945 - 1995
This plaque is a memorial to the men & women of Australia who paid the supreme sacrifice during World War II
Lest We Forget
Plaque :
In remembrance of those who gave their lives and those who served in the Afghanistan conflict
Lest We Forget
Plaque :
British Commonwealth Occupation Force (Japan)
Australian Forces
A tribute to and in memory of those members who served in Japan
1945-1952. Lest We Forget
Plaque : Korean War. 1950-1953 and 1953-1956
Active Service Peacekeeping
Inscription in Proximity: Our heritage
Memorial with gate posts prior to road widening. Photo: Yicheng Liu
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