General, Sir John Monash, Personal Files Book 20, 31 July - 15 August - 1918 - Part 15










[*With Bri-Gen. Braud! letter of 13/9/18*]
4TH AUSTRALIAN
Infantry Bde
SPORTS
Querrieu Chateau France
20 July 1918.
Price 1 Franc. In aid of 4th Bde Prisoners of War
4th AUSTRALIAN INF. BRIGADE
S P O R T S M E E T I N G
to be held at
CHATEAU QUERRIEU
20th July, 1918
AQUATIC PROGRAMME
COMMENCE 10 A.M.
EVENT
No. 1. Brigade Group Swimming Championship,
100 yards.
" 2. Officers' Championship, 75 yards.
" 3. Greasy Pole Competition.
" 4. Neat Diving Competition.
" 5. 100 yards Breast Stroke Race.
" 6. Pillow Fight.
" 7. 50 yards Swimming Championship.
" 8. Brigade group Relay Race, 200 yards.
" 9. All Clothes Race, 50 yards.
" 10. Band Quick Step.
ATHLETIC PROGRAMME
COMMENCE 1.30 P.M.
EVENT
No. 1. Brigade Group Championship
" 2. Hurdle Race, 120 yards.
" 3. Anzac Championship, 75 yards (for those
who landed on Gallipoli on or before
1st May 1915).
" 4. Brigade Group Championship, 440 yards.
" 5. Most Humorous Costume.
" 6. Siamese Race, 50 yards.
" 7. High Jump.
" 8. Flag Race—Officer, Sergeant and 4 Men.
75 yards.
" 9. Brigade Group Championship, 1 mile.
" 10. Tug-of-War (Teams).
" 11. Obstacle Race.
" 12. Incinerator Kate Race, 100yards (for
Officers only).
" 13. Officers' 100 yards Race.
" 14. 1 Mile Walking Race.
AQUATIC COMMITTEE
Lieut. R. H. Lackman
" A. W. B. Fawcett
" B. J. Shaw
ATHLETIC COMMITTEE
Lieut. G. J. Huse
" J. D. Minton, M.C.
Sergt. Bryant
PATRON
Brig.-General C.H. Brand, C.B., C.M.G., D.S.O.
PRESIDENT
Lieut.-Col. T. P. McSharry, C.M.G., D.S.O., M.C.
HON. SECRETARY
Lieut. H. Bartlett Davis
6 RESULTS.
BRIGADE GROUP 100 YARDS CHAMPIONSHIP. 1st, Pte. Sproles, 4th M.G. Coy. 2nd, Sgt. Brackenridge, 16th Bn. 3rd, Pte. Escott, 4th M.G. Coy. |
ONE MILE CHAMPIONSHIP. 1st, Pte. Smith, 15th Bn. 2nd, Sgt. McGilvray, 16th Bn. 3rd, Pte, Badens, 13th Bn. |
HURDLE RACE. 1st, Pte. Skinner, 16th Bn. 2nd, Sgt. Kneebone, 4th Fld Amb. 3rd, Pte. Sandford, 14th Bn. |
TUG-OF-WAR. 1st, 15th Battalion. 2nd, 4th Field Coy. 3rd, 13th Battalion. |
ANZAC CHAMPIONSHIP. 1st, R.Q.M.S. Bowers, 15th Bn. 2nd, L./Cpl. Hadlow, 4th Fld Amb. 3rd, Dvr. Weedon, 16th Bn. |
OBSTACLE RACE. 1st. Lieut. Fawcett, 4th M.G. Coy. 2nd, Lieut. Carroll, 4th M.G. Coy. |
440 YARDS CHAMPIONSHIP 1st, Pte. Sproles, 4th M.G. Coy. 2nd, Sgt. Brackenridge, 16th Bn. 3rd, Pte. Cameron, 14th, and Capt. Toft, 15th Bn. |
INCINERATOR KATE RACE 1st, Lieut Fawcett and Lieut. Carroll, 4th M.G. Coy. 2nd, Lieut. Shaw and Lieut. Hynes, 15th Bn. 3rd, Lieut. Hopkins and Lieut. Clark, 4th M.G. Coy. |
HUMOROUS COSTUME. 1st, Pte, Martin, 13th Bn. 2nd, Pte. Charlesworth, 13th Bn. 3rd, Pte. Gawn, 13th Bn. |
OFFICERS 100 YARDS RACE. 1st, Lieut. Anderson, 14th Bn. 2nd, Lieut. Goninon, 15th Bn. 3rd, Lieut. Fawcett, 4th M.G. Coy. |
SIAMESE RACE. 1st, Sgt McGilvray and Pte. Cusack, 16th Bn. 2nd, Pte Kilby and Pte. Scott, 14th. 3rd, Pte. Ventsall and Pte. Groutch, 13th Bn. |
ONE MILE WALK. 1st, Lieut. Huse, 14th Bn. 2nd, Pte. Grough, 13th Bn. 3rd, Pte. Hanlon, 14th Bn. |
HIGH JUMP. 1st, L./Cpl. Teague, 4th Field Amb. 2nd, Pte. Brown, 13th Bn. 3rd, Pt. Jones, 13th Bn. |
OFFICERS' SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIP. 1st, Lieut. Gowing, 13th Bn. 2nd, Lieut. Carroll, 4th M.G. Coy. 3rd, Lt./Col Crowther, 14th Bn. |
FLAG RACE. 1st, L./Col. Marks, 13th Bn. 2nd, Lieut. Fawcett, 4th M.G. Coy. 3rd, Lieut. Goninon, 15th Bn. |
GREASY POLE. 1st, Lieut. Carroll, 4th M.G. Coy. 2nd, Pte. Cummings, 4th M.G. Coy. 3rd, Pte. Bishop, Bgde. Headquarters. |
7
NEAT DIVING. 1st, Pte. Sheehy, 15th Bn. 2nd, Spr. Ford, 4th Field Coy. 3rd, Pte. Mitchell, 13th Bn. |
50 YARDS CHAMPIONSHIP SWIMMING 1st, Lieut. Gowing, 13th Bn. 2nd, Pte. Lyons, 15th Bn. 3rd, Pte. Percy, 15th Bn. |
BREAST STROKE. 1st, Pte. Lauchland, 15th Bn. 2nd, Lieut Fawcett, 4th M.G. Coy 3rd, Pte. Carey, 4th Field Coy |
ALL-CLOTHES RACE. 1st, Pte. Fogg, 15th Bn. 2nd, Lieut. Fawcett, 4th M.G. Coy. 3rd, Lieut. Carroll, 4th M.G. Coy |
PILLOW FIGHT. 1st, Lieut. Fawcett 4th M.G. Coy. 2nd, Pte. Fogg, 15th Bn. 3rd, Pte. Dryberg, 14th Bn. |
100 YARDS SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIP. 1st, Pte. Weatherall, 13th Bn. 2nd, Pte. Sheehy, 15th Bn. 3rd, Pte. Townshend, 4th M.G. Coy. |
RELAY RACE. 1st, 13th Battalion, Lieut. Gowing. 2nd, 15th Battalion, Cpl. Bradley. 3rd, 14th Battalion, Lt./Col. Crowther. |
BAND. 1st, 15th Battalion. 2nd, 13th Battalion. 3rd, 16th Battalion. |
RESULTS CHAMPIONSHIP CUP.
1, 4th Machine Gun Company, 53 points.
2, 15th Battalion, 50½ points.
3, 13th Battalion, 45 points.
8
REPORT ON SPORTS MEETING
By Corporal J. J. Moriarty
"The Brigade Sports will be held at the Chateau Grounds,
Querrieu, on Saturday next 21st Inst."
Thus the Brigadier-General, addressing one of the Battalions
of his Brigade a few days prior to that date.
"That's the bloomin' end of it; up the bloomin' line again,"
answered the Battalion Pessimist to the man on his left. Doubts
being expressed on this point, the Pessimist spoke again. "you
see, we was to have had them sports last December, when we was
at Fressenville. Well, a couple of days before Fritzey broke
through at Cambrai, and up we as to go to stop 'im. Instead of
sports we gets hard graft, in the snow, ice, and slush, till Feb-
ruary. We comes out again and goes into billets at Neuve Eglise.
We thought we was set there. The Brig. says: 'All right, lads;
we'll have them sports Tuesday next for certain.' What occurred?
Fritz starts his big push, and we has to alley out of Belgium and
come back to France, and all the sports we got on that day was
marching up to Hebuterne to stop the Boche again. In telling
us that the sports is on on Saturday is the dinkum oil that we are
going in again on Thursday or Friday. Just you watch." And
so the watch was set.
The days went by. Thursday came; no line yet. Friday
looked ominous, for Fritz was pushing in the South. Would the
Pessimist be a true prophet? Hope dies hard. We wanted those
sports badly, and so would not despair. Fate has been unkind
to us twice; surely this time she would repent and smile on the
4th Brigade. The night passes, and Saturday dawns, bright,
clear, and sunny. Fate has relented and is on our side to-day.
The hearts of all are glad. The 4th Brigade forget their
troubles, forget Fritz, forget there is a war on at all, for this is
the great day of the year - Brigade Sports. Battalion will contest
against battalion to-day for supremacy in physical prowess.
The arguments that have waxed hot during the year as to the
respective merits as a sprinter of Blank of the 13th and Dash of
the 14th will be placed beyond all dispute. The Brigade Sports
will settle all arguments. Each unit in the Brigade will this day
send its respective champions into the arena. Fate as personified
by the judges, ere night falls, will place the laurel crown of victory
upon the brow of the unit which has earned the proud title of
Brigade Champion for the year 1918-1919.
Early on Saturday morning all is hurry and bustle in the
various camps, billet, or dug-outs where lived the men of the 4th
Brigade. Parades are called in sufficient time to allow every soul,
from the Colonel down to the bugler boy, to be on the ground
for the first item, timed to start at 10 a.m. The quaint and pretty
9
little village of Querrieu woke from it's slumbers to the tread of
marching feet. From every direction these troops come in their
columns of fours. By Battalions they come from north, south,
east, and west, each with its band in the lead, playing martial
airs. For a moment the villages may be startled and wonder
what fresh disaster is upon them, but only for a moment. These
French people had, ere this, watched Australians going into
battle, and right well they noted the change in the faces of the
men. Then, they were grim and determined, albeit confident; today
on every face there is a smile. The air is filled with jest and
laughter; even the very streets respond to the merriment and give
back a glad ring to the feet that treat blithely down them. In
those more serious days, these men from "down under" were
heavily equipped, wore tin hats, and carried rifles, too. To-day
the luncheon haversack is all they carry, and the tin hat is replaced
by the old felt hat that stands for Australian soldier
throughout the world. No rifle to-day - only a cigarette and a
cane, denoting that the Aussie is on pleasure bent.
The Chateau is reached at length, and through the fine entrance
gates swings the head of the column, marching up the winding
drive, girt on either side by forest trees that tower into the sky,
and, meeting overhead, act as a screen from the sun beating
down. The Chateau itself comes into view - a stately building this,
the home of the le Compte d'Alcantiara, now used as Brigade Headquarters.
The rigours of war have failed to rob this venerable
pile of its aristocratic look and bearing, and it stands to-day, as it
did avant la guerre, a fitting king to the majestic and beautifully
wooded park surrounding it. The various units are formed up
on either side of the many lawns, and after luncheon arrangements
are explained to them, they are dismissed for the day. The
troops stroll round, and spend some time viewing the Chateau
and grounds, admiring its beauties, which, no doubt, in days to
come will be described "back home" with all the wealth of detail
of which the Australian is master.
As the hands of the clock point towards ten a move is made
in the direction of the outer park, where the sports are to be held.
This, on being reached, discloses a sports ground, complete with
its quarter-mile track already prepared, and within the oval all
the arrangements for carrying out the day's athletic programme. To
the left is the lake, and here the swimmers are already in
evidence, having a final trial before their event comes up for decision.
Already the gathering is well into the thousands, and is
being swelled every minute. A walk round the grounds reveals
the completeness of every detail that is to go towards making a
perfect holiday. For the combatants dressing-rooms, etc., have
been erected: for the onlookers a multitude of things have been
done.
A score of voices rises above the din of the crowd, and investigation
reveals "the roar of the ring" - the bookmakers. The
powers that be realise that to the Australia a bet is an essential
part of the contest. The books are therefore provided, each unit
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licensing for the day only those men who were able to show
financial strength. Queer is the garb of this fraternity. Two are
dressed in the discarded frock-coats and top-hats of some owners
unknown; more again adopt the style of Isaac McShort Odds, of
Sydney "Bulletin" fame. They call the odds loud and long (or
short), and, dealing as they are with "Aussies", they do not
want for takers. To-day the "books", all privates, are no respectors
of persons, and officers for the nonce (if they are competitors)
go short of titles. It sounded humourous to hear a private
of a certain battalion offering "two to one" against Blank,
Blank in this case being none other than his own Colonel. In
competition with the books was the Brigade Tote, and the more
sedate could, if they wished, invest their money with the machine,
far from the madding crowd. To help the punter squander his
roll (or to acquire a fortune, their owners said), the old crown and
anchor, roulette, and other gambling kings held sway. The
whole day long did they talk, barracking, begging, and praying
the passer-by to put down a shilling to pick up a pound; and,
whether it was the powers of their oratory or the temptation to
get rich quick that caused it, the fact remains they were rarely
short of customers. This laughing, rollicking, jolly crowd of
soldiers were out for a day's fun - eager to pay for it, and what
matters who collected it from them, so long as it was gone.
Darting in and out among the crowd were the bootblacks.
These, dressed a la Gypo the older soldiers knew so well, did
great business. "Boot a-shines, mister; ye-es, mister, good
shine"; and mister was lucky if they left him before inducing
him to part with a franc. One dignified General wondered what
had such a hold of his already highly-polished legging, and on
making inquiries discovered that "Abdul" was in possession and
would not let go without obtaining backsheesh, which the General
gave amidst the laughter of the onlookers.
The soldiers who in bygone days resided in country parts
were brought face to face with old times by being tempted to
guess the weight of a cow. They did this with great gusto, and
laughed the laugh superior when foolish city fellows dared to air
their opinions of the beast or its weight. The old game of
ringulet was revived for the day, and for half a franc one could
have six tries to ring and win any of the wonderous collection
of articles that dazzled the eye of the beholder. The 13th Battalion
had a mystery tank on parade, and for a small sum allowed
knowalls to answer the question, "What is it?" Many tried, and
their guesses must have been correct, for a few tried again. The
most elaborate of the many "money-catchers", however, was the
7th A.S. Company's Circus. They had a large tent erected, and
announced their show open at 2.30 p.m. Shortly before that time
their performers arrived, and created a sensation as they dashed
around the ring, seated on a lorry drawn by six horses, ridden by
postilions dressed in red jackets and blue caps, the whole being
heralded by Jackey, the black-fellow from the Gulf of Carpentaria.
On board was a motley crowd - Charley Chaplain sitting
11
nest to Fatima, Queen of the Harem, whilst the King of the Lion
Tamers looked lovingly at Virtuous Violet, to the disgust of the
Egyptians and monkey on board. The performance drew crowded
houses, and the shrieks of laughter from within denoted clearly
that the audiences were satisfied with their money's worth.
Besides providing fun for the boys, all these performers,
black boys, gambling gentry, etc., had in view another and a
nobler end. They were working, and working hard, too, for
profits, the whole of which was to go towards helping the 4th
Brigade Prisoner of War Funds. So well did they succeed
in their efforts that ere the day closed they had collected and
handed in to the treasurer no less than 2,363 francs. The soldier
who lost his roll at the roulette wheel, or who paid the black boy
for the boots that were not cleaned may take consolidation from
the knowledge that he at least helped an Australian soldier to feel
his internment less bitterly than he otherwise would do.
VISITORS.
During the morning the "visitors of high degree" put in an
appearance, and, being quickly observed, are cordially welcomed
by the Committee. The red facings of themselves and their
staffs break the monotony of the khaki, and lend a charming
variety to the scene. The Australians' old friend and General,
Sir W. R. Birdwood, arrived early, and met with a great reception.
The fact of his wearing the felt hat appealed to the lads,
and they claimed him for their own again, for this one day at
least. He was, as ever, most content when chatting to the boys,
and indeed it was in this way he spent a great part of his time.
Lieut.-General Sir John Monash was on the ground all day, and
this being his first appearance amongst the 4th Brigade since he
took command of the Australian Corps, he was the subject of particular
scrutiny. The Australian is awed by no one in office,
however high, unless he appeal to them as being a man. Did
Sir John so appeal? The answer was quickly forthcoming.
"He'll do!" That was all, and yet it contained more than pages
could fill. It was the verdict of the 4th Brigade. Major-General
Montgomery, M.G.G.S., Fourth Army; Brigadier-General
Carruthers, D.A. and Q.M.G., were also present, and took keen
interest in everything.
The U.S. Army has its representatives a month the pleasure-seekers,
too. The warmth of their welcome denotes something
more personal than mere courtesy to visitors. A closer inspection
of these troops reveals the fact that they are the men of the
132nd Regiment. This explains all. Are they not the very men
who fought so gloriously side by side with the boys of the 4th
Brigade in the Hamel offensive of 4 July, and taught the
Boche that anew and irresistible combination was at work to
thwart his world-domination scheme. How well they drove their
lesson home, all the world knows. The Brigade lads showered
every attention on them, and clearly made them feel that the
friendship begun on the anniversary of Independence Day was to
12
be of lifelong duration. The Colonel of the 13nd Regiment not
only gave his men a holiday form the reserve trenches to be
present at the Sports, but, to show how deep his interest in the
4th Brigade was, sent the regimental band along to play selections
during the day. The band, looking well in their smart uniforms,
and with their silvered instruments brilliantly polished,
marched on to the ground amidst tumultuous applause. The
Australian loves good music, and he appreciates a kindly act.
Both the Americans supplied him with, and his cheers of delight
and gratitude rang out in unision for the Colonel and the music.
Before commenting on the sports itself, one other item must
be touched on – the Aussie's love of the ladies. He proved it up
to the hilt to-day, and, more, that he likes them tastefully
dressed. It was impossible, he found, to get the real thing to the
sports, but that did not daunt him. Was there not an old adage,
"Half a loaf is better than no bread"? And he set to work to
prove it in regard to this matter. He took the best and most
likely material from out of each unit, and said: "I will recreate
you and to-day you shall be a girl!" Where from or by what
powers of persuasion he induced the owners of the latest Parisian
costumes to hand their creations over to him no one save himself
knows, but he did it. The result was a triumph for the Austra-
lian. and a delight for everyone. Sprinkled amongst the crowd
were these "made-to-order" ladies, and for long did one wonder
and puzzle what good fortune sent such charming creatures to the
Brigade sports. Certainly, the "half-loaves", for good looks,
dress, and deportment, would hold their own against all comers.
They had admirers among all ranks, and a well-known Colonel
looked vastly pleased as he paraded the lawn with a fair maid of
16 on his arm.
THE SPORTS.
The sports in themselves were a revelation to everyone.
Every item on the long programme was keenly contested. Each
unit had its representatives taking part, and certainly the latter,
if they lost, could not complain that they did so through lack of
encouragement from their supporters. Sports of this kind are in
a different category from ordinary gatherings. There the prize is
the only end in view, but in these contests each participant has
as well to remember that he is fighting for the honour of his unit.
This makes, every contest a battle-royal. The competitors
buoyed up with a knowledge that their battalion looks to them
for victory, fight to secure it. In their turn the members of his
unit feel in honour bound to encourage him, and right lustily
they do so. Grouped in their thousands round the lake or the
oval, they send their particular calls through the air. A thousand
voices yell, "Go it 13th!" and in reply comes a thousand more,
"Go it 16th!" the 14th and 15th Battalions are no less keen
than these, and, though the remaining units have not the
numerical strength of the other, on this day they put forth all
their energy to carry their helpful voice to their champions. 'Tis
a thrilling scene, and the atmosphere is electrical. The race is
13
finished. "Who's won?" is on every tongue. Some are to suffer
disappointment. Who is obtain the glory? The judges' decision
is posted. A 14th Battalion man has won. The gold and
blue are in the delirium of joy, and their cries of victory fill the
air. For a moment only the others are silent, and then the
Australian sporting instinct comes to the fore. Their man lost,
'tis true, but it was a fine race, and the best man won, and they,
too, join with the victorious battalion in cheering the victor.
'Twas the 14th turn then, but ten minutes will bring another contest,
and most likely it will be the turn of another to lead the
cheering, with the 14th Battalion playing the part of assistant
applause-makers. On every race the books are laying the odds,
and it is evident from the circle of admirers that attend these at
the conclusion of each event that the Australian does not let his
joy make him forget to collect any little perquisites his favourite's
win may have placed to his betting account.
SWIMMING.
The aquatic events opened the day's programme, and so
large were the entries for each that the whole morning was
devoted to their decision. Most of the events had to be run in
heats, and these were productive of keen competition. The star
item and the centre of interest to the swimming "fans" was the
100 yards championship. The final starters all got away well on
the word go, and fought out an excellent race. A close finish
ended by Weatherall, and of the 13th, beating Sheehy, of the 15th
with Townsend, of M.G.C., third. The diving was a particularly
fine contest, the neatness and cleverness with which the competitors
performed the various evolutions eliciting much applause. Sheehy
in this justified his selection by bringing victory to the 15th, Ford,
of the Engineers running him close. The 50 yards championship
was another event that caused great excitement. The heats
being decided, the first and second of each prepared for the final.
On the word of the starter, the competitors left the board and
struck the water together. Inch by inch the race was fought, and
only inches separated them at the finish. Lieut. Gowing, 13th
swam a fine race, and deserved the victory he secured from Lyons,
of the 15th, Percy, 15th being third.
The greasy pole and pillow-fighting events supplied the
lighter side of the morning's programme. Many were daring
enough to risk their balance astride the poles, but only the M.G.C.
representatives attached success therein. Lieut. Carroll, M.G.C.,
walked to the end of the path that so many failed to tread; while
Lieut. Fawcett, M.G.C. was too superior for all his opponents in
the gentle art of pillow-fighting. Both events evoked roars of
laughter, and hearty applause greeted the efforts of the gunners.
ATHLETIC.
An hour's respite for lunch at the conclusion of the swimming
events was very welcome. The cookers of the units had arrived
on the ground, and by 12.30 all billies were boiling. Luncheon was
14
partaken of under the shade of trees, thus giving a picnicky
touch to the day's outing. In groups the troops sat around, and
for the hour happiness is king, the events of the morning are
discussed, the winners congratulated, the losers sympathised with.
Points are already being added up to see if the winners of the
coveted trophy, the Brigade Cup, can be discovered. The 13th's
chances look rosy at present, but many events are still to be decided,
and who knows what might occur. The lunch hour is
over, conjecture is finished with; back to the oval, and let the day
decide.
First head of the Group 100 yards Champion ship. This
announcement lets all know that serious matters are being argued
with. The heats will be run in deadly earnest, for only the
winner of each will qualify for the final. A shot, a flash of the
pistol, and the men are off. Necks are craned, thousands are
yelling encouragement of their favourites, the tape is reached.
Brackenridge wins, and the 16th are sure of a say in the final.
At intervals of minutes only the remaining heats are got off, and
then, to spell the men who are to start in the final, a fresh race
is announced.
Officers Championship, 100 Yards. - Officers' events are
always popular with the lads, and the company is proud indeed
that can point to one of its officers as the champion sprinter of
the Brigade. The year the final was full of interest and run
amidst tremendous excitement. Lieut. F. Anderson, carrying the
gold and blue of the 14th, won the event from Lieut. Goninin,
of the 15th.
The starters for the final of the group 100 yards now line up
to the post. The start is a good one, and Sproles, of the M.G.C.,
who had won his heat rather easily, proved superior to all opposition,
and after a fine finish secured pride of place, Brackenridge,
16th, running second. Later in the day Sproles won the
440 yards championship for the gunners, Brackenridge again
being runner-up.
The Anzac Championship 75 yards was well conducted, and
finally annexed by Bowers, 15th, Hadlow, 4th Field Ambulance,
and Weedon, 16th, filling the places. The 16th secured a victory
in the Siamese race, McGilvray and Cusack proving too good for
Kilby and Scott, of the 14th.
The Mile Walking Championship provided one of the events
of the day. From the firing of the pistol to the decision of the
judges the contest was brimful of excitement. After two laps
had been completed it was evident that a duel was in progress
between Lieut. Huse, 14th, and Pte. Gough, 13th. Both men
were walking excellently, taking the lead in turn. The last 200
yards was run in silence; beds were made and charged as they
came into the straight. Fifty yards from home Gough was in
15
front, but with a rare turn of speed and walking beautifully Lieut.
Huse forged ahead, and, passing his opponent, assumed a lead
that he maintained to the end. Gough fought hard to overtake
him, but he lacked the speed. When the cheers were given many
were for the loser for the splendid fight he made to accomplish an
impossible task.
The Flag Race, with teams from each unit, resulted in a popular
win, Colonel Marks, of the 13th, leading with his men to victory
from Lieut. Fawcett, of the 4th Machine Gun Company.
The Mile Championship resulted in a win for Smith, of the
15th, after a stubborn contest with McGilvray, of 16th, Badens,
of 13th, running third. The Obstacle Race and Incenerator Kate
events caused much amusement, and here the M.G.C. representatives
were superior to all overs.
The sprint events over, the oval was cleared for the test of
strength between units - the tug-of-war. There is something
about a tug-of-war that more than any other trial of strength
causes the supporters of the teams taking part to wax excitable.
This they certainly did to-day, and perhaps their hoarse cries
may have urged their men to greater efforts. Every pull was
exciting, and every team did their best to secure victory. When the
final came the huge crowd centred its attention on the 15th Battalion
and the 4th Field Company, who were fighting for the
championship. It was a long pull, and a strong, strong pull, and
a pull all together boys, but the men form the line were too good
for the Sappers, and final victory went to the 15th Battalion
amidst loud cheering.
BAND CONTEST.
This is the first time that a Brigade Band Contest has been
part of the annual sports programme, but from the wonderful
success that met the efforts of the Committee on this occasion it
surely has come to stay. It might be suggested to the Brigade
that a day should be devoted in other years entirely to the band
contests. The whole of this part of the day's programme took
place in the grounds immediately surrounding the chateau.
Nature seemed to have made the beautiful park for just such a
purpose as this. The competitors were the brass bands of the
13th, 15th and 16th Battalions, and the pipe band of the 14th.
After inspection by the judges, they, in turn, formed up at the
starting point for the quick step. The spectators lined the lawn,
and numbered thousands. The signal given to start, the 16th
was the first move off. The marching was excellent, and their
playing delightful. The spectators were keenly alive to every
good quality displayed., and were unsparing in their appreciation.
The remaining bands taking part did full credit to their units and
deserved the praise bestowed upon them. The pipe band of the
14th were special favourites, and as they carried out the evolutions
of marching and counter-marching they were cheered to
the echo. When the judges' decision was announced it was found
that pride of place had been awarded to 15th, the 13th a very close
second.
16
BRIGADE CUP.
The competitions over, the only thing of real interest to the
Brigade is "Who won the CUP?" This is held by the unit winning
most points in the competitions, and gives them the title of
champions for the year. Every unit is desirous of obtaining this
honour, for it ranks high in Brigade life. This year the M.G.
Compnay were declared winners, and right proud they are! Their
success is deserved, and is very popular. They entered into every
event determined to do thir utmost, and they met the success
such determination merits. On all sides they were congratulated,
and one hears everywhere, "Good luck to the gunners."
THE COMMITTEE.
The programme is concluded. The day is nearly over, but
before it finally closes it were well to look back over this, the
greatest success the annual sports of the 4th Brigade has yet
attained. Preparations for it did not arrive by chance. The
details of its success had to be arranged by someone. Such a day
that at one bound placed the 4th Brigade sports in the very forefront
of such gatherings for the A.I.F. -It meant hard work for
someone. The committee. Yes, the thanks are mostly theirs,
and greatest of these is Lieut. Bartlett Davis, the genial and
ever-smiling secretary. The day is a tribute to them and to him.
He is on the ground, ever ready, ever obliging; wanted in a
hundred places at once, and always seeming to be there, nothing
ruffles him. A great secretary, this I.O. of the 4th Brigade!
One is yet to be mentioned. All day he is on the ground,
working wherever there is work to be done. His face wears a
look of happy pride. It seems to say, naught else matters so
long as this day is a success. This is his day. He sees it is
going well, and is content. What matters the war? These boys
fought for him yesterday; they will fight for him again tomorrow.
To-day he has decreed they shall forget it all and be
merry. And they are merry. He is satisfied. They are his
boys; he is proud of them, and loves them, every one. He is
their General, and they return both is pride and love. 'Tis a
happy union this of the 4th- the General proud of his lads and
the lads proud of their "Brig".
THE CONCERT.
As a fitting finale to a great day, a concert platform had
been arranged in front of the chateau, and an American Pierrot
Troupe from Uncle Sam's Army gave an artistic concert to an
audience numbering thousands. The theatre was typically a
soldier's one - the grass for seats, the trees for walls, with the
blue sky for a dome. The artists gave of their best, and received
in return vociferous applause. The performers were exceptionally
talented, and well earned the three mighty cheers given them at
the conclusion of the programme. "God save the King" closed
the evening and bought the carnival to a conclusion. This day
will live long in the minds of the lads, and in the years to come
the story will often be told of the great day's sports held in
Chateau Querrieu.
A U S T R A L I A N C O R P S
Wounded admitted to Field Ambces. - Operations
Formation | From 6pm 12-8-18 To 6am 13-8-18 |
To 6am 13-8-18 |
||
Officers | O/Ranks | Officers | O/Ranks | |
1st Australian Division |
3 |
20 |
71 |
1275 |
2nd Australian Division |
1 |
7 |
47 |
1025 |
3rd Australian Division |
- |
16 |
20 |
687 |
4th Australian Division |
- |
- |
29 |
695 |
5th Australian Division |
- |
- |
31 |
597 |
Corps Troops |
- |
1 |
39 |
485 |
Other Formations |
- |
3 |
20 |
813 |
Australian Total |
4 |
43 |
206 |
4279 |
4 |
47 |
265 |
5577 |
|
Prisoners of War |
1 |
2 |
26 |
778 |
G W Baden
Colonel
D.D.M.S. Australian Corps
Headquarters
13th August 1918
Copies to :-
A.C.C.
S
B.G.G.S.
S

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