THE TRARALGON R.S.L. SUB-BRANCH - 60 YEARS (1987)  (John Power)

At our May (1987) meeting, Mr. Jack McAlister and Mr. Alan Plant, members of the R.S.L., told of the formation of the R.S.L, in Traralgon and its advancement over the years.

The R.S.L., or as it was then known, The Returned Soldiers and Sailors League of Australia, was first formed in 1916 by the men returning sick or wounded from the battlefields of Gallipoli and France. Amongst others, the following objectives were stated :

• To perpetuate the close ties of friendship created, by mutual service in the Wars of the Empire;
• To maintain a proper standard of dignity and honour and to set an example of public spirit and noble-hearted endeavour;
• To preserve the memory of those who served and died for Australia;
• To provide for the sick and wounded and needy among those who served and their dependants, including pensions, medical attention, homes and suitable employment;
• To inculcate loyalty to the Nation.

Just When the Traralgon Sub-Branch was first formed is not known but it was probably early in 1919. Some correspondence from the Victorian Branch to the Traralgon Sub-Branch is dated May 1919 when the Secretary was Mr. Reno De Medici. The President's name is not known. This Sub-Branch folded up after a couple of years and members probably organised amongst themselves to provide help for the more unfortunate of their number.

Prior to this, the Shire had formed a Welcome Home Committee, which was known as the Returned Soldiers' Committee. It was chaired by the Shire President of the day and was formed in about 1916, its purpose being to welcome returned men back to civilian life and help make the transition as easy as possible. This is not to be confused with the Repatriation Committee which gave material assistance to the Diggers on their return.

The Returned Soldiers' Committee also had medals struck and one was presented to each man on his return with the district's gratitude for his service. Some problems were encountered, however, with the medals when the little lug by which they were hung broke off, this caused some marked embarrassment and some medals had to be replaced.

The present Traralgon Sub-Branch was formed at a meeting held on 24th August, 1926, attended by Mr. A. M. David, organising Secretary for Victoria. Those present were: B.K.Coates, R.F. Webb, D.MacCubbin, W.MacCubbin, J.P.Lindsay, B.Doble, J.Dove, A.Neilson,

A. Brereton, P.Simmonds and W Milligan. Mr.Coates was elected President and Mr. Milligan Secretary. The Mechanics. Institute granted the Sub-Branch use of a room at the hall, free of charge, for 12 months. Mr. Milligan only served as Secretary for about 10 months. Mr.P.Simmonds was elected in his place and remained Secretary for 10 years.

The Branch requested the Shire to purchase a picture of "The Landing", at a cost of Six Guineas, to be hung by the Honour Board. Today, a picture of "The Landing" hangs on the left side of the Honour Board and a copy of Langstaff's "Menin Gate at Midnight" on the right. All three are now in the Lower Lounge of the club rooms where our Society meets.

Smoke Socials were common thing in those days. On Boxing Night, 1927, one was held in Honour of a Sgt.Smith, V.C. - Mr. Ted Conchie was appointed. organiser on this occasion.

The Diggers soon found that they required a separate fund for those in need and a "Distressed Diggers" fund was established with a committee comprising the President; Secretary, Mr. R. Farren Webb, D. Christensen and A. Brereton appointed to draft a set of Rules.

In 1928 the Armistice Day Services were held separately in each Church. The President and Secretary were asked to approach the Ministers in an endeavour to arrange a Combined Service and the Secretary was instructed to write to the Shire Councillors asking them to attend.

Mr. Coates stepped down as President in 1929 and assumed the office of Treasurer, a position he held for 5 years. Mr. F. Redman, Manager of the State Savings Bank, was elected President.

Minutes of meetings were then recorded in eloquent style. One meeting conclusion was written up as follows : "Harmony in the form of cards and supper concluded the meeting."

By the middle of 1929, more funds were needed for the Distressed Diggers Fund, so a Concert Party was formed to raise more money. Soon, the Depression began to bite and the Diggers actively opposed the Government's decision to alter the preference clause in the Repatriation Act.

It was decided to hold a Military Ball on Monday, 6th October, 1930. For this event, Both halls were engaged and the admission price was 10/- a Double, Gents. 7/6d., Ladies 5/-. A local dance band of 5 was engaged, catering was by tender through the local papers, Claret Cup was provided and patronage of Anzac House and a General was obtained. This Ball was to become an annual social event for many years. The following year the Date was moved to June and it was held in that month for more than 20 years.

The effects of the Depression were now being felt in the district and the Branch found it necessary to grant £l0 from the Distress Fund for the relief of unemployed Diggers. They also offered to meet the cost of half of the wages for 2 unemployed Diggers if the Shire Council would meet the other half. The Branch also adopted the Williamstown Unemployed Sub-Section and provided a rail truck of firewood for them. Mrs.Whittakers, of Fern Hill, allowed them to cut the wood on her property and Mr. R. Farmer donated a saw bench while Mr. C.H. Jones provided a tractor. These people were all suitably thanked for their assistance and generosity.

Prizes were awarded to school children who could sell the most Anzac and Poppy Day tokens. A prize was also awarded for the best Anzac Day essay. Discussions over the form of observance of Anzac Day were common then and in 1935 Traralgon delegates to the State Conference were instructed to vote for continuance of the day in its present form.

An attempt was made to form a Diggers' Golf Club but this did not eventuate; however the Golf Club granted the Branch a day, usually on the King's Birthday weekend in June, to play golf, and this became known as the Diggers' Day. Apart from interruptions during the war years it has continued for nearly 50 years.

In 1936, Mr. Ed. Barbour, the former owner of the Journal, left for a trip overseas and to attend the Coronation of King George VI in the following year. The Sub-Branch requested Mr. Barbour to place a wreath on the cenotaph in Whitehall on its behalf. The new owner of the Journal, Mr. W. A. Thompson, offered to print the card for the wreath.

The Sub-Branch, through the 1930s, played social games of cricket, football and golf, and entertained and were entertained at Smoke Nights throughout Gippsland. Considering the state of roads in those days, they must have been a very enthusiastic group to travel so far, particularly at night.

As the 1930s drew to a close, Percy Simmonds, Secretary for the previous, 10 years, stepped and Adam Wilson took his place. However, Mr. Simmonds did not entirely relinquish the reins for he was elected President and served for a term. Later, during the War years, he again held the office of secretary, for another year.

In the late 1930s, the first moves were made to purchase premises for Club Rooms, but these did not came to fruition.

In 1939, the local Militia Unit turned out for the Anzac March - the Sub-Branch was impressed and sent a letter of congratulation. Many of these men were the first to enlist in the 2nd A.I.F. In September 1939 the President in office, Dr. Pryde, convened a meeting at which members of the Sub-Branch re-affirmed their loyalty to the Empire. Soon after, Dr. Pryde and Claude Lewis went off to join the 2nd A.I.F.

During the War years, those too old to serve joined the V.D.C. and assisted as Air Raid Wardens. The Sub-Branch was busy raising money for the Comforts Fund and the Prisoner of War Fund and the Red Cross, as well as continuing its normal welfare Work. At the same time they were looking forward to the time when men would be returning from. the 2nd World War.

Towards the middle of the decade, more and more men returned, either on leave or to be demobilised. The Sub-Branch always made them welcome at their meetings and by 1944 there were many new names appearing in the meeting attendance lists. Amongst these 'were K. Christensen, W. Hackett, C. Couch, C. Eastburn, B.Spencer, J.Stockdale and G.Stockdale.

Meetings were rotated around the district, to Gormandale and Glengarry as well as Traralgon.

In May 1945, the war in Europe ended and a Thanksgiving Service and March was held on 8th May. By 1946 many of the men had returned and again efforts were made to secure land for a Club House. It was at this time also that the location of the Anzac Day Dawn Service was changed from the Cemetery to the War Memorial. in Kay Street.

In January 1947, Mr. C.R. Lewis, a veteran of both wars, was elected President and Mr. A Remington, Secretary, a position he retained in until 1959.

In April 1948, acting on a report prepared by a Special Committee, it was resolved to purchase the property of the late Cr. Clarence Clarke, on the Old Melbourne Road, (now known as Kay Street).

Over the next 2 years much work was done; a Building Sub-Committee (H.Hutton, Chairman, J.Davidson, A.Plant, M. Lynch, D,.Steel and ....Abrahams.) was appointed and many working-bees were held to get the premises into order. Mr. Plant described how, every Saturday for 12 months, he and Jack Davidson worked Club Rooms. This work was obviously Very productive, and on 14th June, 1949, the Sub-Branch was able to meet in the Club rooms for the first time.

During this period, the day-to-day welfare and community work continued. Appeals were held, "Housey Housey" was conducted and the Sub-Branch played a major part in the "First Footing Frolics" each New Year's Eve. In 1954, Wally Phillips was elected President, and served six terms. He was then appointed Manager Of the Club, and continued to fill that position until 1976. He still remains a Trustee, and has served the Sub Branch and Club, all told, for over 40 years. He is a Life Member of both the Sub Branch and Returned Servicemen's Club.

In the mid 1950's, John McAlister took over the running of the Diggers' Day Golf event from Bob Lawson and continued to run this annual Queen's Birthday fixture for 29 years. Proceeds were donated to Legacy.

In the late '50's, Mr. C. McKenzie started Diggers' Day Bowls. Mr. McAlister eventually took over the running of this event also, held in the first week of January each year. It raises money for Welfare.

The Traralgon Returned Servicemen's Club was formed in 1954, and a Liquor Licence was obtained. Extensions were carried out to the building, including the Billiard Room, in 1957, and on a number of occasions since.

At the instigation of the late Cr. N. Howlett, in 1960 a Bowling Club was formed. This section is now a thriving part of Club activities, and brings much enjoyment to all, young and old alike.

All through the years, members worked tirelessly to provide wood for war widows, and many working bees were held; there have been many dedicated workers in this cause over the years.

In 1961 Jack McAlister was elected Secretary; he continued in that capacity until 1982, when J. Power took over. Jack was President from 1982 to 1984 and when J. Power resigned at the end of 1985, due to health problems, Jack McAlister again took up the arduous task of Secretary. He is also a Life Member and Trustee of the Sub Branch, and with his co-trustees, Wally Phillips and Alan Plant, has given years of wonderful service to the Sub Branch.

After the Vietnam War, membership was strengthened by men returning from that conflict. In 1985 the Sub Branch had 35 members who had served in Vietnam.

In 1974 the Victorian Branch introduced Service Membership. Anyone with 6 months service in the Forces, was eligible to join but had restricted rights. The Sub Branch gained some 80 to 100 members as a result of this decision. In 1983 the National Congress approved the widening of membership to give full rights to all ex-servicemen with 6 months full time service. Traralgon has held its membership numbers, and at the present time has 440 members.

With a very active Ladies' Auxiliary, it is one of the foremost branches in rural Victoria. In welfare, it is a leader, and this year raised $5,796 for the Anzac Appeal. With active sporting groups, and a strong membership, it can look forward to its 7th decade with confidence.