Alfred Richard Matthews 1088

CORPORAL ALFRED RICHARD MATTHEWS 1088 – 3rd Tunnelling CompanyWorthen, Shropshire, England was the birthplace of Alfred Richard (Matty) Matthews on September 14, 1888 the son of George and Sarah Ann (nee Tipton) Matthews. In 1891 the family were residing at Beink Farm, Worthen and consisted of George (42) farmer, wife Sarah A (35) and their children Joseph (12), Thomas (11), George H. (7), Alice M. (5), Fanny E. (3), Alfred R. (2), with Emily Jiles (16), Domestic Servant. Ten years later in 1901 they were at Shawbury Heath with citizens of the household George (52) farm labourer, Sarah (43), Alice M. (15), Alfred R. (12), William E. (11), Edith N. (9) and Frank (4).In 1911 a decade later, Alfred was residing with his brother and family in a five roomed house in Hadnall, Shropshire and members were Joseph, farm labourer (33), wife Mary Ann (40), children Ethel (5) and Lucy (2). Brothers Harry (27) wagoner and Alfred (22) estate farmer and a groom and gardener, John Griffins, were boarders.He came to Western Australia about 1913 aged 25 years and in 1915 was working at the School of Agriculture at Narrogin, W.A.At the recruiting depot in Perth, W.A. on November 20, 1915 the twenty-seven year old foreman at the School of Agriculture applied to enlist for active service abroad. Passing the medical examination personal particulars taken show he was single, 173cms (5ft 8ins) tall with a chest measurement of 97cms (38ins). Postal address was School of Agriculture, Narrogin. Declared fit his application was accepted by the recruiting officer.Attestation forms were completed which describe him further as weighing 63kgs (139lbs) with a chest expansion of 92-97cms (36-38ins) and had a ruddy complexion, blue eyes and auburn hair. Church of England was his religious faith. Distinctive marks were three vaccination scars on his left arm and operation scar for appendicitis. Next-of-kin nominated was his father George Matthews of 15 Lower Road, Middle North Shewsbury, England. He signed and took the ‘Oath on Enlistment’ the same day.Basic training commenced on November 29, 1915 with the 37th Depot Battalion until transferred to the Miners’ Corps. Recruiting for the Miners’ Corps officially began on December 1st, 1915 therefore Private Matthews was placed for basic training at the Helena Vale camp at Blackboy Hill, W.A. with the newly forming Corps as a driver on December 14, 1915. The Unit’s title was the No. 3 Company with a major portion of No. 3 Company recruited by 2nd Lt. L.J. Coulter, A.I.F. who was sent from N.S.W. to W.A. for that purpose. They were made up to strength with 1 Officer and 274 Other Ranks and embarked from Fremantle, W.A. No.3 Company recruits at Blackboy Hill, 3 December 1915 & on Parade - 16 December 1915 Photos courtesy Graeme Williams, grandson of 1202 Spr Charles Williams – 3ATCOn December 18, 1915 the company sailed for Sydney, NSW on board the troopship SS Indarra. His name appears on the passenger list which was published in:The West Australian Saturday December 18, 1915: INDARRA’S PASSENGERS The following passengers are booked to leave by the Indarra to-day: Messrs….A.R. Matthews Article abridgedOn Boxing Day (Dec 26th), 1915 the Unit arrived in Sydney and marched into Casula Camp, near Liverpool, NSW. They were joined by the 4th Section of the Tasmanian Miners, bringing the establishment strength up to 15 officers and 349 Other Ranks under the command of 2nd Lieutenant L.J. Coulter.Mining Corps Units from all Military districts came together at Casula camp, near Liverpool, NSW to complete training as a Corps. Matthews was assigned the regimental number 1088 in the rank of Sapper and remained in No. 3 Company. He was recorded in their Nominal Roll as Alfred Edward Matthews and embarked under that name.At a civic parade in the Domain, Sydney on Saturday February 19, 1916, a large crowd of relations and friends of the departing Miners lined the four sides of the parade ground. Sixty police and 100 Garrison Military Police were on hand to keep the crowds within bounds. The scene was an inspiriting one. On the extreme right flank, facing the saluting base, were companies of the Rifle Club School; next came a detachment of the 4th King’s Shropshire Light Infantry, then the bands of the Light Horse, Liverpool Depot, and the Miners’ on the left, rank upon rank, the Miners’ Battalion. The Corps boarded HMAT A38 Ulysses in Sydney, NSW on February 20 and sailed for the European theatre. Arriving in Melbourne, Victoria on February 22 the Miners camped at Broadmeadows for a stay of 7 days while further cargo was loaded. Another parade was held at the Broadmeadows camp on March 1, the Miners’ Corps being inspected by the Governor-General, as Commander-in-Chief of the Commonwealth military forces. Leaving Melbourne on March 1, Ulysses arrived at Fremantle, Western Australia on March 7 where a further 53 members were taken on board. On Wednesday March 8, 1916 the whole force, with their band and equipment, paraded at Fremantle prior to leaving Victoria Quay at 9.30 o’clock. The ship hit a reef when leaving Fremantle harbour, stripping the plates for 40 feet and, although there was a gap in the outside plate, the inner bilge plates were not punctured. The men on board nicknamed her ‘Useless’. The Miners were off-loaded and sent to the Blackboy Hill Camp where further training was conducted.The Mining Corps comprised 1303 members at the time they embarked with a Headquarters of 40; No.1 Company – 390; No.2 Company – 380; No.3 Company – 392, and 101 members of the 1st Reinforcements.Finally departing Fremantle on April 1, Ulysses voyaged via Suez, Port Said and Alexandria in Egypt. The Captain of the ship was reluctant to take Ulysses out of the Suez Canal because he felt the weight of the ship made it impossible to manoeuvre in the situation of a submarine attack. The troops were transhipped to HM Transport B.1 Ansonia, then on to Valetta, Malta before disembarking at Marseilles, France on May 5, 1916. As a unit they entrained at Marseilles on May 7 and detrained on May 11 at Hazebrouck.A ‘Mining Corps’ did not fit in the British Expeditionary Force, and the Corps was disbanded and three Australian Tunnelling Companies were formed. The Technical Staff of the Corps Headquarters, plus some technically qualified men from the individual companies, was formed into the entirely new Australian Electrical and Mechanical Mining and Boring Company (AEMMBC), better known as the ‘Alphabetical Company’.Four sections of the No. 3 Company were dispersed to various sectors for instructional training. Driver Matthews remained with Company Transport. The No. 3 Company was officially transferred to the 3rd Tunnelling Company on December 18, 1916.On October 24, 1916 he was wounded in action. The Unit Diary of the 3rd Tunnelling Company records the following on the wounding of Driver Matthews as follows: “On 24/10/16 1088 Dvr A.R. Matthews wounded”Driver was taken to the 25th Midland Field Ambulance on October 25, 1916 with a gunshot wound to his head and two days later transferred to the 2nd 3rd London Field Ambulance and was discharged to duty on October 30, 1916.Miss E.M. Walker of 26 Ada Street, South Fremantle wrote to Base Records on December 29, 1916 requesting information about Lance Corporal Matthews as she has seen his name in the List of Wounded and also Eric O. Armstrong of the 20th Battalion who was also reported wounded about 5/8/16 as they were anxious about these friends.Base Records replied on January 8, 1917 stating that Sapper A.R. Matthews was wounded on some date prior to 19/11/16 and in the absence of further particulars it was assumed he was with his unit. His address was included for correspondence with him. Private E.O. Armstrong was wounded prior to 25/8/16 and in view of the time lapse since and without further report he was probably with his unit also. His address was likewise given.He was appointed to be Acting Second Corporal on November 15, 1916 (without extra pay) and due to the promotion of 2/Cpl Fullwood to Corporal, he was promoted to 2/Cpl on March 10, 1917. His name is recorded in the Company Headquarters Establishment list dated March 17 as follows:17/3/17 COMPANY HEADQUARTERS – OTHER RANKS ESTABLISHMENT NO & NAME RANK C.S.M. 1146 Robertson, F. McK. W.O. Q.M.S. 1070 Loggie, A.B. Q.M.S. H.Q. SGT 1193 Uren, A.N. SGT ORD CPL 1106 Fordham, W.H. SGT 2ND CPL 4274 Bickford, W 2nd CPL BATMAN 908 Adkin, D. SAPPER BATMAN 1083 Munday, W.G. SAPPER BATMAN 4338 Gillow, A.G. SAPPER ORDERLY 1031 Hayles, H.B. L/CPL FITTER 1208 Watts, J.G. SAPPER FITTER 4194 Morris, O. SAPPER MISC. TRADES 1112 Oliver R.M. SAPPER MISC. TRADES 913 Atherton T.R. SAPPER MISC. TRADES 1199 West, A. SAPPER TAILOR 1443 Perry, E.L. SAPPER SHOEMAKER 1178 Simmonds, A.E. SAPPER SURV. DRAFTSMAN 1301 Cox A.R.B. CPL STOREKEEPER 936 Butcher, H. ACTG ORD CPL A.M.C. 1934 Parker, C.G. L/CPL A.M.C. 1911 Wood, P.G. SAPPER HORSE TRANSPT 1083 Mathews, A.E. 2ND CPL Report abridgedOn November 19, 1917 he was to be Corporal.He was admitted to the 1st Casualty Clearing Station on January 4, 1918 with a right Abdominal Hernia and conveyed on A.T.28 two days later to the 7th Stationary Hospital at Boulogne. He left for England on January 9 on the hospital ship St Denis and admitted to the Whipps Cross Hospital in Leytonstone affiliated with the General Military Hospital, Colchester with right Inguinal Hernia.The address of his father changed to 3 Wood Road, Hadnall, West Shewsbury, Shropshire, England.A transfer to the 3rd Aust Auxiliary Hospital in Dartford took place on March 1, 1918. Medical notes taken show the following: Operated 17 years ago for right Inguinal Hernia. Since 12.12.17 scar has yielded and a Hernia formed protruding distinctly forwards, not disappearing in bearing down. Operated on 29/1/18 (out of bed 8 days). Scar healed. States he had pneumonia after Operation. Heart A.B. normal in ? P. 140. Lungs – definite expansion of left chest Diminished resonance on percussion at R base otherwise clear. 3/3/18 Pulse 7 a.m. 78. 9 a.m. 132 after walking 200 yards. 11 a.m. 120 after two hours rest. Boil on left shoulder 6/3/18 Pulse 148 per minute. Boil on left shoulder open and freely discharging. 13/3/18 Pulse 146 per minute. To be Boarded. 18/3/18 1 C.P. done. Furlough. Weymouth.He was discharged to furlough on March 19 and reported to the No. 2 Command Depot at Weymouth on April 2, 1918.His name is among those returning to Australia recorded in the Unit Diary of the 3rd Tunnelling Company: “On 17/6/18 the following embarked for Australia:-1088 Cpl Mathews, A.E. 1003 Spr Fair, K.P. 1143 Spr Rogers, W.J. 1184 “ Turton, A. 1186 Cpl Thompson, E. 1194 “ Vecchia, D.C. 4253 Sgt Gordon, A. 4264 “ Barden, G.J. 4294 Spr Carlton, F.W. 4305 “ Crane, A.S. 4339 “ Gorrie, W. 4346 “ Hall, W.T. 4382 “ Lane, J.A. 4523 “ Woolf, J. 5022 “ Wise, E. 5863 “ Williams, E.J. 4521 “ Woods, G.J. 7717 “ White-Parsons, A.T.” Corporal Matthews embarked for Australia for discharge due to D.A.H. (disordered action of heart) and debility on the H.T. Matatua on June 17, 1918. The ship docked in Fremantle (5th Military District) on August 8, 1918.He was disembarked to the No. 8 Aust General Hospital at Fremantle and discharged to Details Camp on August 27, 1918.Military Discharge was issued in Perth (5th M.D.) on September 10, 1918 as medically unfit. He returned to Narrogin, W.A. and a year later the following was reported in the:Great Southern Leader Friday December 26, 1919: PERSONAGRAMS Mr A.R. Matthews has gone to meet his intended who arrived by the “Orsova”; the wedding will take place at Narrogin.He married on March 10, 1920 to Louisa Jane Patterson in Narrogin, W.A. A year later the purchase of a farm named “Torbling” in the district was reported in the:Great Southern Leader Friday January 21, 1921: PERSONAGRAMS Mr A.R. Matthews has completed the purchase of the well-known “Torbling” estate from the executors of the late Mr W.L. Graham. The property is one of the best farms in the district and was originally selected by the late Mr W.L. Graham some 25 years ago.The British War Medal (8167) and the Victory Medal (8132) were issued to Corporal 1088 Alfred Richard Matthews, 3rd Tunnelling Company for serving his country.These medals were presented to him at the Anzac Day commemoration in Narrogin which was reported in the: Great Southern Leader Friday April 29, 1921: NARROGIN’S REMEMBRANCE Anzac Day in Narrogin was celebrated in accordance with the wishes of her returned men—in solemn remembrance of their comrades who fell in the great conflict. This is how it should be, and, happily, it coincided with the idea of the rest of the community who are ever ready to prove to the bereaved relatives of the fallen soldiers that they realise and appreciate the great sacrifice that was made on behalf of the nation. In the afternoon at 2 p.m. a combined commemoration service was carried out on the Recreation Ground, when the proceedings were of a most impressive nature. At 1.30 the returned men (numbering 57, in uniform, and 20 in civies) as well as a platoon of the senior cadets and citizen forces, mustered at the Town Hall and marched to the recreation ground. Here the large concourse of people filled the grandstand to overflowing. A raised platform contained the Mayor (Mr J.J. James), who officiated at the chair: Rev. Canon Needham, Rev R.H. Mason, Captain Chaplain Haynes, Captain Reese (Salvation Army); and Dr D.W.H. Mackie, all of whom assisted in the carrying out of the service. An augmented choir and orchestra under the baton of Mr A. Marshell provided the music and vocal part of the service. The address was again in the hands of Dr Mackie, who reminded his audience of the debt of gratitude we owed to the men who had fought and died so that we may retain the liberties won for us by our forefathers. Dr Mackie expressed the hope that next Anzac Day they would have erected in Narrogin a lasting memorial to commemorate the deeds of valour and the sacrifice of those who had fought for us. As the Dead March was played by the organist, the solemn ceremony of placing the wreaths on the table was carried out. The “Last Post” was then sounded by Bugler Featherstone. The Mayor then called on Lieuts. Haydock and L. Whitford to present medals to the following: (abridged) Corporals J.V. Hamley, A.R. Matthews, N.W. Hickman and H.A. Elliot (1914-15 Star) The proceedings were concluded with the singing of the National Anthem. The soldiers then fell into line and marched to the Narrogin Cemetery, carrying wreaths to be placed on the graves of comrades who have died since returning home. A large number of the general public accompanied the soldiers to the cemetery, when a short but solemn service was conducted by Captain Chaplin J. Haynes.They participated in many local activities and he was a member of the Narrogin Trotting Club entering some of his horses at meetings. At the Narrogin Agricultural Shows was a yearly exhibitor with his livestock and farm produce and was Vice-President in 1933. One of his hobbies was wireless communication and on one occasion was reported in the:Great Southern Leader Friday March 12, 1926: LISTENING IN Mr A.R. Matthews, of “Torbling” who has perfected one of the furthest reaching wireless sets in the Country districts of the State records a further success this week. On Monday the new broadcasting station in Brisbane sent out an enquiring message to ascertain wherever it had been picked up. Tuesday evening the station wirelessed that their message had been replied to from every State but W.A. This message was picked up by Mr Matthews who received it in an exceptionally clear manner, which fact he communicated to Brisbane, being probably the only West Australian to do so. OV2 compliment Mr Matthews and will watch his progress with interest. An unfortunate farming mishap occurred on his farm which was published in the: Great Southern Leader Friday January 14, 1927: DISASTROUS FIRE AT MR A.R. MATTHEWS’ FARM CHAFFCUTTING PLANT AND CROP DESTROYED A fire resulting in the incineration of Mr A Trefort’s chaff-cutting plant, and the demolition of the stooked crop and stubble occurred at Mr A.R. Matthew’s farm, “Torbling” about four miles west of Narrogin on Saturday afternoon last. The cause of the fire was a spark from the engine igniting a load of hay (about two tons) which had just pulled up alongside. The four horses attached to the wagon, on the firing of the load, galloped away carrying the fire with them, and within a few seconds the wagon which was a burning furnace, set fire to the stooks and stubble. The driver of the wagon, Mr Ben Blight, although fully aware of the danger stood to his post until enveloped by the flames when he managed to jump free of the vehicle. The horses continued to gallop about a mile setting fire to everything they passed until eventually they got hung up on a fence and had to stop after taking down about 10 chains of the fence. At this moment Mr Archie Blight galloping through about 10 chains of fire reached the spot and after a most praiseworthy effort eventually released the horses. Unfortunately the two shafter had been badly burnt and the harness scorched whilst the leaders were burnt to a lesser extent. The wagon eventually burnt to a cinder, and Mr Matthews lost practically all his feed. Mr Trefort, who had purchased the hay crop in stook for chaff-cutting purposes had his full plant and equipment on the ground and had nearly finished when the fire occurred. The loss suffered by Mr Matthews and Trefort is estimated at about £1000 altogether the insurance carried being very much below that figure. An additional loss was suffered by the members of Mr Trefort’s party, they losing all the belongings they carried with them, as also did Mr Archie Blight who was engaged in carting the crop—all the latter had left to him was the ring off his watch.A Statement of his Service was requested from Base Records by the Perth Branch of the Repatriation Commission and sent on March 14, 1927.His successful crops were reported several years later in the:Great Southern Leader Wednesday September 24, 1930: A MAGNIFICENT CROP MR A.R. MATTHEWS’ SUCCESS AT “TORBLING” It is quite the general thing to hear about very promising crops this season, and the writer having heard good report of Mr A.R. Matthews’ crop at “Torbling,” gladly seized the opportunity of accepting a motor run out there offered him by Mr and Mrs Gerald Beetson yesterday afternoon. Dropping in at “Torbling,” the old property of the late Mr William Graham, one of the outstanding identities of this district twenty years ago, the visitors found Mr Matthews in the machinery shed getting the harvesting implements in readiness for the approaching busy period, as it truly promises to be. On being informed of the mission of the visitors, “Matty” kindly consented to show us around his crop which he uncomplainingly admitted was the best he had not only grown but had ever seen, a statement which appears to be fully justified as it is truly a picture of magnificent growth. The soil is certainly very good, but the success of this year’s crop as in past seasons is chiefly due to the thorough farming methods employed—a combination of labour and science for less than half a bag of super per acre was used, viz., 84 bags for 180 acres. (continued) (continued) The oat crop is now over five feet high and is not yet out in ear so that it should attain about seven feet when ready to cut and is estimated to go between 2½ and 3 tons to the acre. The varieties are Guyra (chiefly) and Tartan King.The wheat crop does not cover as large an area as the oats and when cut next week is expected to average 2 tons per acre. Like the oats the wheat is as level as a table and of even thickness all over. Merredin variety seed was used and an inspection convinces one as to the suitableness of this wheat for this district. With customary farm hospitality Mrs Matthews would not let the sight-seers leave without going inside for afternoon tea which can only be described as delicious and dainty, and here other visitors were met in the persons of Mr and Mrs W.H. Penn so that there was quite a gathering who gossiped and listed to a lecture on “The Blue Sky and the Green Sea” on Mr Matthews’ wireless, which, by the way, is the hobby of the “Torbling” homestead. And the depression was forgotten for a while.News of a predator’s capture on his farm was published in the:Great Southern Herald Wednesday June 12, 1935: NEWS IN BRIEF A golden eagle caught in a trap on A.R. Matthew’s property 4 miles from Narrogin measured 6ft 8ins from wing tip to wing tip. The bird was known to have killed 9 lambs and a ewe.His Returned Service Badge No 766 was returned to Base Records from the 5th Military District on April 30, 1940 and was placed in store. His wife wrote on his behalf from 25 Kipling Street, Narrogin on February 11, 1954 stating that during the process of moving to another place of residence they lost her husband’s medals and could she get another set as his is now a T.P.I. and all soldiers have to wear their medals before being presented to her Majesty the Queen. Base Records forwarded the necessary forms and he completed the Statutory Declaration stating the circumstances in which the loss occurred was “I was residing on a farm until 1945 then owing to ill health I had to move into Narrogin and during the course of moving the medals I had got lost and have not seen them since”. Duplicate medals were sent and receipted by his wife on March 26, 1954. It appears that Base Records included his Returned Service Badge to him at the same time.Alfred Richard Matthews passed away on April 25, 1955 aged 66 years. Burial took place in the Anglican portion of Narrogin Cemetery within section ZJ in grave no. 9.His grave in Narrogin Cemetery is marked with a Commonwealth War Grave plaque.Mrs Louisa Matthews died on December 25, 1978 at 84 years of age and buried beside her husband in grave no. 10.Photo sourced from Ozburials.com and used with permission.© Donna Baldey 2016 www.tunnellers.net Items of interest pertaining to the Royal visit by her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh’s tour of Western Australia in 1954: Their Royal Itinerary included visiting towns of Kalgoorlie, Boulder, Northam, York, Busselton, Albany as well as Perth and Fremantle. The Narrogin R.S.L. had organised a bus for members to go to the Perth Parade.Narrogin Observer Friday March 5, 1954: R.S.L. NOTES A bus has been hired to take members to Perth on March 27th, for the parade before Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II. Return fare is 25/- and applications for seats are to be handed in to the Secretary, or any member of the Committee, by next Thursday. Applications are to be accompanied by 10/- deposit.Sunday Times Sunday March 28, 1954: QUEEN THOUGHT IT A WONDERFUL PARADE “It was a very wonderful parade and I thoroughly enjoyed.” Thus the Queen summed up her impressions to RSL State President F.C. Chaney of the parade and review of ex-servicemen and women on the Perth Esplanade yesterday afternoon. It was the largest and the greatest display by former members of the services ever held in Perth. Newspaper men and others who have followed the Royal tour of Australia since its inception, said afterward that it was the finest function of its kind they had seen. An estimated crowd of close on 15,000 saw nearly 6000 men and women of 4 wars march past the Royal dais in front of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh. MEDALS FLASH With medals flashing proudly in the bright sunshine they took more than half an hour to pass as they swung down Riverside Drive with their unit and regimental flags tugging in the stiff southwester which blew across the river. It was obvious that both the Queen and the Duke were noticeably impressed with the splendid marching of even the old-timers, including 106 veterans of the South African War. After the ceremony Mr Chaney said the Queen showed an amazing knowledge of the various units and of the ribbons which were worn. “She could pick out a DSO, for example, at a considerable distance,” M Chaney said. “ She also told me that she had been greatly impressed with the ex-servicemen’s organisations throughout Australia,” he added. Almost every inch of the Esplanade was packed when, promptly at 3.30, the Queen and the Duke drew up alongside the official dais. A great roar of welcome which rose as the Royal car passed down St George’s-tce became a thunderous crescendo of sound as it appeared in William-st. and turned into Riverside Drive. And then as the Queen and the Duke alighted and climbed the short flight of steps, the air of pent-up expectancy bubbled over and even the first strains of the National Anthem were drowned as the huge crowd again and again roared its greeting. Legacy ward girl, 10-y-o Patricia Sweeting, earned her share of the cheers as she slowly mounted the dais and carefully did a beautiful curtsey for the Queen. Learning by the mistake at the civic reception in the morning, when Pamela Murray, the Lord Mayor’s daughter, held to retain her flowers because no one took them from her, a stool was provided and Patricia carefully laid her flowers on the table. She then curtseyed to the Queen again and then to the Duke, and left the dais very slowly and carefully with her eyes fixed on the Queen until she reached the steps leading from the dais. THREE CHEERS After the official welcoming address by Mr Chaney, in which he pledged the loyalty and willingness of ex- servicemen to serve the Queen and the Duke faithfully in peace as in war, he called for 3 cheers for the Royal couple. There was a mighty response and then an even mightier one as he asked for one “splendid one that they may take back to their children.” THE DUKE REPLIES Replying to the address of welcome at the ex-servicemen’s gathering, the Duke of Edinburgh said: “ The Queen has asked me to say what an inspiration it has been throughout this visit to Australia to see the comradeship which you formed in war carried on in peace. “We have seen how you cared for the widows and children of your friends and how you have helped the disabled. It is this practical humanity which has our admiration and respect. “The Queen and I are most grateful for your address and the wonderful welcome you have shown us. “We wish you all here, and indeed every ex-serviceman and woman throughout the Commonwealth of Australia, a happy prosperous and peaceful future.” The Queen and the Duke drove among the assembled ex-servicemen and women in a Land Rover. Although it was planned that they should make only a quick journey down one or two rows, the Queen asked that each row be included. But it was difficult to make progress as the men pressed in from all sides waving and cheering as the Royal couple passed. During the drive through their ranks, Her Majesty was quick to point out a former Grenadier Guardsman. Later, during the march past she was seen to point him out to Mr Chaney. Perhaps the greatest cheer during the march past went to the returned nursing sisters, who, about 100 strong, marched in perfect formation dressed in their nursing uniforms. Sixteen bands spaced at intervals between the marchers kept perfect time and hardly a man or woman was out of step at any stage. Bill Broughall.This notice of Welcome was published in the Narrogin Observer for the Royal Tour.The description of the Royal Garden Party held in Perth which was published in the:Narrogin Observer Friday April 9, 1954: ROYAL GARDEN PARTY (Contributed) Soft music from two city bands, perfectly kept lawns, bed of fragrant roses and the massed effect of glorious autumn flowers of all kinds, was a delightful setting for the exquisitely dress women and their well-groomed male escorts at the Royal Garden Party at Government House, Perth. Lounge suits were the order of the day amongst the men, apart from the members of the services, and the bright uniforms of the Security officers who lined the terraces in the shade of the stately old trees. The happy faces of Girl Guides waiting on the afternoon tea table needed no word to proclaim the day as a red- letter one for them. It was a most dignified gathering that moved about between the roped off laneways, talking to various friends and lining the route to await the arrival of the Royal Couple. When the fanfare of trumpets sounded, people knew the time was near and watched the procession approach along the top terrace. At the top of the steps the Royal Party stopped while the bands played “God Save the Queen” and everybody stood silent and attentive. Then began that slow stately progress down the steps to the lawns below, where the Queen, escorted by His Excellency the Governor, Sir Charles Gairdner, went in one direction, and H.R.H. the Duke of Edinburgh with the Hon. Lady Gairdner went the opposite way. Members of his suite went with him, and following on behind the Queen were the two ladies in-waiting Lady Alice Egerton (in white) and Lady Pamela Mountbatten (in pale grey) with male members of the Royal household. Women curtseyed and men stood bareheaded and bowed as the Queen passed by. This slim young lady, with her fair English complexion lightly tanned by the Australian sun, her light brown hair was amass of tiny curls which reminded one of the little Princess Ann. So regal, every inch a Queen, so gentle and gracious, with laughter lighting up her dark blue eyes as she conversed. The Queen’s frock, of a beautiful moss green material, shimmered as the very full skirts caught the light. It is difficult to describe the beauty of the material, the exquisite cut and the simple diamond clips and buttons were sufficient trimmings for such a lovely fabric. She wore a tiny hat of the same material with two feathers on the side, and a two-strand row of pearls and stud ear-rings of pearls and carried on her arm a small green handbag. Her shoes were the peep-toes sling back type in white which she favours so much. The mild autumn afternoon passed all too quickly. For over an hour the Royal parties moved among the guests before they met again at the last terrace. People from all walks of life were presented to the Queen and her husband—from Larry the black-tracker from the far North-west (and very proud and smart he looked in his well-cut lounge suit, with his Coronation medal) to farmers, pastoralists, doctors, scientists and other occupations. The Lord Abbot of New Norcia, in his episcopal robes, was presented and Bishop Frewer of the North-West. He was once Brother Frewer of the Bush Brotherhood at Williams. There was a movement towards the last laneway as the Duke rejoined his Queen, then they slowly ascended the steps towards Government House. The bands played “God Save the Queen,” the crowd cheered, the Royal Couple waved before disappearing from sight and leaving behind a happiness to remember always. P.M. JOHN

Alfred Richard Matthews 1088

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