Established as a means of boosting moral and relieving monotony, Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) concert parties (also known as field theatres) were organised by various divisions in Europe, North Africa, the Middle East and the United Kingdom between late 1916 and 1919. Some troupes also toured back home during the latter years of the war, offering insights into the war experience for the general public and as well providing entertainment for propaganda and enlistment purposes. After being demobilised a number of these soldier troupes turned professional, touring through the Australasian region, the United Kingdom, and the East well into the 1920s and even the early 1930s.
The most popular forms of entertainment offered by these troupes were vaudeville, revue, musical comedy, revusicals, and pantomime. One-off concerts, including those of a more ‘legitimate’ or ‘serious’ type, were also presented by various units and military concert bands. Such entertainments were rarely held close to the battle lines, however.
Concert parties were also formed back in Australia and New Zealand for the purposes of raising funds, increasing enlistment and boosting moral. Some of these troupes comprised returned soldiers only, while others involved a mix of returned soldiers and civilians. A number of all-civilian concert parties were also active during and beyond the war years (notably the Cheer-Oh Girls). These troupes were primarily involved in fund-raising.
All Diggers Company to Kookaburras ……. p.1
Merrymakers to Wombats ……. p.2
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ALL DIGGERS COMPANY
aka Mademoiselle Mimi Diggers
(1920-1922) The All Diggers Company of seven returned servicemen toured their three act musical comedy Mademoiselle Mimi around Australia for J. and N. Tait between February 1920 and ca. April 1921. A re-organised 5 member line-up later toured a series of revusicals around New Zealand for Fullers’ Theatres as half of vaudeville bill. The works included Mimi’s Spies and The Pommy Bride (both 1921). The troupe then played engagements in Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney between November 1921 and March 1922. The company’s line-up included female impersonator Lindsay Kemble, Roy Glenister, George Jennings, Jack Lumsdaine and Lorne O’Brien.
Image source: Green Room (Sydney) Mar. 1920, 13.
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AMATEUR FROLICS COMPANY
aka No 1 Squadron A.F.C. Concert Party
(ca. 1918) The No 1 Squadron, Australian Flying Corps, was based in the Middle East at Ramla, Palestine (now Israel). Although little is known about this troupe, the Australian War Memorial holds several programs for concerts staged in 1918. These were presented in association with the A.F.C. Orchestra. The shows typically comprised a first half of miscellaneous items and a second half musical comedy. Performers identified to date are: G. Hampton (music director), Lieut. Smith, R.J. Howie, Corporals Luxton, W. Taylor, and N. Clutterbuck; and Aircraft Mechanics J. Gilberg, J. Dagwell, G. Faulkner, C. Dawes (also stage manager), R. McGibbon, W. Shiers, and H. Lander.
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THE ANZACS
(1917) Comprising five returned soldiers and a non-military pianist, the Anzacs toured regional Queensland during early to mid-1917. Appearing on stage in uniform and with their fighting colours, their shows began in military camp setting, depicting life at Gallipoli, complete with camp fire and rifles near at hand (suggesting the ever-present danger of the enemy). After an introductory chorus the performers entertained the audience with individual specialty turns interposed with songs. The performers were: George Culley (humourist), Reginald Climo (bugler), Walter Vaughan (bones/singer), Val Le Var (bullet-proof conjurer), George Coates (singer), C. Young (pianist).
Not to be confused with the Anzac Concert Party (later Gallipoli Strollers)
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THE ANZAC COVES
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THE AUSTRALIAN DANDIES
aka Australian General Base Depot Concert Party [1]
(1918-1919) As with the Wattle Birds, little is currently known about this World War I concert party apart from it having staged shows at the Australian General Base Depot at Le Havre, France. Comments made in the Depot’s War Diary for November and December 1918 indicates that the troupe produced “splendid shows” at the Lismore Cinema for about 2,000 soldiers every Saturday evening during that time (ctd. Australian War Memorial, Item No 33/4/13).
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AUSTRALIAN FLYING CORPS CONCERT PARTY
aka A.F.C. Concert Party
- For further details see: Program. Australian War Memorial.
Members of A.F.C. Concert Party included: Bob Hulme, Stan McIntyre, Ben Hall, Ern Petering, G. Kendrick, F. Leake, Alf Dunstan, Nat Gyles, Dick Loughlin, Les Williams, Bert Richardson, Ray Byrne, Arch Grant, Jack Cathcart, Ted McVinnish, Ivo Hall, E. Daniel, Will Salisbury, G. Patterson, Monte Phillips, Jock Cunningham, G. Metcalfe.
Both images courtesy of the Australian War Memorial.
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THE BEAUFORT MERRYMAKERS
- More details (research notes)
Personnel incl. Anthony Cavagna, G. Cougle, Elsie De Bare (accompanist), Alma Harris, Vera Derrick, Mrs Percy Kelly, J.G. Macdonald, R. Martin, Eric Mills, H.B. (Harry) Seager, Netta White, A.L. (Archie) Wotherspoon.
Image source: Punch (Melbourne) 20 Sept. 1917, 25.
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BLACK DIAMOND COSTUME COMEDY COMPANY
(1918-1919) Comprising six soldiers from the Australian Imperial Forces (A.I.F.), the Black Diamonds toured largely through regional Australia from early 1918 through until possibly early 1919. The feature performers were: Fred Price (singer), Rob Vernon (singer), Charles Richmond (comedian), Frank Clune (piano/singer) and Messrs. Dinsmore and Gorrick (patter comedians/dancers). The troupe is also belived to have comprised a separate musical ensemble (the Black Diamond Musical Trio). Black Diamond shows included a selection of comedy sketches, songs (notably ragtime, sentimental, patriotic and comedy numbers), and a concluding dramatic scena “Matey” (set in a Y.M.C.A. tent on the Western Front).
Image source: Rexona advertisement. Bulletin (Sydney) 1 Aug. 1918, 47.
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THE BLUE DANDIES
aka 4th Australian Infantry Brigade Concert Party
Troupe members identified to date are: S. E. Dancey, Roy Houghton, J. Barham, R. Lloyd, W. J. Cobb, L. M. Croucher, R Fisher, N. Bunker, A. Sturgeon, W. Marshall, G. Wilson, J. Shearer, G. Reynolds and (initials unknown) Marshall-Lawrence, Gerrard, Mardi, Stanfield, Russell, Eastman, Hepworth, Kreutzer, and Line. Jack “Dinks” Paterson is also likely to have performed with the Blue Dandies.
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THE BLUE DIAMONDS
aka 7th Australian Infantry Brigade Concert Party
- For further details see: Program. Australian War Memorial.
- See also: Ed Warrington.
Members of the Blue Diamonds identified to date are: Ed Warrington, (no initials or rank) McIntyre, Eades, Teague, Bairnsfather, Perks, Reid, Klauer, and Oliff.
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THE BOOMERANGS
(ca. 1917-1918) The Boomerangs concert party is believed to have been a loosely-organised ensemble of Australian soldier-entertainers which was active on the Western Front at various times during the years 1917 to 1918. The only performer identified with the party to date was its leader Cassim Mahomet, a member of the 10th Infantry Battalion, and himself a former circus acrobat and vaudeville singer/entertainer. Members of the troupe reportedly claimed in later years that the Boomerangs performed closer to the front than any other group.
Source: “Croweater.” “The Indian Digger.” Western Mail (Perth) 27 Nov. 1930, 2.
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THE CHEER-OH GIRLS
(1916-1928) Formed in Mosman, Sydney by Mrs Bennett White (aka Meta Hayter) as a means of raising funds for patriotic appeals, the Cheer-Oh Girls was an amateur concert party comprising around seven to ten women. Its debut was given at Mosman Town Hall on 10 November 1916. White remained with the troupe throughout its lifetime. Other long-time members were Dorrie Ward, Thora Wood and Edith Dickenson (accompanist). The Cheer-Oh Girls retained its connection with Mosman (many of the artists lived there) while undertaking numerous engagements and tours throughout Sydney and regional New South Wales. Molly Raynor (1921-26) later carved out a successful career as stage and film actress in Australia and Great Britain.
- More details (research notes)
- See also: Byrne, Mary Lou. “Doing Their Share.” Doing Our Bit: Mosman 1914-1918. Mosman Library (Sydney). 19 July 2012. [sighted 13/01/2015]
1: Known performers were: Edith Angel, Amy Bice, Marjorie Cheffins, Kathleen Daniel, Edith Dickinson, Beatrice Edmunds, Gertrude Edmunds, Irene Edmunds, Edna Fenner, Gwladys Fimister, Bobbie Garrard, Grace Harris, Gladys Mitchell, Mrs Victor Morse, Miss Jack Neil, Molly Raynor, Nan Reay, Violet Roberts, Madge Roberts, Rene Ross, Nell Sedgeley, Sadie Tilburn, Joan Walford, Dorrie Ward, Mrs Bennett White, Una Wilson, Thora Wood.
2: Several other similarly-named all-female troupes are known to have been active during the war years. One, also known as Tighe’s Hill Cheer-Oh Girls, was based in Newcastle ca. 1919. New Zealand newspaper, The Dominion records that another Cheer-Oh Girls was presenting entertainments in Wellington ca. 1917 (15 Nov. 1917, 2). Mrs Bennett White also established another Cheer-Oh Girls concert party in 1940.
Image source: Mosman Library (Sydney)
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THE COO-EES
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THE DUM DUM DINKUMS
(1918) Led by Quartermaster Sergeant Bradley, the Dum Dum Dinkums variety company staged performances in various South Australian centres (including Adelaide) between ca. May and November 1918. These shows were almost exclusively undertaken as a means of raising funds for various war charities – including the Artillery Trench Comforts Fund, the Red Cross Fund, and to help purchase “ship comforts” for the troopship carrying the 6th General Reinforcements (A.I.F.). Comprising both servicemen and civilian performers, the troupe presented a combination of musical numbers, comedy routines, specialty items and comedy sketches.
Performers identified with the troupe are: QM Sergeant Bradley, Sgt Jackson (Maori war songs), Privates Quintrell and Bradwood, L. Powell, Alf. Clayton (piano), A. Black, N. Roberts, M. Ingham, Bert Datson (comedian), Seth Smith (banjo), Mrs Bradley, Miss Audley Bradley, Miss Bradwood, Mrs A. Black (piano), Miss Rooney, Miss V. Dudley, Miss Hodda, Miss H. Pomeroy, Maxine McKenzie (comedienne), Elsie Black.
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THE EMPTIES
aka The M.T.s
Performers identified to date are: Sgt. McKinley, Sgt. Muhlebach, L/Cpl. Muller, D’Arcy; Tom Kennedy, H. Kendall; Drivers – Thawnton, Hanna, Houston, Hall, Nomnus, Seaton; (no first names) – Bozey, Lefebore, Bushell, Maxwell, Karlie, Dimmie, Leon, Readie.
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FAMOUS DIGGERS
- More details
- See also: Pat Hanna • Chic and Bert • Chic and Joe
New information has recently come to light which suggests that two affiliated Famous Diggers troupes were operating simultaneously in Australia and New Zealand between ca. April 1920 and December 1921. A research project is currently being undertaken and a new updated biography is planned for publication in 2017.
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FIELD ARTILLERY PIRATES
- For further details see: Program. Australian War Memorial.
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THE FLYING KANGAROOS
aka 7 Squadron A.F.C. Concert Party
- For further details see: Program. Australian War Memorial.
7 Squadron was formed at Yatesbury in October 1917 as 32 (Australian Training) Squadron, Royal Flying Corps, but was renamed, along with all of the Australian squadrons, in January 1918. The squadron relocated to Leighterton on 23 February 1918, where it remained until disbanded in March 1919.
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THE GALLIPOLI STROLLERS [1]
(1916-ca.1920) A troupe of wounded Gallipoli veterans, the Strollers formed in late 1916 as the Anzac Concert Party and after playing initial engagements in Sydney and regional New South Wales, travelled extensively throughout the Australian states up until at least 1920. Although the line-up changed over the years, the troupe typically numbered between seven and nine returned soldiers and a pianist (notably Monty Morris). The best-known member was Harley Cohen. A troupe known as Norman Croft’s Gallipoli Strollers was still touring as late as 1922, while comedian Will Hastings toured a similarly-named troupe in the mid-1920s.
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THE GALLIPOLI STROLLERS [2]
(ca. 1917-1918) This second Gallipoli Strollers troupe, which performed under the auspices of the Returned Soldiers and Sailors League, appears to have been exclusively associated with Western Australia. Initially billed as the Anzac Entertainers the eight members may have come together as early as 1917. The first established performance by the troupe as the Gallipoli Strollers was at the King’s Theatre, Fremantle (WA) in February 1918.
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GREEN DIAMONDS
aka 5th Australian Infantry Brigade Concert Party
- For further details see: Program. Australian War Memorial.
Soldiers identified as being associated with the troupe are: F. Martin, H.E. Pierce, F. Hastie, Arthur “Tiki” Carpenter, J. Mossfield, L. McGowan, Bruce Drysdale, C. Daniels, R.A. Brodie, Val K. Royal (music director) and Lieut. W.T. Bastin (manager).
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THE GUM LEAVES
aka Australian Depot Concert Party
- More details
- See also: Cass Mahomet
Information sourced from: Mahomet, Cassim. “Experiences of an Indian in the A.I.F.: Private Cass Mahomet, 10thBn.” Digger: Magazine of the Families and Friends of the First A.I.F. Inc. 42 (Mar. 2013), 29-31. Contributed by Sandra Playle. [sighted 12/11/2019]; Image: Courtesy of Charles Prasad.
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ISSUES COMEDY COMPANY
(1923) Featuring Ed Warrington (ex-Famous Diggers), Roy Glenister (ex-All Diggers Co), Hugh Torrance and Franklyn Mayne, the ten member ensemble was described as a “New Digger Company.” The troupe appears to have been put together for a one-off season in Fremantle beginning 27 October 1923. Advertising indicates that the entertainment was to be presented in “ten stunts and one attack,” with the highlights being “A Dud Dream,” “Cairo” and the Issues Quartette (led by Hugh Torrence).
- Famous Diggers and All Diggers Co [above]
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KANGAROOS [2]
aka Concert Party of the Australian Graves Detachment
Image: 2 August 1919. Source: Australian War Memorial.
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KANGAROO KONCERT KOMPANY
- For further details see: Program. Australian War Memorial.
A program held by the Australian War memorial indicates that the Kangaroo Koncert Kompany’s production of Mrs Tite’s Boading House (Sept. 1917) included Miss Gibson, Miss Clarke and Mrs McClutcham. The identity of these performers (and their relationship to the Signals Corp or A.I.F.) is unclear.
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THE KOOKABURRAS [1]
- More details
- Famous Diggers [see above]
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THE KOOKABURRAS [2]
aka No 2 Squadron A.F.C. Concert Party
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THE KOOKABURRAS [3]
aka No 14 Australian General Hospital Concert Party
- For further details see: Program. Australian War Memorial.
Known troupe members were: C.G. Cooke, C. Kilner, J. Hargreaves, E. Bosworth, R. Robson, W. Leonard, R. Newson, J. Nairn, W. Dimmick. H. Frankland, C. Newell, and A.E. Smith (music director).
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All Diggers Company to Kookaburras ……. p.1
Merrymakers to Wombats ……. p.2
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THE MERRYMAKERS
aka The Mosman Merrymakers
- More details (research notes)
1: Personnel incl. Yvonne Androusseau, Katie Clarke, Olive Clarke, Queenie Clarke, Nora Connelly, Enid Hirst (Mrs Moors), Eileen Mayor, Dorothy Nall, Doris Napier North (Mrs Ken Donaldson), Eileen Napier North, Kathleen Napier North, Sadie Napier North, Maida Scott, Bluie Slatter, Gwen Slatter (pianist), Sadie Tilburn, Kathleen Waddington, Valerie Wetherall, Beatrice Wenban.
2: In 1919 Doris North and Dorothy Nall toured the East with Frederick Shipman’s Fantastics – North as pianist and Nall as elocutionist.
Image source: Mosman Library.
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THE NIGHT BIRDS
aka 8th Field Ambulance Concert Party
- For further details see: Program. 1. Program 2. Australian War Memorial.
Performers identified to date are: Staff Sgt. E. Kitson, Eric Herford, Bill Gamble, E. Payne, P. Moore, H. Douch, Bobbie Roberts, (given names and rank unknown) – May, Peattie, Orr, Morrison, Lear, and Blanton. Musicians included: Fred Saunders (piano), Johnnie Moore (violin) and Horrie Playford (cornet).
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PERHAM STARS
aka The Aussies / No. 1 Command Depot Concert Party (8 Infantry Battalion)
(1917-1919) The Perham Stars formed at the Perham Down training camp in Wiltshire, England under the direction of Lieutenant Gustav Schemalleck. In late 1917 the depot moved to nearby Sutton Veny, but the concert party decided to keep the name Perham Stars. By this stage the direction had been taken on by Ernest Nicholls (also business manager). Two other members with links to the Australian variety stage were Jack Lumsdaine and Arthur Boorman (known professionally as Arthur Riscoe). The concert party, which later became known as The Aussies, toured hospitals and other camps through until the end of the war. Its manager at that time was Lieutenant Boorman.
- For further details see: Dianne Rutherford. “The Famous Military Costume Comedy Company, The Aussies.” Australian War Memorial (2016). [sighted 13/01/2017]
- See also: Ernest Nicholls.
1: ‘A’ Training Group, 8 Battalion was established in England at Perham Downs (Andover, Wiltshire) on 8 August 1916 with the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Training Battalions assigned. It was renamed 1st Training Group 9 December 1916.
2: Englishmen Ernest Nicholls, an accomplished baritone, and comedian Arthur Riscoe were both in Australia at the outbreak of war and subsequently enlisted with the Australian Imperial Forces (A.I.F.). Nichols returned to live in Australia after the war, while Boorman/Riscoe remained in England and eventually established himself as a popular film comedian.
Image source: Australian War Memorial. Additional information and corrections sourced from Dianne Rutherford
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THE SENTIMENTAL BLOKES
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THE SERENADERS
aka 1st Division Artillery Concert Party
- For further details see: Program. Australian War Memorial.
The names of the known performers are: Sdr.s’ Thomas, Leggett, Miller Smith Morea, Muir, Ellis, and Relf.
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SMART SET DIGGERS
(ca. 1917-1930) After presenting more than a thousand concerts along the battle-lines of France, the Smart Set Diggers toured post-war Europe before returning to the Antipodes under contract to J. and N. Tait and later Fullers’ Theatres. The troupe, which made several tours of Australia, as well as the East during the mid-late 1920s, featured up to five female impersonators – notably Charles Holt, “Tiki” Carpenter, Ralph Sawyer and Bobbie Roberts.
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THE TROPICAL TROUBADOURS
- For further details see: Program. Australian War Memorial.
The A.N.M.E.F. was a small volunteer force of approximately 2,000 men, raised in Australia shortly after the outbreak of the First World War to seize and destroy German wireless stations in German New Guinea in the south-west Pacific. New Zealand provided a similar force for the occupation of German Samoa.
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THE WATTLE BIRDS
aka Australian General Base Depot Concert Party [2]
Image source: Paul Holland
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THE WHIZZ-BANGS [2]
Formed by members of the South Perth R.S.L. sub-branch, the Whizz-Bangs concert party appears to have been active during the late-1920s and early-1930s. Among the individuals known to have been associated with the troupe were Messrs. Buchan, Corpe (also stage manager), Hanley, and Rutherford (director). Perth’s Daily News records in its 30 October 1930 issue that the company was composed entirely of ex-servicemen and [that] the ladies of the show [were]… all gentlemen (3). In addition to the usual variety acts the Whizz Bangs reportedly also presented sketches and playlets illustrating experiences of the Great War.
- See also: R.S.L. Concert Parties
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THE WOMBATS
aka 10 Australian Field Artillery Brigade Concert Party
(ca. 1917-1919) The Wombats was formed by soldiers from the 10th Field Artillery Brigade, a sub-unit of the 2nd Division Artillery (which operated at Gallipoli, in Egypt and on Western Front between 1915 and past November 1919). A program held by the Australian War Memorial for a concert in at the 4th Division Headquarters (Belgium, Jan. 1918) records the following performers: Mayne, Quinsey, Sampson, Cowan, Lawson, Slingsby, Sharpe and Chappel (no ranks or initials are given). The entertainment comprised songs (chorus, solo and duets), recitations, coon patter, conjuring, ‘Scotch’ comedy and a comedy film (screened by the Flying Squadron Cinema).
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Y.M.C.A. RETURNED SOLDIERS’ CONCERT PARTY [1]
(1916, 1917-1918) Organised and managed by George H. Bull for the purposes of fundraising, the Y.M.C.A.’s Returned Soldiers Concert Party was primarily active from May 1917 until March 1918. Although Bull presented some one-off concerts in South Australia in 1916, as well as a season in Broken Hill in September, his touring company did not begin operating until May the following year. During its short existence the company played regional South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania with a line-up comprising mostly wounded soldiers, some missing a limb. The only non-soldier was their mascot, twelve year-old “boy wonder” Wallington Ayre, who sang in the baritone range. Each show typically took the form of a camp fire concert and included singing, elocutionary items, instrumental numbers, conjuring, card manipulation, and jokes. The last known engagements were in Tasmania.
1917. Courtesy of Aussiemobs at Flickr
Troupe members (1916) incl. Pvt. John Dillon (recitations), Sgt. Harrell (3rd Light Horse), Pvt. S.M. Penny (singer), Pvt. R.A. Pomroy (10th Batt. – pianist/secretary).
Troupe members (1917-1918) incl. Pvt. E.J.H. Combes, Pvt. C.J. Crispe, C. Crossley (9th Light Horse – cornet/trumpet), Cpl. S. Humphreys, Pvt. H.C. King (52nd Batt. – tenor), F.W. Lee (14th Batt. – basso), Sgt. L.H. Lewin (12th Batt. – card manipulator/ conjuror), Pvt. S.H. McMurray, Pvt. Alex. M.L. Paterson (6th Field Ambulance. – elocutionist), Pvt. R.A. Pomroy (10th Batt. – pianist/secretary), Pvt. W. Scott (3rd Light Horse), Pvt. W.A. Sheppard (10th Batt. – orator), Cpl. A.J. Wooding, Pvt. F. Wooton.
1: Wallington Ayre is identified as a native of Ballarat, Victoria. An article published in the 14 November 1917 edition of the Maryborough and Dunolly Advertiser (Vic) records that two of his brothers had enlisted – one was then in France and the other in camp in Australia.
2: George H. Bull, reportedly from Adelaide, also performed with the troupe as a singer. W.J. Richards was the Y.M.C.A. rep and advance manager during the 1917/1918 tour. Funds raised were used to provide assistance to wounded soldiers.
3. The company reportedly played a concert at the Melbourne Town Hall in 1917 under the patronage of the Governor of Victoria, Sir Arthur Stanley. No details have yet been located, however.
Standing L-R: S. Humphreys, C.J. Crispe, S.H. McMurray, F. Wooton, E.J.H. Coombes. Sitting L-R: S.M. Penny, R.A. Pomeroy, George H. Bull, A.J. Woodong. Observer (Adelaide) 26 May 1917, 23.
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Y.M.C.A. RETURNED SOLDIERS’ CONCERT PARTY [2]
A second Y.M.C.A. Returned Soldiers’ Concert Party was briefly active in regional Victoria in late-1918. This troupe was organised by W.J. Richards, as part of his attempt to establish local Y.M.C.A. committees. Richards had previously served as the Y.M.C.A.’s rep and advance manager for the first concert party. The earliest known performance for this troupe occurred in Narracan on 15 November. The last known show was in Warnambool on Christmas Night. The concert party members identified to date were: Cpl. B.A. Brudenell (8th Batt, tenor), Sgt Kedgell (magician), Sapper Montgomery, Lieut. Norman (secretary), Cpl. Phillips, and Pvt. Vaughan. The troupe was managed by a Sgt. Goodsall. As with the earlier Y.M.C.A. Concert Party entertainments, the shows were presented within a camp fire setting.
1: One several occasions one or more of the soldier entertainers were unable to perform due to injury flare-ups. Local amateurs (both male and female) were brought in to assist these shows.
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