By Iain McIntyre. Eviction resistance, which had begun in Brunswick with a successful protest in 1930, continued during 1931 and 1932. These actions drew large numbers and one in Larnoo Avenue in Brunswick West saw 1000 people force a Bailiff to sign an agreement stating that “he would not act in such a capacity again […]
Lock Out the Landlords : Rose Street Brunswick
By Iain McIntyre. In one of many such cases the Commercial Banking company obtained a court order in April 1931 to evict an unemployed family in Rose Street, Brunswick. On this occasion a real estate agent and two police were confronted by a crowd of 100. After the family were evicted the crowd grabbed their […]
Christmas Hills cenotaph
The Christmas Hills cenotaph was unveiled on 10 Dec 1921 by Captain Stanley Melbourne Bruce, who had served on the frontline at Gallipoli, and was to become Australia’s eighth Prime Minster (1923-29). The Eltham and Whittlesea Advertiser painted a vivid picture of the moving ceremony of dedication, and captured some of Bruce’s heartfelt speech, delivered […]
The Anzac Story of William James Capewell
On 13 September 1915, local Eltham Butcher, William James Capewell, enlisted in the Australian Remount Unit 1, Squadron 2 which played an important and often overlooked role in the history of the Australian Light Horse Regiments. The following day, the local Eltham Blacksmith, Alfred Edgar Knapman followed in Mr Capewell’s footsteps, enlisting in the same […]
100 years later – Private Harold Underwood McDonald, Arthur’s Creek
The Melbourne Town Hall The Melbourne Town Hall was alive with music, Union Jack flags, excitement and speeches. The meeting was in August 1914 and the British Empire had just declared war. As a result, Australia also entered the First World War. The evening had been organised to garner support for Victorian men to enlist. Thousands […]
A Devotion to Duty
“For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. This officer rendered valuable service throughout three days’ operations. The information furnished by his reconnaissance was invaluable, and helped greatly to the success of two advances. He showed marked ability in adapting captured machine guns for use against the enemy, instructing the gunners and helping them in every way. He led a […]
The Olney Family of Whittlesea
The Olney Family of Whittlesea – WW1 by Gayle Thwaites I am not sure if my great grandfather Allan Murdoch “Murdie” Olney had been allowed to enlist in World War One (WW1), whether or not I would be here today to tell this story. I take it as a blessing that he was not allowed […]
All My Fondest Love – Sam and Bessie O’Donnell
1917 Bessie tore down the path to the mail box. She flung open the latch. At last! Mail! Grabbing the contents from the box, Bessie gingerly opened the envelope addressed to her and greedily soaked in the content. “Bessie, you are my intended. Please wait for me.” Bessie closed her eyes and pressed the card […]
Heidelberg in World War 1
Based on a talk by Cyril Cummins and published as “Heidelberg in World War 1 and II in the Heidelberg Historian No 138 June 1990 Living in Heidelberg during the years of World War I and World War II was one of great contrast to other years in its history. When World War I broke […]
For Henry
It was a still night; cold and dark. From the distance, the orange glow of the fire barrels could be seen. Sparks shot up and danced as high as ten metres in the air. The crowds gathered round, absorbing the radiant heat to keep out the chill. A voice over the loudspeaker attracted attention. The masses […]