[Editor: This article, regarding the response of Australia’s political leaders after the fall of Singapore to the Japanese during the Second World War (1939-1945), was published in The Telegraph (Brisbane, Qld.), 16 February 1942.] No word if A.I.F. moved or left on … [Read more...] about No word if A.I.F. moved or left on Singapore [16 February 1942]
year1942
Battle for Aust. has opened — Mr. Curtin [16 February 1942]
[Editor: This article, regarding the response of Australia’s political leaders after the fall of Singapore to the Japanese during the Second World War (1939-1945), was published in The Telegraph (Brisbane, Qld.), 16 February 1942.] Battle for Aust. has opened — Mr. … [Read more...] about Battle for Aust. has opened — Mr. Curtin [16 February 1942]
Singapore was Dunkirk of Australia: Fate of British Empire in balance: Battle of Australia begins [report on an announcement by John Curtin, 17 February 1942]
[Editor: This article, regarding an announcement by John Curtin (on 16 February 1942), after the fall of Singapore to the Japanese (during the Second World War, 1939-1945), was published in The Canberra Times (Braddon, ACT), 17 February 1942.] Singapore was Dunkirk of … [Read more...] about Singapore was Dunkirk of Australia: Fate of British Empire in balance: Battle of Australia begins [report on an announcement by John Curtin, 17 February 1942]
Danger-signals from Australia [2 January 1942]
[Editor: This article, written in response to John Curtin’s article “The task ahead” (27 December 1941), was published in The Spectator (London, England), 2 January 1942 (during the Second World War, 1939-1945).] Danger-signals from Australia It would be a grave mistake … [Read more...] about Danger-signals from Australia [2 January 1942]
External Affairs Minister defines Australia’s place in new Pacific: Must be “World” Atlantic Charter [19 December 1942]
[Editor: This article, about Australia’s relationship with the countries of the Asia-Pacific, was published in Pix (Sydney, NSW), 19 December 1942.] External Affairs Minister defines Australia’s place in new Pacific Must be “World” Atlantic Charter Australia, now … [Read more...] about External Affairs Minister defines Australia’s place in new Pacific: Must be “World” Atlantic Charter [19 December 1942]
Dame Mary Gilmore: Poet’s lifetime of social reform [24 October 1942]
[Editor: This article about Mary Gilmore was published in Pix (Sydney, NSW), 24 October 1942.] Dame Mary Gilmore Poet’s lifetime of social reform Dame Mary Gilmore, 77-year-old poet and social reformer, has made a lasting contribution to the cultural and … [Read more...] about Dame Mary Gilmore: Poet’s lifetime of social reform [24 October 1942]
Certificate of Discharge, for Henry Dayrell Herdson, 1943 [Second World War military document]
[Editor: This Certificate of Discharge, for Henry Dayrell Herdson (1898-1978), is dated 3 March 1943, during the Second World War (1939-1945). In order to enlist in the Australian Army in the Second World War, Herdson understated his age (he was born in 1898, but claimed to have … [Read more...] about Certificate of Discharge, for Henry Dayrell Herdson, 1943 [Second World War military document]
Certificate of Discharge, for Frederick Raymond Stewart, 1942 [Second World War military document]
[Editor: This Certificate of Discharge, for Frederick Raymond Stewart, is dated 5 June 1942, during the Second World War (1939-1945).] Certificate of Discharge, for Frederick Raymond Stewart, 1942 [Front of certificate] [Handwritten and stamped text, in … [Read more...] about Certificate of Discharge, for Frederick Raymond Stewart, 1942 [Second World War military document]
Christ the King [hymn by Lucy E. Homfray, 22 December 1942]
[Editor: This hymn by L. E. Homfray was published in The Bush Brother (Dubbo, NSW), 22 December 1942.] Christ the King. Christ, the King of Glory, At Thy feet I kneel, To Thy gracious mercy Humbly I appeal. Christ, the King of Heaven, Hear me, as I plead, For my … [Read more...] about Christ the King [hymn by Lucy E. Homfray, 22 December 1942]
300th anniversary: Tasmania’s discovery [2 December 1942]
[Editor: This article was published in The Cairns Post (Cairns, Qld.), 2 December 1942.] 300th anniversary. Tasmania’s discovery. November 24 was the 300th anniversary of the famous Dutch navigator, Abel Janszoon Tasman’s discovery of the island which later was to be … [Read more...] about 300th anniversary: Tasmania’s discovery [2 December 1942]
Six Singers [book review, 22 August 1942]
[Editor: This review of Six Australian Poets (by T. Inglis Moore) is from the “Book reviews” column (by A. H. Chisholm), published in The Herald (Melbourne, Vic.), 22 August 1942.] Six singers If the average Australian were asked to name the chief Australian poets, he … [Read more...] about Six Singers [book review, 22 August 1942]
Canon of Australian poets [book review, 20 November 1942]
[Editor: This review of Six Australian Poets (by T. Inglis Moore) is from “The Library Table” column, published in The Southern Cross (Adelaide, SA), 20 November 1942. The review incorporates a religious perspective, which may be expected, as The Southern Cross was a publication … [Read more...] about Canon of Australian poets [book review, 20 November 1942]
“Mystery poet” dead [obituary for William Baylebridge, 14 May 1942]
[Editor: This obituary for William Baylebridge was published in The Telegraph (Brisbane, Qld.), 14 May 1942.] “Mystery poet” dead William Baylebridge, Queensland’s mystery poet, whose work has been described by some authorities as bearing the brand of genius, and who, all … [Read more...] about “Mystery poet” dead [obituary for William Baylebridge, 14 May 1942]
“There is nothing wrong with Australian speech” [by Dr. A. G. Mitchell, 12 September 1942]
[Editor: This article by Dr. A. G. Mitchell was published in The ABC Weekly (Sydney, NSW), 12 September 1942. This was the second of two articles written by Dr. A. G. Mitchell on the subject for The ABC Weekly; the first article, “Australian speech is here to stay”, was published … [Read more...] about “There is nothing wrong with Australian speech” [by Dr. A. G. Mitchell, 12 September 1942]
Australian speech is here to stay [by Dr. A. G. Mitchell, 5 September 1942]
[Editor: This article by Dr. A. G. Mitchell was published in The ABC Weekly (Sydney, NSW), 5 September 1942. This was the first of two articles written by Dr. A. G. Mitchell on the subject for The ABC Weekly; the second article, “There is nothing wrong with Australian speech”, … [Read more...] about Australian speech is here to stay [by Dr. A. G. Mitchell, 5 September 1942]
Desert Madness [poem by F. H. Legg, 12 September 1942]
[Editor: This poem by F. H. Legg was published in The ABC Weekly (Sydney, NSW), 12 September 1942 (during the Second World War).] Desert Madness A skit on the various pronunciation of Libyan place-names. The writer, a sergeant in the A.I.F., is well-known to listeners as … [Read more...] about Desert Madness [poem by F. H. Legg, 12 September 1942]
Rommel’s comments on Australian soldiers [1941-1942]
Following are some excerpts from The Rommel Papers (1953), which reproduces some letters from Rommel to his wife, in three of which he mentions Australian soldiers. Erwin Rommel was the German field marshal who led the German and Italian forces in North Africa during the Second … [Read more...] about Rommel’s comments on Australian soldiers [1941-1942]
Talk of the town [6 June 1942]
[Editor: Extracts from the “Talk of the town” column, published in The Mail (Adelaide), 6 June 1942.] Talk of the town * Sharpening Blades The shortage of safety razor blades, which has put many men on a one-razor-blade-a-week basis, has led many to experiment with … [Read more...] about Talk of the town [6 June 1942]
To a Sea Curlew [poem by John Shaw Neilson, 1942]
[Editor: A poem by John Shaw Neilson. Published in the Jindyworobak Anthology, 1942.] To a Sea Curlew Unwanted, uninvited, supercilious — Such impudence I have not heard before. Your constant invitation to be bilious Insults me to the core. Luckily your cowardice is … [Read more...] about To a Sea Curlew [poem by John Shaw Neilson, 1942]
The Sundowner [poem by John Shaw Neilson]
[Editor: A poem by John Shaw Neilson. Published in Beauty Imposes: Some Recent Verse (1938) and the Jindyworobak Anthology, 1942.] John Shaw Neilson The Sundowner I know not when this tiresome man With his shrewd, sable billy-can And his unwashed democracy His … [Read more...] about The Sundowner [poem by John Shaw Neilson]
Anzacs [poem, 28 April 1942]
Anzacs When you look back through the ages, Turning over history’s pages, You’ll find brave deeds of men In every war; But no breed of man looms bigger, Than the rough and ready Digger — My hat’s off to the Anzacs, It’s those guys I’m speaking for. The above poem was … [Read more...] about Anzacs [poem, 28 April 1942]
Nationality [poem by Mary Gilmore, 12 May 1942]
[Editor: This poem by Mary Gilmore was published in Australian Poetry 1942 (1942), during the Second World War (1939-1945).] Nationality I have grown past hate and bitterness, I see the world as one; Yet, though I can no longer hate, My son is still my … [Read more...] about Nationality [poem by Mary Gilmore, 12 May 1942]
Lovers [poem by “E” (Mary Fullerton), 1942]
[Editor: This poem by Mary E. Fullerton was published in Moles Do So Little with Their Privacy: Poems (1942).] Lovers To be unloved brings sweet relief: The strong adoring eyes Play the eternal thief With the soul’s fit disguise. He will not sleep, and let be … [Read more...] about Lovers [poem by “E” (Mary Fullerton), 1942]
Advance, Australia Fair [The Worker, 24 March 1942]
[Editor: As The Worker was traditionally a pro-republic paper, it is somewhat of a surprise to see “Advance Australia Fair” published in its pages, as the second verse is viewed by many as pro-British; although, it could be noted that the fourth verse, which might be regarded as … [Read more...] about Advance, Australia Fair [The Worker, 24 March 1942]
Australia Day [26 January 1942]
[Editor: An editorial from the Canberra Times during the Second World War.] Australia Day For more than a century and a half, January 26 has been the day on which Australia has been able to approach as the annual miles one in the march forward of a young and virile race. … [Read more...] about Australia Day [26 January 1942]