Almanac Football History: George Challis – The Pride of Cleveland   

 

GEORGE CHALLIS – THE PRIDE OF CLEVELAND    

 

SERGEANT GEORGE. D. CHALLIS (1891-1916)
Source: The Fromelles Association of Australia

 

 

INTRODUCTION 

 

This article for The Footy Almanac ANZAC Day tribute was written for three reasons:

Firstly, to tell the story of a very talented Carlton footballer, George Challis who died in The Great War (1914-18).
Secondly. to shed further light on some of the trailblazers who did so much to maintain, strengthen and promote the game of football in Tasmania.
Thirdly, George Challis was killed at Armentieres, France, on July 15. Four days later, Australian soldiers were fighting for their lives at the Battle of Fromelles. This article is to help younger readers know a little more about the appalling losses at Fromelles.

 

THE CHALLIS FAMILY OF CLEVELAND TASMANIA

George David Challis was born in February 1891 in Cleveland, a hamlet about 40 kilometres from Longford, in the Northern Midlands, Tasmania. George was one of eight children born to Michael and Margaret Challis. The names of the other children were Harold, Olive, Robert, John, Emma, Michael and Isabella.

 

The ‘Challis’ name appears on several occasions in the ‘Launceston Examiner’ as far back as 1866; and another ‘certain Charles Challis’ (perhaps Michael’s brother) was the Secretary of the Belle Vue Coursing Club (i.e. greyhound racing).  Michael Challis was said to be a butcher.

 

Note:1 Professor James Challis was an eminent English mathematician; and this fact may have had some bearing on George Challis’ interest/ proclivity for arithmetic and mathematics.

 

Note:2 Another interesting discovery in this research was the death of another George Challis in Johannesburg in 1901 as shown below. According to the Boer War Data Base, Corporal George Challis died during action in the Second Boer War (1899-1902).

 

 

Source: ‘The Hobart Mercury.’ February 14^th 1901. Page: 3

 

In Cleveland, in 1888, there was small hotel (owned by the Kirkby family) a Post and Telegraph Office, a lock-up, a church and cemetery (see below). The township was described as a ‘very quiet spot’ in 1883; and with a current population (2026) of about 50 residents it would seem that noise is   not a problem these days either.

 

 

Source: ‘Launceston Examiner’ January 18^th 1883. Page: 3

 

The Cleveland cemetery and the Union Church which was built in 1855.  Source: Granger photos.  

 

It is known that there was a school at Cleveland in those early years; and it appeared to be well supported in the traditional community activities such as sports days, concerts and fetes. It would be interesting to unearth the pupil /enrolment numbers when George and his siblings were in attendance. Some of the family names of Cleveland school students at the school in 1907 were:   Vaughn, Parsons, Baker, Duff, Hazel, Mathieson, Wilson and White.

 

GEORGE WINS THE CAMERON SCHOLARSHIP

 

The teachers known to have taken up duties at Cleveland State School in those times included Miss Counsel and Miss Fletcher.  Whoever taught ‘young’ George Challis deserves warm praise   as he   did particularly well in his formative years of education.  In 1903, George won the Colonel Cameron Scholarship (£12/12/- i.e. twelve pounds, twelve shillings per year for three years) to assist with his secondary education at Launceston High School.

 

The Cameron Scholarship was a prestigious award and was intended to act as direct financial support for a young student, from a state school, to   take up studies at the Hobart University (founded in 1890).  It was a generous act by Colonel Cameron who presumably had an insight into how elusive tertiary education was for the bulk of youngsters in those days

 

Note: Colonel Cameron was elected to the Commonwealth Senate in 1901.

 

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE, CADETS CORPS AND PLEURISY

 

George seems to have been a diligent and bright student and it is documented that he won a Scripture (i.e.  religious studies) award in 1904; and he was also the recipient of a school prize for Arithmetic in 1906.

 

Another aspect of secondary education which would influence George in later years   was his enlistment in the Launceston High School Cadets. In time, George rose to the rank of Provisional Lieutenant.

 

 

Launceston High School Cadet Corps Badge. Source: Australian Militaria Sales.

 

Note: In 1907, George was unable to sit for the annual examinations as it was stated, in one newspaper report, that he had contracted pleurisy and pneumonia. Despite that setback, he won a prize for his outstanding results in Form VI Language.  George’s award (probably a book of some description) was presented to him by Reverend Lockhart (a well-known and popular member of the Launceston Circuit of the Methodist Church).

 

 

Source: ‘The Examiner’ December 20^th 1907.

 

 

GEORGE DISPLAYS PROMISE AS A SPRINTER AND FOOTBALLER

 

George was a ‘natural athlete’ and, he finished second in the 130 yards dash at Launceston High School in 1906.

 

 

George finished in second place in the 130-yard dash at the Launceston High School sports in 1906.  Source: ‘Daily Telegraph’ December 13^th 1906. Page:  7

 

Note: It is very difficult to prove but L. Holmes, who won the above sprint, may have been Louis Gordon Holmes.  Captain Louis Holmes was a member of the 10^th Infantry Battalion when he was wounded in action at Gallipoli. Lous died of wounds on the 23^rd June 1915. The L.G. Holmes story is another story of courage in the service of one’s country (see below also).

 

Perhaps, an early sign that George was an above average footballer was given in the High School clash with the Grammar School in 1905. George would have been about 14 years of age and was listed in the best players for his school team that day.

 

In 1909, George was selected to represent Launceston High School against Perth Juniors. (Perth is a small town in Tasmania not too far from Launceston). Perth 6.10 (46) defeated LHS 2.3(15); but no other details of the game were provided.

 

 

George Challis is selected to play against Perth Juniors. Source: ‘Daily Telegraph’ June 5^th 1909.  Page:3

 

 

ONWARD AND UPWARD

 

George Challis was a fortunate student as he had ‘that rare  gift’ to successfully combine his classroom lessons with sport.  This attribute seems to have been a major reason   why George reaped such handsome rewards in his studies in later years. According to Main & Allen, George was a ‘mathematics mastermind’…

 

“…but was a mathematical genius whose talent helped him further his studies at the university in Hobart”    

 

 

The magnificent edifice of the University of Hobart (now Tasmanian University) Source: Wikipedia.

 

 

George’s academic timeline is complicated/ambiguous.  It is thought that he commenced studies at university sometime in 1909; and would, later become a teacher at his ‘old school’ (i.e. Launceston High School).   According to the Launceston FC website, it was during George’s years at university that he emerged as a star player for the club …

 

“After graduating from Launceston High School and enrolling at university, George’s football career blossomed. Playing as a rover-forward, he starred in Launceston’s NTFA Premiership team in 1909…”  

 

GEORGE CHALLIS IS COACHED BY THE LEGENDARY ALGY TYNAN

 

When George decided to play football   with Launceston FC (affiliated with the Northern Tasmanian Football Association) he met the legendary Algy Tynan. Algy was the Blues’ (as Launceston is known) coach in 1909. Note: Alby coached Launceston in three stints (1909, 1913-14 and again in 1922-23).

 

Algy Tynan on of the greatest defenders in the history of Tasmanian football. Source: ‘Saturday Evening Express’ August 22^nd 1942. Page:5

 

Algy, who coached Launceston in 1909, was a ‘true-blue’ champion of Launceston; and was regarded as the best full back of his generation.  He was always one of the first players selected for the NTFA representative teams; and was a key Tasmanian player in the three ANFC Carnivals at Melbourne (1908), Adelaide (1911) and again in Sydney in 1911.

 

Algy played over 200 games for Launceston; and, although George could not foresee the future when he arrived at LFC, he and Algy would share much in common as they would ‘see action’ during the Great War.

 

“Tynan enlisted and joined the 12^th Australian Infantry Battalion, initially as an acting sergeant and later rising to the rank of lieutenant. Serving on the western front, Tynan was awarded the Military Cross for gallantry in October 1917, and after the war would remain heavily involved with the RSL” Source: Launceston FC website

 

 

GEORGE CHALLIS PLAYS IN THE 1909 PREMIERSHIP TEAM

 

From reading the match reviews of season 1909, George Challis played as a half forward flanker and received plenty of positive comments. George formed part of an effective forward line which included Rus Valentine (the team’s skipper that season) and Stan McKenzie another Tasmanian who would play VFL football and also perish in World War: 1(see below).

 

 

Stan McKenzie, who played with George Challis at Launceston, crossed to Carlton in 1914.  Stan died on active service in Egypt in December 1915. Source: Carlton FC website.  Note: A story about Stan, written by Tony De Bolfo in 2015, can be found on the Carlton FC website.

 

 

The NTFA premiership in 1909 was decided by the concept of ‘top of the table’ (i.e.  there was no actual Grand Final as we know things today). As with the EPL (soccer), the team with the most points on the ladder, after all the rounds of that season have been completed) is deemed winner/premiers.

 

 

Source: ‘Examiner’ August 9^th 1909. Page: 3

 

 

The1909 NTFA season finished on a strange note on the 14^th August because North Launceston defeated Launceston (which had been declared NTFA premiers on August 7^th). George Challis kicked three goals in that match and Stan McKenzie chipped in for a major. It appeared that Launceston’s excitement of winning the 1909 premiership was transitory to say the least.

 

On September 4^th, the   Tasmanian State Premiership Final was played between the NTFA and the Tasmanian Australian National Football League premier teams for the 1909 season i.e.  Launceston v Cananore.

 

 

Source: ‘The Critic’ September 4^th 1909. Page:4

 

 

The result saw a convincing win to Cananore. The final scores were: Cananore 6.10 (46) defeated Launceston 2. 6(18); and, therefore, Cananore carried off the Tasmanian championship that season.   George Challis received several references in the match review. A photograph of the victors is shown below.

 

 

The State Premiers of Tasmania in 1909-Cananore defeated Launceston in the ‘play off’. The club’s most famous players were possibly Horrie Gorringe (1914-30) and Albert Collier (ex-Collingwood) who coached Cananore in 1931-32. Source: Wayback Machine -Internet archive website.  

 

 

GEORGE CHALLIS & STAN MCKENZIE RECEIVE COMMENDATION

 

Although just starting out in senior football ranks, George Challis and Stan McKenzie won warm praise in the ‘Examiner’ newspaper’s review of the 1909 NTFA season. The extract suggests that George was ‘ear-marked’ as a player of unlimited potential…

 

“…but Challis certainly deserves the palm, his coolness, cleverness and general all-round play stamping him as a footballer with a great future before him…”  

 

Note: For younger readers, the above term ‘deserves the palm’ is an olden day saying   which means to win a prize or distinction, especially through distinction or triumph. It has its origins in ancient traditions when a palm tree branch symbolized triumph.

 

According to the ‘Examiner’ George Challis was awarded a trophy for his endeavours in season 1909. (no other details were given in the report).

 

 

Source: ‘The Examiner’ September 10^th 1909. Page: 2

 

 

JOHN ‘JACK’ SMITH IS APPOINTED AS THE COACH OF LAUNCESTON.

 

 

Former North Melbourne (VFA) captain and Melbourne rover John ‘Jack’ Smith who coached Launceston in 1910. Source: Demonwiki website.

 

In 1910, **Algy Tynan stepped down as the coach of Launceston and made way for former Melbourne half forward/rover John ‘Jack’ Smith to lead the club.

 

Jack Smith was a most experienced footballer; and, as captain, of North Melbourne he had led his team to a VFA premiership in 1905. Jack crossed to Melbourne in 1907 where he played 51 games and booted 27 goals. **Note: Algy Tynan continued on with Launceston, as captain, that season.

 

Jack proved to be a popular and esteemed coach; and it was written that he was a ‘decided acquisition’ to   Tasmanian football in 1910. He only played for one season at Launceston before returning to Melbourne in 1911.  It is also corroborated that Jack returned to Tasmania to play with Cananore in 1912.

 

 

John ‘Jack’ Smith is officially cleared by Melbourne to coach Launceston FC in 1910.  Source: ‘The Herald’ April 8^th 1910. Page:2

 

 

GEORGE CHALLIS PLAYS AGAINST NORWOOD

 

George Challis further enhanced his burgeoning reputation in the NTFA with   his solid performances against a visiting Norwood (SANFL) team in 1910. A touring party of 41 players and officials arrived in Launceston, aboard the S.S. Loongana, on the   17^th June, to play a series of games against Tasmanian combined teams.

 

   

 

 

  Above Source: ‘Daily Telegraph’ June 25^th 1910.  Page: 3. Below: Lionel Laughton Hill, the captain of the Norwood team which visited Tasmania in 1910. Lionel was a brilliant footballer who   would become the Premier of South Australia in 1926. Source: Norwood FC archives.

 

Launceston was well represented in the Northern Tasmanian line-up with Algy Tynan, Jack Smith, Stan McKenzie, Wally Conder, Jas Coogan, Stan McKenzie and   George Challis also being selected.

 

Jack Smith was the Northerners’ captain and Lionel ‘Slugger’ Hill was the skipper of Norwood. Lionel Hill was an elite player in SANFL football; and won the club championship on three occasions (1904, 1908 and 1909). He also represented South Australia on seven occasions in interstate matches.   In 1926, Lionel became the Premier of South Australia.  

 

Norwood received an unexpected surprise ( perhaps shock) as the Northerners proved too strong and won by 23 points.  Northern Tasmania’s best players were listed as: Tynan, Coogan, Challis, Hinman, Towell and McKenzie.

 

Note:  Bill Hinman (North Launceston) later played VFL football with University (1911-14) while he was studying law at Melbourne University…

 

“He had a long military career in World War 1 and was awarded the Military Cross in 1917. France also awarded him the Croxc de Guerre and he received the Order of Leopold from Belgium before becoming a lawyer in Hobart after the war was over.”  Source: Prabook.com website

 

Note:  Bill’s brother, Arthur Gurr Hinman, also played VFL football with University FC.   Arthur died of wounds at Gallipoli on the 10^th May 1915 when serving with 15^th Australian Infantry Battalion.

 

On the next meeting against a Tasmanian combine, Norwood ‘turned the tables’ and won by 11 points. The final scores were Norwood:  9.16 (70) defeated Northern Tasmania 9.5 (59). George Challis’ name featured frequently in the match review.

 

 

The Launceston team of 1910.  George Challis is on the extreme right of the back row.   Jack Smith can be seen in the centre of the second row and Algy Tynan is next to Jack. Source: ‘Saturday Evening Express’ September 6^th1952. Page:  9

 

 

CITY WINS THE 1910 PREMIERSHIP

 

As can be seen below, with only three teams competing in the NTFA, in 1910 (i.e. Launceston, North Launceston and City) there were no finals; and City was declared the premier team (i.e. having won the most matches in 1910). Readers will notice that the Northern Association (i.e. NTFA) Ladder (called Lists in the extract) was up until August 20^th.  Each team had played eight games apiece and the maths/ calculation of the table is/was unusual.

 

 

Source: ‘The Mercury’ August 27^th 1910.  Page:9

 

 

On Saturday 24^th September, Cananore met City in the play off for the Tasmanian State Premiership; and Cananore took the honours by 27 points in what was termed a ‘strenuous game.’

 

On September 6^th, thirty members of the Melbourne Football Club arrived in Launceston on the Loongana to play against a ‘South Tasmania’ combine in Hobart. Jack Smith (as mentioned above) seems to have played a key role in the organizing the match.  Melbourne won the match by 17 points.

 

WALTER TASMAN CONDER IS APPOINTED COACH OF LAUNCESTON

 

As mentioned above, Jack Smith did not apply to coach Launceston in 1911 and returned home to play with his former club i.e.  Melbourne.

 

 

Walter Conder (1888-1974). Wally’s account of the Landings at Gallipoli is compelling to read.  Source: ‘Dorset Tasmania History Society’

 

Walter Tasman Conder, a most celebrated and energetic figure in Tasmanian sporting history, was appointed to coach Launceston in 1911.  Wally had gained a reputation in rowing, boxing, horse-riding, athletics and was an adept footballer who had represented Tasmania in interstate matches. Wally, who had an impressive career in the cadets (as did George Challis) and teaching, enlisted for duty in World War:1. However, he was severely wounded at the landings at Gallipoli and was repatriated home aboard the hospital ship ‘Kyarra.’ Wally’s war in a foreign country was over!

 

In 1916, he was appointed to take command of the Langwarrin Military Camp in Victoria; and in 1922 he became the Governor of Pentridge Gaol. Major W.T.  Conder was awarded an MBE in October 1920.

 

At some juncture in the 1920’s, Wally became the General Manager of Radio Station 3LO which, in turn, saw him become the General Manager of the ABC in 1933.

 

 

GEORGE CHALLIS STARS   AT THE CARNIVAL IN ADELAIDE IN 1911

 

After just two seasons of senior football, George Challis had not only consolidated his place in   the Launceston line-up but had impressed the Tasmanian selectors to such a degree that he was included in the squad to travel to Adelaide for the 1911 Australasian Football Carnival.

 

George Challis was one of only five northern league players to be chosen (see below -1911 Adelaide) to make the journey.  Young   Stan McKenzie and George must have felt very proud to be part of the ‘Island’s best.’

 

 

 

 

The Tasmanian team of 1911. George Challis is second from the right in the second row. Source: ‘Tasfootymuseum.com.au’

 

The Carnival was held in August and the participating states were West Australia, South Australia, Victoria, NSW and Tasmania. Each team played four games.

 

Tasmania performed creditably; and won two games (against NSW and West Australia) and finished an honourable third in the competition. South Australia shone in front of its home crowd of 20, 000 spectators at the Adelaide Oval to defeat the highly fancied Victorians by six goals to claim the title (and bragging rights) as Australia’s best!

 

 

Victoria v Tasmania at the Adelaide Carnival in 1911. Source: ‘Adelaide Observer’ August 12^th 1911.  Page: 29

 

 

GEORGE WINS A MEDAL FOR HIS FINE PERFORMANCES.

 

George Challis performed consistently well across the series and probably had numerous VFL club officials taking special note of the name ‘Challis.’  From what can be gleaned from texts, it seems that Carlton could foresee a ‘spot’ for George in their 1912 line up.

 

George’s strong style of football (as displayed in Tasmania’s surprise victory over West Australia) would have guaranteed that he was on the ‘wanted list’ of mainland clubs…

 

“In 1911 he was selected to represent Tasmania at the second Australian Football Carnival in Adelaide, where he would emerge from the tournament as his state’s stand-out performer, winning the Bibby Trophy as recognition of that fact; this was no mean feat in a team containing other legends such as captain Jack Gardiner and champion full back Algy Tynan.”  Source: Tasmanian Hall of Fame website

 

A couple of Tasmanian newspapers carried the story   that George Challis received    a gold medal donated by Tasmanian Senator John Henry Keating for his consistent performances at the Adelaide Carnival

 

 

Source: ‘The Examiner’ August 17th 1911. Page:2

 

 

The Chairman of the NTFA, Mr Hopkirk presented the medal to George at ‘the-then recently opened’ splendid and contemporary Princess Theatre in Brisbane Street Launceston.

 

 

Source: ‘Daily Telegraph’ October 13^th 1911.  Page:  4

 

 

While the   season had ended on a particularly high note for George, Launceston finished behind North Launceston and hence NLFC was awarded the 1911 pennant.

 

Following George’s successful week in Adelaide it appears that Carlton began a ‘concentrated campaign’ to persuade him to join the Blues. As the record books show, it was fruitful and  George signed on with Carlton for the 1912 season.

 

As George packed his bag to head to the mainland, he had absolutely no idea of what the next chapter in his life story would entail.

 

 

 GEORGE CHALLIS JOINS CARLTON IN  1912

 

George would have had mixed emotions in leaving Cleveland, Launceston FC behind and heading off into the ‘great unknown’ that VFL can be for young men.

 

Saying farewell to students can be an emotional wrench for teachers; and George would have been touched by the farewell from his staff members and his students.

 

Main and Allen stated that the students at Launceston HS (aka Milton Hall) presented George with a present (a shaving mug); and, in his address, at the Annual Speech Night, the Headmaster Mr Earnest Smith wished George well in the future.

 

 

Goodbye Mr Challis-The Headmaster Mr Smith wished George well at the Speech Night in December 1911. Source: ‘The Examiner’ December 22^nd 1911. Page: 3

 

George Challis; first  appearance   on the training track at Carlton  was on April 16^th 1912.  The following Friday, George’s  entrance to the club was anounced  with a salutation  which included such words as:  ‘clever…brainy …brilliance …perfection…”

 

“George Challis, of Launceston, represented his State in the carnival matches last season and performed with brilliance. He was awarded a gold medal as the best all-round man of the team. He Is clever, brainy and full of gameness, and good Judges up Carlton way say that he is the equal of Valentine. That is a high compliment to the newcomer. He kicks well, right and left, turns with wonderful rapidity. Is a smart pass, picks his man out quickly, and stab kicks to him to perfection. Source: ‘The Herald’ April 19^th 1912.Page:  2

 

Carlton’s coach in 1912 was Norman ‘Hackenschmidt’ Clark and he is a story in himself. Having arrived at Carlton from North Adelaide in 1905, Norman established himself as a key player for the Blues; and he played a strong part in their three consecutive premierships in 1906-07-08.

 

Although not stated/verified, Carlton may have assisted George Challis gain employment with the Victorian Railways as an audit clerk (George’s capacity for arithmetic/computations would have been an advantage in such work).

 

 

GEORGE MAKES HIS VFL DEBUT AGAINST GEELONG

 

George made his debut for Carlton against Geelong at Princes Park in Round:1,  1912.  He wore the No: 5 guernsey and was selected to play on   the half forward flank. He was 21years and 78 days of age and the youngest player listed on the Blues’ team sheet.  Some of the well-known names in Carlton team that day included Viv Valentine (from Launceston), George Bruce, Rod McGregor, Ernie Jamieson and Billy Payne.

 

Carlton won by 39 points; and, according to the match review, George made a good impression in his first VFL outing.

 

Note: Joe Slater and Alan Cordner (both of Geelong) and Fen MacDonald (Carlton) who played in that game at Princes Park; would, along with George Challis, perish on active service in the Great War.

 

George Challis played 20 games, kicked a total of 9 goals and played in two finals in 1912.  It was a solid start in VFL football and one that impressed the Victorian selectors.

 

 

GEORGE CHALLIS IS SELECTED FOR VICTORIA

 

Probably the best indication of how George coped in his first year at Carlton was the fact that he was selected to represent Victoria against South Australia in Adelaide.

 

While George’s selection in the team is given a brief mention in some texts, it was, by    any measure, an incredible achievement for a young footballer in his debut season of VFL football. Other players who played with Victoria in that game were: Bruce Sloss (South Melbourne), Jack Cooper (Fitzroy). Percy Parratt (St Kilda), Billy Schmidt (St Kilda), Percy Gibb (Collingwood), Jack Brake (University), Jack Green (Collingwood), Joe Slater (Geelong) and Wells Eicke (St Kilda).

 

Note:1 Bruce Sloss, Joe Slater, Jack Cooper died in action in World War  :1. Note:2  W.Thomas is Bill ‘Sonna’ Thomas whose son,  Len,  died in World War II. Stories about Bruce Sloss, Jack Cooper and ‘Sonna’ Thomas can be found on ‘Footy Almanac.’

 

 

Source: The Examiner July 29^th 1912. Page:3

 

 

George Challis  can be seen in the third row  on the extreme right . George is standing behind  Joe Slater who  died  at Bullecourt in France during   World War:1 Source:  ‘Adelaide Chronicle’ August 17^th 1912. Page: 31.

 

 

A match review in the ‘Geelong Advertiser’ mentioned the large crowd, the excellent marking, kicking skills and  the pace at which the game was played.  The Victorians displayed more assurance in the second half  but the ‘horse had bolted’;  and Victoria fell short by nineteen points. South Australia had something to ‘crow about’ that night in Adelaide.  ‘The Age’ newspaper  gave a comprehansive report on the clash;  and mentioned  that George  ‘soccered’ ( i.e. off the ground) a  goal from the  good play from Joe Slater. Brothers in arms or  soldier to soldier you could say !

 

South Australia : 9.8 (72) defeated Victoria 6.7(43)

 

Goal kickers for Victoria:  Schmidt 3 , Challis, Hughes and Parratt.

 

 

THE CHALLIS COURT CASE

 

In 1913 , Norman  Clark left Princess Park after accepting a coaching job at Brighton (VFA) and John (aka Jack )  Wells ‘stepped up to the plate.’  Jack  ( born in Stawell in 1883), made a name for himself in West Australian  football before returning to play with St Kilda in 1906.   He  was cleared to Carlton in 1910  and became a  steady performer as a ruckman/forward   in his 66  games.

 

Under Jack’s leadership, Carlton won nine games in 1913 but  failed to reach the finals. and one of the forgotten football stories  that  year  was the George Challis court case.

 

In the game against Melbourne at  Princes Park on May 10^th, George was flattened by a wild haymaker (i.e.punch)   by Melbourne’s  Jack Bristow. It was such a heavy blow that George collapsed to ground and  was ‘laid out’  for more than a minute.

 

Jack’s unsolicited attack upon  George caused such rancour(i.e. among the Blues’ supporters)  that when the final bell rang  a massive brawl broke out involving hundreds of spectators. The unbridled fury and ensuing  ‘bareknuckle  slugfest’ were  eventually  quelled by mounted police.  After the game,  charges were filed against Jack Bristow.

 

The incident received wide press coverage and it is written that while George Challis attended court Jack Bristow was ‘away in the country.’ Following witness statements and lengthy deliberations …

 

“ The bench held the charge  proved and imposed a fine of £5 ( i.e. five pounds ) on the defendant.”Source:See below.

 

 

Source: ‘The Bendigo Independent’ June 12^th 1913. Page; 6

 

 

Jack  Wells coached the Blues  for only  one season; before stepping down with the return of Norm Clark in 1914.  Jack played another season with the Blues before crossing to North Melbourne in 1915.

 

This photgraph was found in the ‘Sydney Morning Herald’ ( July 20^th 2010) but no details or original sources were given. George Challis can be seen in the front row on the right hand side.  

 

 

1914- DARK CLOUDS OF WAR GATHER

 

Norman Clark returned to the club as coach in 1914; and the season ‘kicked off’ with a sensational match against Collingwood at Victoria Park which ended in a tied scoreline. It was an admirable result for the Blues as the side included five youngsters making their VFL debuts Dan Kelly, Steve Leehane, Percy Daykin, Arthur Harrison and Jim Willis.

 

The photo below is a classic case of serendipity in research. This famous (iconic) photo is of Dick Lee, the legendary Collingwood forward in action, and was found in the search related to the background history of George Challis. The photo was actually was taken in Round: 1 1914 i.e. 25^th April when Carlton drew with the Magpies at Victoria Park (as mentioned above).

 

 

Source: Weekly times may 2^nd 1914 Page 29

 

 

The Blues’ ‘brains trust’ had decided to move George Challis to the wing sometime during the season; and it proved productive as Ted Brown, Rod McGregor and George Challis provided constant drive and ample opportunities upfield.

 

 

This is the 1914 Carlton team which played Essendon at the East Melbourne Ground. George Challis is second from the left in the back row. Source: Rod McPherson via Carlton Football Club media article by Tony De Bolfo

 

On June 27^thCarlton just scrapped home against a fast-finishing St Kilda at the Junction Oval; and on the next day (28^th June) Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria was assassinated at Sarajevo in Bosnia, Herzegovina.

 

It would take time for the full implications of the Archduke’s murder to filter through to Australia and the  gravity of its consequences would not be readily understood. However, in time, George Challis and thousands of Australians would experience, in the worst possible way, what   the brutal slaying of Ferdinand would mean to their lives.

 

 

Source: ‘The New York Herald’ June 29^th 1914 page 1

 

Those Australians who dismissed the death of Archduke Ferdinand and the Duchess of Hohenberg as inconsequential were in for a rude shock because by August things had taken a ‘bad turn’…

 

“On the morning of Sunday 2 August 1914, bulletins were posted outside Australian newspaper offices. The posters announced that Germany had declared war on Russia. Most Australians knew the war would involve France, and maybe Britain. That same day, Germany took the first steps towards invading France, through Luxembourg and Belgium. On 4 August, Britain declared war on Germany, and the Australian Government offered its unreserved help.” Source:  ANZAC Portal Department of Veteran Affairs

 

 

GEORGE CHALLIS MISSES THE 1914 GRAND FINAL

 

The Blues developed into a powerful combination under Norman Clark and, by Round:10, had moved into third position on the VFL Ladder. George Challis brought up his 50^th VFL game against Geelong in Round :16.

 

In a strong run to the ‘finish line’ Carlton finished on top of the VFL Ladder that season with 13 wins and 2 draws; and the Blues played Fitzroy in the Semi-final at the MCG.   Carlton prevailed by 20 points over the Maroons despite the outstanding individual performance of Fitzroy’s champion backman Jack Cooper.

 

Note: Jack Cooper was later to be killed at the horrendous Battle of Passchendaele in 1917.

 

Unfortunately, George Challis suffered a serious injury (elbow) and was forced to miss the next two final matches against South Melbourne.

 

Note:  George Challis was working in the Prime Minister’s Department in Melbourne in 1915.

 

 

Who can tell? This maybe a rare of photo of George Challis (No:12) playing in the Semi-final against Fitzroy at the MCG in 1914. However, it may also be Chris Lethbridge of Fitzroy who wore number 12 guernsey for Fitzroy. Source: ‘Table Talk’: ‘Carlton Destroys Fitzroy’s Premiership Hopes’ September   17^th 1914. Page :18

 

 

 Note for younger readers: A strange/ perplexing VFL Challenge Rule applied in that era of football. Briefly, it meant…Despite being beaten by South Melbourne on September 19^th, Carlton (due to the fact that it finished on top of the VFL Ladder above South Melbourne) could claim the right to challenge South to another game; and consequently, the Grand Final was held on the 26^th September.

 

In the re-match, Carlton defeated South Melbourne by 14 points and it was the Blues’ fourth flag since being a foundation member of the league in1897.

 

One of the major talking points of that victory was   that Carlton had nine first year players in its lineup which underlined the leadership prowess of Norman Clarke. One newspaper stated that the coaching of Norman ‘Hackenschmidt’ Clark was a ‘great factor’ in Carlton’s success

 

THE CASUALITIES FIGURES FROM GALLIPOLI DEVASTATE THE NATION

 

On the very weekend that the VFL ‘kicked off’ the 1915 season, Australian troops were struggling up the beaches of the Gallipoli peninsula; and George Challis played in a nail-biting draw with Fitzroy at Princes Park.

 

The very next day (i.e. April 25^th 1915) Captain William Annear was killed by gunfire at Gallipoli. William was said to be the first Australian officer to die in the ANZAC landings at Gallipoli.

 

As can be seen from the table from the AWM archives, 643 Australians died in the first week of the Dardanelles campaign. Those ‘oracles’ who had warned of such horrors were proven to be right; and the sad fact was that Australian troops were involved in a far-flung conflict that would eventually cost the lives of 61,000 A.I.F soldiers.

 

 

 

 

Sport is/has always been a great distraction from ‘real world’ problems but in April 1915   the following three things, related to VFL football, added another layer to a mounting pile of national worries…

 

1. The University FC decided to withdraw from the VFL.
2. The calls for football to be suspended during wartime were growing louder and more strident.
3. The news that well-known VFL footballers Rupert Baffe (University), Alan Cordner (Collingwood), Claude Crowl (St Kilda), Charlie Fincher (South Melbourne), Fen MacDonald (Melbourne) and Joe Pearce (Melbourne) had died during the landings at Gallipoli accentuated the desperate situation that Australian soldiers faced. The realities of war had been driven home to all families in the most hellish manner.

 

THE A.I.F CASUALTY LISTS SHOCK THE NATION

 

By the end of June 1915, George Challis and his Carlton team-mates had shown that they were a force to be ‘reckoned’ with; and after ten rounds, the Blues sat in third position on the table and were well placed to take a tilt at the title.

 

However, enthusiasm of football steadily waned as the casualties’ figures from the Dardanelles were posted/ published. By the end of June, 1915…

 

• 2173 Australians had been killed in action.
• 871 had died from battle wounds.
• 47 soldiers had perished from infections from disease.

 

Frightening figures indeed; and the forbidding reality of Gallipoli began to hit home…

 

 “Gradually the curtain, which up to now has hidden from us the horrors of war, is being lifted. As yet only a very small portion of the grim scene which will ultimately overwhelm us with pity and sorrow has been revealed.” Source: ‘Daily Herald” July 19^th 1915. Page:6

 

GEORGE CHALLIS SAYS GOODBYE TO CLEVELAND

 

A comment regarding George Challis’ enlistment in the A.I.F. was found in the match report of the game between St Kilda and Carlton in August…

 

 

Source: ‘Prahran Chronicle’ August 28^th 1915. Page:  3

 

In August 2012, Journalist Ross MacMullan of the ‘The Age’ wrote about George’s return home and visit to the Cleveland State School in 1915…

 

“In July 1915, when Challis returned to Tasmania for the last time before he went to war, he caught up with relatives and friends at Cleveland and Launceston. He paid a visit to the little school at Cleveland, and all 20 or so of its young students were assembled to hear him speak. Football inevitably featured in his remarks: “When I come back, I’ll teach you boys the finer points of the game,” he said.

 

No one will ever know what George thought as he turned to leave his cherished home town that day in 1915. However, all former service men and women reading the above passage, will fully appreciate the ‘lonely trek’ back to barracks after furlough.

 

GEORGE CHALLIS AT HIS VERY BEST -THE FINAL SERIES OF 1915

 

 The VFL Final Four in 1915 was Collingwood, Carlton, Fitzroy and Melbourne (which had the bye in the last round) hung onto fourth place. Carlton scrambled home against Melbourne by nine points in the Semi-final.

 

 In the subsequent Preliminary Final, Carlton held out against a most determined Fitzroy side to win and advance to the Grand Final against Collingwood. In both finals George Challis was named in Carlton’s best players.

 

 

 

 

It was as though George had saved his ‘best to last’ because in the Grand Final against Collingwood he gave a memorable exhibition. George (wing) and Rod McGregor (centre) were instrumental in restricting the Magpies forwards to just one goal after half time; and the Blues’ five-goal last quarter crushed any chance of a late Collingwood revival…

 

 

Source: ‘The Leader’ September 25^th 1915. Page: 20

 

 

The Grand Finals details

 

Carlton:             2.5    6.6    6.6   11.12 (78)

Collingwood:  3.0    4.2    5.9      6.9   (45)

 

• Goal kickers for Carlton: Burleigh 4 Gardiner 3 Hammond 2 Green Daykin
• Goal kickers for Collingwood: Lee 3 Dobrigh Seddon Hughes
• Best players for Carlton: McDonald Challis Brown   Burleigh Daykin McGregor Baud Valentine Robinson Morris
• Best for Collingwood: Hughes Anderson Dobrigh Rowell Laxton Rowan* (see below) Clancy Sadler Mutch Minogue

 

 

 

 

 George Challis (top) and Paddy Rowan (aka Percy Rowe) both played well for their respective clubs in the 1915 Grand Final; and both died on the battlefield in World War:1. George died at Armentieres on July 15^th 1916 and Paddy was killed at the Battle of the Somme on December 5th 1916. Sources: Both photos were found in the archives of each club.

 

George Challis shone in the three finals in which the Blues won; and his performance in the Grand Final wrote his name into Carlton folklore for evermore. It is fair to say that he ranked as one the best wingers in VFL football in 1915.

 

However, that mighty performance for the Blues would be the last time that George would ever play VFL football. After four seasons and 70 VFL games his career was put ‘on hold.’  People of conscience, such as George, rarely sit on the sidelines in ‘life’s battles’ and, in the full knowledge of the possible consequences, George felt duty-bound to join the A.I.F.

 

Carlton won the 1915 flag on September 18^th but in less than 12 months, after that personal and team triumph, George was killed in action at Armentieres.

 

1915-A SIGN OF THE TIMES AND THE CONSEQUENCES OF WAR  

 

‘The calm before the storm.’ The page one photograph (below) shows four members of the A.I.F and friends enjoying each other’s company while watching the 1915 Grand Final. It is guesswork but highly probable that the four soldiers knew of their embarkation date(s).

 

On page :3, of the same newspaper, a report of Reverend H. Kelly’s sermon, delivered at the Ascot Vale Presbyterian Church, was published.   In his sermon entitled ‘War and Prayer’, Rev. Kelly stated… ‘Australia must send still more troops to the front…’   A fair question today would be:  Did Rev. Kelly follow his own advice   and enlist?  Talk is cheap while action can be costly!

 

 

Source:’The Herald’ September 20 ^th 1915 Page: 1

 

 

The photograph below was taken at the Patriotic Match to raise funds for the Wounded Soldiers Fund. The game was played at the MCG between the 1915 premier team Carlton and an A.I.F Combine.  George Challis played in that game and Carlton won by 21 points.

 

 

Source: Table Talk September 30^th 1915. Page:11

 

 

GEORGE CHALLIS EMBARKS FOR MILITARY DUTY

  

Noted football historian, Barbara Cullen, wrote that George Challis actually experienced difficulties in enlisting in the A.I.F…

 

“…He attempted to enlist twice in 1914 but was rejected because of a toe overlapping another-surprising, considering his skills as a footballer.” Source: ‘Harder than Football”.  Page” 28

 

George was eventually passed fit for duty in July 1915; and his enlistment date, according to the World War: I Nominal Roll was August 2^nd.  

 

Note: Although not confirmed, George probably commenced his military training at the Broadmeadows Camp; which could help explain how he was granted weekend leave to continue to play with Carlton up until September 18^th (i.e. Grand Final day).

 

 

Title: ‘Tent City.’  This photograph is of the Broadmeadows Training Camp during World War:1 Source: Birtwistle Images.

 

The Carlton Football Club organized a special farewell and social gathering at the London Tavern for George and three of his team mates-Alf Baud, Frank Triplett and Herbert Burleigh who had also volunteered to join the army.

 

 

Source: ‘Nagambie Times’ October 1^st 1915.  Page:3

 

Private George Challis (Regimental number:2595) was 24 years of age when he and other comrades of the 23rd Battalion gathered at the Port of Melbourne on October 27^th 1915 to board the Troopship HMAT A38 Ulysses to set sail for Egypt.

 

For George, leaving the hamlet of Cleveland in Tasmania, to play football at Carlton in 1912, would have presented certain challenges but stepping onto the gang plank of the ‘Ulysses’   on that day in October 1915 would have been a ‘whole new ball game.’

 

 

Troops awaiting to board the NMAT Ulysses    AWM Ref: P00394.019

 

 

The desert training camp in Egypt was at Tell-El-Kebir which is about 115 km from Cairo. Tell-El-Kebir was the encampment for A.I.F reinforcements enroute to the frontline in France and Belgium.

 

Jim Main and David Allen stated that George was promoted to the rank of Sergeant while training in Egypt. George’s earlier involvement in the cadets, at Launceston, would have been excellent grounding for him to become a non-commissioned officer… “Battles are sometimes won by generals; wars are nearly always won by sergeants and privates.” (Quote by: Frank Ezra Adcock who served as a cryptographer in the Great War).

 

It is also known that George joined the 58^th Battalion which then proceeded ‘with haste’ to the Western Front…

 

“Together with the 57th, 59th and 60th Battalions, the 58th formed part of the 15th Brigade, which was attached to the 5th Australian Division. At this time it was decided that the Australian infantry divisions would be transferred to Europe to fight in the trenches along the Western Front in France and Belgium.”Source: Wikipedia

 

Note: The Commander of the 15^th Brigade was the renowned Brigadier General H.E.  ‘Pompey’ Elliott. See the comments below regarding the unbearable anguish that Brigadier General Elliott experienced during the Battle of Fromelles.

 

 

The camp at Tell-Ek-Kebire where George Challis was promoted to Sergeant.  Source: AWM Ref:C00207

 

 

GEORGE CHALLIS DIES AT ARMENTIERES

 

On June 17th 1916, George Challis and his comrades were transported by         HMAT Transylvania from the Port of Alexandria to Marseilles (i.e. Southern France).  The peaceful passage across Mediterranean Sea would have been in stark contrast to the frenetic scenes at Marseilles (which was a major transit and military hub for men, munitions and machines).

 

Before the ‘big push’ (a term frequently used in World War:1), George and comrades of the 58^thBattalion were stationed near the French Flanders town of Armentieres (near the Belgian Border) making ready to ‘move up the line’ and into battle on the Western Front.

 

On July 15^th the German batteries opened fire and the intense bombardment of Armentieres resulted in more than 150 causalities including George Challis.  It is documented, in least three refence books, that George was killed when the trench, in which he was sheltering, took a direct hit from a heavy calibre enemy shell.

 

 

 Nine days after George Challis died at Armentieres the news of the battle reached Australia.  Source: ‘Sydney Sun’ July 24^th 1916 Page: 1

 

 

Several texts describing George’s death at Armentieres are far too graphic for any young readers of this website. Despite the millions and millions of words written about the Great War, there are simply no words, in any lexicon, to describe the horrors of trench warfare and George’s death.  One website, found in this research, carried the title: ‘World War:1…an unprecedented act of madness, waste and utter futility.’

 

 

Given title of Photograph: ‘Australian troops in trench near Armentieres, France, World War: I’. Source:  Alamy website collection.

 

 

THE NIGHTMARE OF FROMELLES

 

Four days after George Challis was killed in his trench, the opening salvos of the Battle of Fromelles were fired. Fromelles is regarded, by scholars and military historians, as the first major battle that involved Australian troops on the Western Front. The consequences of Fromelles were diabolical.

 

In her essay for the AWM, Emma Campbell, described Fromelles as ‘Australia’s blackest night’ because during the 24 hours of July 19^th 1916, more than 1,900 Australian soldiers were killed and 3,600 were wounded.

 

The following extract is from the Fromelles Association of Australia; and the FAA deserves credit for its continuing role of trying to bring ‘home the truth’ about Fromelles. It is a story that so many Australians have never heard…

 

“The attack on Fromelles from 19 July 1916 to 20th July 1916 was the first major battle fought by Australian troops on the Western Front. When the troops of the 5th Australian and 61st British Divisions attacked just before 6 pm on 19 July 1916, they suffered heavily at the hands of German machine-gunners. By 8am on 20 July 1916, the battle was over. The 5th Australian Division suffered 5,533 casualties, rendering it incapable of offensive action for many months; the 61st British Division suffered 1,547. The German casualties were little more than 1,000. The worst 24 hours to date in Australia’s military history had taken place.” Source: ‘The Fromelles Association of Australia’

 

As mentioned above, Brigadier General Elliott was deeply moved/impacted by what he witnessed at Fromelles.  Of the many articles read about that calamitous battle, this extract, from the Australian War Memorial, best sums up the nightmare of Fromelles…

 

“One-third of Australian casualties at Fromelles came from Elliott’s brigade. Elliott met his men as they came out of the line, offering words of comfort to the wounded. Back at headquarters, Elliott reportedly “went straight back inside, put his head in his hands, and sobbed his heart out”.  

 

Image title: ‘Fromelles and Pozieres.’ Source: Shrine.org.au Ref: AWM (EO 4946)

 

 

The unsung heroes of the Great War-The stretcher bearers… “In World War I, about 60,000 Australian soldiers were killed and more than 155,000 wounded. In World War II, the respective figures were nearly 19,000 and more than 22,000. It was the job of stretcher-bearers to alleviate the suffering of the human beings behind those numbers. The cry of ‘Stretcher-bearer!’ was heard on every Australian front in both world wars, from Gallipoli to Kokoda, the Somme to Tobruk, Beersheba to Borneo. And wherever and whenever it was heard, with no exceptions, Australian stretcher-bearers believed they must respond to it.” Cambridge University Press website.

 

THE NEWS OF GEORGE CHALLIS’ DEATH REACHES CLEVELAND

 

 

Source: ‘Daily Telegraph’ September 2^nd 1916. Page: 1

 

 

“His death was deeply felt in Tasmania. Profound grief gripped the Cleveland community. Many homes in these districts retained a photo of Challis on a wall or mantelpiece for years.” Source: ‘The Age’ August 24^th 2012.

 

The news that George had died at Armentieres (some newspapers stated at Fromelles) shattered the town of Cleveland and beyond.  Talk of his death dominated conversations; and it wasn’t just the members of the Carlton Football Club who lamented the loss of George Challis. Insightful sports men and women tacitly understood that George was but one of many young Australian athletes who could soon perish on the ‘Death Bed’ (i.e. The title of Siegfried Sassoon’s chilling poem from 1917 regarding death on the battlefield).

 

THERE IS NO GRIEF LIKE THE GRIEF THAT DOES NOT SPEAK.

 

The news regarding George’s demise was just the ‘tip of a gigantic iceberg.’ Death was at ‘every turn’ and all families dreaded hearing the updated postings from the front and the newspapers were ‘virtually full of bereavement notices of the fallen.’

 

Between March 1916 and November 1918, 460,000 Australians died in action and 130,000 soldiers were wounded.  Furthermore, 30,000 soldiers, who died on the Western Front, had no known grave…

 

 “Every day was filled with loathing, horror and distress. I deplored all the time the loss of precious life.”  Source: Sir John Monash from ‘The Inner Monash’ -Written by Dr Peter Pedersen for the AWM.

 

The above statistics are mind-boggling which makes one think that our nation has never really come to grips with what actually happened in France-Belgium in those years of war.  Perhaps the toll is just too frightful to dwell upon and far too painful to talk about… Henry Wadsworth Longfellow once wrote… “There is no grief like the grief that does not speak.”

 

CONCLUSION – GEORGE CHALLIS RESTS AT FLEURBAIX IN FRANCE

 

George Challis rests at the Rue-Petillon Military Cemetery in Fleurbaix, France. According to Carlton FC historian, Tony De Bolfo, the Challis family chose the inscription: ‘tho’ death divide, fond memories cling’ for etching upon his gravestone.

 

George Challis’ name can also be found at Panel 165 in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial; and his memory will live on in apt ways at Carlton FC, Launceston High School, Launceston Football Club, the township of Cleveland and in enlightening articles penned by journalists /historians (see below).

 

WORLD WAR:1 LOSSES AT CARLTON

 

The Carlton CF website states that 91 Carlton players served in World War: I; and George Challis was one of twelve CFC footballers who died in battle or as a   consequence of such. The others were:

 

Harry Daniel (France-1918), Dave Gillespie (Died of wounds at the Caulfield Hospital in March 1917), Albert Gourley (Died in a military hospital in England in August 1917), Fen MacDonald (Gallipoli-April 1915), Stan McKenzie (Alexandria-December 1915), Charlie Oliver (Died while on military duty in Melbourne-December 1917), Jim Pender (Bois Grenier in France-July 1916), Bill Rogers (Rouen in France-September 1918) and Alf Williamson (Bullecourt in France-April 1917).

 

Another former Carlton footballer, Alby Paterson, who played one game for the Blues in 1897, died in 1920 as a result of being gassed   while serving on the Western Front.

 

LAUNCESTON PLAYERS WHO ENLISTED FOR MILITARY SERVICE In THE GREAT WAR

 

 

Ivor Stephen Margetts who died at the Battle of Pozieres in 1916. Ivor was one of     more than 6000 Australians who died in that horrifying and blood-stained encounter. It is exasperating   that so few Australians have little or no idea of the huge price paid by our country at Fromelles and Pozieres.  Source: AWM -Reference; H2580

 

Cautionary note: The following list was found in only one source (‘The Examiner’ April 24^th 1934. Page: 3) and it may not be exhaustive. Furthermore, inaccuracies in initials of players and the spelling of family names are possible.  My sincere apologies for any errors in this important aspect of the history of Launceston FC.

 

The following Launceston footballers enlisted for service in World War: 1: –

 

S, Mills, J. Tumulty, E.M. Airey, G.Challis. S.M. McKenzie, G.W. Clare. W.T.Condor, F. Fairthorne, L.P. Hay, A.A. Evans, A.D.  Tynan, H.M.D. Thomson, I.Margetts, L.A. Foley, Thomas, L. Partridge, E.V. Valentine, H. Browne, A,G, Hinman, H.H. Howard, G.W. Martin, C. Moore, J. Flanagan, P. Vaughn, L. ‘Doc’ Holmes, R.F. Southam and A.J. McKenzie.

 

The following Launceston footballers, from the above group, paid the supreme sacrifice in the Great War:  Stan McKenzie (Alexandria-8^th May 1915), Arthur Hinman (Gallipoli-10^th May 1915), Louis Holmes (Gallipoli-23^rd June 1915), Ivo Margetts (Pozieres-24^th 1916) and George Challis (Armentieres-15^th July 1916).

 

Note: Although extremely difficult to verify, it is believed that Harry Thomson, who played for Launceston prior to enlisting, died from severe disabilities as a result of war injuries, sometime after the cessation of hostilities.

 

Source: ‘The Herald’ September 2^nd 1916 Page:4

 

 

There is nothing one can add to the informative articles /tributes regarding George Challis that have been written by such well-known journalists as Tony De Bolfo, Ross McMullin, Andrew Rule, Jim Main & David Allen, Barbara Cullen, Les Carlyon, the historians at the Launceston Football Club and the Fromelles Association of Australia.

 

All have, in their individual/various ways and best styles, brought the life and death of the humble and earnest champion from Cleveland into the public domain for future generations to appreciate.  They should be complimented  for their care of detail and, above all, their collective deference regarding the death George Challis.

 

While this article for ‘Footy Almanac’ has been written for younger readers, it is hoped that all might pause to consider the monumental   and brave decision that George Challis made in following his conscience and enlisting to serve in a war that was dubbed ‘the war to end all wars.’    Sadly, it was not; and mankind has been slow to learn the bitter lessons of the global catastrophe of 1914-1918. George Challis died in circumstances that tested the most experienced and hardened military campaigner (i.e.  as Brigadier General H.E. Elliott).

 

In closing, one of the Allies finest soldiers and generals (later to become President of the USA) in the Second World War, Dwight D. Eisenhower, understood the unparalleled calamity of war better than most…

 

 

CONCLUSION-GENERAL DWIGHT EISENHOWER SAYS IT BEST

 

“I hate war as only a soldier who has lived it can, only as one who has seen its brutality, its futility, its stupidity.”  Dwight Eisenhower (1890-1969)

 

THE END

 

This ANZAC  Day tribute was written for ‘Footy Almanac’ by Roger Spaull in April 2026.

 

 

More Football tributes by Roger Spaull can be read Here. 

 

 

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