Almanac Footy History: Alf Hedge – The Bloods’ Braveheart

 

Roger Spaull is one of the Almanac’s most loved writers. He brings to life great characters, usually sporting characters, of days gone by.  His ANZAC Day story this year is of pilot and footballer Alf Hedge who grew up in the south-east suburbs of Melbourne and was recruited to South Melbourne.

Such is the breadth and depth of Roger’s research and writing, we originally published the story of Alf in three parts. This is a compilation of the three parts, so you can read the entire story in this single place.

 

 

ALF HEDGE 

THE BLOODS’ BRAVEHEART 

 

 

 

ALF HEDGE 1917-1942 

 

INTRODUCTION 

Some years ago Lyn Wallace (Owen), a friend of ours for many years, mentioned  that her Mother’s first husband, Alf Hedge, had played football with South  Melbourne in the 1930s. Lyn’s statement created immediate interest; and in  the subsequent conversation, Lyn mentioned that Alf had died in action during  a bombing raid over Germany in World War II.

Alf Hedge is another ‘forgotten’ VFL footballer who made the supreme sacrifice  for his country in a theatre of war; and this article has been prepared for ‘Footy Almanac’ to mark ANZAC Day 2025 and also as a memento for the Owen/Wallace family.

Alf’s family was one of thousands shattered impacted by the death of ‘kinfolk  in uniform. ’ Hopefully, the article does justice to Alf’s life, his service to his  country and acts as a further reminder of the frightful toll of warfare.

 

EARLY DAYS AT SANDRINGHAM  

Alfred William Hedge, born at Northcote on October 29th 1917, was one of  three children born to William and Ethel Hedge. While the arrival of Alf  brought immense joy to the Hedge family, October 1917 was a grim month in  the lives of many Australians families. It was at the height of the horrendous  Second Battle of Passchendaele (Ypres Salient) on the Western Front where Australian casualties were said to be at approx. 38,000.

On the very day that Alf was born ‘The Argus’ newspaper carried the following  headline…

 

 

On the day that Alf Hedge was born, the grim news broke regarding the role that  Australian infantry was playing at the Battle of Passchendaele. The Britannica  Encyclopaedia described Passchendaele as “a battle that served as a vivid symbol of the  mud, madness, and senseless slaughter …” 

Alf attended the Sandringham State School and later transferred to Hampton Higher Elementary School. Hampton HES is rather famous for many things  including the fact that 1967 Brownlow Medallist, Ross Smith, was a former  pupil along with several other sporting champions and dignitaries such as Bob  Shearer, Shane Warne, Brian Stewart Murray (Governor of Victoria 1982-85)  and former Victorian fast bowler Jack Daniel.

The motto of Hampton Higher Elementary School was: ‘Aim for the highest’ which will take on a new meaning later in this article.

 

Hampton High School 

 

ALF WORKS FOR THE FAMOUS ARCHIE CROFT  

Alf completed his Intermediate Certificate and his first job appears to have  been with Crofts Stores. Archibald (aka Archie) Croft is often mentioned in the  history of South Melbourne Football Club as he was a major sponsor and office bearer of the club. Archie’s first store was in South Melbourne in 1905 but, in  time, he maintained a chain of thriving outlets across Victoria. One source said that Archie owned 137 shops.

Archie was President of South Melbourne FC from 1933-37 which was the first  ‘Golden Age’ of the Bloods. With such an entrepreneurial character as Archie  at the club’s helm, South Melbourne flourished ‘on and off the ground’…

“ As President, Crofts had the financial resources to help attract star Australian  rules footballers to South Melbourne, paying them the maximum £3.00 per  match allowed under the VFL’s Coulter Law and employing many of them in his  business.[6] In all, between 1931 and 1934 South Melbourne recruited 11  players, including seven from Western Australia.” Source: Wikipedia. 

 

On the right is a caricature of Alf Hedge’s first employer the famous Archie Croft; and on  the left the Croft Store at 395 Centre Road, Bentleigh. Sources: Australian Football  website & the Victorian Collections series.  

Archie later entered local and state politics with considerable success; and  later in his life he sponsored a popular variety show on Radio 3XY.

The fact that Alf Hedge was an employee of Archie Croft may have been a  significant factor in Alf’s decision to sign with South Melbourne FC

 

ALF HEDGE PLAYS WITH SANDRINGHAM AMATEURS  

Alf a keen young sportsman; and he first came under the notice of perceptive  observers when he played with Sandringham Amateurs in April 1935. From  what can be discovered, Sandringham Amateurs FC was affiliated with the ‘C’  Section of the VAFA in 1935. Other teams in that division included: Glenhuntly,  Ivanhoe, University High School Old Boys, South Caulfield, Old Xaverians,  Kingsville and Melbourne High School Old Boys.

The published line up, for the clash against Ivanhoe in June 1935 (as shown  below) indicated that Alf Hedge was selected on the half forward flank.  Readers will notice that the rover was named ‘Cartwright’ It is highly probable  that it refers to Gilbert Edwin Cartwright (see below). Furthermore ‘Harper’, as named in the back pocket may have been one of the renowned Harper  brothers ( Roy or Bruce) of that era in Sandringham football.

 

Alf Hedge is named in the line-up against Ivanhoe. This clipping was found in ‘The Age’ (June 1st 1935; page: 10). Apologies for the poor quality of the image.  

 

The above photograph is Gilbert Cartwright who was a team mate of Alf Hedge in 1935.  Gilbert, who played 7 games with Hawthorn in 1938. Gilbert made an impressive start to  his short VFL career when he kicked five goals against Melbourne at the MCG in Round: 2  that year. According to the available records, Gilbert played 62 VFA games for  Sandringham (1936-1941) and booted 96 goals. He also represented the VFA on one  occasion. Photograph source: ‘The Age’ May 18th 1938.Page: 23 

 

In the match against University Old Boys in July that year, Alf Hedge starred  with three goals and was listed in the team’s best players.

Alf was again mentioned in the match report against Caulfield. It seems that  that Alf had impressed club officials with his style of play and his enthusiasm because that season he won a club the Best First Year Player award as shown.

 

 

 

ALF HEDGE WAS A ‘WANTED MAN’ 

Football recruiting was (and still is) a highly ‘competitive race’ and process; and it appeared that Alf was a much ‘wanted man’ in football circles. An interesting  but little known fact, regarding Alf’s playing history, was that he was listed  with Sandringham (VFA) and also with South Melbourne (VFL ) in the lead-up  to the opening round (s) that season.

In those days, it was not uncommon for some players to be listed with more  than one club as the administration of permits /clearances procedures was  markedly different to that which operates in modern football.

However, Alf’s ‘dual listing’ indicated that he was recognized as a player of  promise in the uppermost ranks of Victorian football.

 

 

 

Alf also listed with South Melbourne in 1937. Source: ‘The Argus’ April 19th 1937. Page: 14.  THE 1937 LIST AT SOUTH MELBOURNE – HACKER, MAHER AND MURRAY  

 

As shown above, Alf Hedge was listed with South Melbourne in April 1937. The  ‘new players’ was/were an interesting group to research. For example, Jack  Hacker was recruited from Oakland’s in NSW, Jim Maher from the small rural  township of Trafalgar and Dan Murray had an intriguing background.

Dan Murray was a well-known VFL/VFA personality long before he was listed  by South Melbourne in 1937. He had played with Fitzroy and Prahran but, as history shows, he never wore the Bloods’ guernsey.

 

 

On the left Jack Hacker as shown on the Hoadley’s League Footballers swap cards series,  and on the right Dan Murray as printed in the Border Morning Mail in April 1948. 

 

VFA records indicate that Dan returned to Prahran in 1937-38 and played a  further 16 games. Dan Murray returned to Fitzroy in 1938 and was a member  of Fitzroy’s 1944 premiership team.

Dan is the father of the former Fitzroy champion, Kevin Joseph Murray, who  won the Brownlow Medal in 1969 and was awarded an MBE in 1974.

 

ALF HEDGE MEETS A GALAXY OF STARS AT THE LAKE OVAL  

Alf was a teenager when his name was announced among the ‘New Players’ at  South Melbourne in April 1937. Alf would have been ‘tickled pink’ to be  surrounded by a galaxy of VFL stars such as Jim Cleary, Herb Matthews, Len  Thomas, Bob Pratt, Ron Hills , Bill Faul, Austin Robertson and the legendary  Laurie Nash.

Laurie was elected captain of SMFC that season and Brighton Diggins, the  former champion of Subiaco FC, took on the role of deputy. Brighton was part  of South Melbourne’s illustrious ‘Foreign Legion’ recruits who joined South  Melbourne in the early 1930’s.

 

Source: ‘The Age’ April 14th 1937.Page: 20 

 

ROY CAZALY TAKES OVER FROM JACK BISSETT  

To add to the above list of luminaries, Alf’s coach at South Melbourne that year  was none other than the famed Roy Cazaly. Roy had first coached South  Melbourne in 1922 (win-loss ratio of 28%); and 15 years later was again  appointed to ‘take the reins’ when Jack Bissett stepped down.

Jack Bissett had an envious coaching record at VFL level having led the Bloods  to four Grand Finals which included a famous premiership in 1933. In the  period 1933-36, Jack had coached South in 80 games (63 wins-78.75% win-loss  ratio) but had retired following the loss to Collingwood in the 1936 Grand  Final. Jack was appointed coach of Port Melbourne in 1937; and in 1938 left  the ‘big smoke’ and coached Rainbow Football Club (Southern Mallee FL).

Roy Cazaly was 44 years of age when he resumed coaching at South  Melbourne in 1937. His amazing VFL career (1911-1927) included 198 VFL  games 167 goals; and a list of honours that would eventually see him be  awarded AFL Legendary Status in 1996. Such was his influence in the game that  the cry of ‘Up There Cazaly’ has become a well-established part of Australian  football lexicon.

 

Sources: ‘The Hobart Mercury February 11th 1937; and on the right, a rare photograph of Roy Cazaly, which was found in the Australian Dictionary of Biography.  

 

ALF WINS HIS SPURS AT SOUTH MELBOURNE  

Alf was granted a permit to play with South Melbourne in April 1937; and was  selected to play for the Seconds against Geelong in May. Unfortunately, it was  difficult to ascertain how Alf performed in that game but he must have made  an impression, in the early rounds of that season, as he was selected in the  South Melbourne Senior XVIII for the Round : 5 clash against Fitzroy at the  Brunswick Street Oval (i.e. May 22nd 1937).

 

Source: ‘The Herald’ May 21st 1937. Page: 21  

 

Alf was the only teenager in his team (19 years and 205 days of age) when he  made his VFL debut. Jack Hacker (see above) also played his first VFL match  that day.

While Alf was the youngest in South’s line-up, Maurie Johnson, who had  crossed from Carlton to SMFC in 1936, was the team’s oldest player (30 years of age).

 

SOUTH MELBOURNE’S POOR CONVERSION PROVES COSTLY  

An estimated crowd of 14,000 packed into the Brunswick Street Oval; and Alf  Hedge, who was selected in the forward pocket (i.e. next to the illustrious Bob  Pratt), may have a felt the ‘butterflies in his stomach’ as he ran down the race  and onto that famous football ground.

 

The old grandstand at the Brunswick Street Oval where Alf Hedge made his VFL debut for  South Melbourne in Round: 5 1937. The original grandstand was built in 188 Source:  ‘Herald Sun’ Newspaper; original source of this image was not given.  

 

An interesting historical aspect of Alf’s VFL debut was that the Fitzroy team  wore black arm bands as a mark of respect to their former champion  spearhead, Jimmy Freake. Jimmy, who had passed away on May 19th, played  174 games with Fitzroy from 1912-1924 and kicked 442 goals.

The match review referred to the wet conditions and South Melbourne’s poor skills. The fact that South could only manage one goal, in the first half of the game, was a major factor in the team’s downfall that day. According to Bryan  Cosgrave of ‘The Sporting Globe’, South appeared to lack system and could not  match Fitzroy’s ball handling and kicking skills…

“South appeared a disorganised side at Fitzroy today, and, though the greasy  conditions were against concerted effort, they lacked the balance to counter the dashing and confident Maroons. With the hall travelling between the  defence lines there was little spectacular football in a hard fought game.  Fitzroy’s surer handling of the ball and intelligence when kicking with the  breeze was supported by an unusually effective defence.” Source: ‘The Sporting  Globe’ May 22nd 1937. Page: 3 

The final scores were: Fitzroy 11.16 (82) defeated South Melbourne 7.18 (60).

South’s best players were listed as: Ron Hillis, Jim Cleary, John Austin, Herb  Matthews, Jack Graham, Bob Pratt and Laurie Leask. Maurie Johnson and  Laurie Leask both kicked two goals.

The brilliant Haydn Bunton led the charge for Fitzroy and drilled three of his  team’s eleven goals that day. Former Melbourne forward Audley Gillespie Jones kicked three goals; and Maurie Hearn, who had played for South  Melbourne before crossing to Fitzroy in 1934, chipped in with two goals  against his former team.

Alf Hedge and Jack Hacker received warm praise for their first-up efforts; and both players were seen to be hopeful prospects for the Bloods. Alf received  accolades for his fine disposal and endeavour in a tough outing.

 

Source: The ‘Emerald Hill Record’ May 29th 1937. Page: 4 

 

1937 – A SOLID GROUNDING FOR ALF HEDGE  

Alf played five Senior XVIII games for South in 1937. It had been a testing  season for young Alf and his team-mates because South Melbourne because  after being regarded as a powerhouse in VFL football had ‘hit the wall’ and  finished ninth on the VFL Ladder ( with six wins and a tie against Richmond in  Round: 3).

It was the first time since 1931 that South Melbourne had not played finals;  and the fall from Runners-up in 1936 to ninth in just twelve months was dramatic to say the least. The club’s downward spiral after 1936 was described  in one authoritative text as …” the beginning of a long dark period for the  Swans” Source: ‘The Clubs’ Page: 350.

The reason(s) for any sporting club’s plunge from the top bracket can often be  obscure and intangible but possibly four factors may explain South  Melbourne’s sudden nose dive in that era…

1.  The departure experienced players.
2.  The retirement of Jack Bissett as the club coach in 1936.
3.  The failure of the club leadership to carry out targeted recruiting
4.  The lack of a succession plan to cover the losses of former key players.

However, 1937 was not without a highlight as Herb Matthews (23 votes) was  Runner-up to Essendon’s Dick Reynolds (27 votes) in the Brownlow Medal.  Herb also won the club’s Best & Fairest trophy and Laurie Nash won the club’s  goal kicking award with 37 goals.

 

Two of Al Hedge’s team-mates at South Melbourne . On the left Herb Matthews and on  the right Bob Pratt. Both Herb and Bob were selected in the Swans’ Team of the Century .  Jack Bissett (as mentioned above) was named as Coach of that team. Source: The original  source (s) of these photographs were not given.  

 

The club’s heroic forward, Bob Pratt (shown above) was badly injured and  kicked only 12 goals in his six games in 1937. Added to that woe, was the fact  that Bob was involved in an acrimonious dispute with officials over matters of  remuneration.

 

1938 ALF HEDGE CONSOLIDATES HIS POSITION AT THE LAKE OVAL  

The biggest news at South Melbourne in the lead up to the opening round was  that Laurie Nash had accepted an ‘offer too good to refuse’ and had crossed  to VFA club Camberwell. Laurie’s departure left a ‘crater’ at the Lake Oval and,  of course, the announcement broke the hearts of all supporters.

 

Source: Burnie Advocate April 1st 1938. Page: 5 

 

However, the unhappy story did not end there because other players to leave  South in 1938 included: Brighton Diggins (Carlton), Ron Hillis (retired), Terry  Brain (Camberwell), Alan Welch ( North Melbourne), Maurie Johnson (Launceston) and Laurie Leask. History would show that such skill and  experience could not be replaced in a hurry; and South’s new recruits would  shoulder a heavy load for ‘those so young.’

Optimism is the light that lifts all teams in dark times; and, despite the thinning  of the ranks, it was hoped that Bloods could recapture the ‘lost form’ of 1936. In the fullness of time that would prove a futile quest as 1938 was to become  a season to ‘try and forget’ for the club’s devotees.

 

ALF HEDGE GETS A ROVING COMMISSION  

1938 started out in upbeat fashion for Alf Hedge and he received a compliment in ‘The Age’ during pre-season training. When the Senior XVIII team was  announced for the opening clash, against Footscray, Alf was named as the first  rover. It was major move by the selectors and a sure sign that Alf’s progress  had been duly noted by the selectors. Alf’s hard work had delivered ‘just  rewards.’

What an honour it must have been for Alf Hedge to be named in South’s  following division with such proven VFL champions as Jack Graham and the  legendary Len Thomas.

 

Source: The Age April 18th 1938. Page: 16.

Source: The Age April 22nd 1938. Page: 16 

 

South Melbourne started slowly against the Tri-colours (as Footscray was then  known) but gradually gained the ascendancy. In a slashing last stanza, South dominated proceedings and kicked six goals to claim an impressive victory  over Footscray by 29 points. Alf Hedge kicked two goals that day; and was praised for his ‘scouting’ (i.e. roving-see below) around the packs.

South Melbourne’s best players were listed as: Len Thomas, Herb Matthews,  Rex Ritchie, Jack Hacker, Arthur ‘Sandy’ Patterson, Owen Evans and Roy  Moore. The goal kickers for South Melbourne were: Thomas 4, Evans 3,  Hedge 2, Moore 2, Jack Graham, Patterson and Ritchie.

 

Alf Hodge is mentioned in the match review for his effort against Footscray at the Lake  Oval in Round: 1. Source: ‘The Age’ April 25th 1938. Page: 15. 

 

After a lengthy search, a photograph (see below) of Alf was finally unearthed. It is a scene from the Round: 1 clash against Footscray and is a rare  photograph of Alf Hedge in action. The image shows one of Footscray’s  ‘favourite sons’ Arthur Olliver displaying his superlative aerial skills.

Alf (No: 5 ) is at the back of the pack while the South Melbourne player at the  front is John (aka Jack ) Austin who played 140 games and starred in the 1933  premiership victory. The other Footscray player in the pack (i.e. with the  partially hidden *8 jumper) could have been either Jim Thoms or Alf Sampson.

Caption text: “OLLIVER, Footscray’s full forward, reaches one handed for the ball over the  outstretched hands of a team mate and two South Melbourne opponents, Austin and  Hedge-an incident of the game at South Melbourne.” Source: The Herald April 23rd 1938. Page: 32. 

 

The action shot ( below) of Alf Hedge was published in Jim Main and David  Allen’s remarkable book entitled ‘Fallen-The Ultimate Heroes.’ Unfortunately,  there were no details of the game or acknowledgement of the source of the  image. Alf Hedge is shown on the right of the photo waiting for the ‘crumbs’ as  Jack Austin (3) contests an overhead mark. The match seems to be against  Melbourne at the MCG.

The player wearing number seven is probably Hugh Murnane who played 52  games with the Demons (1937-40). Hugh became a highly respected and  successful coach in Gippsland and received the honour of being named as  Sale’s Coach of the Century.

 

 

THE WHEELS FALL OFF AT SOUTH MELBOURNE. 

Roy Cazaly must have been shattered by the disappointing performances of  his team during 1938. The Bloods won two games and lost sixteen; and ended  the season with a lowly percentage of just 71.8%. Those wins were against  Footscray in Round: 1 ( see above) and Essendon in Round 16. On that day, Bob  Pratt kicked 5 goals and led the team to an exciting five point victory at the Lake Oval .

One of the most demoralizing defeats which would have really dismayed South’s loyal band of followers was the loss to Hawthorn in Round 17.  Hawthorn sat eleventh on the table but whipped South by 43 points.

 

Source: The Age August 22nd 1938. Page: 16. 

 

Alf Hedge kicked two behinds that day and was mentioned in the South’s best  players along with Len Thomas, Bob Pratt, Jim Cleary, Jack Graham, Syd Tims  and an amazing sportsman named Owen Evans (see below).

As the headline said , it was an easy win for Hawthorn; and, although there is  no proof of this idea, the result probably ‘put paid’ to Roy Cazaly’s time as the  coach of South Melbourne.

In the period 1937-38, Roy coached SMFC in 36 games and won only eight  games. Readers can imagine the tumult and ‘white noise’ that would be heard  if any modern-day coach had such a low win-loss ratio ( 22.2%).

 

THE 1938 SOUTH MELBOURNE TEAM PHOTOGRAPH  

The image ( below) was originally a souvenir/ keepsake photograph sponsored  by ‘The Leader’ newspaper in 1938. Alf Hedge can be seen fourth from the  right in the front row.

On Alf’s right is Herb Matthews and on the left is Jack Alban Quinn who  also played for Richmond and Melbourne. Jack Quinn was recruited to South  Melbourne from the Melbourne Boys League; and the highlight of his career  was his selection as Richmond’s first rover in the 1940 Grand Final.

 

 

Another player in the front row is Kevin Owen Evans ( aka as ‘KO’ Evans). Owen was recruited to South Melbourne in 1935 and amassed VFL 64 games  before he departed for Coburg (VFA). During his time at South Melbourne,  Owen kicked 95 goals including a ‘bag’ of eight against Hawthorn at the Lake  Oval in 1940. Owen was a superb athlete and had competed in the high jump  event at the 1934 Empire School Sports. On that day,Owen tied with Canadian  Richard Jansen with a height of 5ft. 11 inches (i.e. approx. 1.80 metres).

The above photo also shows some of the VFL champions of that era such as  Jim Cleary, Bill Faul ( ex-Subiaco), Len Thomas and Jack Graham.

 

ALF HEDGE PLAYS HIS LAST SENIOR VFL GAME 

Alf Hedge played his last VFL game against Geelong at the Lake Oval in Round:  18, 1938. It was his 16th senior game and he was 20 years of age.

Alf was one of three twenty-year olds selected by South that day; the others  being Jack Quinn ( see above) and Reg Coyle, a local youngster from South  Melbourne City FC. The South Melbourne line-up against Geelong was as  shown below. Alf was named as the first rover.

 

Source: The Emerald Hill Record August 27th 1938. Page: 1 

 

Readers will notice that George Collard (ex- Sandhurst and Carlton) formed  part of a capable South Melbourne attack which also included Bob Pratt , Jack  Graham and Owen Evans.

Norm Matthews, who was selected on the wing that day was Herb’s brother;  and had been cleared from Melbourne that season. Norm would go on to play  28 games with South Melbourne. In later years, he opted to return for another  stint at Melbourne and also played with two VFA clubs ( Preston and Port  Melbourne).

 

Source: The Emerald Hill Record September 3rd 1938. Page: 4 

 

While Geelong won the game by seven goals, the main talking point in the  ‘wash-up’ was Bob Pratt’s stunning nine goal haul at full forward. ‘The Emerald  Hill Record’ was glowing in its praise of Bob’s solo performance against Geelong’s tough defence. It was a definitive exhibition and again served as a  reminder of how important Bob was to the success of the South Melbourne  team.

Bob played only 7 games in 1938 and kicked 32 goals at an average of 4.57  goals per game. At the end of that season, Bob had amassed 141 VFL games  and booted 607 goals.

Alf Hedge was mentioned briefly in the match review (see above). He had  ‘done well ‘ against Geelong’s gritty and experienced rover Tom Quinn ( who  was no relation to the Alf’s team-mate Jack- see above)

 

THE END OF A WRETCHED SEASON  

There was little for Roy Cazaly and the team to celebrate that evening ; and  more than likely, South’s post-game changing room after such a pummelling  would have been as quiet as the ‘town library.’ In his heart, Roy would have  known that it was time to ‘step back and pass the baton’ to another aspirant.  It is very true that insightful and caring coaches of any sporting team…

‘Know when to lead and when to step aside .” ( Alan Seale 2018). 

Some readers who have played football may appreciate the hollow feeling  that envelops his/her team when they win the ‘Wooden Spoon’; and, as Alf  Hedge and his team-mates packed their kit bags for the last time that season,  there may/would have been mixed emotions…

• Relief that the gruelling season had come to end.
• A collective hope that things at the Lake Oval would be better in  1939.

 

 

LEN THOMAS WINS THE CLUB TROPHY IN 1938.  

Len Thomas on the left (MacRobertson’s 1934 swap card series); and caricatures of Len  and Bill Faul as published in ‘The Emerald Hill Record’ September 3rd 1938. Page: 1  

Len Thomas won the club’s Best & Fairest trophy in 1938; and he also claimed  the local newspaper award ( i.e. ‘The Emerald Hill Record’) award with 35 votes  from Bill Faul ( 21 votes), Jack Graham ( 13 votes) and Jim Cleary ( 11 votes). Alf  Hedge polled 3 votes in that prestigious local media award.

Carlton took out the premiership honours with a fifteen point victory over  Collingwood; and, with that triumph, one the Blues’ finest forwards, Harry  ‘Soapy’ Vallence, announced his retirement from VFL ranks . Harry played 204 VFL games with Carlton ( 1926-38 ) and had booted 722 goals.

In other VFL news, Dick Reynolds won his third Brownlow Medal in 1938  with 18 votes; and arguably the most under-rated footballer, in the history  of Hawthorn Football Club, Stan Spinks , was runner-up with 17 votes. South  Melbourne players to poll well in the count were: Jack Graham (11 votes) Len  Thomas ( 10 votes) and Bill Faul recorded seven votes.

 

 

This is Part 2 of Roger Spaull’s three-part series on Alf Hedge. Part 3 will follow tomorrow (Thursday, April 24).

 

 

 

1939 – ALF HEDGE LEAVES SOUTH MELBOURNE  

Herb Matthews took over at coach of South Melbourne but Alf Hedge’s time  at the Lake Oval had come to an abrupt halt. It is difficult to say precisely why  Alf left South Melbourne in 1939 because he had trained at Lake Oval during  the pre-season sessions; ( and was actually listed with club as shown below).

 

Source: ‘Sun News Pictorial’ April 3rd 1939. Page: 36. 

 

The two extracts below, from April 1939, reveal a curious question regarding  Alf’s football career with the Southerners.

 

Sources: ‘The Age’ and ‘The Emerald Hill Recorder’ April 15th 1939 Page: 4  

 

For some reason, Alf had applied for a clearance to Sandringham (VFA) and,  as can be seen, the SMFC Committee deferred the decision. In football, such  deferrals often meant that discussions and negotiations were required in the hope  that the two parties in dispute have an the opportunity to resolve any  issues.

Another reason to defer a player’s clearance is to delay the process and allow  time for the player ( in this case Alf Hedge) to change his mind and stay on at  the club (in this case South Melbourne). In Alf’s situation the club’s tactic/ploy  failed.

 

THE MYSTERY OF 1939  

Jim Main wrote that because of Alf’s employment obligations, Alf signed with  Brighton in 1939…

“However, work commitments outside the South Melbourne area made it  difficult for Hedge to attend training so he joined VFA club Brighton in 1939…”  Source: ‘Fallen’ by Main and Allen. Page: 161. 

It was difficult to unearth any evidence that Alf actually took the field with the  Brighton Senior XVIII in that season. The Brighton list in 1939 included: Alan Hender, Bruce Hone, Les Harvey, Cyril Hindson, Tom Hallahan and Ron Hall but  the name ‘Hedge’ proved most elusive.

However, that is not to say that Alf did not play and/or train with Brighton. In fact, it is plausible as Alf had been played cricket with Brighton in 1934 (25 wickets @ 17.4 runs apiece). Perhaps Alf was persuaded, by his friends at Brighton to train with the Penguins (as Brighton was then called…see the  badge below).

 

Source: The Australian Sports Museum

 

Another explanation may be that Alf Hedge actually played with St Andrews Brighton or Brighton Tech Old Boys (both clubs were affiliated with the VAFA).  In researching football history, it seems best to keep an open mind regarding  players’ transfers/clearances to other clubs. Many a ‘secretarial slip’,  transcription error and administrative blunder occurred in those days of ‘pencil  and carbon copy’ paperwork.

 

ALF IS CLEARED TO SANDRINGHAM IN 1940.  

Whatever occurred in 1939 is unclear but Alf Hedge was cleared from South  Melbourne to Sandringham in April 1940. The fact that his ‘home club’ was  listed as South Melbourne ( see below) adds some weight to the suggestion  that Alf may not have played for Brighton (VFA) in 1939.

 

Source: ‘The Argus’ April 20th 1940. Page: 14. 

 

In 1940, former Collingwood star defender Henry David (aka Leo) Westcott  coached the Zebras. Leo had played in two Collingwood premiership teams (1927 and 1929) and had won the Most Consistent Player award in 1922. Leo  was a traveller in Australian Rules football and had coaching stints at Longford  (Tasmania), Kyneton (Bendigo FL) and Prahran (VFA) before being appointed to  Sandringham FC in 1940.

Note: Leo Westcott was presented with Collingwood Life Membership in 2003.

Some of Alf’s teammates at Sandringham FC included: Ernie McIntyre (ex-St  Kilda and Collingwood), Rex Saunders, Stan Tormey (later St Kilda), Jack Allister  (ex-Essendon and North Melbourne), Mick Stapleton, Jack ‘Bluey Miller and  Charlie Pettionia who had played with Alf at South Melbourne in 1937.

 

Two of the well-known personalities who Alf Hedge met at Sandringham FC in 1940. On  the left Ernie McIntyre (Source: Kornies Swap card series 1948); and on the right is Leo  Westcott

( Source: ‘Weekly Times’ May 29th 1932. Page: 64. 

 

Alf Hedge was still a ‘comparative youngster’ (22 years of age) when he played  his first game for Sandringham against Brighton at Elsternwick on 20th April. A  crowd of 10,000 watched a powerful Brighton outfit demolish Sandringham by 47 points

Alf played 12 games for Sandringham and kicked 5 goals in 1940. One of his  best performances for the Zebra was against Northcote…

 

Source: ‘The Age’ May 13th 1940. Page 6 

 

Alf played mainly on the wing at Sandringham but in Round 10 (against  Brunswick) he started at full forward (see below). In Round 12, Alf was  selected in the back pocket and he gave an outstanding exhibition and was  named as the best player for Sandringham (i.e. ‘The Sporting Globe’s review).

Alf’s final game in VFA ranks was against Brighton on July 6th 1940 at the  Sandringham Oval. He went out on a bright personal note with high praise for  his marking in defence.

 

Source: ‘The Sporting Globe’ July 6th 1940. Page: 4. 

 

AS DARK WAR CLOUDS GATHER  

Sandringham finished on the bottom of the VFA Ladder in 1940 with one win and 19 loses. The following article, as discovered in ‘The Sun News Pictorial’ (June 24th 1940. Page 14), provides an edifying insight into the plight of the  club during that season of ‘hard labour and low returns.’ Alf Hedge, Leo Westcott and Charlie Pettiona were cited in the article.

“The influence of war upon football became apparent for the first time when  Sandringham was hard pressed to field a team against Brunswick…”  

 

 

ALF ENLISTS IN THE RAAF FOR WARTIME SERVICE 

Alf Hedge enlisted for duty in the RAAF on 18th September 1940 and, while most football fans were talking about impending VFL Preliminary Final clash  between Melbourne and Essendon, Alf had other things on his mind such as ‘weighing up’ the pros and cons of becoming a pilot. The motto of Alf’s former school (Hampton HES-see above) seemed to be apt for the next chapter in his life story.

Alf’s induction and basic training was at Bradfield Park Training Base in NSW.  According to one source, more than 200,000 members of the RAAF and  WAAAF (i.e. Women’s Auxiliary Australian Air Force) undertook training at Bradfield Park during World War 2. 

 

RAAF training at Bradfield Park during World War: 11. Source: Australian War Memorial  archives (Reference: 008979).  

 

In order to win his ‘wings’ (i.e. become a pilot), Alf was required to complete  the next stage of pilot training at Narromine Elementary Flying School in NSW.  Narromine was an integral part of the Empire Training Scheme; and during those early lessons Alf learnt the art of flying in a Tiger Moth (see below).

“1940 Narrominee Aerodrome is handed over to the RAAF in July 1940 for the  establishment of No.5 Elementary Flying Training School. One of a dozen such  schools around Australia forming part of the Empire Air Training Scheme, the  school graduated 2,850 pilots during its four-year stay. Many would not return  from later overseas service.” Source: Narromine Aviation Museum website.

 

A picture of the Tiger Moth aeroplanes at Narromine Elementary Flying School which Alf  Hedge would have flown during his basic training. Source: Australian War Memorial. (Reference: P00150.008)  

 

JANUARY 1941 – ALF MARRIES GWYNNETH FOSTER  

In June 1940, Alf and Gwynneth Foster, from Ormond, announced their  engagement; and they were married at the Thomson Memorial Church,  Ormond, in January, 1941. Reverend John Chalinor officiated at that service  and one of Alf’s comrades Leading Aircraftman, C. Mc Lennan, was the best  man.

 

Gwen and Alf spent less than two weeks together, as a married couple, before Alf  ‘sets sail’  for the next stage of his training. Source: ‘For the Duration’ Page 103. 

 

 

 

ALF HEDGE IS BOUND FOR ENGLAND VIA CANADA  

 

Once Alf and his comrades had clocked/ recorded the required flying hours  (one text said 50 hours) at Narromine, his training unit then sailed aboard the  RMS Aorangi (troopship) to Canada to complete the next phase of their  training. Gwen wrote …” I watched sadly from the shores of Sydney harbour as  the Aorangi sailed away.” 

 

Alf Hedge (middle) in training in 1941.

Source: ‘For the Duration.’ Page: 21 

 

During his time in Canada, Alf was stationed at Royal Canadian Air Force  Station at Saskatoon.

 

This photograph was taken at Saskatoon Air Force Base in July 1941. Alf Hedge can be  seen in the third row and is fourth from the right. It is known, that of the above group of Graduate Pilots, twenty were listed as War Casualties. Source: Ibid. 

 

Another photograph which shows Alf and his friends at Saskatoon in 1941. Source: Ibid.  

 

It was then onto England where Alf commenced his Wellington bomber pilot  training in Oxfordshire (possibly but not confirmed at RAF Briz Norton) in July  1941. Sometime during October he was transferred to the 78th Squadron RAF  at RAF Croft Darlington ( which is about three hours, by steam train , from  London). One reliable text also stated that Alf also was based at Brighton  Airfield in Yorkshire for a short while.

The photograph below is of the 78 Squadron at the RAF Croft Darlington Base.  The group includes pilots, air crew, ground crew and other personnel who  were stationed at Darlington. Unfortunately, there was no date to be found in  relation to this rare photograph; and consequently, it is impossible to tell if Alf  Hedge is part of this training group.

 

Image description: A large group of airmen sitting and standing in four rows with wooden  huts in the background.

Source: The University of Lincoln Bomber Command Centre.  Reference: ’78 Squadron, Wing CO. Tait, Croft, Darlington’

(Identifier: P78Sqn1747)

 

To give ‘Footy Almanac’s younger readers some idea of the training that Alf  Hedge was required to undergo to become a proficient bomber pilot, here is a possible timeline…

• Initial Training School (8 weeks).
• Elementary Flying Training School (10 weeks).
• Service Flying Training School (16 weeks).
• Then having proven his proficiency and ‘won his wings ‘Alf was required  to complete a further 4-6 weeks at an Operational Training Unit.

 

BOMBING RAIDS INTO GERMANY  

Pilot officer Alf Hedge passed all the mandatory test and trials with ‘flying colours’ and received the distinction of being chosen to skipper a Halifax  bomber (as shown below).

 

The Halifax RAF four engine bomber as skippered by Pilot Officer Alf Hedge.

Source: RAF  website via Wikimediacommons. 

 

The timeline of Alf’s missions during 1942 is imprecise; and very few books/  references actually refer the extent of the strategic bombing of Hamburg  during the period January 1941 until April 1945. A lone source (and therefore  perhaps inaccurate) stated that Alf Hedge had flown 14 sorties/raids over  Germany.

Hamburg was heavily bombarded during World War: II, but the vast majority of  Australians would have no idea regarding the extent of barrage that the  beleaguered city endured. Over 16,000 tons of bombs fell on Hamburg…

“ Hamburg, Germany. 1945-04. From 1942-01 to 1945-04 the city sustained  seventeen main force air attacks by RAF Bomber Command, including some  RAAF squadrons. Over 16,000 tons of bombs were dropped, resulting in the  destruction of 75% of the built-up (target) area.” Source: AWM archives.  

 

ALF HEDGE DIES IN BATTLE ON MAY 4th 1942. 

In her remarkable compendium regarding footballers in wartime, ‘Harder than  Football,’ AFL historian, Barbara Cullen, described Alf’s final bombing operation over Hamburg.

Barbara wrote that the episode that resulted in Alf’s death occurred near  Sudergellersen, Luneburg in Northern Germany at 2.00am on May 4th 1942.  Although unstated in Barbara’s account, there is evidence to suggest that Alf’s ‘ultimate flight’ emanated from the air base at Croft…

“On the night of May 4th 1942, more than 80 aircraft were dispatched from  England, five of which would be lost in the operation. Hedge’s Halifax W 7662 aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire over a major industrial zone and spiralled out of control and he and his crew members , with the exception of the wounded and unconscious navigator, who on Hedge’s orders, had been  strapped into a parachute and pushed clear earlier, were unable to escape.” Source: Barbara Cullen ‘Harder Than Football’ Page: 81. 

Further research revealed that the airman who escaped death that night was Sergeant John Hanna. After parachuting from the plane, John was taken as a  Prisoner of War and held at Stalag Luft 3 in Lower Silesia. John later reported…

“The aircraft was hit during enemy action and Sgt Hewitson was wounded. I  heard the Captain tell PO Copeland to attend to the wounded man. Hewitson  was badly wounded in two places.  

Soon after one of the engines caught fire and the Captain gave the order to  adjust Hewitson’s chute and get him clear of the aircraft. Shortly the Captain  ordered abandon A/c (i.e. aircraft) which I did. I saw the aircraft crash and I  think I saw one of the wings come off, which may account for the others failing  to escape.” Source: Aviationsafety.net/ wikibase/203054. 

The crew members who died with Alf Hedge on that fateful mission were:

• 2nd Pilot: 1208196 Sgt. Dennis Waterman Drew.
• Flight Engineer: 182913 Sgt. Frederick Roberts Hipwell.
• Observer: 1180812 Sg. J Hewitson.
• Wireless Operator/Air Gunner: 1256600 Sgt. John Archibald Lloyd.
• Air Gunner: 406548 Pilot Officer: Gerald Ware Copeland RAAF.

 

NEWS OF ALF HEDGE’ S DEATH REACHES HOME 

There is no doubt that when the Halifax W7662 failed to touch down in  England, grave fears were held for the crew. However, in such cases, hopes  were that the plane had ‘limped’ to safety somewhere and/or the crew had  bailed out and were alive and well.

It is hard to imagine the anxiety and strain that Gwen and the Hedge family  must have felt but, by late October, it was presumed that Alf had perished.  The notice below was published five months after his Halifax went down.

 

Source: ‘The Argus’ October 31st 1942. Page: 2

 

In March 1943, ‘The Age’ carried a photograph of Alf in its ‘Roll of Honour’ columns. It simply read: “Sgt. A.W. Hedge, Sandringham. Missing (presumed  dead).”

 

Source: ‘The Age’ March 31st 1943. Page: 5 

 

The following extract was found in the Law Notices in ‘The Age’ on January 13th 1943. It makes grim reading but underscores the actuality of Alf’s death.

 

 

In April, ‘The Emerald Hill Recorder’ published homage to Alf but, as can be seen below, he was called Alan (sic) in the headline. It seems strange that the  editor did not ‘pick up’ such a gaffe but the fact that Alf was described as a  ‘grand little club man’ was at least accurate.

 

Source: Emerald Hill Recorder. April 10th 1943. Page: 1

 

AT REST IN HAMBURG 

Alf Hedge lies at rest at the Hamburg Cemetery at grave site No: 10A H 12-13.

 

Source: ‘For the Duration.’ Page: 103  

 

One thing that was realized, while researching this article for Footy Almanac,  was: How young (i.e. 24 years of age) Alf Hedge was when he died in such fiery  circumstances. Alf’s headstone at the Hamburg cemetery is shown above.

In summary, although Alf’s time on earth had been cut short by war, he had,  nevertheless, lived an exceptionally rich and interesting life. He had journeyed to two continents, captained a Halifax bomber crew, played football at the  highest level, worked as a grocer, played cricket with a degree of success and  had ‘rubbed shoulders’ with some of the champions in Australian Sport and  heroes of the RAAF.

 

The Hamburg Cemetery

Source: The Commonwealth War Graves Commission website

 

ALF HEDGE – ‘ONE AMONG MANY’ 

Several authoritative texts indicated that more than 150 VFL footballers died in  a theatre of war in the period 1901-1945 (i.e. from the Boer War to the  cessation of hostilities of World War: II in 1945).

Barbara Cullen’s research specified that 94 VFL footballers died in the Great  War and a further 60 perished in World War:II. Of the total of 154 VFL footballers, twenty were men who had represented South Melbourne Football  Club in at least one game.

Here is a list of the SMFC footballers. Please note: The list may not be  exhaustive but is as accurate as the available war records permit.

WORLD WAR I 

Hugh Callan (36 games, 1907-10), Fred Fielding ( 1 game in 1911), Charles  Fincher ( 9 games in 1913), Jack Freeman ( 22 games , 1913-14), Edward  Harrison ( 7 games in 1906), ** Harold Rippon ( 5 games in1903 ), Bruce  Sloss ( 81 games, 1910-14), Claude Thomas ( 13 games, 1914-17), *Len  Smith ( 1 game 1902), Jack Turnbull ( 12 games in 1908) and Norm  Bradford ( 7 games in 1915).

Note: 1 There is a degree of confusion about Len Smith in some records  but it seems that Len played with SMFC in 1902.

Note: 2 Harold Holt Rippon also played for Melbourne with his brothers,  Les and Norm, at the Junction Oval in Round 16 in 1898. Norm later  played 36 games for South Melbourne (1901-04).

WORLD WAR II

Jeff Grieve (11 games in 1941), Gordon Hamilton (2 games in 1940), Alf Hedge (16 games, 1937-38), Norm Le Brun (3 games in 1929), Alan Pearsall (2 games in 1941), Gordon Sawley (7 games in 1941), Jack Shelton  (7 games in 1930), Len Thomas (187 games, 1927-38) and Jack Wade  (26 games, 1931-33).

Note: 3 Stories regarding Len Thomas and Bruce Sloss can also be found  on the ‘Footy Almanac’ website.

 

THE FINAL WORD ABOUT ALF HEDGE BY GWEN. 

When one reads the documents regarding Alf Hedge it is not hard to imagine  that this story would make a wonderful film. As has been often previously  written in these articles for Footy Almanac, every footballer has a story and  Alf’s adventures are worthy of further telling.

Alf’s wife, Gwen, says it best about Alf’s true character and altruism…

“Alf and I knew and loved each other for several years before the outbreak of  the war in Europe in 1939, which did not initially cloud our intention to marry in  the course of time. The conflict ‘over there’ was somewhat remote and life in  Australia continued in unperturbed until the early months of 1940 when it  became apparent that Britain could not cope without the services of our young  men.  

Without hesitation, Alf felt it his duty to ‘join up.’ We felt no bitterness for this  interruption to our lives –Hitler’s aggression had to be stopped and peace  restored’ .Little did we realize the extent and what cost!”  

Source: ‘For the Duration’ Page: 101.  

Note: Gwen’s time in the VAD (i.e. Voluntary Aides Detachment) in a  Melbourne hospital and her later service with the Australian Army Medical  Women’s Service is explained in ‘For the Duration’ on page: 102.

 

Gwynneth Hedge (front & centre) (V.A.D) in uniform during her wartime service years. 

Source: The Wallis family collection. 

 

LEST WE FORGET ALF HEDGE.  

Surviving the rigours of modernity is the major focus of so many families in  these testing times; and perhaps the following quote by Vera Narazin explains who so many brave and noble Australians, such as Alf Hedge, have been  forgotten with the passage of time. Vera once wrote…

“The only thing faster than the speed of thought is the speed of forgetfulness.”  

 

In closing, it is true that life is hectic and the daily grind prevents people from  reflecting too long about the past. However, it is hoped that this article will  bring the life and times of Alf Hedge into a new light; and that younger  generations may find inspiration in his heroic deeds and selfless endeavour.

 

ACKNOWLEDGMENT – THANK YOU TO LYN OWEN (WALLIS)  

Thank you to Lyn Wallis (Owen) for her kind assistance in bringing this story  together for ‘The Footy Almanac’ My deep appreciation to Lyn for providing the  source of family photographs of Alf and her Mother (Gwynneth) and also for  clarifying certain aspects of Alf’s RAAF service years.

 

SOURCES  

• ‘For the Duration’ by Denise Rope. Mackenzie publications. ACT 1984.
• NLA-Various Newspaper extracts as acknowledged above.
• ‘Harder than Football’ by Barbara Cullen- Slattery Media (2015)
•  ‘The Clubs’ Viking-Penguin Books (1998).
• ‘100 Years of Australian Football’ Viking-Penguin Books (1996).
• ‘The Encyclopaedia of AFL Footballers’ by Holmesby & Main (2011)
• ‘Every Game Ever Played’ Compiled by Steve Rogers (1993)
• ‘Fallen’ by Main & Allen (2002)
• The Footy Almanac website.
• Boyles Football Photos website.
• South Melbourne/ Sydney Swans FC website.
• VFA history: Sandringham and Brighton.
• AFL statistics, archives and various websites.
• Australian War Memorial archives.
• The Nominal Roll World War: 11.
• State Library of Victoria archives.
• Lincoln University website.
• Virtual War Memorial files.

 

Written for ‘The Footy Almanac’ and the Wallis Family by Roger Spaull in April  2025. 

 

Read more stories, especially profiles of footballers who served their nation, by Roger Spaull HERE