Hidden among the familiar stories of the battles, suffering and sacrifice of the Australian Light Horse lies an extraordinary story of 30 soldiers who could fight, ride—and make music. These were no part-time entertainers. The musicians of the Anzac Mounted Division were fully trained soldiers who were expected to put down their instruments, tie up their donkeys, sling rifles over their shoulders and fight alongside their brigades when called upon.
From 2 September 1917 in Palestine, these remarkably multi-disciplined ANZAC soldiers began to form what became the ANZAC Mounted Division Band. More than a century later, the story of this largely forgotten ensemble is being pieced together through a remarkable combination of a single band photograph and the wartime diaries of one of its members, the solitary Western Australian soldier and musician William Edward Harrison of Subiaco.
As is the case with Harrison’s diary, it details rather dull facts coupled with remarkable ones. Detailed daily army grind eventually whittles away to single sentences as conditions and the sheer challenge of staying alive become challenging. Life revolves around food, letters from home and not being killed by a mortar shell or disease. Teenage morals give way to necessity and Harrison lies, steals and boasts about survival feats that his parents would no doubt have punished him for back home in Subiaco.
Previously uncharacteristic behaviour is displayed by most band members as the war dictates their dreadful living conditions and their fragile mortality becomes evident. Brushing shoulders with highly esteemed officers and royalty is mentioned in the same sentence as how much alcohol was consumed after a performance. Passionate care of their equine partners is interspersed with violent assaults for a few oranges and what trumpet part was being performed that day.
Thirty ordinary blokes aged from 18 to 40 left Australia to fight for King and Country and were in the right place at the right time to throw together a functional band in Palestine. The joy of being able to play music together was clearly evident and the acknowledgment through financial assistance and permanent appointment to Chauvel’s headquarters placed this unlikely group at the front to provide much needed morale to send ANZAC soldiers to battle.
William Harrison’s diary details 140 performances over 20 months from their appointment until 28th May 1919. Details of disease, disciplinary action and tactical circumstances swell and reduce the band numbers, with Harrison’s choice on discharge from hospital to stay two extra few weeks preferring “to go back to the Unit” indicative of the bond that was formed.
Person
COURT, Charles
Sir Charles Walter Michael Court AKKCMGOBE (29 September 1911 – 22 December 2007) was an Australian politician who was the premier of Western Australia from 8 April 1974 to 25 January 1982.
Charles Court was born on 29 September 1911 in Crawley, Sussex, England. He was the eldest of two sons of Rose Rebecca Rice and Walter James Court, a plumber. The name Charles came from his mother’s brother, Walter from his father, and Michael because he was born on Michaelmas Day. The Court family left Crawley on 18 March 1912, bound for Western Australia. As the Port of Southampton was stifled by a coal strike, they travelled via Antwerp in Belgium, boarding the German ship Cassel. They arrived in Fremantle, Western Australia, on 1 May 1912. The family planned to return to Crawley within five years, but that never eventuated, first because Walter Court struggled to secure a job in Perth, then due to illness, then due to World War I.
The Court family spent their first eight years in Western Australia living in Leederville, just north of Perth. Walter Court eventually obtained a job digging sewerage and drainage trenches, where he formed a good enough impression that he was referred to a plumber who offered him a job. Walter later got injured, and then in January 1916, enlisted in the army. At the time, Rose was pregnant with their second son. Walter trained at Blackboy Hill Camp and left for France in March 1916. Six weeks later, Sydney Hugo Court was born. Charles shouldered heavy responsibility while his father was away. One time, when Walter’s pay stopped coming through, Charles was sent down to the Perth Trades Hall to give a note to the union secretary.
Court’s first three years of school were at the local infants’ school. He then attended Leederville Primary School. Walter arrived home in May 1919. By then a lance corporal, Walter first served with the 177th Tunnelling Company and later with the Australian Electrical and Mechanical Miners and Builders Unit. Walter again found difficulty in securing a job. He found irregular work for plumbers H Rance and Son. As the economy improved, the work became more regular. Walter was a strong unionist and supported the Labor Party. He admired Labor premier Philip Collier and took Charles to union rallies.
In 1921, the Court family purchased and moved into a house in West Subiaco (now Shenton Park), using a War Service Homes Scheme loan. In West Subiaco, Charles attended Rosalie Primary School, and from 1924 to 1926, he attended Perth Boys School.
Meanwhile, in 1919, Court started learning to play the cornet and he soon joined a succession of local bands. Beginning at age 12, Court played in music competitions. He later joined the RSL band, which consisted of ex-servicemen, including Bill Harrison. It was renamed the RSL memorial band so that Court could join, and he became the band’s solo cornet. He also joined the Young Australia League band and the Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra, the latter of which got Court his first job. When he was 15, the secretary of the Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra asked the patron, Sir William Campion, who was also the governor of Western Australia, to put in a good word, which resulted in Court gaining a job as an office boy for law firm Robinson Cox & Wheatley. [1]
The West Subiaco Scout Hall was prettily decorated for the coming-of age celebration of Mr. Charles Court, the well-known cornetist. and the function, which proved thoroughly enjoyable, was largely attended. During supper the customary toasts were given with musical honours. Mr. A. J. McLaren, in a happy and sincere manner, proposed the principal toast, and was supported by Mr. W. Halvorsen, while that of the parents was suitably attended to by Messrs. J. Dennison and R. C. Bradbury. Mr. W. Court handed Mr. Chas Court a huge key, which was attached to a large chain. Those who contributed to the evening’s pleasure were Mr. Bert Harding, trick cyclist; Miss Sylvia George and Mr. C. Thompson, while Mr. Court played cornet solos. Mr. Tom Bennett was M.C. and Mr. Fred Nice accompanist.
On 20th August 1907 Charles George Harrison was the fourth and last child born to Arthur Dight Harrison and Phoebe Alice Parsons at 256 Perth Street, Subiaco. On arrival, he was a cherished fella as he was so much younger than his siblings.
From correspondence we know that Charlie didn’t enjoy good health as a child..
In January, 1908 his sister Nellie Harrison wrote to “Uncle Tom” and then “Auntie Nell” the editors and co-ordinator sof the fundraising club the Sunshine League at the Daily News newspaper of the Sunshine League:.
In 1909 when Charlie was 2 Nellie wrote:
MY LETTER BAG
256 Perth-street, Subiaco.
Dear Uncle Tom, — I thank you for my prize which I received a little while ago. I have read it and Will has too. And dada is away in Albany. On Friday after school I went to Congdon-street to stay till Monday morning with Mrs. Richardson. Mama told me that Mr. Richardson built your ‘Daily News’ office and the Home of Peace, too. On Sunday while I was away our dear little baby Charlie was sick; and mama told to send for the doctor. It was convulsions, but he got up to-day. I am glad he is better. On Monday when Willie was at carpentry, he fainted, and he is sick now. Will asks me to say he would try and sell a few tickets for ‘The Carnival of Flowers’ on May 1. He will write when he gets up. I am sending three stamps for the Children’s Hospital. I am tired now, dear Uncle Tom. – Your loving little niece,
NELLIE HARRISON, aged 7 1/2.
Dear Nellie, – I have sent Willie a few tickets to sell for the ‘Carnival of Flowers, I shall be pleased to see you all present. You have sent me a lot of bad news this week. I hope you next letter will be full of good news – Uncle Tom.
Daily News 10 April 1909
PRIZE LETTER – 256 Perth-street, Subiaco – from Olive Dunn, guest of the Harrisons.
Dear Uncle Tom, — I am going to write you an essay about my ‘holidays’. The first week of our holidays Nellie and I helped Mrs. Harrison with her work, and on Christmas Eve my mother and father and my little sister and two brothers came down to Subiaco for a week, and we all went into Perth, and when little Charlie Harrison saw the pretty lights, he said, ‘Ah,’ and after having a good look around town, we arrived home about half-past 10. On Christmas Day we stayed home and rested, and on Sunday we went to the Fallen Soldiers Memorial in the afternoon, and then I went to Fremantle to see a friend, and stayed there all night, and on Monday morning our friend came up to Subiaco and we all went to Nedlands Park and had a real good day. We returned home about 9 o’clock. On Tuesday we stayed home, and on Wednesday morning we started off about 10 o’clock for the Zoo to see all the little orphans, and I am sure they all had a good, enjoyable day. We looked at the tables, and thought how lovely and bright they looked. I think the Sunshine League is a grand thing, and I am sure the little orphans do, too. We got home about half-past 8, tired out. On Thursday we stayed home, and on Friday we went to Crawley, and we caught 38 crabs, and we children got very much sunburnt, and our backs were very sore. We stayed up to see the old year out and, the new year in. On New Year’s Day we did not go out at all, but on Sunday, the 2nd, we went to Sunday-school, and in the evening to church, and on Monday my parents went home and we have had a quiet week since. On Saturday about 20 girls— my Sunday-school class — went down to Nedlands on our invitation and we enjoyed ourselves well. Now, dear uncle, I have told you all about my holidays. I had a very enjoyable time, and I hope you and your nieces and nephews and all the little orphans have too.
Good-bye, dear Uncle Tom,— I remain, your loving little niece,
OLIVE DUNN, aged 11
Daily News Saturday 15 January 1910 page 10
MY LETTER BAG – 256 Perth Street Subiaco
Dear Auntie Nell, it is a long time since I have written to you, but I always read the Children’s Page. I used to write to ‘Uncle Tom,’ and I got three prizes from him. One was for an essay on ‘The Spider,’ and the others were for two letters. I have coloured the Scout and I am enclosing it. I have three brothers; two older than myself and one younger, and I am ten years old and will be eleven next September. I am in the higher fifth at school. I will now close, as it is bed time. Hoping you are well. I remain your loving niece,
NELLIE HARRISON.
Dear Nellie, I do not remember you writing to me before, it was possibly to ‘Uncle Tom’ that you wrote, and I have been so busy that I have not been able to look your letter up. Now that you tell me about the essay on ‘The Spider’ I shall find it and read it. Can’t you get., your brother to join, the League? Do you think you and your brothers could help in a pretty opera if we decide to give it in aid of the Children’s Hospital? With love, dear,
From yours lovingly, Auntie Nell
The Daily News Saturday 20 July 1910 page 2
256 Perth street Subiaco
Dear Auntie Nell,— I have not written to you for a long time, but I have not forgotten you. I was one of Uncle Tom’s nieces, and I have four prizes which I got from him. They are very nice books, the names of them are ‘Road Rail,’ ‘Sea Dorothy,’ ‘In Dormsdorp,’ and ‘Sunshine ‘ and the Fairy Queen.’ Our baby will be three years old, next Saturday. He is such a funny little fellow; his name is Charlie George, but he calls himself Charlie Mick Harrison. I will now say good-bye, dear Auntie. -Your loving little niece,
NELLIE F. HARRISON, aged 8.
Dear Little Nellie,— Yes, it, is a long time since you have written, and I thought you had forgotten all about me. What a lot of nice prizes you received from Uncle Tom. I hope you will try and win some from me too. You write a good letter for a little maid of eight years, and your writing is very good also. What a sweet little man Charlie must be. He must amuse you all very much with his dear, funny little ways. When he is big enough you must ask him to write me a letter— I should love to have him for a little nephew. Good-bye, dearie.
—Take much love and a kiss from yours lovingly, Auntie Nell.
Daily News Saturday 27 August 1910 page 11
1913
Charlie Harrison attended Perth Boys School from 1913 until he attained 8th standard.
When Britain declared war on Germany at 11 p.m. on 4 August 1914 (London time), all dominions of the British Empire, including Australia, were automatically at war.
In 1916, Charlie’s oldest brother William went to WWI. Once stationed at Blackboy Hill, William immediately requested a transfer to be a bugler with Signal Squadron.
William wrote a diary whilst in the A.I.F. and it dates from 17.7.1916 until 4.7.1919 in which he details consistently writing to his parents and siblings from his enlistment in 1916:
Like his brothers Bill and Lou, Charlie joined the Scouts from January 1918 where he learnt to play the bugle.
Leader A. L. Harrison, who has just resigned, after seven years’ service, introduced his younger brother to take his place; Leader Harrison’s elder brother was also a member of the Troop.
He remained in the Scouts up until 1925.
The Daily News Saturday 12 January 1918 page 8
Lou, Nellie and Charlie outside 256 Perth Street, Subiaco
1919
After the war, Charlie’s brother William returned to live with his parents and siblings at 256 Perth Road Subiaco.
When William returned, his siblings were 3 years older than when he had last seen them. Lou had gone from aged 16 to 19, Nellie from 15 to 18 and Charlie from 9 to 12.
After training in mechanics at Perth Technical School in 1921, Charlie Harrison was employed from 1923 until 1928 at Bovell’s Motor Works Subiaco (according to his WWII record).
He did up vehicles and sold them:
25 Oct 1924: T.T. Triumph, in perfect order, a bargainat £30. Harrison, Bovell’s Body Works.
Charlie Harrison played the bugle according to this reference of him touring interstate with the Y.A.L in December 1923/ January 1924 when he was 16:
(Jack Harrison) has taken part in many Y.A.L programmes and he is always a popular performer. His Uncle Charlie (Harrison) was a bugler on the “Boss” staff on an Interstate tour of 1924. That was long before Jack was born, but the family has kept in touch with the League ever since.
The Boomerang August 1943
The role of “bugler” was an important one as is detailed in this article:
THE Y.A.L. BOYS – FROM WEST TO EAST. – LIFE ON GREAT WESTERN EXPRESS.
(From Our Representative.)
With such material as 340 boys approaching the end of their school years, and others just out of that period it might be thought that the present Y.A.L. interstate tour for education travel, which started on December 30th might rather develop into an affair which would give the boys the opportunity kick over the traces and sow a harvest of trouble for themselves. So far there
has been no sign of this. The outstanding feature to date is the remarkable order maintained by the leader (Mr. J. Simons) and the 10 officers under him, each of whom is in command of a company of about 30 boys, from whom four prefects are selected, making 40 in all nominated by the leader for their steadiness and strength of character, to help in the maintenance of discipline. There is practically no insubordination, and probably less need for punishment than exists in the ordinary school, no wild outbursts and bravado, nobody who tries to hang out of the window by the toes while the train is in motion, and no young rascal who tests himself as a prospective wire walker by balancing on the railing at the end of the carriage. The traditions of the Y.A.L. do not lead to this sort of thing, which has been tried in the past with painful results to the chief actors. The boys know from what has happened in the past that there is no bluffing when it comes to dealing with wrongdoers. The newcomers learn all from the boys who have been on previous tours. The spirit of the Y.A.L. soon infused into the latest recruits, a that is largely why everything is running so smoothly. There is no jumping on and off trains at will. A bugler gives the signal. He also controls lights out 9.30 p.m. and rising at 7 a.m., before which no talk is permitted. There is an interesting example of what happens when the morning rule was not enforced on the second day from Perth. The train was rumbling along at daybreak. The boys were all believed to be asleep as were most of the officers, who had only retired about two hours before through attending to those who had to be picked up along the route. When the train suddenly stopped there was heard An Amazing Chorus
of argumentative high-pitched boyish voices from one end of the train to the other. They were awake with the birds and were equally as vocal. One after the other the officers were roused by the noise. That afternoon on parade it was earnestly pointed out that something nasty waited those who might again participate in such an outburst of youthful spirits before 7 o’clock. The order was obeyed implicitly, but they made up for this suppression of their energies when the bugle sounded, and there was no more sleep that morning.
The boys arc not leading a dismal life by any means. There is plenty of fun day and night, each to his own liking; literature (humorous and heroic), games and tales, comic and popular songs and choruses, and instrumental music-band instruments, and many of a humble and disagreeable type.
Breakfast at Karalee on the morning of New Year’s Eve was remarkable for its simplicity, sufficiency and despatch. With stomachs yearning for food since the incident at daybreak, the boys formed up in companies outside their carriages and filed through the railway’s barracks where in about 15 minutes all had received a cup of tea, a pie and a large piece of cake, and sat down anywhere outside and were well filled. Thus handicapped, the brass (band of 40 players) proceeded to have their morning “blow” under the conductor, Mr. Val Smith, who with 36 raw recruits to train, has made such progress that his band was able to march and play in Hay-street on the day before their departure for the Easten States, and have been greatly admired at stations across Australia.
The first part of the journey to Kalgoorlie was done in darkness, and consequently the boys were unable to see the beautiful country on the way to and beyond Northam, and the broad wheatlands stretching to eastwards. Many little crowds gathered at the various stations and wished them well, one of the most, enthusiastic being an old boy of the Y.A.L. now wearing a returned soldier’s badge, who bad travelled 23 miles to revive memories of a 12-year old tour in which he had participated.
The train dashed through old Coolgardie, once rich and famous for its alluvial gold deposits which thrilled the world, attracted thousands, and built a town whose (business centre was often as crowded as Hay Street, Perth. Its condition today pains those who knew it 20 years ago. Most of it has been dismantled. Only here and there stand a few weather-beaten structures in deserted streets. There were four or five people on the Station platform. Passing
the outskirts of the town, the young travellers get glimpses of some of the early alluvial diggings where hundreds of men made fortunes. Pot holes everywhere vividly visualised to them the feverishness of The Gold Hunt of bygone years when not a square foot of ground that gave promise of reward was not turned over. In the midst of these stood an old bearded prospector. The youngsters responded to his waving hand with a shrill chorus, in the middle
of which he dropped his arm, looked reflectively at the ground and walked away.
A few hundred yards further along four little children, bootless and hatless, ran from over the bill with upraised arms and roused a responsive yell from the train. They stood motioning their good-byes until lost to view, and eagerly awaiting the day when they may participate in an even bigger Y.A.L. tour.
Lunch was served at the Kalgoorlie Town Hall. The league had arranged to meet the situation in advance, and was assisted by a few friends in much the same way as at Karalee, so that feeding was speedily over, and, after a short march in Hannan Street, it was not long before the journey was resumed, with the addition of a party of 20 boys from the goldfields. The Mayor of Kalgoorlie called on Mr. Simons and his officers before they had left the Town Hall and wished them a successful tour.
The journey of 1,051 miles from Kalgoorlie to Port Augusta was accomplished under pleasant weather conditions.
What was lacking in scenery was made up by comfort on the Great Western express, the officials of which provided everything that the young tourists desired. All had sleeping accommodation, and the quality of the food was such that not a course was missed, and all plates were cleaned. In fact, it is expected that the 160Ib. of sausages, 2001b. of beef, and 2001b. of mutton, not to mention the vegetables and fruit, will have vanished with the serving of the last meal at Port Augusta. There were two dining cars; meals were served in relays of 40, and to meet the situation the railway staff had to be more than doubled.
The boys learned on the journey that an experiment was commenced a few months ago by Mr. P. J. Watson, of Mundrabilla station on the south, with the grazing of 2,000 sheep on the salt-bush and blue-bush land in the vicinity of Forrest, 651 miles east of Kalgoorlie, water being provided by the Commonwealth bores. The good news was also imparted that, as the result of recent rains, when there was hardly a week’s water in the dams, the supply will now occasion no anxiety for 12 months. The six million gallons dam at Tarcoola, it is stated, was filled to overflowing in an hour and a half. Prior to this the railway authorities had to cart water over the line for hundreds of miles from each end.
After passing the country east of Kalgoorlie timbered with salmon gums, kurrajongs, gimletwood and sandalwood, which cover the first 187 miles, there comes the fringe of the Nullarbor Plain lightly clothed with myall, mulga, and black oak for about 40 miles, the rest of the 400 miles being nothing but low saltbush and bluebush, through which the railway runs without a curve for 300 miles. Then there is the 50 miles belt of the Ooldea sandhills with its mallee gums, silky oak, black oak, native cork and myalls, the proximity of which is signalised by the Musgrave Range on the north-east. Red soil plains and undulating country characterise the track to the hilly country around Tarcoola. It is well grassed and timbered with black oak and myall and occasional eucalypts. The run down to Port Augusta from Tarcoola is mainly through the lake country, vast and shallow in the rainy reason, but mere sheets of salt in the summer. After a spin of about 50 miles through more plain country, relieved by flat-topped hills in the south-west, the terminus is reached at the head of Spencer’s Gulf. On a rainy morning with thunder and lightning, Port Augusta was reached about two and a half hours late owing to engine trouble occurring on the uphill run from Tarcoola, and the party was three hours behind by the time, the change was made to the narrow gauge line which winds its way for 120 miles through the hills to Terowie. The Cloud-capped Ranges, lit by the morning sun, were a beautiful sight, and many owners of cameras were
busy snapping effects rarely seen in their own State. Notwithstanding that the night was well advanced, the boys were full of excitement with their near approach to Adelaide. Tea was speedily served on the platform at Riverton; the travellers rushed on again, the train still reducing the time lost since Tarcoola. Luggage was packed, and final touches were put on uniforms and band instruments ready for the appearance in the city. Steaming into the station, a few minutes before 10 p.m. on Wednesday, the youngsters finished off their lemonade, drinking 300 dozen bottles for the trip, and cheered and whistled with satisfaction at the conclusion of the long journey to the South Australian capital. A large number of people welcomed them. Lorries were waiting outside and baggage was taken to the Jubilee Oval, in North-terrace, whither the party marched with band playing and flags flying. Late tea was served, and before midnight, everyone was in bed in the grandstand receiving the benefits of open-air sleep.
Western Mail Thursday January 10 1924 page 38
The Y.A.L. boys now touring the East arrived in Melbourne from Adelaide last Tuesday afternoon. They will spend a week in the Queen City.
Sunday Times Sunday 13 January 1924 page 14
Y.A.L. TOUR: – Doings in Sydney
The Y.A.L boys have been out all day and to-night. They spent the morning at the Taronga Park Zoo to which they were carried across the harbour in a special ferry boat, and they cooled themselves in the afternoon at the Clifton Gardens baths. Tonight they were at the Rushcutters’ Bay Stadium enjoying a programme of boxing and vaudeville. The Lord Mayor of Sydney will tender a civic reception to the Y.A.L. party at noon tomorrow.
The West Australian Thursday 17 January 1924 page 9
1922
William registered an “Indian” motorcycle in 1922 plate 1097 which Charlie also used. [The Indian Scout is a motorcycle built by the Indian Motorcycle Company from 1920 to 1949].
MOTOR TRANSFERS. No. 1097. Indian motor cycle from J. G. Booty to W. E. Harrison, 256Perth-street, Subiaco.
Sunday Times Sunday 14 May 1922 page 11
1925
Charlie was a groomsman for his brother William Edward Harrison when he married Edna May Kerr on the 25th July 1925.
1925 William and Edna’s wedding. Standing: Lou, Charlie, Edna and William “Walter” Kerr, Edna’s father.
1926
January 16th 1926, William’s sister Nellie married Edward Francis McDavitt with Charlie Harrison as a groomsman:
McDAVITT-HARRISON.
A pretty wedding was solemnised at St. Mary’s Church, West Perth, recently, by the Rev. Riley, when Nellie, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. Harrison, of Nedlands, was married to Edward F., son of Mrs. and the late Mr. E. McDavitt, of West Perth, The bride, who entered the church, on the arm of her father, made a charming picture in a gown of heavy morocain, richly embroidered. The train of morocain was lined with shell pink georgette, and the veil fell softly from a becoming chaplet of orange blossom. A shower bouquet of roses completed her toilette. The bride was attended by two bridesmaids, the Misses Lily Faddfson and Marion Hobbs, both of whom wore dainty frocks of shell pink and powder blue crepe de chine respectively and black picture hats. The bridegroom was ably supported by Mr. Keckwick,
and Mr. C. Harrison, brother of the bride, was groomsman. After the ceremony a reception was held at Wembley Hall, where a large number of guests were received by Mr. and Mrs. A. Harrison, the hostess wearing to advantage a gown of black morocain, with trimming of crystal beads and black hat with ospreys. Mrs. McDavitt, mother of the bridegroom, was gracefully attired in embossed, morocain, with hat en suite. After congratulations and good wishes had been expressed to the bride and bridegroom, a happy time was spent at the wedding breakfast. The customary toasts were honored, and later music and dancing were enjoyed. Mr. and Mrs. McDavitt left by car, the bride travelling in a pretty gown of saxe blue morocain, with touches of red and a. smart black hat. Many beautiful presents were received, including cheques. Their future home will be at Cottesloe.
1926 Wedding Nellie and Edward McDavitt. Charlie standing far left and his father Arthur Dight Harrison is far right.
On February 13th 1926 William’s brother Arthur “Lou” was married to Vera Fryer and Charlie Harrison was best man:
HARRISON-FRYER
A pretty wedding was recently solemnised at St. Andrew’s Church. Subiaco, by the Rev. Greatorex, when Vera, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. Fryer, of Jolimont, was married to Arthur Louis, second son of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Harrison, of Nedlands. The bride, who entered the church on the arm of her father, looked charming in a frock French georgette over silk with briar embroidery, and pleating. Her veil was held in place by a coronet of orange blossom, whilst her train of ivory georgette, lined with shell pink and trimmed with ribbon and ideated flounces, was caught at the shoulders with sprays of orange blossom. The two trainbearers were little Miss Joan Murrie in dainty pink crepe de chine, with lace frills and. peaked cap of silver tissue, and Master Freddie Fryer (nephew of the bride) in a pink silk suit. The bride’s toilet was completed by a beautiful shower bouquet of white roses and fern. The bride was attended by two bridesmaids. Miss Vera Loggan and Miss Eileen Moffatt, the former wearing apricot georgette over silk : appliqued in pastel shades, and the latter wearing mauve brocaded georgette over silk. Both bridesmaids wore striking head dresses of Kilver tissue and carried bouquets of roses to harmonise with their frocks. The bridegroom was supported by his brother, Mr. Charlie Harrison as best man. and Mr. William Fryer (brother of the bride) as groomsman. After the ceremony a reception was held at Wembley Hall, Mrs. Fryer receiving the guests in a smart frock of Wedgwood blue morocain trimmed with coffee coloured lace and black hat with gold ospreys. Mrs. Harrison (mother of the bridegroom) was gracefully attired in black morocain enriched with crystal beads and hat en suite. After congratulations had been expressed to the bride and bridegroom a happy time was spent at the wedding breakfast. The usual toasts were honoured after which music and dancing was thoroughly enjoyed. Mr. and Mrs. Harrison left for their honeymoon at Busselton, the bride travelling in n. frock of cinnamon morocain richly embroidered and hat to match. Many beautiful presents, including cheques, were received.
1928
Charlie seated second left with brother William standing leaning on the sign.
In the 1928, Charlie Harrison played xylophone, drums and (apparently) bad saxophone in his brother William Harrison’s band.
Charlie lived with his parents Arthur and Phoebe at 18 Kitchener Street, Hollywood and in 1930 ran a milk supplier business and owned 2 horses. Charlie went into a shop on the corner of Lake & Aberdeen Streets to see if he could deliver milk. This shop was run by Ethel Longbottom, mother of sisters Ruby, Pearl and Emerald Koeford who lived at 105 Francis Street North Perth. Charlie initially dated Pearl and later married Emmie.
Charlie, who was apparently very handy and excellent with woodwork, was also listed as a carpenter in the early 1930 electoral roles, so was possibly involved in the Harrison building business.
This obviously didn’t work out:
13th July 1932
The engagement is announced of Bridget Mary, eldest daughter of Mr. and
Mrs. J. Downey, of Flinders-street, Mt. Hawthorn, to Charles George, youngest son
of Mr. and Mrs. A. Harrison, of Kitchener-street, West Subiaco.
1933
11th December 1933
Motor wagon driven by Charles G. Harrison, of Kitchener-street, West Subiaco, collided yesterday with the Hyde Park fence when Harrison was attempting to avoid a collision with a motor car driven by Amy Earle of Vale-road. Mt Lawley.
CAR REGISTRATIONS
4689 Mr C. Harrison, Kitchener Street West Subiaco, Vauxhall
The West Australian Thursday 26 July 1934 page 6
1934
In 1934, the Jack and Jill’s Godmother, using the name Dorothy Irene Harrison, married George Ray who was also an orphan at Parkerville. Charlie Harrison was their best man:
A pretty wedding was solemnised at Christ Church, Claremont, recently between Miss Dorothy Irene Harrison and Mr George Ray. The ceremony was performed by Rev. John Bell. The bride, who was given away by her old friend the Sister Kate, late of Parkerville, walked to the chancel steps with Mr. W. Kerr of Bayswater.
Mr C. Harrisonwas best man…
At the conclusion of the ceremony Mr and Mrs W. Harrison of Nedlands entertained friends of the bride and the bridegroom at a very pleasant wedding party. Mrs Harrison wore a becoming dress of hyacinth blue marocain, touched with silver. Among the guests were sister Kate and Sisters Hayman and Bennett of Tresillian Hospital where the bride spent many happy years.
Western Mail Thursday 18 October 1934 page 31
1936
In 1936 the engagement is announced of Emerald Marion, younger daughter of
the late Mr. J. Koefod and Mrs. Longbottom, of Aberdeen-street, Perth, to Charles
George, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. A. D. Harrison, of Kitchener-street, West Subiaco.
1937
On 10th April 1937, 30 year old Charlie Harrison was married to 19 year old Emerald “Emmie” Koeford and his brother William Harrison provided the music. Brother Lou’s daughter, Judith Harrison, was a flowergirl:
Emmie at her wedding with her sisters and Judith Harrison as flowergirl
Picturesque Wedding at St. Mary’s Church
Miss E. M. Koefod and Mr. C. G. Harrison
At attractive wedding was solemnised at it. Mary’s Church, Colin-street, West Perth, when Emerald Marrion Koefod. youngest daughter of Mrs. E. Longbottom, of Aberdeen-street. Perth, was married to Charles George Harrison, of Kitchener Street, West Subiaco. The Rev. Stillwed performed the ceremony.
The bride, who was given away by her foster-brother, was a charming figure in a frock of white Chantilly lace over white satin, and featuring a graceful frilled train. Her attendants were Miss Pearl Koefod (sister) and Miss Nellie Longbottom. They were dressed alike, wearing blue Chantilly lace over blue satin, and carrying bouquets of pink roses. The trainbearer, little Judith Harrison wore a dainty pink satin frock and carried a bouquet of pink and white roses.
The bridegroom was attended by Mr. Joe Koefod, brother of the bride, as best man and Mr. Ray Fullerton was groomsman.
The wedding breakfast was held at Keough’s Hall, the tables being artistically decorated, pride of place at the bride’s table being given to the handsome wedding cake. During the repast the customary toasts were honoured and telegrams read. Many of these came from relatives in the Eastern States.
Dancing and games were enjoyed, and excellent music was supplied by
Mr. William Harrison’s orchestra.
Later in the evening the bride and bridegroom left by car for a tour through the South-West, returning through the Great Southern districts. The bride’s twilling frock was a smart maroon ensemble of wool crepe-de-chine, with matching accessories. The bride and groom were the recipients of numerous beautiful presents.
Sunday Times Sunday 6 June 1937 page 3
1937
In November 1937, Charlie and Emerald Harrison moved down to Harvey, a town located in the South West of Western Australia 140 kilometres (87 miles) south of Perth, between Pinjarra and Bunbury and bought the local car garage in Udoc Road which also sold cars and insurance. He serviced the cars and trucks for the local community, including the West Australian Condensed Milk Co. Ltd Harvey (whose manager A.H. Jeffries wrote Charlie a reference for his enlistment in WWII.)
1940
It appears brother Lou Harrison’s family visited Charles and Emmie in Harvey with Valma and Lindsay both being mentioned at:
FANCY DRESS BALL
30th May 1940
CHURCH OF ENGLAND FUNCTION
On Friday night last, the Harvey Hall was en fete, when well over 100children took part in a fancy dress ball, arranged by members of the Church of England, Harvey.
They had two children during their marriage:
Their first child was son Lindsay Reginald born 1st February 1938.
On 26th August 1940 in Harvey, Charlie enlisted into the Royal Australian Airforce in which he was a fitter and mechanic.
When Charles Harrison enlisted in WWII in 1940 his army records contain a reference from the Karrakatta Cemetery Board dated 3rd July 1940:
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN
Charles George Harrison has been known to me since his boyhood days. As a member of the Young Australia League, of which I have been President during that time, he was always very popular and is of good character.
His home life has been of the best, his mother well known to me and took active part in many charitable movements in Subiaco where she resided for many years.
Yours faithfully
Lionel T. Boas. J.P.
Secretary
Charlie Harrison was an Airforce fitter and mechanic and initially stationed in W.A. and then Adelaide. He was transferred to New Guinea. In late 1943 or early 1944 he transferred from 4AD (4 Aircraft Depot) to 33 Squadron at Rabaul base. Whilst fixing a plane, Charlie was thrown off during a bombing raid and sustained back injuries.
Emmie followed Charlie around. Lindsay remembered that when Charlie was based in Geraldton they stayed in the little cottages near the beach at Geraldton. Emmie’s family were all from Adelaide. Her mother was one of fourteen in her family and they were mostly based in Adelaide so Emmie and Lindsay stayed there during some of Charlie’s posting.
Jack and Bill Harrison visited Charlie during their trip East in 1941.
Emmie returned to Perth and stayed with her mother for a few days and then moved to a rooming house in Leederville where Lindsay started school.\ (a rooming house was really just a house in which someone rented rooms out and the people renting shared the common facilities such as kitchen, laundry, bathroom etc.) There were quite a few rooming houses in Perth at that time as there were a lot of women from the country wanting to be able to see their husbands who had joined up but the trains and buses to the country towns were almost non-existent.
Charlie’s mother Phoebe Alice Harrison died aged 70 on 29th May 1943 after having had a stroke and being confined to a wheel chair.
HARRISON. On Mar 29, 1943, in
Subiaco. Phoebe Alice. Dearly beloved wife of Arthur, of 18 Kitchener Street, Shenton Park. Loving mother of William, Arthur (Lou), Nellie (Mrs E. P. McDavitt) and Charles (RAPA); aged 70 years. Peacefully sleeping.
When Phoebe Harrison died, Charlie’s wife, Emmie, moved in at 18 Kitchener Street and helped her father-in-law, Arthur Harrison. Emmie Harrison remembered Arthur waking her one night to see if she had anything to wash his mouth out with – he had removed one of his teeth with a set of pliers as it had been troubling him! He washed his mouth out with salty water and then a large amount of whiskey! Arthur was still registered as a builder at this time.
On 9th June 1944 daughter Carol Ann was born and Edna Harrison minded Lindsay.
1945
Corporal Charles Harrison was discharged from the R.A.A.F. on 27th November 1945.
Charlie’s “Members Pay Book” notes that he was discharged from the R.A.A.F. on 27/11/1945 at Shenton Park.
They had a tenant in the house at Harvey (one of the Newby family) so didn’t return to Harvey until during December 1945 or January 1946. Charlie ran the local garage and Emerald was very involved in community events and assisting locally.
Children’ Dress Fancy Ball
Multi-coloured streamers from two central pieces and clusters of varicoloured ballons were the decorative motif for the annual Parents and Citizens’ fancy dress ball for children in the Harvey Hall on Friday night of last week. From early in the evening the hall was crowded with children of all ages in a large variety of fancy costumes of every conceivable type. Several folk dances were performed by the younger children to music supplied by Messrs. K. Fimmel, J. Keynes and C. Beauclarke with Athol j Higgins, a school pupil, at the piano. Seen among the numerous costumes were … Carol Harrison (dancer); Lindsay Harrison (policeman). The Harvey-Waroona Mail Friday 2 December 1949 page 4
1953
1953 Emmie, Dorothy Ray and Lindsay
Marriage of Lindsay Harrison to Kay
Lindsay, Kay, Emmie, Carol and Charlie
Wedding of Carol to Alvin Dragicevic
Carol and Charlie
By their time of retirement in 1968, Charlie and Emmy had 3 houses and a caravan in which they travelled around Australia.
In 1994 Charlie was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease and went in to care at Kinross Nursing Home.
After a bad fall when he cracked several ribs, Charlie was admitted to Hollywood hospital, but developed pneumonia and then died from a massive stroke on 26th August 1996 and died at the age of 89.
HARRISON (Charles George)
Loved husband of Emmie, loved father of Lindsay and Carol, father-in-law of Kay and Alvin, grandfather of Denise, Wendy, Kristina and Paul. At Hollywood Hospital on August 26.
HARRISON (Charles George)
In loving memory of Dad who passed away suddenly but peacefully on 26 August. From Carol, Alvin, Kristina and Paul.
HARRISON (Charlie)
Very fond memories of our dear Uncle Charlie. Deepest sympathy to Aunty Emmy, Carol, Lindsay and families. From Bill, Ray, Jack and Jill Harrison and families.
HARRISON (Charles)
Loved brother-in-law of Pearl and Ray, uncle of don, Bertha, sons Sean, Douglas, Garry and their families.
HARRISON (Charles George)
In memory of a lasting friendship. Deepest sympathy to Emmie, Lindsay, Carol and families. From Mary Dragicevich.
Emerald “Emmie” Marion Harrison died on 25th May 2010 aged 91.
William Edward Harrison was the first child born in Subiaco to Arthur Dight Harrison and Phoebe Alice Parsons. When William was born on 15 January 1898, his father, Arthur, was 26 and his mother, Phoebe, was 25.
According to 1898 The Western Australian Directory [Wise’s], Arthur Harrison was living in Perth Street Subiaco in 1898 where WILLIAM EDWARD HARRISON, the first child of Arthur and Phoebe, was born on the 15th January 1898 in Subiaco, Western Australia, Registration 4176. Births primarily occurred at home, typically involving the assistance of a midwife, female relatives, or neighbours. Doctors were rarely present at home births in 1898, as they were few in number and often called only for emergencies or by wealthier families. Midwives like Frances Catherine Barnes and Elizabeth Alice Bell were known to be working in the Subiaco area during this early period.
1899 William Harrison aged 1
Arthur and Phoebe had a portrait photo taken of their firstborn, which indicates that they could afford this expense.
Second child of Arthur and Phoebe, ARTHUR LOUIS HARRISON, was born in Subiaco on 30th March 1900.
Third child of Arthur and Phoebe, NELLIE FRANCES HARRISON was born in Subiaco on 25th September 1901.
By October 1901, Phoebe and Arthur had 3 children under 4 years old.
1903 March William Harrison (aged 4) and Lou Harrison (aged 2)
In 1903 the Harrison family are registered as living in 256 Perth Street (now known as Churchill Avenue) and Arthur’s occupation a carpenter. 256 Perth Street was a weatherboard cottage with sash windows and a picket fence. It had turned timber verandah posts and ornate wooden fretwork. We know that a little later they had a lemon tree, garden with pansies, chickens, a cat and a pet parrot. In 1903 electricity was available in Subiaco.
From 1904 aged 6, William Harrison probably attended Subiaco Primary School on Bagot Road which had been opened on 12 May 1897 with 390 children, reflecting the expansion of facilities in Subiaco during the 1890s gold boom. “Schooling…was widely viewed as little more than the introductory phase of an apprenticeship in the world of paid work. For girls, it was seen as a preparation for the unpaid tasks of socialising children and serving the men they would marry. Reading, writing and arithmetic – the fundamental skills deemed necessary to participate in society – were taught, and considerable time was spent reinforcing the key tenets of white Australia’s most precious faiths, learning scripture and repeatedly enouncing loyalty to the British Crown.” “This relative indifference to standards of formal education in the arts and sciences was probably in large part due to the absence of any real opportunity for the vast majority of Western Australia’s children, particularly children of the labouring classes, to undertake secondary or tertiary education.”
Spillman, Ken, Identity Prized: A History of Subiaco, (University of Western Australia Press for the City of Subiaco, 1985). page 150-1
Arthur and Phoebe Harrison’s children learnt music, which is an indication of their financial ability to afford lessons, instruments and possibly a piano and also their consideration of music being a worthy subject during a time when education was merely a path to employment.
In July 1907, William wrote to the Daily Newspaper club The Sunshine League:
256 Perth-street, Subiaco.
Dear Uncle Tom, — I intended writing to you last week to ask you to put my name on the Sunshine Roll, but I had a very troubled week with toothache. On Saturday I went and got the tooth pulled out, so I am glad to say I have had a peaceful time since. My little brother Louis and I have a little garden between us; he is only seven, and has not written to you yet, but I wonder is it too late for us to be put on the garden roll? We will both look after our garden, and hope to have some nice flowers by-and-bye. Hoping to find you well, as this leaves us at present, —I remain, your loving nephew, Willie Harrison;- aged-, 9 1/3
Dear Willie,— You are both in plenty of time for taking part in the Sunshine scheme, and I have put your names on the roll. Isn’t toothache an awful pain? I remember when I was a little boy my father used to pull out my troublesome teeth with a small pair of pincers, and people in the next street could hear my yells. Decaying teeth should be either pulled out or stopped. I hope you will have, no further, trouble with-yours, Willie.— Uncle Tom.
Dear Uncle Tom,— I am sending a few pansies for yourself out of my own Sunshine Patch for a button-hole. I think I will be able to take a bunch of flowers to, the Home of Peace. Our little Charlie is getting on so nicely so good-bye, Uncle Tom. — Your loving nephew, WILLIE HARRISON, aged 9 ¾
Dear Willie.— I was delighted with your lovely and thoughtful present. Your Sunshine Patch, must have come on splendidly, I can see you have been attentive to it. Again I thank you, Willie, and remain your loving Uncle Tom.
The Daily News Saturday 12 October 1907 page 14
In addition to Willie, the names of his sister Nellie and brother Lou Harrison from 256 Perth street, Subiaco first appear in the local newspapers on 19 October, 1907 in letter from the Matron at the Home of Peace in Hamersley Road, Subiaco after the children from the Sunshine League made a visit.
INTERESTING BATCH OF LETTERS BY NIECES AND NEPHEWS OF THE “SUNSHINE LEAGUE”
SECOND CLASS (Over 8 to 12 Years.)
256, Perth-street, Subiaco – Dear Uncle Tom, You hoped I did not smoke cigarettes. No. Mamma tells me about a young man who she knew in Geelong, who died through a growth in his throat caused by cigarette smoking, but I see a good many boys, very little older than myself, smoking cigarettes. I am sorry for all the, sick people at the Home of Peace, but still glad they have a good home and kind nurses. I will now say, good-night, dear Uncle Tom. Your loving nephew, WILLIE HARRISON, aged 10.
Dear Willie, I quite agree with you that cigarette smoking by boys is dangerous to their health. You are quite right when you say that the patients at the Home of Peace are well treated. The matron (Miss Anderson) and the nurses could not be kinder to them. Are you going to Monday’s concert at Kings Hall? Uncle Tom.
The Daily News Friday 1 May 1908 page 7
Hotch potch Scout uniform
In 1908 at the age of ten William was playing the piano and studied music theory and harmony.
He was a boy scout, as was his brother Arthur “Lou”. The 1st Subiaco Scout Group was founded in 1908 and was initially known as Subiaco Troop 7. The troop was formed by a group of boys of similar ages and interests. The 1st Subiaco Scouts held their meetings in the Subiaco State School.
In 1909 Nellie and her brother Willie continued to write to Uncle Tom and raise money for the Perth Children’s Hospital including selling tickets to events and sending stamps.
PRIZE ESSAY, SUBJECT: ‘MY PETS’
256 Perth Street, Subiaco.
Dear Uncle Tom, I am going to write you an essay on ‘My Pets.’
I have three pets, a cat, a parrot, and a magpie. The cat I call ‘Spot’ because he has, a black spot on his back. He has a long tail and greyish-green eyes. He is a lazy old fellow, and sleeps on a chair by the fire all day. The maggie is black and white, but is not nearly so lazy as Spot. He is worming all day, and often catches big ones. He often chases the fowls, and when they go on the nest to lay he tries to pull them off. He roosts in the lemon tree. Joey is a pretty bird; he has a long, tail and & lot of colours. He has a yellow ring round this neck, and a green and blue breast. He can say ‘Pretty Joey,’ ‘Where are you working?’ ‘Have a- cup of tea,’ and if we are speaking, he says, ‘A?’ and if anyone comes into the yard he screams ‘Mamma!’. He is as good as a watch dog. I will now say good-night, uncle. I remain your loving nephew, WILLIE HARRISON, aged 11 ½
Daily News Saturday 14 August 1909 page 12
1910 – aged 12
PRIZE ESSAY (The Prize is a Book for Boys.)
256 Perth-street, Subiaco. Dear Uncle Tom, — I am writing you an essay on my holidays. During the first week Louis and I went to Crawley fishing, and on, Christmas Eve we went to the Queen’s Hall with two boy friends to see the pictures, and thought they were good. On Christmas Day we did not go out as Louis had a bad toothache, and on Boxing Day we did not go put either, but my father took Louis to get his tooth out. On Monday we made an: early start to Nedlands Park. We had a good day, but when we got home we were tired. On Wednesday we went to the Orphans’ Christmas picnic, and although I had a headache, I was pleased to see the orphans, enjoy themselves. On New Year’s Eve we all stayed up to see the New Year. in. Several times this week I went to Crawley. I went on Saturday, and caught eighteen whiting and a flathead. Louis and Nellie went to Stathams on Saturday for a week. When they come home I am going up to stay for some months. I hope you have had an enjoyable Christmas and will have a bright New Year. I remain your loving nephew, Willie HARRISON, aged 11.
The Daily News Saturday 15 January 1910 page 10
256 Perth-street, Subiaco. Dear Uncle Tom, — I am going to write you an essay on ‘How I spent my Holidays.’ The first week Willie and I went out fishing, and we caught a good many fish and crabs. I went to the little orphans’ picnic, and was glad to see them enjoy themselves. I went up to Statham’s Siding with Nellie, and came home last Friday. Now Nellie is ill with measles. Good-bye now, dear uncle.— I am, your loving little nephew, LOUIS HARRISON, aged 9.
Dear Louis,— I was sorry to hear of Nellie’s bad fortune in getting the measles. Tell her to avoid draughts and chills, and she will soon be all right again. Your handwriting is improving. If I were you I would write a page in an exercise-book every night, and you would soon be a very good penman.— Uncle Tom.
Daily News Saturday 22 January 1910 page 10
William was still involved with 7th Scout troop from Subiaco:
1910 – BOY SCOUTS On Saturday next, the 58th and 24th troops will attack the 4th and 7th troops, who will take up their position around the limekilns at Subiaco. The attackers will be under Scoutmasters Gill, Everett, and Phillips, and Deputy Scoutmasters Day, Asplin, and Ambler, and the defenders under Scoutmasters Harrison and Bennett, with their respective deputies.
The West Australian Friday 8 July 1910 page 7
1911 THE BOY SCOUTS – TROOP NOTES
Several metropolitan troops were in camp during the recent holidays.
Troop 7 (Subiaco) had a successful camp adjacent to the Old- Men’s Home. About 30 boys, accompanied: by S.M. Bennett and D.S.M. Standley, attended on Saturday evening. An impromptu ‘camp fire’ entertainment- was given before the residents of the home in the dining-hall. It so greatly pleased them that they are asking for an early repetition. The violin solos by P. L. Chiswell and recitations by Scout Priestly were, ‘excellently rendered.’, The little daughters of the Superintendent (Mr Rust) also assisted and were heartily received by the old men and the Scouts. Mr Rust was extremely kind to the boys. A splendid supper at his house concluded the entertainment on Saturday, and in case of wet weather during the night he allowed the boys to camp on the stage in the hall. On Sunday, he delighted them by asking for a detail of four boys to carry down to the camp a large can of soup and two enormous plum puddings, which were appreciated. The troop attended Church Service in the morning. The singing by the men was particularly good, and the sermon on ‘Zeal’ was one that should appeal to all true Scouts. The usual Scout exercises and swimming occupied the boys’ time. The winners of the recent map-drawing competition were P.L. Teede and Harrison.
Daily News Friday 27 October 1911 page 8
BOY SCOUTS. At a competition held at Mosman’s Bay on Saturday last under the direction of Sergt. Smith (Royal Humane Society) the following scouts of the 7th troop (Subiaco) passed their swimming test:-P. L. Chiswell, Harrison, and Downy.
The West Australian Tuesday 21 November 1911 page 4
1912 – aged 14
Under the Commonwealth Defence Act (effective from 1911), male youths aged 14 to 18 were required to train as Senior Cadets.
William Harrison was an army cadet with the 87B battalion under Captain Morgan and was a member of their brass band.
March of Senior Cadets.
The metropolitan battalions of senior cadets belonging to the 22nd brigade will parade for the first time as a brigade to-night and march through the principal streets of the city. The brigade comprises the 86th, 87th, 88th and 89th battalions. and should there be a good muster, as is anticipated, over 2,000 young soldiers will take part in the march. The brigade is timed to leave the Drill Hall in Francis-street, at half-past 8 o’clock, and will be accompanied by the bands of the 86th and 88th Infantry.
The West Australian Thursday 24 October 1912 page 6
CADET ‘ COMPETITIONS. AN INTERESTING DISPLAY. THE SUCCESS OF AREA 87B.
It was a happy inspiration on the part of the officers of the 22nd brigade of senior cadets to hold military sports and athletic competitions for the young soldiers, and all concerned in the carrying out of the first annual gathering on the W.A. Cricket Association’s Ground on Saturday are to be congratulated upon the very successful result of their labours. The attendance of the general public was disappointing, but the cadets were present in large force, and those participating in the events were remarkably keen. His Excellency the Governor (Sir Gerald Strickland), attended by Major Wilkinson, A.D.C., arrived on the ground at half-past 2 o clock, and was received by a guard of honour from D Company 87th Battalion (Perth Modern School) and the Bunbury boys. The District Commandant (Colonel Irving) and his staff officers were present throughout the whole of the day, Colonel Irving acting as umpire-in-chief, and the other officers as umpires. A large number of militia officers attended and took great interest in the proceedings. The officers forming the committee of management worked indefatigably on the ground, and for some time previously in perfecting the arrangements. Particularly to the president (Lieutenant Jackson), the vice-president (Captain Annear), and the hon. Secretary (Lieutenant Williams), is a large share of the measure of success due. All of the events were carried out with military punctuality. It must have been very gratifying to all present to see such a fine body of the youth of Western Australia as was formed by the senior cadets of the 22nd Brigade. Sturdy, well set up, and clean, they provide an object-lesson of what can be done by a system of training such as that laid down by the military authorities. The officers, and more particularly the area officers, were justified in viewing the young soldiers with feelings of pride, and these feelings can also be participated in by those unconnected with the movement. The boys contested the various events as only keen healthy boys can, and both victor and vanquished took their honours and defeats like sportsmen, there were no complaints, and no recriminations. One accident occurred, Sergeant Heagney, of 86B, straining himself during the 100yds, race. He was removed in an ambulance to his home at Victoria Park, where he is progressing favourably towards recovery. Sergeant Heagney’s accident was the more regrettable as he was the commander of the section which competed for the best-turned-out section. A substitute had to be impressed at the last moment, and the section secured second place. In recognition of the section coming second in adverse circumstances, the residents of Victoria Park have decided to present silver medals to the members of the team. An interesting feature of the day’s programme was the presentation by Sir Gerald Strickland of the Countess of Dudley’s banners and the Adelaide Tailoring Company’s shield to D Company of the 87th Battalion for the best company in the State, and the medal given by the Australian Natives’ Association for being the best rifle shot in the senior cadets for the year 1911-12, to Cadet Tilley. The banners were received by Lieutenants Kirkpatrick and Brine, and His Excellency warmly congratulated the company upon the proud position it had won. The Imperial service medal was also handed to Mr. Varley, formerly an officer of the Imperial Prisons Department, by Sir Gerald Strickland.
It was unfortunate that the Bunbury boys, who had on the previous evening completed a trek from Bunbury, could not participate in the military events. Their uniforms bore traces of the week’s march and consequently they could not enter for the best-turned-out cadet, in which competition cleanliness of uniform and equipment was a determining factor, and as the boys forming the detachment were drawn from various portions of the area, they could not compete for the prizes offered for the best permanent section. However, they were very successful in the athletic events, winning all in which they took part. Lieutenant O’Donnell’s young soldiers sturdy and bronzed, naturally came in for a good share of attention on the part of the public, the universal opinion being that they form a body the command of whom any officer would be proud to have.
1913 William Harrison
To 87B (Subiaco-Leederville) belong the proud privilege of being the most successful area as far as the military competitions are concerned. This honour carries with it the possession of a complete bugle band, consisting of a base drum, two side drums., and eight bugles, valued at £25, which was presented by Messrs. Dobbie and Co. Colonel Irving warmly congratulated the officer and boys of the winning area on the fine performance put up.
The West Australian Monday 9 December 1912 page 7
87B (Subiaco-Leederville) Senior Cadets bugle band equipment presented to them by Messrs. Dobbie and Co. following their victory in regional military training competitions. Because they were named the “most successful area,” they were awarded a premium musical setup consisting of a bass drum, two side drums, and eight bugles.
1912 TECHNICAL SCHOOLS AND SCHOOL OF MINES – ANNUAL EXAMINATIONS. FIRST LIST OF RESULTS.
Appended are the results of the greater portion of the annual examinations in connection with the Technical Schools of Western Australia: Signwriting and Decorating. W. Harrison, (Perth Technical School).
West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 – 1954), Monday 8 January 1912, page 3
TECHNICAL SCHOOLS. ANNUAL EXAMINATIONS.
Signwriting and Decorating: second class. Practice-only: W. Harrison.
West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 – 1954), Tuesday 31 December 1912, page 4
1912 Bill Harrison’s Trinity certificate
In June 1912 William Harrison attained a Trinity College of London Junior Division. Honours in Theory of Music. Subjects: Notation, Time, Intervals & Terms. Teacher: Miss L. M. Richardson.
TRINITY COLLEGE OF MUSIC LONDON. JUNE THEORY EXAMINATION.
The following results have been received of the June theory examination of the Trinity College of Music. London: Junior Division (Honours).
Thomas Gray, H. Henry, G. Henry, John Magee, H. E. Tracey, W. Willis (St. Joseph’s Convent, Fremantle), R. E. Smith, V. M. Austin, G. F. Bignell, M. J. Bourke, L. A. Coyne, A. Delaney, F. Henry, J. S. Hennessy, K. M. Kindelan. F. Sheridan (Sisters of Mercy, Victoria-square), V. M. Collopy. A. K. Doheny, J. L. Tarrant, L. M. K. Gawthorne, E. Harris, H. G Lapsley, N. Millard, E. C. Taylor (Sacred Heart Convent), Perth, J. Hambley, M. T. Mitchell, E. M. Pass (St. Brigid’s Convent, W.Perth), B. M. Connolly (Our Lady’s Convent School, Leederville), M. E. Jolley (Sisters of Mercy Midland Junction), K. O’Rielly, V. McGavin (St. Joachim’s Convent, Victoria Park), A. I. Little (Miss E. Randell L.T.C.L., organ) L. Ross (Miss E. Newman), W. E. Harrison (Miss L. M. Richardson), F. M. Newman, N. Newton (School of Music, Miss Taplin), E. M. Pumphrey (Miss A. Butler). N. W. Watson (Miss N. E. Watson), N. Hetherington (Miss Belle Young), N. B. Barnett, J. C. Barnett, E. N. Dunstan, D. A. Gordon, N. Turnock, E. F. Wilson (Ormiston College. Miss Wilson), G. A. Jones E. Starr (Miss Selby, A.T.C.L.), E. A. Brown. E. A. Hogben. A. E. Mainstone (Miss H. Errington, A.T.C.L.), J. O. Saunders (Mrs. Partridge), I. Fraser (Miss Cochrane), I. E. Christensen (School of Music, Mr. R. Jackson), I V. Tompson (Mrs. R. B. G. Dudley, L.A.B.), V. McNeilance Prowse (Miss R. C Meugens, A.T.C.L.), H. T. Boxall (Miss Davis), N. E. Turnbull, F. M. Burke (Miss A. Colgan, A.T.C.L.), 0. R. Luber (Miss F. Luber, L.T.C.L.), O. M. Ainslie, D. M. C. Andrews, V. E. G. Jose. R. M. Smith, C. M. Wilcox, N. L. Wilson (Girls’ High School, Miss Pornell).
The West Australian Monday 2 September 1912 page 8
William Harrison’s music teacher was Louisa Mary Richardson, the daughter of Professor of Music, John Sherwin Richardson, who resided at Coghlan Road Subiaco. Louisa was a foundation member of the Western Australian Music Teachers’ Association (WAMTA) was established in 1910 to standardise and vet local teaching qualifications.
1914 – aged 16
In June 1914 William Harrison, aged 16, was witness to a distressing scene at his neighbour’s residence:
A SUBIACO CASE.
Archibald Ogilvie, an elderly man, appeared in the City Court yesterday charged with having, at Subiaco on April 19, attempted to kill himself. William Edward Harrison, residing at 256 Perth-street, Subiaco, next to accused’s premises said that on the evening of April 19 accused’s son called him. He found Ogilvie lying on his verandah with two gashes in his throat. Wesley Ogilvie, accused’s young son, said that he and his father were going that evening to Mr. Don. Chipper’s premises to view the body of Ogilvie’s wife, who had died two days previously. Accused went to the outhouse at the end of the yard, and witness waited for him. When he came out, he said he was not feeling well; he stumbled on to the verandah, and then fell down. Witness noticed a bloodstained handkerchief round his neck. Dr. Gill arrived a little later, and Ogilvie was removed to the hospital. There was a large quantity of blood on the floor of the outhouse. P. C. Machin deposed to having found a razor in the outhouse. Ogilvie, who said he had no recollection of the affair was committed for trial.
The West Australian Thursday 25 June 1914 page 8
ALLEGED ATTEMPTED SUICIDE – Archibald Ogilvie; Charged. Committed for Trial.
A pathetic little story was told the Perth Police Court on Wednesday when Archibald Ogilvie, an elderly man, was charged with having attempted to kill himself on April 29th last. Ogilvie still looks very weak and pale. The fact that he was detained in the hospital for two months is enough to indicate that he had a fairly close call. Sergeant Smythe conducted the police-case and Ogilvie was undefended. Being deaf, he was allowed to stand near the witness box so he could hear what was said concerning him. Dr. Gill led off by stating he was called to attend to Ogilvie about 7.10p.m. on the night of Saturday April
Nineteenth at his residence in Perth Street. He found the man had three gashes in his throat and some injuries on his wrist. Ogilvie, who had lost a very large quantity of blood was moved to the hospital right away. The to have appear to have been CAUSED BY A RAZOR which was produced, for the doctor’s inspection.
William Edward Harrison, a next door neighbour, said he was called to Ogilvie’s house at ab out 7 p.m. He found him lying on the verandah, in a semiconscious state, with wounds on his throat.
Wesley Ogilvie, the seventeen year old son of the accused, who is small for his age, was next called to give evidence. He found it a trying ordeal, and the whole circumstances were very sad. On Sunday evening April 19th, he said has father went to an outhouse. About seven o’clock the lad went to tell him they would miss their train for the city. His father replied he would be coming in a minute. The boy noticed something wet on the floor, but did not know until later that it was his father’s blood. He went first to the front gate and then went inside. While he was there his father came along and stumbled on to the verandah. The boy asked him what was the matter and Ogilvie said he did not feel too well. Wesley went to see what was the matter, and found his father lying on the floor. When he saw what had happened he called Harrison from next door. “Where were you going that night?” asked Sergeant Smythe “I think this will explain a good deal, your Worship,” added the Sergeant to the P.M. “We were going to ” Mr. Chipper’s, the undertaker’s,” replied the lad. What, for?—”To see my mother, who was lying there dead” he answered, crying softly.
“That is the explanation of Ogilvie’s conduct, I, think,” said the Sergeant to Mr. Roe, “‘the defendant had just been unfortunate enough TO LOSE HIS WIFE. Evidence was also given by a constable who said Ogilvie was unconscious when he saw him. He also handed in a blood-stained razor which he had found in the outhouse. Mr. Roe asked Ogilvie if he wanted to say anything. He replied that he had no recollection whatever of what had taken place. “Is that all you wish to say?” “That is all I can say.” Ogilvie was then committed for trial and was allowed out on bail upon him promising not to do anything further of a foolish nature.
Truth Saturday 27 June 1914 page 4
[Archibald Ogilvie died 21st August 1921. His wife Lena died 17th April 1914. Wesley Ogilvie, enlisted in the A.I.F on 29th April 1916. Wesley died in 1974]
Western Australia, as part of the Commonwealth of Australia, was officially committed to World War I on August 4, 1914.
Arthur Dight Harrison was aged 43 and his oldest son William aged 16.When Britain declared war on Germany at 11 p.m. on 4 August 1914 (London time), all dominions of the British Empire, including Australia, were automatically at war. The official enlistment age for the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) was generally 18 to 45 years. While volunteers could join at 18 with parental consent, the standard minimum age was often 21, and some younger men falsified their age to fight. Initial 1914 requirements were stricter, but upper age limits were raised to 45 by 1915. A total of 32,231 individuals from Western Australia enlisted, representing 37.5% of males aged 18 to 44.
1914 SCOUT TROOP REPORT – No. 7 (Subiaco)
A few boys camped at Blackboy Hill from Saturday till Sunday last, when a most enjoyable and instructive time was spent. Sergt. Major Shepherd, of the Engineers (who worked by Sir Robert Baden-Powell in South Africa), took great interest in the boys, and was kind enough to give them a lecture on methods of defence, explaining to them the details regarding the entrenchments that have been constructed by the troops in camp, and the utility of -barbed-wire entanglements as a means of obstruction to an invading force. He also showed them how and where mines were laid, and explained the nature of the explosives. The boys proved to be excellent listeners, and the sergeant-major’s kindness was much appreciated. The artillery lines were also visited, and Lieut. Leschen very kindly explained and demonstrated, the mechanism of the 18-pounder guns. The Scouts took full advantage of the opportunity to ask questions, to all of which Lieut. Leschen gave explicit replies, so that the boys absorbed a large amount of useful information. On Thursday last Scouts Sharp and Priestly were passed by Mr. Instructor Haigh for the ambulance badge. Leaders Medlin, Standley, and Harrison were re-examined and well proved their title to the badge.
The Daily News Saturday 26 September 1914 page 8
1915 – aged 17
In June 1915, aged 17, William attained Australia Trinity College of London: Honours in Intermediate Theory of Music. Subjects: Transposition, Terms, Intervals, Figured Bass, Harmony, Analysis & Modulation. Teacher: Mr W.H. Coupland.
William Henry Coupland (1860–1931), a highly influential figure in Western Australia’s early classical music scene who served as President of the West Australian Music Teachers’ Association (WAMTA) in 1913. He was a close colleague of A.J. Leckie and Louisa Mary Richardson’s father, Sherwin Richardson, both of whom rotated the early presidency duties of the association.
1915 William Harrison Trinity certificate
1915 TRINITY COLLEGE OF MUSIC LONDON. THEORY RESULTS.
Mr. W. H. Coupland, the local secretary of the Perth centre, has supplied the following list of passes and awards in connection with the theory examination held on June 19 last: Higher Local Division (Honours):–W. Pitchford (Sacred Heart Convent). Higher Local Division (Pass).-E. Hoare, L. Moylan, M. Kayser (Sisters of Mercy, Victoria Square). Senior Division (Honours). I. L. Hall (A. J. Leckie, Mus. Bac.), D. M. R. Canute (Miss G Du Rieu, A.M.L.C.M.), A. S. Groom (Miss Belle Young), E. Herrington, F. Henry, D. Carrington (Sisters of Mercy, Victoria Square), M. M. Brady, K. M. Cartright. I. Christensen, B. Kavanagh, H. E. Tracey (St. Joseph’s Convent Fremantle), T. Cohen (Sacred Heart College, Fremantle). Senior Division (Pass).-W. Fox (R. J.Baestian), E. E. Carter (Miss Davis), A. Cullen, K. M. Fanning, A. Grady, M. Grimes, A. Massam, N. O’Connell, D. T. Ratazzi, E. M. Stewart (St. Joseph’s Convent, Fremantle), M. P. Bennett I. M. Garland, R. P. M. Moore, M. Seymour (Sacred Heart Convent.). Advanced Intermediate Division (Honours).-C. E. Camper (Mrs. H. E. Camper), E. W. Willis (Mrs. Curthoys), B. Wyard, R. M. Ferrow (Miss G. Du Rieu, A.M.L.C.M.). Advanced Intermediate Division (Pass). B. Williams (R. J. Bastian), D. H. Munyard, C. E. Munyard (Miss G. Du Rien, A.M.L.C.M.), E. R. Dawson, B. Spiegl (Sacred Heart Convent), D. E. Gillett, P. Jordan (St. Brigid’s Convent), R. E. Bindley, A. E. Willoughby (Convent of Mercy, Midland Junction). Intermediate Division (Honours). W. E. Harrison (Mr. W. H. Coupland), C. Duncan (Miss P. Darlington, A.T.C.L.), E. M. Veal (Miss M. Errington, A.T.C.L), N. A. Huey O. R. Luber, E. J. Luber (Miss F. Luber, L.T.C.L.), J. M. Voigt (Miss Doris Robinson), M. P. Tostevin (Miss C. Seeker, L.T.C.L), Q. D. Stevens (Miss Belle Young), N. Barrett, P. Mugridge, C. Mitchell (Convent of Mercy, Victoria Square), A White, D. M. Sexton, T. McEncroe (Sisters of St. Joseph, Subiaco), W. Doherty (Sacred Heart Convent).
The West Australian Wednesday 29 September 1915 page 9
1916 – aged 18
By 1916, the pressure on the men of Subiaco to enlist was immense, with twice as many West Australians in favour of conscription as were against it as reflected in the 1916 and 1917 referendums. Those who did not enlist were often harassed by the families of those who did with white feathers deposited in letter boxes to indicate cowardice. At recruitment drives, they would sing “We Don’t Want to Lose You, but We Think You Ought to Go” and there was an unwritten consensus that at least one member of a family should enlist. It is estimated that ten percent of Subiaco’s entire population enlisted and therefore absent from the district throughout the war years.
Spillman, Ken,Identity Prized: A History of Subiaco, (University of Western Australia Press for the City of Subiaco, 1985). p. 203
Many Senior Cadets or those turning 18 began enlisting. One of them was William Edward Harrison.
1916 William excited to go to war
William was a proficient pianist and trumpeter and employed as a clerk with the government at his time of enlistment into the Australian Imperial Forces aged 18 on 17th July 1916.
He was assigned to the 10th Light Horse 18/28th. Number 3237, a bugler and a trumpeter, listed himself as a civil servant and Presbyterian. His next of kin was father Arthur Dight Harrison, 256 Perth St, Subiaco. He was serving with 87B Senior cadets (joined 1912).
He wrote this poem which was published in the newspaper about the soldiers of the 26th:
THE 26/10th LIGHT HORSE.
(By Trumpeter W. Harrison, of Subiaco.)
There’s Sergt. McWaters from W.A.,
A dinkum soldier I’ve heard them say:
He’s a good looking fellow when he’s awake,
But his ginger moustache, well, that takes the cake.
There’s Corporal Bob Fernie from gay Armadale.
He’s as sorry as hell for the day he set sail;
But he’s a decent fellow if there ever was one,
And when the guns go he’ll be well in the fun.
There’s Corporal Robinson, the man with the feet:
He once was a merchant in Wellington Street;
But Robbie’s got brains, this no man can dispute,
Although he’s a thin, lanky, long legged coot.
There’s old Jack O’Donough and little Bill Hankey,
And Ginger Bert Wallace, about twice as lanky;
There’s Gabriel Morrell and his cobber McQueen;
They’re all from the country and a little bit green.
There’s Harold McKnight and his cobber Val Browne,
They’re not country bumpkins; they came from the town.
They joined the Light Horse to join in the strife,
And they both pushed a pen in civilian life.
There’s silly Stan Smith and old Billy Whitton:
They’re in charge of the taps and they won’t be spit on.
They’re a bit out of place, for they both prefer beer,
And when the guns go they’ll be well in the air.
There’s fat Harry Gill, the troop’s hungry man;
He’s very well named, for he eats all he can.
He’s first to the table, and never late,
And when Gillie’s finished it’s no use to wait.
There’s farmer Dick Fulwood and young Bonnie Waters:
They’re both from the bush and at boxing they’re snorters.
Then can snare an opossum and ride down a ‘roo,
And everyone says they’re hot stuff on stew.
There’s old Tommy Silver and young Billy Higham:
They’re both decent fellows, and honest as I am;
That’s not saying much, but you know what I mean,
For at paying their debts they’re unnaturally keen.
There’s mess orderlies Wilson and big Charlie Collard:
They’re kings of the butter and bread made of pollard.
They’re last on parade and first into bed,
So you see they’re hard workers; I think nuff’s said.
There’s Clark, Melbourne, Parnell, Bott and young Gordon White:
They left W.A. to come out and fight;
To fight did I say, well, I made a mistake,
For they’re going to Egypt the fun to partake.
Well, that about all, I’ve no memory for names,
For all I can think of are Horton and James;
And they’re both good fellows, of that there’s no doubt,
For when a chap’s stony they always will shout.
Camp Chronical Midland Junction Thursday 24 May 1917 page 8
1916 26th / 10th Light Horse Battalion at Blackboy Hill
William wrote a diary whilst in the A.I.F. and it dates from 17.7.1916 until 4.7.1919.
Once stationed at Blackboy Hill, William immediately requested a transfer to be a bugler with Signal Squadron.
He wrote consistently to his parents and siblings from his enlistment in 1916:
Arose at home and journeyed to Claremont. We were duty company this day and I was pioneer. Went home in the evening. I was instructed to parade with the buglers this day and shifted my kit to the bugler’s tent.
1916 Blackboy Hill buglers – William Harrison middle row right
Friday 18th August 1916
Arose at home and went to Claremont. Paraded with buglers and done a bit of practice. Had evening off and went to the pictures with Ern Jenkins.
Saturday 19th August 1916
Arose at home and went to Claremont. Paraded with buglers. Went on duty at 2oc. Played calls as follows:
2pm Salute for Guard
5.30pm Cookhouse
6pm Retreat
6pm Officers’ Mess
7,8,9pm Defaulters
9.30pm First Post
10pm Last Post
10.15pm Lights Out 10.15.
Slept in camp this night. Wrote to F. Blott and L. Storey.
During World War I, Australian Imperial Force (AIF) buglers used standardized British Army bugle calls to regulate the daily routine of soldiers in camp, barracks, and behind the front lines. These loud, valve-less brass signals communicated time and duties before watches were common.
Morning Calls
First Post: Sounded at dawn or the start of the morning inspection to signal the first rounds and preparation for the day.
Reveille: Played right after First Post to wake sleeping soldiers from their beds.
The General / Assembly: Instructed troops to form up in ranks for roll call or morning parade.
Daytime Routine and Meals
Mess Call (Cookhouse): Announced meal times for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Fatigue Call: Directed men to general camp chores, cleaning, or labor duties.
Fall In / Defaulters: Summoned troops for specific training sessions or punished personnel for extra duties.
Evening and Night Calls
Retreat: Sounded at sunset to lower the camp flag and signal the end of the official working day.
First Post (Night): Marked the beginning of evening checks and the rounding up of off-duty men.
The Last Post: Sounded late at night (traditionally 9:30 PM or 10:00 PM) to signal that the final inspection of sentry posts was complete and all remaining soldiers must be in their quarters.
Lights Out: Commanded soldiers to extinguish lanterns and go to sleep.
Sunday 20th August 2016
Arose in camp at 7oc. Played Reveille 7oc Cookhouse 7.45 ½ hour warning 8.45 1/45 hour warning 9oc Markers 9.05 Advance 9.10 Cookhouse 12.45 Officers’ Mess 1oc Salute for Guard 2oc. It was wet this day. Had afternoon off. Spent evening with Les Dunne.
He remained at Blackboy Hill until he emarked:
1917 26th Battalion marching Hay Street
1916 26th Battalion marching in Hay Street – William second row outside left
DIARY EXCERPT:
Monday 27th February 1917
Rose shortly after Reveille had breakfast and slipped home for the last time. In the afternoon we were told to be in readiness to go at any minute. We left Claremont at 6.30pm and journeyed to Fremantle where I met Mother and Nellie, Charlie, Belle, Vera, Lorna and Aunt Mattie. We embarked safely and the boat left about 1am the following morning. I slept on deck this night. (February 17, 1917, Australian Imperial Force reinforcements left Sydney aboard the RMS Morea, via Fremantle sailing to Bombay, India.)
Tuesday 28th February 1917 – on board RMS Morea
Woke on deck at 6oc stowed away my hammock completed my toilet and had breakfast. We were out of sight of land and saw shoal of flying fish. I spent most of my time on deck this day. Went to a concert in the evening and slept on deck.
Wednesday 29th February 1917– on board RMS Morea
Rose, washed and had breakfast. I felt a bit squeamish this day though I was not sick. Had boat drill at 10am and spent the afternoon in writing letters to home. Slept in my hammock below deck.
Thursday 1st March 1917– on board RMS Morea
Arose at about 6oc. Washed, shaved and had breakfast. I was ship’s trumpeter this day. My duties started at 8am and finished at the same time the next morning. I had a good look around the ship this day as my duties carried me to the First Saloon and Officers’ Mess. The Governor was down in our quarters this morning and chatted to some of the fellows. I spent considerable time on deck. A big wave washed through the porthole and swept away the tea things. Slept in my hammock.
During World War I, Australian Navy and troopship trumpeters (or buglers) played standardized military bugle calls to structure the daily routine of the crew and troops on board, marking times from wake-up to lights out.
Daily Routine Bugle Calls
Morning / Wake Up:Reveille or First Call was sounded at dawn to rouse the sailors and troops.
Meals: Specific calls like Mess Call or Come to the Cookhouse Door were played to announce breakfast, dinner, and tea times.
Work and Duties:RD (Rounds) or specialized assembly calls directed sailors to muster, fall in for inspections, or begin cleaning and maintenance tasks.
Evening / End of Day:First Post marked the beginning of evening watch and tattoo routines, followed later by the Last Post, which signalled the end of the working day and required all hands to be below deck or settled.
Night:Lights Out (or Taps) was played to order absolute quiet and darkness across the ship.
Friday 2nd March 1917– on board RMS Morea
I arose at 5.45 played Reveille at 6oc. We had rain during the previous night and consequently the fellows who slept on deck had to retire below. We had boat drill at 10oc. It rained nearly all day so we had to stay below decks. The Governor came to our table and recited some patriotic poetry. The sea was very rough. At 7.30pm we had a church service at which I played the organ. I slept below in my hammock.
DIARY EXCERPT:
Thursday 19th April 1917 – Moascar – APPOINTED TRUMPETER AT DIVISION HEADQUARTERS
Arose at Reveille, dressed, had a wash and went on first parade. After breakfast we went to the range and I qualified in 400 yards stpp (14 out of 20) and the rapid shooting (3 out of 5). There were some bad dust storms this morning. After dinner we went through our field practise. On coming in from the range I had to report to Lieut. Ralston the adjutant (Lieutenant Edward Ralston served as an officer and troop leader connected to the Australian Light Horse). He offered me a job as Division at Headquarters trumpeter which I accepted. I was to report to him at 12oc the next day. Spent evening in Y.M.C.A. Sent postcards to Nell, Belle, Mother, Dad and stamps to Charlie and Lew. Retired at 8.30.
Friday 20th April 1917 – Moascar – DIVISION HEADQUARTERS TRUMPETER
Arose at Reveille and went on first parade. After breakfast we went to the range and went through another course of field practise. Got 5 hits out of 10. When this was over I paraded to the adjutant who put me on duty straight away. I practised in the afternoon, played smoko, mess, markers, advance, retreat, defaulters, first and last posts and lights out. I wrote to Nellie, had tea and went to see Lew. As I was on duty this night I had to stay in the isolation camp but Lewis came with me and had a yarn. I told the Corporal of the Guard to call me and retired. I had a soft bed to sleep on this night and slept well.
Arose at 6oc and went on first parade. During the morning the Major informed me that I was to be the trumpeter of the Squadron and as we were not using trumpets I would help with the orderly room work. I was exempt from all parades. I ran two or three messages during the day and took two despatches to the Div. Headquarters. We had a splendid view of a taube that flew over our lines at tea time. A gun about three hundred yards away fired and done some good shooting. Wrote to Belle (23), Mother, Nell, Charlie, Lew, E. Jenkins and G. Ranford. Meals very good.
Saturday 26th May 1917 – WELI SHEIK NURAN
I got up at my leisure this morning and had nothing to do. We saw two taubes bombarded. Our camp is at Weli Sheik Nuran and is situated on a large plain which extends for miles. There are miles of Turkish trenches which have been evacuated. I took several despatches to Div. HQ. Studied Arabic most of the day. It was a bit hot. General Chauvel passed our camp with his bodyguard. (Chauvel was commander of the Australian and New Zealand Mounted Division and all Australian forces in Egypt. In the 1917 reorganisation of the forces in the Middle East, Chauvel was given command of the Desert Mounted Corps, becoming Australia’s highest ranked soldier.) We were issued with cigarettes and matches. Had my hair cut. There are rumours going that we will be shifting back to Belah. Retired early and the night was very cold.
William, front left, with his septic knee bandaged in front of his bivvie with Light Horse horses and camels in the background
Saturday 7th July 1917 – TEL EL FARA – ONE YEAR AFTER ENLISTMENT
Attended first parade and turned in till breakfast time. I had three trips to D.H.Q. with despatches. Our food was much of an improvement. Jacko was over. A whirly gig came along and lifted one of my blankets a hundred feet in the air. Wrote to Grandma, Nell (24), Mum (24). Received from Mum and Nell. Stunt coming off tomorrow and Reveille is to be at 4oc.
Sunday 8th July 1917 – TEL EL FARA
Arose at Reveille which was at 4oc on account of A,B,C & D troops going on a stunt. Headquarters (including myself) were left behind. Meals were good and consisted or rice and rabbit. A sceptic developed on my right foot and consequently I could not wear my boot. I borrowed a canvas boot from S.S.M. Had a bath and washed my clothes. This place abounds in water melons and we have our fill of them. Received letter from George Hawker.
Thursday 30th August 1917 – near KHAN UNIS
I attended first parade and as usual turned in till breakfast time. Started work at office a bit early – issued green envelopes. I done real well for tucker today – received an extra tin of fruit. Had a swim. N.Z. band played at D.H.Q. (New Zealand Mounted Rifles Brigade). I met Charlie Kensitt there and had a yarn to him. Plenty of our planes about. We can hear plenty of big guns going tonight. (heavy artillery of the British Egyptian Expeditionary Force bombarding the Ottoman defense lines at Gaza, about 25 kilometres away) Wrote to Mum (44), Nell (44) and Neva.
Friday 31st August 1917 – near KHAN UNIS
Routine same as usual. “Tin Dog” and fruit for dinner. Had a swim. I was not feeling myself today. Wrote to Belle (39) and Tim Graham. We were issued with tablets for purifying our drinking water. (helped prevent dysentery, cholera and typhoid.)
Saturday 1st September 1917 – near KHAN UNIS
Nothing much doing today. Put in leave to visit the 10th but was turned down. We have a new Corporal in H.Q. troop. Wrote a letter to Charlie Dickson. Had a swim.
Sunday 2nd September 1917 – KHAN UNIS
ANZAC MOUNTED DIVISION BAND CREATED – CONDUCTOR: John CROSBY-BROWNE
Lieutenant John Crosby-Browne of the 5th Light Horse had previously served as a military band conductor in the British Army. Recovering from malaria, he was approached by Lieutenant Colonel John Arnott, commanding officer of the 7th Light Horse Regiment, and asked to form a band to entertain and raise the morale of the troops.
Tuesday 4th September 1917 – near KHAN UNIS
Rifle inspection is now on first parade so I turned out with my rifle. Routine much the same as usual. There was a harness inspection which did not affect me. We were issued with bread today. Porridge, rice and stew were our respective diets today. Spent most of the time in reading and had a swim in the afternoon. J. Parker took a photo of my bivouac. Went to D.H.Q. where an A.I.F. band was playing.
Wednesday 5th September 1917 – near KHAN UNIS
I slept in this morning and nearly missed my breakfast. Had a swim and spent most of the day in reading. Bully beef for dinner. In the evening I went to a boxing tournament at the N.Z.B. (1st Signal Squadron (Anzac Mounted Division) logs record a major recreational event: a massive military boxing tournament New Zealand Brigade camp) It was very exciting and the Australian Band was playing there. Coming home we started to chase crabs and fish and consequently walked a mile past our camp.
Thursday 6th September 1917 – near KHAN UNIS
Slept in again this morning as I was very tired after last night’s walk. Jim Parker went to the 10th Reg. Les is alright. Bought 4 tins of jam and buried them under bivvy for safety. Had a swim. Saw several boats and aeroplanes. Spent most of the day in reading. Towards night we got a few drops of rain. Wrote to Nell (46), Mum (47) and Charlie B and played at D.H.Q. Saw bandmaster (Lieutenant John Crosby-Browne) about getting a transfer.
Friday 7th September 1917 – near KHAN UNIS
Arose and got leave to visit the 2nd Brigade. I walked about a mile along the beach and struck them at practise. I was given a cornet and after practise the bandmaster gave me a trial. I passed all right and he promised to have me transferred. I took the cornet home with me. Cleaned cornet and had a swim. In the evening I went out on the desert and had a practise. We had a few drops of rain tonight.
Awoke and had breakfast which consisted of McConackie’s rations. (Maconochie rations during World War I were canned meat and vegetable stews manufactured by the Maconochie Brothers company) Had a swim today and after dinner had a practise on the cornet. The band played at D.H.Q. and I was with them. Lieut. Browne told me that my transfer was approved. Bill Bruce again stayed in my bivouac and he is staying here till he is sent for by the troop. Wrote to Lew Poad and Bert Parsons.
William Harrisons diary details the 32 members of the band performing over 140 performances around Egypt and Palestine.
ANZAC Mounted Division Band Palestine
ANZAC Mounted Divison Band parading on donkeys 1917 Palestine – courtesy The Australian War Memorial P00061.008
Reported A.I.F.H.Q. for medical examination. I was sent to hospital – 14th A.H. Abbassia [Cairo]. Slight riots about town. Met Wally Crain in hospital (Subiaco boy, Wallace Alfred CRAIN 1083, 10th A.L.H.)
9th June 1919
(Acting Sergeant and Bandmaster George Price died at 7.40pm in 4th Australian General Hospital in Randwick, Melbourne from “Cerebral tumour and cerebral hernia”.)
16th June 1919 – CAIRO HOSPITAL to KANTARA (PORT SAID)
I was boarded for Aussie but preferred to go back to Unit. Arrived on 17th June. Play tennis every day. Plenty of beer, fights, etc.
28th June 1919 – KANTARA (PORT SAID)
Embarked on “Madras” at Kantara. Left the same night.
4th July 1919 – COLOMBO
We are just passing the Island of Socotra. It was very hot through the Red Sea. We have struck a monsoon and everyone is seasick more or less. Arrived at Colombo. I had leave to bandy (a traditional, two-wheeled bullock cart or horse-drawn carriage used primarily for transit and transporting goods across Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). The term is derived from the Telugu word baṇḍi (meaning cart or carriage) and was widely used by British colonials, travelers, and visiting troops to describe the ubiquitous local vehicles) which means a train trip across the island. The scenery was magnificent and is recognised as some of the best in the world. We passed tea, coffee, cocoa plantations and fields of rice.
END OF DIARY
25th July 1919 – PERTH Disembarked 5th M.D. List 302
12th September 1919 Pay book finalised – 295 pounds 18/7
17th October 1919: Discharged 5th M.D.
MAINLY ABOUT PEOPLE
Trumpeter Will Harrison, son of Mr. and Mrs. A. Harrison, Perth Street, Subiaco, is returning from Egypt by the S.S. Madras.
The Daily News Thursday 17 July 1919 page 3
LATE SHIPPING – SPOKEN BY WIRELESS.
The Wireless Station at Applecross was to-day in communication with the following ships: — Ormonde, Madras, Hiniaroa, Swakopmund, War Soldier, War Armour, Gera, Commonwealth, Marathon, Janus, Malta, Miltiades.
The Daily News Thursday 24th July 1919 page 9
1919 William Harrison on return from WW1
According to his Soldier’s Pay Book his final pay on 24th July 1919 was £295 18 and 7. William was officially discharged from the army on 17th October 1919 “being medically unfit (not due to misconduct)”. He had been in service for 3 years 103 days and had service abroad of 2 years 150 days.
Lou, Nellie and Charlie Harrison
After the war, William lived with his parents at 256 Perth Road Subiaco. When he returned, his siblings were 3 years older than when he had last seen them. Lou had gone from aged 16 to 19, Nellie from 15 to 18 and Charlie from 9 to 12.
In December 1919 William went to Dr Bennet with symptoms of malaria and chronic bronchitis.
It obviously didn’t prevent him from practising the piano as he obtained his Teachers Diploma [Associate] in October 1921 in piano and theory and he returned to work as a clerk with the W.A. Government.
1920 – aged 22
44th played at the Amusu Theatre
In May 1920, a group of returned servicemen formed the Band of 44th Battalion Association to later be known as the Returned Soldiers League (R.S.L.) Memorial Band. They performed in concerts with the Caledonian Pipe Band in which Walter and Bessie Kerr were members. (William would marry Edna Kerr in 1925.)
The attention of returned soldier bandsmen is directed to an advertisement calling a meeting to-night, at the Soldiers’ Institute, at 7.30. Band practice will commence under Bandmaster L. R. Green.
The West Australian Wednesday 26 May 1920 page 6
Initially established to perform for the Prince of Wales’ (notorious King Edward VIII who abdicated) visit to Perth in July 1920, 44th Battalion Association held a fundraising concert for the Mount Lawley-North Perth RSL sub-branch in the Lyceum Theatre, now known as the Astor Theatre on Thursday 19 June 1920. This band led a march past reviewed by the Prince of Wales at Government House and also performed at several events during his stay.
1920 William Harrison
Friday 2nd July 1920 – The Forty-fourth’s Reunion.
The annual reunion of the 44th Battalion was held at St. George’s Hall, Perth, on Friday night, July 2, the date having been altered from June 6 (embarkation day) to July 2, in order to give members living-in country districts an opportunity to be present. The president of the Association (Capt. C. Longmore) presided, and on his left sat (the O.C., Lieut.-Colonel Mansbridge (“Old Billy”). The usual toasts were proposed, “The King” and “The Prince” by the chairman, the toast of “Kindred Associations” – being left ‘in the hands of Lieut.-Colonel Mansbridge; who emphasised the spirit of comradeship and fraternity which seemed to exist when members of battalions who meet in a social way and he trusted that
many more kindred bodies would arise from the ashes of the Great War and help to commemorate many stirring, episodes which had occurred overseas. “Fallen Soldiers” was honoured in silence, all glasses on the table’ being turned down. The toast of “Our Guests” was entrusted to Mr. Cropper Milligan, who eloquently eulogised the parties present, pointing out that the feeling of comradeship should exist among all fighting bodies.
At the conclusion of the “smoko” and after some Scotch members had introduced the Caledonian Pipe Band, the chairman announced that Senator Pearce had been approached by Mr. J. Cornell, M.L.C., on behalf of the Battalion Association with a request that the set of brass band instruments and uniforms which had been lent by the Defence Department, during the Prince’s visit should he retained by the association until directions came from the department in Melbourne for them to be returned. The chairman stated that the Senator had given a favourable reply and that at an early date everything would be fixed up and the band placed on a permanent basis. “God Save the King” terminated a most enjoyable reunion, many stories being told and retold, and many old fighting mates meeting once more.
The Australian Friday 9 July 1920 page 1
The Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League of Australia (RSSILA) now R.S.L. W.A., was highly active in Perth, focused on welfare and advocacy for World War I veterans. Key activities included local sub-branch meetings and community events. From the early 1920’s Bill played piano in his own band “Harrison’s Orchestra” and frequently performed at Returned Soldier’s League Events.
Madame Bennett Wilkinson wishes to thank the W.A Concert Artists for admitting a party of wounded soldiers to witness the production of “Floradora,” also Mr. Durham Marcel for consenting to the Melrose artists giving an afternoon to the patients at the Base Hospital last week; Mrs. Kiely and Mr. Culley., of Cottesloe Beach; Messrs. Goerling, Anderson, Harrison, and Hodge deserve special thanks for their assistance with motors in driving them to and from Fremantle.
Sunday Times Sunday 1 August 1920 page 6
The Fremantle branch of the R.S.L. are running a children’s and adults’ fancy dress ball in the Fremantle Town Hall on Saturday next, August 28, starting at 8 p.m. Children will occupy the floor till 9.30p.m. and adults till 12p.m. Harrison’s jazz band has been engaged for the occasion; good prizes are offered for competition, and refreshments will be provided. Altogether an enjoyable evening is assured.
The Fremantle Times Friday 27 August 1920 page 1
R.S.L. Canteen.
The local branch of the R.S.L. was successful in securing the dry canteen and the manner in which it was carried out evoked the admiration; of all. Messrs. Brandon and Denslowe were purveyors of saveloys “and rolls, and they did a roaring business. They selected a “possy” near the wet canteen (no insinuations, Mr. Editor), and they were kept going all the afternoon. In another portion of the ground was the ice-cream stall conducted by Mr. E, Corbett, the secretary, and Mr. B., Baker, assisted occasionally by, President H. ‘Cooper. A large marquee had been erected, and here a bevy of willing workers dispensed refreshments. The ladies in
charge were -Mrs. C. (Sherville, Miss Miller, Miss Bailey, Mrs. Harrison, Mrs. Brandon, and Miss Baker. The male helpers were Messrs. Harrison, Pitton, Pitton, jun., T. Brown, and T. Taylor. The Y.M.C.A. kindly lent the furniture for the canteen, and Mr Crossley, of Perth, gave the coppers. The public patronised the tea tent liberally, but there was one oversight — the absence of fruit. It was also remarked that when the Governor entered the grounds to open the Show the band neglected to play the National Anthem, as is customary at such functions. However, mounting Tyler’s lorry, His Ex. declared the Show open. Although no patriotic flags were displayed, except at the hall in the’ soldiers’ canteen the Union Jack and the Australian flags were prominent. Our president, Mr. H Cooper, generally superintended all arrangements, and the band of the 44th Battalion rendered martial music and enlivened the general proceedings.
The Australian Friday 10 December 1920 page 5
George Strauss Mellor was a prominent Perth-based musician and WWI veteran who served as the long-time Bandmaster of the R.S.L. Band and foundation Secretary of the R.S.L. A skilled trumpeter, he was instrumental in early WA musical history was a local entrepreneur. Another notable R.S.L band member and student of George Mellor was trumpeter, Charles Court, who later became Premier of Western Australia.
An auspicious R.S.L. Band engagement included performing at the unveiling of the memorial for the 10th Light Horse Regiment in Kings Park by His Excellency the Governor, Sir Frances Newdegate on Sunday 13th March 1921 at 3.30pm. Sir Francis Newdegate laid the foundation stone for the memorial on 8 October 1920, using a trowel made from a Turkish bayonet taken at Beersheba. The monument is a granite obelisk located on Fraser Avenue, honouring the 299 men of the 237 10th Light Horse Regiment soldiers who lost their lives in World War I. Following the unveiling, a memorial service was conducted by the Chaplain-General, Archbishop Riley. The 10th Light Horse Regiment was the only light horse regiment recruited in Western Australia during the First World War. William Harrison was originally enlisted in the 26th Reinforcement of the 10th Light Horse in Claremont on 17th July 1916.
William continued his employment with the W.A. Government Lands and Titles Office.
Music for the silent movies
He was employed in the orchestra playing piano accompaniment for the silent movies at the open-air theatre at Cottesloe and the “Melrose” (later renamed the “Prince of Wales” Theatre in 1922).
“Under the baton of Lionel Hart, “WA’s finest combination of instrumentalists” brought musical accompaniment to the silent movies of Charlie Chaplin, Lillian Gish and Rudolf Valentino.”
King, Ivan, Screen and Stars, (The West Australian Newspapers Limited)
William recruited musicians for his own Band getting regular employment at nights whilst working during the day at the Titles Office:
May 1920 – Harrison’s (late A.I.F.) Band
makes merry music every Thursday evening at King’s Hall, Subiaco, at the R.S.L. assembly.
Call Friday 7 May 1920 page 10
1921
Saturday 11th June 1921 – Dancing Subiaco Tonight. Grand Confetti and Streamer Carnival. Masonic Hall, corner Townshend-rd. and Perth St.Harrison’s full Jazz Band. Search lights. 1s., 1s. 6d. Robson and Wheeler.
The West Australian Saturday 11 June 1921 page 2
William Harrison obtained his Teachers Diploma [Associate] in October 1921 on piano and theory:
MUSIC – Trinity College, London – PRACTICAL EXAMINATIONS.
Dr. C. E. Ford was appointed to conduct the examinations by the Trinity College of Music, London, in Western Australia, portion of South Australia and Tasmania. The following is a list of passes at the Perth centre, as supplied by the local secretary, Mr. W. H. Coupland: Higher Examinations. Associate, A.T.C.L. (Pianoforte). The following candidates have fulfilled the requirements of practice and theory: W.E. Harrison, S. H. Blurton, C. R. Brown.
The West Australian Saturday 15 October 1921 page 12
1922 – aged 24
William Edward Harrison
William registered an “Indian” motorcycle in 1922 plate 1097 which his brother Charlie also used. [The Indian Scout is a motorcycle built by the Indian Motorcycle Company from 1920 to 1949]. MOTOR TRANSFERS. No. 1097. Indian motor cycle from J. G. Booty to W. E. Harrison, 256Perth-street, Subiaco. Sunday Times Sunday 14 May 1922 page 11
Walter, Bessie, Amy and Edna Kerr.
In June 1922, 24 year old William Harrison met 15 year old Edna Kerr and her older sister Bessie, as Musical Director and accompanist for the Rainbow Pierrots in which they performed together until they were married in 1925.
Saturday 3rd June 2022 – Theatiedom
This evening the ‘Rainbow Pierrots’ are giving a concert to the inmates of the Parkerville Home. They are under the direction of Mr. Clovis, M. Reynolds and Mr W.E. Harrison, A.T.C.L.
Mirror Saturday 3 June 1922 page 4
Saturday 3 June 1922 – Concert at Parkerville
The Rainbow Pierrots on Saturday last gave a well appreciated programme in the Parkerville Hall to a packed audience. All the artists were well received and many encores were demanded. The programme embraced solos, part songs, ragtime, comic, dancing, monologues, etc. The contributors were:-Misses O. Brosnan, W. F. Hartwell, M. Batey, E. Reynolds. B. and E. Kerr; Messrs. W. E. Harrison, A.T.C.L. (musical director), A. Bowden. W. Cryer, A. McLennon, C. M Reynolds (managing director). The Pierrots were the guests of the residents during the week end.
The West Australian Wednesday 7 June 1922 page 8
In July 1922 William Harrison visited the Eastern states. Brother Lou Harrison was living at 55 Osborne St, South Yarra in Melbourne, working as a carpenter. His Uncle Walter Charles Parsons was a lather living at 4 Caroline St, South Yarra at the time and William had corresponded with his daughter Edna Parsons during WWI.
Subiaco Skits – Murmurs from the Model Suburb
Will Harrison, of Perth-Street, is over East enjoying a well-earned recreation. Will will (no pun) be back in a month to ogle the girls and tickle the ivories.
Mirror Saturday 29 July 1922 page 3
Phoebe’s brother Walter Parsons was Vice President of the Ascot Vale Catholic Young Men’s Society which coordinated social activities, a cricket and a football team.
1920 – ASCOT VALE.—The weekly meeting of the Ascot Vale C.Y.M.S. was held on Monday evening, May 3rd. Bro. W. Parson’s, vice-president, presided over a fair gathering of members…Mr, T Whelan reported defeat of football team by North Fitzroy by four points. Reports re ‘Boys’ Football Association and recent social were received. Members of football team were urged to attend training. Rev. Fr. Bakker kindly consented to give members a lecture on “Spiritualism” on Monday night, May 5th. He asked members to support the queen carnival; also school committee In reference to the local school fund. More cooperation was asked for from these members, and it was decided that football matters be discussed at general meetings under the heading of general business, both committees to meet Sunday mornings to discuss same. Mr. W. Parsons, as an executive officer, spoke, re matters connected with society in general, and urged members to take active interest in coming sports, collecting, and to attend annual smoke night.
Lou Harrison was also playing football and apparently he played with the Fitzroy Football Club.
William’s relatives in Melbourne 1922:
Walter Charles Parsons – lather (4 Caroline St, South Yarra)
Grandmother Mary Frances Harrison (nee Dight) was 85 (8 Brook St, Hawthorn) living with her daughters Frances and Minnie May.
Cousin Bert Parsons who he had caught up with during the WWI (blacksmith living in Dandenong)
Aunt Eliza Georgina Saunders (nee Harrison) – Brighton (husband Francis moved to Perth when she died)
I wonder if William visited the Albert Street Conservatorium of Music during his visit and noted that at this time Dame Nellie Melba was teaching.
SUBIACO SKITS: Will Harrison back from the East and settled down to hard graft. What’s that, Will? Hard! But aren’t you in the Government?
Mirror Saturday 11 November 1922 page 3
After returning to Perth in 1922, William started buying land. By 1932 he had bought and sold some 25 properties, including lots in Cottesloe.
DANCING – Tomorrow evening the, first weekly ‘dance de luxe’ will be, held in the Bon Marche dining-rooms, Hay Street. The hall will be specially illuminated and decorated, and. music will be rendered by the Altona Orchestra, including banjoline under the leadership of Mr. W.E. Harrison. The dancing will commence at 8.30, and supper will be provided.
The West Australian Thursday 10 May 1923 page 8
WHAT THE SUB-BRANCHES ARE DOING – WEST PERTH. This branch held a very successful concert and dance in the Soldiers’ Institute on the 17th August, when about 120 of both sexes attended. The committee desire to express their sincere thanks to the ladies and gentlemen for their kind assistance. The following contributed items: Misses Russell, L.A.B., Driver and Davis, and Messrs. Solomon, Fisher and Davies. Mr. Smart’s Band played three items, which were much enjoyed, and Miss Smart played the various accompaniments in her usual capable style. The music for the dance was supplied by Mr. Harrison’s Jazz Band, and left nothing to be desired.
Listening Post Friday 21 September 1923 page 6
1924
Another digger organisation enjoying a richly deserved success is Harrison’s Returned Soldier Orchestra. With a combination of expert players, they have done much to raise the standard of dance music in this city. It is a well-known fact that good music is not always good dance music, and vice-versa, but to use the words of a well-known critic, “they are as just as enjoyable to listen to as to dance to”. Anyhow, good luck to Harrison and his merry men.
Sunday Times Sunday 24 February 1924 page 5
FRIDAY NIGHT. MARCH 14 1924
In the Literary Institute at 8 P.M. – COASTAL SCOTTISH PIPE BAND RE-OPENING SOCIAL. OLD TIME DANCES – LATEST DANCES – NATIONAL SCOTCH DANCING and SINGING. Come along to the Opening and Presentation to Mr. J. McLeod. Come all ye Auld Folk and bring the New Folk wi ye. Harrison’s Orchestra. TICKETS, Is. 6d.; no tax, Refreshments. INNES. President, CLARKE. Secretary.
The West Australian Saturday 8 March 1924 page 2
William started performing at White City in “Diggers’ Fair”.
YES! WE’VE DONE IT! DONE WHAT? HAD THE GREATEST OPENING OF ANY FAIR IN PERTH!
THE DIGGERS’ FAIR. Last Night Exceeded Anything Ever Done in the same line in Perth. The huge area was uncomfortably crowded. Everything went with a swing, not the slightest hitch occurred. TO-NIGHT Things will even be better. And there will be WHIPPET RACING, BOXING, And AMUSEMENTS GALORE AT THE DIGGERS’ FAIR. The Dancing Floor, with Harrison’s Orchestra, is going all the time. Get on to the floor and your feet will tingle so that you cannot stop jazzing. TO-NIGHT’S PROGRAMME. 8 p.m. Dance Floor Opens. 8.15 p.m. Whippet Racing. 8.30 p.m. Cass Mahomet’s Concert Party. 9 pm Punch and Judy Show, with new and Original Settings. 9.15pm Boxing. Join the Crowd and Come Along. G.S. MELLOR, Sec. and Organiser.
The West Australian Tuesday 11 March 1924 page 2
THE DIGGERS’ FAIR – CARNIVAL SQUARE. Excellent and artistic displays have been made by enterprising firms with their goods. This is really the best method of introducing goods to the public, particularly if they be a new form of manufacture. The dance floor deserves special mention, owing to its excellent condition; and here may be seen youth and beauty, and occasionally sober middle-age gyrating to the strains of the excellent orchestra, under the able conductorship of Mr. W. Harrison. In spite of all prognostications to the contrary, “King Jazz” still reigns supreme; but jazz music as played by Harrison’s orchestra is enough to convert the most bitter opponent to this form of terpsichorean art.
Listening Post Friday 14 March 1924 page 12
1924 Harrison’s Orchestra Fair poster
1924 article Rainbow Pierrots with William and Edna Kerr
SOCIAL
Government House Ballroom presented a very gay and animated scene on Wednesday evening of last week, the occasion being the A.T.N.A. annual ball, this year in aid of a club building fund which the association desires to acquire. His Excellency the Governor and the Hon. Lady Newdegate, with Major Kerr Pearse, and Mr. F. E. Chase in attendance, arrived about nine o’clock, to the strains of the National Anthem. …Harrison’s orchestra, which is an entirely returned soldiers band, provided excellent and inspiring music.
Western Mail Thursday 22 May 1924 page 35
On Sunday 10 August 1924 the engagement was announced in the Sunday Times of:
Edna May, younger daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. Kerr of Leake Street, Bayswater, to William Edward, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. A. D. Harrison, of Merriwa Street, Nedlands.
DIGGERS’ FAIR – At White City
For those who have been looking forward to the re-opening of White City the news that the Diggers’ Fair will re-commence there on Wednesday night next will come as a pleasant surprise. For some weeks past the committee organising the Fair has been making every possible effort to give the public a high-class entertainment, and that these efforts have been successful will be shown by the number of really high standard amusements to be presented during the whole season. An outstanding attraction will be the well known magician, “Wong Toy Sun,” assisted by his talented company. Throughout his season at the Diggers’ Fair he will present many changes of programme. Another feature of the Fair is the whippet racing, under the auspices of the local club. Both amateur and professional foot runners will be well catered for, and a boxing tournament is also being arranged. The dance floor will be open, and music will be supplied by Harrison’s Returned Soldier Orchestra.
Sunday Times Sunday 5 October 1924 page 8
R.S.L Band conducted by George Mellor performing “Subiaco March” by William Harrison
At an R.S.L. Band concert on 29th December 1924 William Harrison’s composition, a military style march named “Subiaco”, was first performed.
. . R.S.L. BAND . .
Under the Conductorship of Mr. George Mellor will render the following programme of music:
Programme
Monday 29th December 1924
MARCH “Subiaco” HARRISON
VALSE “Oh! Oh! Delphine” CARGILL
FOX TROT “Marchetta” FINLEY
SELECTIONS “The Merry Widow” LEHAR
MARCH “The Liberators” ANCLIFFE
INTERMEZZO “Demoiselle Chic” FLETCHER
SELECTIONS “Girls of Gottenberg” CARGILL
FOXTROT “On the Back Porch” BROWN
WALTZ “Sweet Memories” JOYCE
MARCH “The Middy” ALFORD
GOD SAVE THE KING
AT THE LITERARY INSTITUTE – R.S.L. BAND POPULAR DANCE – A GRAND CARNIVAL
Commences tonight, being the first of their weekly dances. HARRISON’S RETURNED SOLDIER’S ORCHESTRA THE R.S.L. BAND will render a few popular airs under the baton of Mr George Mellor, prior to the dance. C.E. O’KEEFE organiser
DIGGERS’ FAIR – Tonight’s special programme
At the Diggers’ Fair, White City, tonight a special programme will be presented. At the top of the bill is the Bathing Beauties competition, an item which has proven itself to be the most popular event staged at the fair. A number of dainty girls take part in this, and the bathing costumes worn by them are modelled on the latest American beach crazes. Petite Cora, a wonderful juvenile acrobat, will present her novelty act, which is something altogether different from the usual turn of this nature. The amazing Chinese conjuror, Wong Toy Sun, will also submit for approval a new series of illusions. In the boxing stadium H. O’Brien (8.6) will meet J. Jefferies (8.4) and Kid Jones (8.5) will be matched against Pat Healy (8.6). There will also be a preliminary bout. Dancing, Harrison’s Returned Soldier Orchestra, Love’s Punch and Judy, and a host of other diversions will complete the bill. Another new attraction soon to be presented is the mythological posing living pictures. This is something absolutely new to Perth, and should prove to be exceptionally popular.
Daily News Thursday 6 November 1924 page 7
1925 – aged 27
In February 1925 William Harrison’s orchestra played at the 44th Battalion Moonlight River Trip on the boat the S.S. Perth:
RIVER EXCURSIONS
A moonlight river trip conducted by the 44th Battalion will be made by the S.S. Perth tonight, leaving Barrack Street jetty at 8 o’clock. The route to be taken is from Perth to Point Walter, Rocky Bay, Claremont and Point Walter. Dancing will be held on board, Harrison’s Return Soldier Orchestra having been engaged. Tickets will be obtainable at the boat.
The West Australian Thursday 12 February 1925 page 8
R.S.L. WEEKLY DANCES
Say, Friends, No need to ask “what’s doing tonight”. There’s only one place worthy of notice, and which speaks for itself and that’s the LITERARY INSTITUTE Hay Street Perth near Pier Street TONIGHT You can dance better to HARRISON’S FAMOUS ORCHESTRA It’s something to write home about. Admission: Ladies 1s, 6d Gents 2s. We Pay Tax. C.E. O’KEEFE organiser
The West Australian Monday 16 March 1925 page 2
R.S.L. Dance – The R.S.L. Band dance will be held in the Literary Institute tonight. Harrison’s Returned Soldier’s Orchestra will provide the music for dancing.
R.S.L. Zoological garden concert performing William Harrison’s “Subiaco March”.
The Daily News Thursday 11 June 1925 page 1
In August 1925 William Harrison conducted the R.S.L Orchestra in a Repertory Club season with part proceeds going to “Call of the Blind Appeal” and the “Kindergarten Appeal”. The season started at His Majesty’s Theatre and then performed at Fremantle Town Hall for three nights. It offered preferential tickets for members of The Western Australian Society of Concert Artists which an influential musical organization in Perth, operating from 1917 until approximately 1930. It played a key role in the local entertainment scene during the 1920s, including the establishment of a “Green Room Club” for performers.
‘A PAIR OF SILK STOCKINGS’
The Repertory Club will present the play “A Pair of Silk Stockings” in His Majesty’s Theatre for a season commencing on Saturday August 15 1925. The plot of the comedy, which is full of piquant situations, has been written by C. Harcourt around the fortunes of a vivacious young married lady who nearly loses her husband. The box plans will be opened at Nicholson’s on August 10. Members of the Repertory Club and the W.A. Society of Concert Artists may obtain preferential booking for the first two nights, today and throughout next week.
The West Australian Saturday 1 August 1925 page 14
R.S.L SOLDIERS AND SAILERS
When better music is required, the R.S.L Orchestra can supply it. The popularity of the digger musicians is increasing. The repertory Club’s last production, “A Pair of Silk Stockings” was accompanied by harmony under the baton of W. Harrison.
Sunday Times Sunday 30 August 1925 page 7
DIGGERS’ FAIR: Last night’s attendance at the Diggers’ Fair (White City) was again very good. The chief attraction was the performance of the Flying Wartons, aerial acrobats, who succeeded in thrilling the spectators with springboard flying and balancing. The clever child contortionist, Kitty Careena, has also become very popular, since her appearance. Harrison’s orchestra, the dance floor, footrunning, boxing and whippet racing are among the many other attractions presented nightly.
The West Australian Thursday 19 November 1925 page 12
DIGGERS’ FAIR – The Flying Wartons five continental aerial acrobats have been engaged to appear at the Diggers’ Fair, at White City. on Saturday next. Kitty Careena, child contortionist will also appear nightly. Harrison’s orchestra will provide the music for the dance floor, and there will also be boxing amateur and professional, footrunning, whippet racing, and other diversions.
The West Australian Saturday 7 November 1925 page 16
DIGGERS’ FAIR COMMENCES TONIGHT
Tonight at White City the Diggers’ Fair commences its season with the Flying Wartons as star attraction. The Wartons are aerial acrobats and their act is positively unlike anything before seen in the West. Brought out to Australia by Wirths’ Circus the Flying Wartons, who are a continental act, are now on their way to America, and Perth is their last appearance in Australia. Balancing, tumbling, springboard flying and seemingly impossible stunts at dizzy heights will be some of their offerings. Another big attraction is Kitty Careena, a wonderful child contortionist, who is also a newcomer to Perth. She has a really novel act which has earned her a big reputation in the Eastern States. Lovers of the fistie art will be well catered for each night, the stadium being under the direction of Harry Stone. Tonight’s bouts include Sam Stivey v. Len Dixon and Ron Johnson v. Big Ben and several preliminaries. Footrunning and whippet racing are also on the bill and then there is the dance floor and Harrison’s Orchestra. Tonight a progressive count of the elections will be posted on the grounds.
Daily News Saturday 14 November 1925
At the age of 27 on the 25th July 1925 at St Mary’s Church of England West Perth, William Edward Harrison was married to the eighteen year old EDNA MAY KERR(born 12.8.1906 in Midland Junction, Western Australia). They lived at 64 Bruce Street Nedlands until their own house at 24 Highway (later Kingsway) Nedlands was completed.
1925 William and Edna’s wedding
William was still having bouts of malaria and was dogged by chronic bronchitis and was seen by Dr C. Anderson at this time. He spent some time at Fremantle Base Hospital and Hollywood Repatriation Hospital due to these ongoing health issues.
The third annual military ball of the 44th Battalion will be held in the Princess Hall, Claremont, to-morrow (Monday) night. The hall has been decorated for the occasion in a striking and novel manner. Special provision has been made for patrons to remain to until the conclusion of the ball. A charabane and a tram will leave the hall at 1.15a.m. Music will he provided by the 44th Battalion Orchestra, under Mr George Mellor. A capable committee has charge of the supper. The committee wish to emphasise that there will be no late trains, as erroneously stated on the invitations issued.
Sunday Times Sunday 30 August 1925 page 7
1926
On 13th February 1926 in Subiaco Edna gave birth to her first child, son William Arthur who was the first grand child for William’s parents Arthur and Phoebe.
1926 was a busy and joyful year for Phoebe and Arthur with two weddings and two grandchildren born.
January 16th 1926, William’s sister Nellie married Edward Francis McDavitt with Charlie Harrison as a groomsman.
On February 13th 1926 William’s brother Arthur “Lou” was married to Vera Fryer and Charlie Harrison was best man.
In 1926 Bill was the Musical Director of the Amusu Theatre at 443 Albany Highway in Victoria Park for two months.
William Harrison was invited to perform with his orchestra in the “Dover Road” season with “The Repertory Club” in August 1926.
‘THE DOVER ROAD’ Repertory Club Production. The Repertory Club will reenter the theatrical field next week with a three-night season of ‘The Dover Road” By A.A. Milne, the play will be staged at the Assembly Hall, Pier-street, on Thursday, Friday and Saturday and members claim that it will easily uphold the club’s reputation for first class entertainment.
The Daily News Friday 13 August 1926 page 10
1926 16th BATTALION A.I.F. RE-UNION.
Perhaps the most enthusiastic re-union held of late years was that of the 16th Battalion, held in the Soldiers’ Institute, on Friday, 29th October. About 300 members of the old unit, with such a wealth of tradition, attended, and the doings of great deeds by great men were re-told by the speakers. Percy Black, “Fat” McCarthy, Harry Murray, Colonels Pope, Margolin, and Tilney, Jack Axford, Martin O’Mara, and many other names of men who served with such distinction were mentioned. The speakers included Allan Muir (president), Padre Harper, General Hobbs, Colonels Collett, Margolin and Sweetapple, Major G. Shaw, Charlie Latham, M.L.A., and Dave Benson. An attractive dinner was served by lady friends, and the artists included Garnet Philp, Ivan Campbell, George Mellor, Ted Scott, W. E. Harrison and the R.S.L. Band. The function reflects great credit on secretary “Fat” McCarthy, V.C., and his splendid committee of workers.
Listening Post Friday 19 November 1926 page 7
SOLDIERS AND SAILORS
The smoke social of the West Perth sub-branch of the R.S.L. was a bumper affair. During the evening Padre Riley made reference to the number of diggers still outside the ranks of the R.S.L. The West Perth sub-branch has an average membership of 600, most of whom have been members since the inception of the sub-branch, and the combined Public Services of the State and Commonwealth Governments would be in a very poor position to-day had it not been for that great organisation-the R.S.L. The sub – branch desires to thank Mr. William Harrison for the excellent music provided by his orchestra at their smoke social and also to extend its appreciation to those artists who provided the vocal items, namely R. Buchanan, H. P. Clarke, H. Gibson, D. Lyall and H. Miller.
Sunday times Sunday 5 September 1926 page 7
1927 DIGGER’S FAIR – On Monday night the Diggers’ Fair will open at White City. The chief attraction of the carnival will be Barton Bros. Circus. Maurice Ribe and Jean Birch ballroom dancers, late of the Parisienne Tango Club, Melbourne will demonstrate the BIack Shuffle. Other attractions will include the dance floor with Harrison’s Orchestra officiating, boxing, tug of-war. Madame Cora (Physic Clairvoyant); ‘Hockey Vane and Cleopatra (snake charmers) and Punch and Judy.
The West Australian Wednesday 16 February 1927 page 11
DIGGERS’ FAIR – To-night Barton Bros.’ Circus will conclude the first week of a very successful season at Diggers’ Fair, White City. This afternoon a special matinee will be given and the full programme will be presented. Good crowds are attending Diggers’ Fair, where the most outstanding items are Maurice Rebe and Jean Birch, specialty dancers; Rockey Vane and Cleopatra, snake charmers; Madame Cora, Harrison’s orchestra, and the dance floor.
The West Australian Saturday 26 February 1927 page 15
Diggers’ Fair – The authorities of the Diggers’ Fair have certainly provided plenty to amuse the throng who nightly patronise Carnival Square. The work of Maurice Rebe and Jean Birch, ballroom speciality dancers, is especially interesting and instructive to dance enthusiasts. One of their features is “The Black Shuffle” which is bidding fair to knock the Charleston silly. As well, there is Rocky Vane and Cleopatra (snake charmers), Madame Cora (clairvoyant), Bill Harrison’s Orchestra and the dance floor, Punch and Judy, boxing and dozens of other diverting things.
Truth Saturday 26 February 1927 page 7
Barton’s Circus – Tonight Barton’s Circus commences the second week of its season at Diggers’ Fair, White City. The past six nights have necessitated the constant use of the “full house” sign, and there is every indication of these conditions continuing. The programme is of twenty-one acts, headed by the Five Flying Eugenes, sensational aerial acrobats; the Tybells, Dentine, Ethel Ashton, Frank Carl, Arcross Bros., Tarzan Baboons and Barney the “educated mule”, a show in himself. Foremost among the many other attractions of Diggers’ Fair is Rockey Vane and Cleopatra, snake charmers; Madame Cora, physic clairvoyant; Bill Harrison’s Orchestra and dance floor, boxing etc.
Daily News Monday 28 February 1927 page 8
Diggers’ Fair
Rocky Vane and his partner Cleopatra still go on fiddling about with serpents of various degrees of deadliness and spitefulness in the snake pit at Digger’s Fair. Then there is La Petite Bonnie, a contortionist, who does her best to emulate the snakes and is remarkably successful. Madame Cora, the dance floor and Harrison’s Orchestra, and boxing, are also things worthy of attention, among others.
Truth Saturday 12 March 1927 page 7
PERTH PADEREWSKI Etching of William Harrison
A PERTH PADEREWSKI
A PERTH PADEREWSKI
This is Harrison, other name Bill,
Who plays the piano with skill.
At a smoke-social night
It’s his chiefest delight,
To play for a song, or when actors recite.
On the keyboard to thunder or trill.
A son of the new-wakened West,
To a love of his land he’s confest;
And the Lord help the lout
Who Westralia would flout,
Or would cast an aspersion, a sling-off or doubt,
On the future of Bill’s natal nest.
In the Titles he grafts for his screw,
And when the long week’s work is through,
In his neat little car
You will see him afar.
Enjoying the bush where the scrub turkeys are
And his rifle can bring down the ‘roo.
Sunday Times 10 April 1927 page 14
Eugene Knoop (caricaturist)
In 1927, William Harrison’s orchestra performed at season with “The Repertory Club” in their season of “Lord Richard in the Pantry”:
REPERTORY CLUB – ‘Lord Richard in the Pantry’
In the Assembly Hall, in Pier-street, last evening, the Perth Repertory Club opened a four-night season of ‘Lord Richard in the Pantry’ before a large and most appreciative audience. The comedy, which is of the lightest possible type, and abounds in farcical situations is by Douglas Blow and Gilbert Hoare. The dialogue is sparkling with witty phrases throughout, and these are delivered with a delightful appearance of spontaneity which ‘get across’ from the beginning. The role of Lord Richard, which might, so easily have been overdone, and is not in any sense an easy one, was admirably sustained by Mr. H.W.D. Banger. Discovered in a vapor-bath on the removal of the screen in the first act; seen later as a reluctant lover, and later again as the embarrassed aristocrat carrying out (very badly) the duties, of a butler, Mr. Banger is constantly confronted with difficult situations, which he meets in a most natural way, .and without any amateurish stiffness. Mrs. J. N. Thomson, as Cook confirms the impression already received of her capabilities as an actress. Especially when, after executing an errand for ‘Mr. Bloggins,’ she returns, having tried to drown her sorrows in liquid refreshment is her work excellent. The carefully preserved balance, when picking up a dropped parcel, must have taken considerable study. Miss D. Mark plays lead as Mrs. Sylvia Gayford. Her work is eminently good and shows considerable development since her previous appearance. The part one that calls for restraint as well as for spontaneity, and Miss Mark, whether helping her incompetent butler to polish the silver or discussing her love affair with her friend, conveys an impression of naturalness that is most attractive. The part of Lady Violet Elliot, which does not give very much scope, is filled artistically by Miss Edna Russell; Miss Evelyn Loveioy, the ‘dilettante in souls,’ is admirably portrayed by Miss J. Mortlock. The part of Bryan, the pert and pretty parlormaid, is taken with verve by Miss Tess Smalpage, whose work is distinctly good, as is also that of ‘Rose’ (Miss M. Hodgson), the housemaid; and ‘Gladys’ (Miss Pattie Rees), who carries out with remarkable success the part of the kitchenmaid. Mr. K. J. Douglas scores another success with his portrayal of the imperturbable ‘Mr Carter’ and provides some of the. wittiest points of the piece; Mr. R. E. Banks, as ”Captain Bannister,” is seen at his best, especially when visiting his friend in the basement and helping to dispose of the silver. Mr. A. J. Bishop, as the secretary to the impecunious Lord Richard, has only a small part, but plays it well and Mr. A. E. Montefiore, as Detective-Inspector Brown, who had helped Lord Richard find his keyhole many times in former days, is admirable. Laughter and applause were frequent, and the short season should be a very successful one. At the final drop of the curtain the artists received numerous expressions of appreciation in the form of flowers, chocolates, mascots, etc. Mrs. J. N. Thomson, who produces the piece, is to be congratulated on her work; Mr. J. F. Ottaway as stage manager, with Mr. K. Farrington as assistant stage manager; left nothing to chance, and there were none of the little hitches that so frequent or mar the first nights of amateur performances.
The music, which was delightful, was provided by Mr W.E. Harrison’s orchestra under the direction of Mr. W.E. Harrison. It included “Quaker Girl” music and some of the best-known airs from “Wildflower”, also an item embracing some of the ‘Lucia di Lammermoor’ melodies.
The Daily News Saturday 17 September 1927 page 5
SOCIAL NOTES – The 11th Battalion held its annual ball on Friday evening in the Y.A.L. Hall. It was largely attended and an enjoyable time was spent by all present. The colours of the King and the 11th Battalion decorated the hall and these colours were also used in the decorative scheme in the supper room where wattles hovea, roses and Geraldton wax plant were arranged on the long tables…Mr William Harrison’s Orchestra provided the music. Amongst those present were General Sir Talbot and Lady Hobbs…
The West Australian Tuesday 12 July 1927 page 6
Bill Harrison ad
1928 – aged 30
DIGGERS’ FAIR. Huge and delighted crowds are the order at Diggers’ Fair now being held at White City. The atmosphere is one of healthy enjoyment in the cool evening air amidst countless attractions. The stampede nightly provides the best and most daring horsemen with opportunities to display their prowess on equine outlaws, and Mr. McKean’s ring manner as ringmaster is an entertainment in itself. There is not a dull moment from start to finish, and the horses are handled in expert manner by the assistants. Once this is over there is a rush for the best vantage points to witness the ‘Flying Eugenes,’ whose marvellous and dazzling entertainment with the aid of trapezes is worth going a long way to see. The boxing contests to date have provided clean, willing, and hard-fought contests. The promoters are choosing nothing but the best men obtainable to keep abreast of the other excellent entertainments in all parts of the ground which include dancing, snake-pit, the whirligig, knock-down, housie, and many other games. The ground is brilliantly picturesque with its thousands of coloured lights, and the R.S.L. Band and Harrison’s talented orchestra complete a range of entertainment unequalled at any previous period in the history of White City.
The Daily News Wednesday 29 February 1928 page 10
Diggers’ Fair – Thrilling Stampedes White City is nightly packed with merry making people who can be heard paying tribute to the excellence of the arrangements, and the happy atmosphere which prevails at this popular centre. Thousands of coloured lights illuminate this amusement park, and dancing is in full swing to the tunes of Bill Harrison’s famous orchestra. The R.S.L. Band also render also render selections nightly and combine with other entertainers to make Diggers’ Fair night the ideal one. The stampede ranks as one of the best staged shows seen in this State for many a day and is an all-round neat turnout. Thought is now turned towards the rough riding championship of W.A. to be commenced next week.
Mirror Saturday 3 March 1928 page 7
WHITE CITY – The Diggers’ Fair – The present carnival being held at White City under the name of Diggers Fair has so far been a great success on account of the excellent fare provided. There are amusements for old and young alike ranging from dancing to bucking “bullocks, and trapeze acts of daring. The rough riding contests for the championship of WA are in full swing and boxing has been of high standard. New attractions are constantly being added, and there is always good music to be heard from the R.S.L. band and Bill Harrisons Jazz Band. The cause’ to which, the profits are to be donated is too well known to need repetition and while patrons enjoy an evening of healthy amusement it is gratifying for them to know that they are assisting a good cause in aid of the men who answered the call of war.
Sunday Times Sunday 11 March 1928 page 8
Diggers’ Fair – The present carnival being held at White City under the name of Diggers’ Fair has so far been successful, one of the main reasons being that good value for money is provided. In this ideal entertainment square are felt none of the discomfits usually attaching to indoor-entertainments on summer nights, and the excellent fare provided, plus the fresh evening air provides a tonic as. well as an entertainment. There are amusements for old and young alike ranging from dancing to bucking bullocks and trapeze acts of daring. The rough-riding contests for the championship of W.A. are in full swing, and there is a challenge ride on between “Snowy” Watts and D. Keen on the outlaw mare Kate Kelly. Three silver cups are on offer and three gold medals, and ladies are catered for in the stampede arena. The boxing has been of very high standard. New attractions are continually being added, and there is always good music to be heard from the R.S.L. Band and Harrison’s Orchestra.
Truth Sunday 11 March 1928 page 12
WHITE CITY DIGGERS’ FAIR. The present Carnival being held at White City under the name of Diggers’ Fair has so far been a great success, one of the main reasons being that full value for money is provided in this ideal entertainment square are felt none of the discomforts usually attaching to indoor entertainments on summer nights, and the excellent, fare provided plus the fresh evening air provides a tonic as well as an entertainment. There are amusements for old and young alike ranging from dancing to bucking bullocks, and trapeze acts of daring. The roughriding contests for the championship of W.A. are in full swing. Three silver cups are on offer, and three gold medals, and ladies are catered for in the stampede arena. The boxing has been of very high standard, and two gold medals are being awarded for the most improved lad, and the most scientific display, during the carnival. New attractions are constantly being added, and there is always good music to be heard from the R.S.L. Band and Harrison’s Orchestra. The cause to which profits are to be donated is too well known to need description, and while patrons enjoy an evening of healthy amusement it is gratifying for them to know that they are assisting a good cause in aid of the men who answered the call of war.
Weekly Judge Friday 16 March 28 page 192
DIGGERS’ FAIR – Tonight at the Diggers’ Fair at White City, the Carlrenos, magicians and illusionists will conclude a successful week. Harrison’s Orchestra will provide music for the dance floor, entrance to which is free except on Friday and Saturday nights. The stadium will be re-opened tonight at 9.15 o’clock, when wrestling and boxing bouts will be put on, and Stan Gorringe will give a weight-lifting exhibition. Next week Eugene Knoop, the ambidextrous calligraphist, will caricature local celebrities.
The Daily News Saturday 16 March 1928 page 4
In May 1928 Bill’s “White City Orchestra” comprising of six instruments (Barney Barnard – drums, Bob Schenberg – violin, Billy Williams – trombone, George Mellor – trumpet, Vic Nicholls – saxophone, William Harrison – piano) played for a Grand Dance Carnival in the Town Hall at Geraldton. The poster advertising this event states “this band is noted for its snap, pep and good music, and has a state wide reputation, so that lovers of dancing should not fail to hear this wonderful combination.”
A CHAMPION MUSICIAN TO VISIT GERALDTON WITH WHITE CITY ORCHESTRA
Mr, Geo. Mellor, who will shortly be here as cornetist and manager with Bill Harrison’s Orchestra, is a man who has had many and varied experiences through life. Born in Newton, N.S.W., of a musical family, he commenced performing at the age of eight. In those days band contests were very popular and little George was a yearly contestant at Sydney and Ballarat. He has won no less than thirty two medals, apart from prizes for cornet playing. Since coming to Perth he has been conductor of the Perth City Band and of later years the R.S.L. Band. During the war he was well known to Diggers as bandmaster of the popular 16th Batt. band. Since the war he has spent some years touring the world with the Australian Commonwealth Band, and has just, returned from America with that combination. George is recognised as the leading cornetist in the West.
The Geraldton Express Monday 23 April 1928 page 3
CITY ORCHESTRA LUNCH-HOUR PROGRAMME TOMORROW
Harrison’s White City Orchestra of six instrumentalists will conduct their dance carnival in the Town Hall tomorrow night, when a splendid entertainment can be expected. The party, which is on its way back from the annual Murgoo event, will also play about Noon tomorrow Nicholson’s in Marine Terrace, which firm will be featuring and providing the music.
The Geraldton Express Friday 4 May 1928 page 2
From June 1928, William Harrison’s orchestra played at the old time dances in the King’s Hall, Subiaco every Friday night.
1928 Harrison’s Orchestra Subiaco
Letter from George Mellor to William Harrison
1929
In 1929 the Diggers Fair Committee appointed his orchestra of four players to play at their Carnival at White City during March and April. He also directed the “Altona Orchestra” at the Bon Marche dining rooms, Hay Street, for a supper dance.
Presentation to Sir Thomas Coombe
At the annual smoke social of the West Perth Sub-Branch on the 19th, Sir Thomas Coombe was presented with the League’s Certificate and Badge of Merit. In addition to the guest of the evening there were present Colonel H. B. Collet (State President). Colonel Roberts (Deputy P.M.G.), Mr. T. A. L. Davey, M.L.A Captain Hugo Throssell, V.C., and representatives of other sub-branches. The presentation was made by Colonel Collett in his capacity of State President. Colonel Collett said that the recommendation which emanated from the West Perth Sub-Branch was endorsed by the State Executive, and the last Federal Conference, held in Sydney, unanimously authorised the award. Sir Thomas Coombe’s services included making available scholarships for soldiers’ children, providing entertainment for similar children, encouraging the Fallen Soldiers’ Children Scholarship Trust by his interest in the annual movie ball, assisting during the war the Friendly Union of Soldiers’ Wives, and doing many other private acts of charity. “To use language with which you are familiar,” said the Colonel, as he smilingly handed over the certificate, “this is a story of one reel, a human document which will in the future remind you of the gratitude of this League to you,” Sir Thomas Coombe responded appropriately and paid a glowing tribute to the valuable assistance he had received in his various charitable efforts from his right-hand man, Mr. Hamilton Brown. In proposing the State Executive, Mr. H. P. Clarke ably outlined the objects of the League. Among the other toasts honoured were the West-Perth Sub-Branch, the visitors, and the Press. Mr. C. P. Smith gave a series of his inimitable war stories, some of which we print in another column. Colonel Roberts, who is no mean raconteur, weighed in with a few good ones also. In responding for the visitors, Mr. T. A. L. Davey stressed the importance of returned men taking part in the public and political life of the State. An apology was received from Mr. J. Heath, of King’s Park. In his letter, Mr. Heath gave a summary of the position with regard to the Honour Avenue. Many improvements have been carried out, and the Master Painters have now completed the work of repainting the name plates. Musical items were rendered by Messrs. Clarke, G. Philp, R. H. Viner, and H. G. Neate. Mr. Harrison presided at the piano, and the arrangements for the evening’s entertainment were ably carried out by Mr. P. L. Ross. Mr. Hubert Parker, President of the Sub-Branch, was in the chair.
Listening Post Friday 25 January 1929 page 6
DIGGER’S FAIR OPENING TONIGHT Conducted by the Perth sub-branch of the R.S.L. the annual Digger’s Fair for ex-soldiers “up against it” will open this evening at White City. Among the many attractions are the Carlrenos, magicians whose slight of hand tricks and illusions have been eulogised by the Eastern states and New Zealand press. Harrison’s Orchestra has been engaged for the dance floor, and there will be waxworks and Punch and Judy shows, and numerous games of skill. The usual admission fee (6d) has not been increased.
Daily News Monday 11 March 1929 page 8
In March 1929, The Prince of Wales Theatre advertised the screening of its first Talking Picture movie, bringing the end of an era and employment for many musicians.
THE FIRST REAL TALKIE AT THE PRINCE OF WALES’ THEATRE.
After years of silent pictures, which America, the seat of the Movie Industry, has brought to perfection, audiences all over the world are to be given an opportunity of attesting the wonderful discovery of “Cine-sound.” in other words the “Talking Picture,” to be co-ordinated in Australia with the Western Electric System. Just as the gramophone, some 15 years ago, gave promise of making rapid strides, so does “Cinesound”. Western Electric System intend to revolutionise the moving picture world. The silent picture will still be with us, with “Cinesound” Western Electric System as an added attraction. There will be the sound picture—the synchronised sound picture—the talking sequence, and last, but not least, orchestration by film. The full, rich volume of human voices will emanate from the film, and what is more wonderful still, no matter how far back in the theatre a patron is seated, that voice from the screen, with its full power, will be heard as clearly as if the seat was in the front of the house. “The Jazz Singer” will be the first Cinesound to be presented by Union Theatres—at: the Prince of Wales Theatre, “‘The Jazz Singer” is the very film that revolutionised the movie industry from silence into speech. It features Al. Jolson, the highest paid minstrel singer in the world, who it is said was born with a sob in his vocal chorus, that just get into the “hearts of the people and thrills them as only a sympathetic voice can. Cinesound will be exclusive to the Prince of Wales Theatre in Perth, and during the next few weeks Western Electric experts will be engaged in preparing for the initial presentation of the sensational entertainment, “The Jazz Singer.” There are many other items to accompany the long feature and each of these will have its own interest.
Westralian Worker Friday 15 March 1929 page 7
DIGGERS’ FAIR At the Diggers’ Fair tonight Eugene Knoop (caricaturist) will make his, first appearance. Harrison’s orchestra will provide music for the dance floor, admission to which is free except on Friday and Saturday nights. Eroni (wire walker) and the Rolling Rollos have been booked for a short season. The proceeds of the fair will augment the amelioration fund for distressed ex-soldiers and their dependants.
The Daily News Monday 18 March 1929 page 2
British United Services Association The B.U.S.A. scored a brilliant success on March 4th, with their first annual ladies’ night. Members and friends to the number of about 200 romped and frolicked the time away, “lights out” coming all too soon. Mrs. Hopperton and her popular hubby, Harold, were in good form. Mrs. Tom Tandy had a surprise birthday cake presented—a real surprise. Master Roy Facey excelled himself on his xylophone. Bill Smudge, the funny man; Bill Harrison, at the piano; and others, too, all lent a hand to make the evening a success. Mrs. Cattermole helped with the programme, too, and later helped herself by winning the two big boxes of chocolates. The crowd have asked for another night. The Executive are considering the possibility on the evening of the annual meeting—probably June 10th. BUT—be on parade Anzac Day!
Listening Post Friday 22 March 1929 page 8
DIGGERS’ FAIR. The last three nights are announced of the Diggers’ Fair, White City. The principal attractions to-night will be a wrestling display by Billy Meeske at the stadium, roller skating on the dance floor by the Rollos and buckjumping at the rodeo. Harrison’s orchestra will provide the music for dancers.
The West Australian Thursday 4 April 1929 page 16
On 16th July 1929, Bill and Edna had their second son, Ramon Kerr Harrison.
HARRISON. — On July 16, at Kiama Private Hospital, Nicholson-road, Subiaco,
to Mr. and Mrs. W. Harrison, of Hollywood — a son.
Whilst working in the Electoral and Titles Office (the Treasury buildings and Titles Office buildings bounded by Barrack St, St Georges Terrace and Cathedral Avenue) William Harrison bought blocks of land in Inglewood and Subiaco (40 acres) for about 10 shillings a block/acre. His brother Lou and father Arthur built houses on these blocks to sell. This house at 112 Derby Road, Subiaco (now Shenton Park) later became the home of Vera and brother Lou Harrison.
1930 Bill Harrison Titles Office plate
1930
In 1930 William Harrison was presented with a silver plate by the Staff of the Titles Office, perhaps denoting 10 years service. One of his tasks at the Titles Office was utilising his beautiful pen and ink calligraphy on the actual titles.
Sailors and Soldiers Section A particularly successful dance was conducted by the Nedlands sub-branch of the R.S.L. on Thursday last when patrons so outnumbered the estimate that the smaller hall of the Broadway Theatre had to be vacated for the bigger floor space below. Expecting 100 and making provision for this number, the Women’s Auxiliary had the pleasing experience to almost the second century. Bill Harrison’s Orchestra provided excellent music up till midnight, and Mrs Goodman fed the multitude.
Sunday Times Sunday 25 May 1930, page 3
On Parade. Nedlands R.S.L held a dance in the lesser hall at the Broadway Theatre recently and the attendance rather staggered those running the show. The women’s auxiliary were told to expect about one hundred, and catered accordingly, but when double that number turned up, hurried arrangements had to be improvised, and the larger hall at the theatre utilised. Bill Harrison’s Orchestra provided the music and Mrs Goodman’s provisions left no room for complaint.
Western Mail Thursday 5 June 1930 page 2
RETURNED SOLDIER FIXTURES. The monthly dances organised by the Nedlands sub-branch R.S.L Women’s Auxiliary was held in the Nedlands Picture Hall and was an unqualified success in spite of the very inclement weather, some 70 couples taking to the dance floor – which was very gratifying to the newly elected president (Mrs George Randell), the hon. Secretary (Mrs A. Terelinck) and their band of willing workers. Musical items were rendered by Mr and Mrs Darwell while Bill Harrison’s Orchestra again catered for the dancers. The next dance has been arranged for Thursday 24 July.
Sunday Times Sunday 6 July 1930 page 12
British United Services’ Association The B.U.S.A. holds its annual ladies’ night, social and dance, at R.S.L. Headquarters, Perth, on Monday, March 31st. An enjoyable programme has been arranged—songs, dancing competitions, and fun for all. With ” Bill ” Harrison at the piano, the music, like the catering, will be exceptionally good. Any member who has not received an invitation by post, is requested to send his address to the secretary, 229 Charles St., North Perth. The price of admission is two shillings (ladies with male escort free). Anyone from the Old Country is invited to drop in and renew old friendships. The Executive of the British United Services’ Association requests that all Imperial ex-service men in the metropolitan area will parade at the sign of the Union Jack outside R.S.L. Headquarters, on Anzac Day for the march and combined service on the Esplanade. The muster each succeeding year has considerably increased since the Imperials have been organised, and it is hoped that this year they will show a larger parade state than any other unit. For exact time watch the Press.
Listening Post Friday 21 March 1930 page 16
1931
PREFERENCE POLICY – RETURNED SOLDIERS’ PROTEST – Mass Meeting to be Held To-day
Today, at 3 p.m in the Prince of Wales Theatre, a mass meeting of returned soldiers is being held to protest against what is considered the general disregard of the preference policy by the Government. Invitations to accept positions on the platform have been accepted by many prominent citizens, who served with distinction during the war years. The theatre will be opened at 2 p.m., and from that hour until the commencement of the meeting, a purely “digger” orchestra, under the leadership of Mr. W. Harrison, will entertain with selections and community songs. There will be eight speakers to put forward the resolutions to be submitted, and they will be drawn from various parts of the State. The convenors (Perth sub-branch of the R.S.L.), has received many letters and telegrams of support from sub-branches throughout the country, also from many kindred organisations. The British United Services Association has asked to be allowed representation on the platform, and their request has been agreed to. The meeting will be strictly confined to ex-service men only, and all entrants must produce something to satisfy the doorkeepers of their bona fides.
It was also the birthday of their 25 year old mother, Edna who didn’t know she was having twins – apparently her husband was so surprised he forgot to wish her a happy birthday! Edna must have had good babysitters for sons Bill Jnr (6) and Ramon (2) as William managed a gig a couple of days after the birth of the twins Jack and Jill on 12th August 1931:
1931 William Harrison performed with the Newton brothers, Harold and Percy
Sailors and Soldiers Section The success of the community singing evening held in the Soldiers’ Institute was greatly helped by the artists. Theo Meugens and Roy Glenister, the R.S.L. Band and Bill Harrison’s Orchestra comprising W. Harrison (piano), H. Newton (violin), P. Newton (clarionet) and G. Mellor (cornet). Mr Billy Wilkins very excellently conducted the community singing which was enthusiastically entered into. The whole of the proceedings were ably presided over by Mr. W. J. Hunt, president of the Perth sub-branch of the R.S.L. The evening will probably be repeated next month.
Sunday Times Sunday 16 August 1931 page 9
On Parade The Perth sub-branch deserved all the congratulations they got in the success of their recent community singing night. Not only did those present thoroughly enjoy themselves, but thousands were able, by means of wireless, to picture themselves back in the old possies where such songs were sung so long ago. Geroge Mellor and Bill Hunt, secretary and president, soloists Theo. Mengens and Roy Glenister, the R.S.L Band, and Bill Harrison’s Orchestra, all deserve a hearty pat on the back.
Western Mail Thursday 3 September 1931 page 2
ON PARADE Perth sub-branch of the R.S.L. will be staging another community singing night at the Soldiers’ Institute on Tuesday, September 29. All the old songs of other days will be sung and Harold Hopperton will assist with vocal items and monologues. George Mellor on the cornet and Bill Harrison at the piano should help the proceedings along: There is no charge for admission and diggers are invited to bring their friends.
Western Mail Thursday 17 September 1931 page 2
LATE SOCIAL NOTES Members of the 51st Battalion held their annual reunion in the Soldiers’ Institute on Friday evening last, when a good number of this famous battalion, including their V.C. (Cliff Sadlier), enjoyed a splendid night’s entertainment. President Roy Brown (who has held office for 10 years) controlled proceedings and his committee assisted by Bill Harrison (piano), and artists West, Jennings and Healy made the night one to be remembered.
1933
ANNUAL SMOKE SOCIAL Senator Collett Honoured
Thoughts of monetary reform and other subjects which had been debated seriously during the past three days were thrust aside by delegates and others who attended the annual smoke social of the Returned Soldiers’ League, at the Soldiers’ Institute last night. A number of toasts were enthusiastically honoured ; songs were sung and musical items tendered. The State president (Senator H, B. Collett) was in the chair for the ninth year, and during the evening feeling reference was made to his impending resignation. On behalf of delegates to the conference, Lieutenant Colonel T. C. Fairley presented the president -with a gold wristlet watch, suitably inscribed. Senator Collett’s successor will be elected to-day. The first toasts honoured, were to the King and to ‘Fallen Comrades.’ In proposing the toast to ‘The Government and Parliament of Western Australia.’ Lieutenant-Colonel Fairley said that the Government could be sure that the conference was doing its best for the country and ex soldiers should have equal faith in the Government. The Minister for Agriculture (Mr. Millington), responding, congratulated the league on the excellence of its organisation. Stating that countries best equipped to defend themselves were best able to ensure peace within their shores, Archdeacon C. L. Riley stressed the need in Australia for an adequate defence, when proposing the toast ‘ to ‘The Armed Forces of the Crown.’ In a humorous speech, the District Commandant (Brigadier A. M. Martyn) responded. He, too, stressed the point that armed forces existed to prevent, not to provoke, war. He paid tribute, to the league, and to the rifle club movement, as valuable means of inspiring loyalty in citizens. Other toasts honoured were:— ‘The R.S.L..’ ‘The Primary Industries of W.A.,’ ‘Our Guests,’ proposed by Mr A.Yeates and responded to by, the Leader of the Opposition (Mr. Latham), the Lord Mayor of Perth (Mr. J. T. Franklin, MLC.),’ and Sir Charles Nathan. MLC. ‘The Press,’ ‘The ‘Staff, ‘ and ‘The Chairman.’ Messrs. H. G. Neate and W. Savage rendered vocal items. Messrs. Ted Scott and W. Talbot delivered monologues, and Mr. W. Harrison was at the piano.
The West Australian Thursday 5 October 1933 page 15
1934
In 1934, the twin’s Godmother, using her “adopted” name Dorothy Irene Harrison, married George Ray who was also an orphan at Parkerville: A pretty wedding was solemnised at Christ Church, Claremont, recently between Miss Dorothy Irene Harrison and Mr George Ray. The ceremony was performed by Rev. John Bell. The bride, who was given away by her old friend the Sister Kate, late of Parkerville, walked to the chancel steps with Mr. W. Kerr of Bayswater. Mr C. Harrison was best man… At the conclusion of the ceremony Mr and Mrs W. Harrison of Nedlands entertained friends of the bride and the bridegroom at a very pleasant wedding party. Mrs Harrison wore a becoming dress of hyacinth blue marocain, touched with silver. Among the guests were sister Kate and Sisters Hayman and Bennett of Tresillian Hospital where the bride spent many happy years.
Western Mail Thursday 18 October 1934 page 31
William was by now working at the Electoral Office:
ROLL-PURGING WARNING TO CANVASSERS.
One Ordered to Pay Costs. ‘If people actuated by public spirit, or other motives, object to names being on the electoral roll, and fail to sustain valid objections, in future they will be liable for the costs,’ said Mr. H. D. Moseley. P.M., at the Perth Courthouse yesterday, after 28 objections to names on the Claremont and Nedlands rolls had been found to be without grounds. ‘In this case.’ he added, ‘the objectors were certainly not desirous of helping the Electoral Department. There was something under lying it.’ Altogether 238 electors were called upon to show cause why their names should not be removed from the two rolls. The Magistrate ordered the forfeiture of 2/3 deposit by the objector in each case where the elector had been found to be correctly enrolled, and in the case of one elector, who was represented in court, he awarded £1/1/ costs to be paid in addition. W.E. Harrison, Electoral Registrar for the Claremont district, said that objections had been lodged to 151 names on the Claremont roll. The department had investigated the cases and found that 17 of the names were correctly enrolled. Most of the objections, including all those to the names correctly enrolled, had been signed by L. M. Fitzsimmons, who objected on the grounds that the electors no longer lived at the addresses shown against their names.
The West Australian Thursday 14 February 1935 page 19
1935 Highway Nedlands, built by Arthur and Lou Harrison
William purchased a property at 24 Highway Nedlands that had a shack on it.
The shack was dismantled and rebuilt by brother Lou on one of his blocks of land in Kalamunda. He then applied for a building licence for a new house to be built.
Wife Edna and her sister Bessie started their own catering company and the house was built to accommodate it.
REAL ESTATE – 1935 Other new work authorised in the metropolitan area includes: – eight room brick residence, Highway Nedlands (1100 pounds) W.E. Harrison.
Sunday Times Sunday 3 March 1935 page 16
A NEDLANDS RESIDENCE.
Inspection Today and Tomorrow of the Spanish-Californian type of design and consisting of a hall, lounge, dining room, two bedrooms, kitchen, pantry, bathroom, laundry, workshop and garage on the ground floor, and study, two bedrooms and sleep-out on the second floor, a gentleman’s residence, built by Messrs. A. Harrison and Son at 24 Highway, Nedlands, will be open for inspection from 2 o’clock until 6 o’clock today and tomorrow. Features of the interior are texture walls and plate rails, and wrought iron balustrading. The conveniences include gas heater, gas stove and gas copper and sewerage. From the sleepout a fine view of the river is obtained.
The West Australian Saturday 24 August 1935 page 4
1936
In 1936 Jack and Jill started their musical studies at the age of five under the instruction of their father. Jack was given a harmonica by his older brother Bill and showed immediate signs of musical talent.
On 10th April 1937, William’s youngest brother Charlie Harrison was married to Emerald “Emmie” Koefod and William Harrison provided the music:
Picturesque Wedding at St. Mary’s Church – Miss E. M. Koefod and Mr. C. G. Harrison An attractive wedding was solemnised at it. Mary’s Church, Colin-street, West Perth, when Emerald Marion Koefod, youngest daughter of Mrs. E. Longbottom, of Aberdeen-street. Perth, was married to Charles George Harrison, of Kitchener Street, West Subiaco. The Rev. Stillwed performed the ceremony. The bride, who was given away by her foster-brother, was a charming figure in a frock of white Chantilly lace over white satin, and featuring a graceful frilled train. Her attendants were Miss Pearl Koefod (sister) and Miss Nellie Longbottom. They were dressed alike, wearing blue Chantilly lace over blue satin, and carrying bouquets of pink roses. The trainbearer, little Judith Harrison wore a dainty pink satin frock and carried a bouquet of pink and white roses. The bridegroom was attended by Mr. Joe Koefod, brother of the bride, as best man and Mr. Ray Fullerton was groomsman. The wedding breakfast was held at Keough’s Hall, the tables being artistically decorated, pride of place at the bride’s table being given to the handsome wedding cake. During the repast the customary toasts were honoured and telegrams read. Many of these came from relatives in the Eastern States. Dancing and games were enjoyed, and excellent music was supplied by Mr. William Harrison’s orchestra. Later in the evening the bride and bridegroom left by car for a tour through the South-West, returning through the Great Southern districts. The bride’s twilling frock was a smart maroon ensemble of wool crepe-de-chine, with matching accessories. The bride and groom were the recipients of numerous beautiful presents.
Sunday Times Sunday 6 June 1937 page 3
ELECTORAL ACT BREACHES Six Cases in Police Court. “There are hundreds of other similar cases under consideration which will be brought before the court unless claim cards are received promptly,” said Mr. W. E. Harrison, of the State Electoral Department, during the hearing of six charges, laid by the department, in the Perth Police Court yesterday. Mr. T. Y.A. Lang, P.M., was on the bench. The charge in each case was of having omitted, within 21 days after a change of address from that shown on the electoral roll, to make and sign a new claim and forward it to the electoral registrar for the district. None of the defendants appeared in court but in some cases letters from them were handed to the Magistrate. Referring to the first case, in which Eva Kathleen Harris was charged, Mr. Harrison said that in August he objected to her enrolment as at an address in Bruce-street, Nedlands, and she informed him that she had moved to Stirling-highway. On September 7 he sent two cards to her, with a memorandum asking her to fill them in and return them. They were not received and on September 21 a form was sent to her, as the first step in the proceedings. About seven days later a card was received from her. Defendant was fined 2/6, with 3/costs.
The West Australian Friday 21 October 1938 page 16
1937 Edna, Jill, William and Jack Harrison at Highway Nedlands
1939
In January 1939 William Harrison entered Jack into the first competition he won was when he was aged 7 at a Scottish Community Concert at the Perth Town Hall. This link with the Scottish community was no doubt through Edna Harrison’s father, William Walter Kerr ,and her sister Bessie who were members of The Caledonian Society:
Scottish Concert. Under the patronage and in the presence of His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor (Sir James Mitchell) and LadyMitchell,the West Australian ScottishUnion will conduct a Scottish concertin the Perth Town Hall tonight. Therewill be community singing of Scottishsongs and Scottish amateur trials. Doors will be open at 7 o’clock.
The West Australian Monday January 2 1939 page 4
1938 Jack playing harmonica with father William at the piano
William accompanied his son Jack in the many concerts and broadcasts in which he performed:
Digger’s Night On August 4th (next Friday) 25 years after the war began, a digger’s night will be held at the Fremantle Town Hall community concert broadcast by 6PM-AM. On that night the amateur trials will be presented by returned men only. Next Monday night will also be digger’s night at the ANZAC House community concert broadcast by the same stations. At one of these concerts ex-service men in the amateur trials will compete for a cup provided by an anonymous donor. Songs of 20 years ago will make the “rafters” sing on both occasions. Votes of listeners and the opinions of independent judges will decide which two of the seven competitors in the search-for-talent and two of the competitors in the ace-announcer quest qualify for the final. Voets must reach station 6PR or W.J. Lucas Ltd, Hay Street Perth, by Wednesday. Cancassed votes render a candidate liable to disqualification. Results will be announced in The Daily News on Thursday. Other items on a thoroughly enjoyable programme were given by Miss Joan Stanton and Mr John Anstey, by Jack Harrison, eight-year-old mouth-organist, and by Niddy Roberts and his Laughmakers. Community singing again proved highly popular. The winner of the search is to be given a first-class return trip to Sydney with guaranteed engagements at Eastern states broadcasting stations. The ace-announcer selected will be given a trip to Sydney and a full-time job on arrival there. These substantial prizes are being offered by the sponsors of the contest, W.J. Lucas Ltd, M.J. Bateman Ltd, Milligan Street, Perth and Messrs. Randell and Long, Fremantle.
1938 William Harrison family
The Broadcaster July 29- August 5 1939 page 75
PEOPLE YOU LISTEN TO
One day a 12 year old boy named Bill was standing thoughtfully outside a shop window in town. Suddenly he put his hand in his pocket, pulled out three pence and, walking into the shop, exchanged the coins for a mouth organ. Then he went home and handed the mouth organ to his six year old brother, Jack Harrison, as a Christmas present. By the time his father came home from work Jack could play the chorus of “When I Grow too Old to Dream”. That was 18 months ago. From the 3d instrument Jack has gone on to a two-and-sixpenny one; then the priced jumped to 6/6 and then 25/, until today you will see him playing with 3 pounds worth of wood and metal. Last Thursday night Jack was programmed to appear at the 6PR community concert. But this seven year old boy was not going on as a competitor – he was programmed as a guest artist.
The Broadcaster August 5-12 1939 page 13
Australia entered World War II on September 3, 1939, immediately following Britain’s declaration of war on Germany. Prime Minister Robert Menzies announced the involvement, prompting a rapid volunteer mobilization for the 2nd Australian Imperial Force (AIF) to support British forces in Europe and the Middle East, while initiating home-front preparations.
Being an ANZAC digger from World War I, William Harrison was very involved in the Returned Soldiers’ League and was always supportive of fundraising events that supported the war effort and entertained the troops as well as community concerts aimed at raising morale. Radio news and broadcasts were central to many lives, especially those who sent members of their family to the war and were desperate for news of their loved ones.
William Harrison knew all the right people in Western Australia’s music scene having managed his own band during the 1920s and obviously contacted them in order to promote his young son, entering him in competitions and exposing him to the public with concert and broadcast performances.
The first mention of the impact of WWII is evident when Jack performed at ANZAC House on November 29th 1939 as part of the annual “Festival of Toys” fund for orphans broadcast by 6AM-PM:
According to a note from “Peggy” of 6AM-PM, the annual “Festival of Toys” fund for orphans is proving a great success, over 50 pounds already having been collected, much of which has been sent in by listeners, who have been surprised to learn that in the 18 orphanages in and around Perth there are 1330 children. The “Festival of Toys” provides at least one toy for each of these children and two representatives from each orphanage are selected by the children themselves to receive the toys on behalf of the others. This function will take the form of a studio party on December 19 when the staff of 6AM-PM will entertain the children with cakes, ices and Christmas fare. Afterwards some 50 or 60 children will sing carols, the choir being augmented by the choir of boys of St Mary’s Church, South Perth, under the direction of Mrs Pannet. This will be broadcast during the children’s session at 5.30p.m.On November 29 a concert at ANZAC House under the direction of Bill Talbot realised 30 pounds for the festival, assisting artists being Gwen Reid, Betty Day, Carmel Burroughs, Les Adams, Reg Smirke, Hugh Hay, Jack Harrison, Alan Roydhouse, Frank Peterson and Letty Hoskins (pianist.). The sum raised at this function included 9 pounds sent over from the naval and military men in camp at Rottnest and also from the residents. A Christmas concert organised by Bill Talbot will be held at Wooroloo Sanitorium on December 17.
The Broadcaster Dec 9 – 16 1939 page 31
1940
In October 1940, Jack won first prize (£75) in “Search for Talent” on the mouth organ accompanied by his father on piano, competing against largely adults and professional players. The prize was presented to him by Bryn Samuel, Manager of W.A. Broadcasters Ltd at the Grand Theatre. Broadcaster magazine wrote “the scene prior to the presentation of prizes for the 6ML Search for Talent at the Grand Theatre last Friday. Announcer Ned Taylor, second prize winner Eunice Nadin, Jack Harrison (first). Edith Carr (third) and station manager Bryn Samuel. The first prize was 75 pounds, the second 15 pounds and the third 10 pounds”. The Broadcaster October 26 – Nov 2 1940
1940 Jack and William Harrison in Sydney for Amateur Hour Youth Australia wide
As a result of this win Jack travelled with his father to Sydney, where Jack had lessons with famous harmonica soloist Horrie Dargie, and then travelled to Melbourne. His father had set up professional engagements for him with Sydney radio 2LO, picture theatre bookings and secured a contract to appear with Dick Freeman’s Orchestra at the Trocadero.
Jack was offered a season on the Tivoli circuit. The Colgate-Palmolive “The Youth Show” premiered in Sydney on July 17 1940 and was produced by Russell Scott on 2BH with George Patterson Pty Ltd Agency handling the artists. Jack Harrison was a guest artist on several occasions whilst in the Sydney in 1941 and it was broadcast nationally by 2GB to 5DN-RM, 3AW, 6PR-TZ and 4BH. “All the players were presented with kits containing complete ranges of all Colgate-Palmolive products.”
Commercial-Broadcasting-Vol-9-No-03-1940-08-01.
PEOPLE YOU LISTEN TO The small head of Jack Harrison, nine year old mouth organ exponent, was crowned with success within a week of his arrival in Sydney. Jack, by the time this is read, will have been in the harbour city for two weeks of a seven weeks’ tour, made possible when he won the first prize of 75 pounds from adult and professional competitors in the 6ML “Search For Talent” three months ago. In Sydney, his father tells me in a letter, he’s having an hour’s tuition a day from Horrie Dargie, outstanding mouth organist. Within a week of his arrival the Tivoli Theatre circuit had offered him a Commonwealth-wide tour, but it was rejected by his father, who thought it would be too strenuous. But fame did not stop the Tivoli offer. The nationals and locals in Sydney have both pounced upon him for microphone “appearances”. He is booked to appear in the Australia-wide “Amateur Hour” (6IX-WB, Thursdays in this State of W.A.) while he is making four broadcasts weekly for a sponsor on 2SM and has contracted to make four recordings with orchestra for another commercial station. When he is not engaged as described above or resting, he can be seen with Dick Freeman’s band at the Sydney Trocadero. On the return trip he’ll be broadcasting in Melbourne…And all in the first week. The Broadcaster January 4-11 1941
Talking Shop- By “Finn” – Westralian Wonder
From farther and farther afield come the stars of 3Aws “Youth Show” and the latest on the list is an amazing young man from Nedlands, Western Australia. He is nine year old Jack Harrison who surprised everyone by winning the first prize in the big £150 “Search for Talent”. He competed against allcomers and won by popular vote, although listeners had no knowledge of his age or identity. Jack started playing the mouth organ …he will feature in the broadcast from 3AW and 4BH.
Jack’s father tells me (per the P.M.G.) that he has met at least 14 W.A. people in Melbourne and Sydney who are tops in the eastern entertainment world. He cut out newspaper references to some of the W.A. people which have appeared during the few weeks he has been in the East and forwarded them to me. One about “Duffy” Newton (who used to act in 6WF plays) made about ten inches of type, had a double column heading and carried a photo. Other cuttings contained photographs of David Samuel (deputy-leader of Bert Howell’s Band and leader of last year’s “Youth Sow” band), Chester Bond (who is at present featured in a big radio serial), Bob Gibson and George Watson (a principal of the Drum Club).
The Broadcaster February 1 – 8 1941
1944 Bill & Edna on Cottesloe Beach
Jack was offered a weekly recording session and broadcast which was recorded at the 6AM Studio in the old ABC Broadcast House on a Sunday. William Harrison, his father, managed and accompanied him for his performances and kept a diary planning the repertoire for each show.
William Harrison cut this article out of the paper in November 1941:
Want Pixies’ Pay Cut – MELBOURNE, Thursday.
Whether the pixies, fairies, sprites, elves and gnomes who appear in Christmas pantomimes are overpaid at £1/12/6 a week was argued in the Arbitration Court yesterday. Theatre executives say that this is too much. No pixies were present in Court to put their side of the case. In an affidavit concerning wage claims, managing director Frank Tait of Australian and New Zealand Theatres Ltd. said that parents gladly sought the opportunity of having their children in productions. ‘EXCESSIVE’ Present award rates for juvenile performers were considered excessive under pantomime conditions and their effect was to limit the number of children employed, he said. It was felt that employers and parents alike would welcome the wider opportunities which reduced rates would provide. General Manager Wallace Parnell of the Tivoli Circuit said that under the present award rates it was necessary for even a child of nine to be paid £1/12/6, even though the child had to appear on the stage only for a maximum of 22 minutes six times a week. Under those conditions, it was obvious that employers could not employ as many children as they would normally. It made no difference to the show whether there were 20 or 50 children in it. Children regard pantomimes as part of their Christmas holiday enjoyment. The hearing was adjourned.
The Daily News Thursday 27 November 1941 page 12
1944
1944 was Jack’s last year at Nedlands State School. His father encouraged he and Jill to take up second instruments. Jll was given a bassoon. Jack wanted to pay french horn, but his father talked him out of it, pointing out that it was too limiting and that if he played clarinet he could play both jazz and classical. Jack began studying the clarinet with Percy Newton.
Jack, Ray and Bill Harrison
Ray, Jack and William Harrison
1945 Sunday nights became “jam session” night at the Harrison’s Nedlands home, with all four children (Bill Jnr on saxophone) joining in.
1946 – aged 48
1946 Edna and Bill sitting on fence at 24 Highway Nedlands with “Happy”
On the 18th March 1946, William Edward Harrison, Jack’s father, officially retired from his position as Clerk, Electoral Office, Crown Law Department.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. BIENNIAL ELECTIONS. CENTRAL PROVINCE, METROPOLITAN-SUBURBAN PROVINCE. I have this day received a Write for the election of One Member for the above Province. Nomination Day: Wednesday. 10th April 1946. at 12 noon. Polling Day: Saturday. 4th May 1946. Chief Polling Place: State School. Bagot-road. Subiaco. W.E. HARRISON.
The West Australian Saturday 30 March 1946 page 15
Shirley George, William Harrison, Edna and Bessie catering for an event.
William advertised his own dance band regularly in The West Australian:
1946 – Available-Bill Harrison’s Dance Band for Weddings, etc. ring WM2755
The West Australian Monday 1 April 1946 page 14
OLD-TIME and Modern Dance, Tonight and every Friday night, Victoria Park Town Hall Bill Harrison’s dance band. Val Stevens, M.C. Conducted by Ex-Servicemen’s Cricket Club. The West Australian Friday 5 April 1946 page 15
Bill Harrison’s Dance Band specialises in weddings, parties, etc. Hall and catering arranged if desired. Phone WM2755.
The West Australian Wednesday 16 October 1946 page 23, 29 Nov1946 page 22
MANJIMUP – AROUND THE TOWN
Visitor to Tuesday’s R.S.L. social “do” afterwards described it as a “slashing” supper. Mr. J. F. Smith was at the piano, and among other artist’s contributing to a most pleasant evening were: Messrs McKinnon (saxophone) L. Archer (accordeon) and W. Harrison, who said something about the “Inside In” or “Outside In”—well why, worry—it was well given R.S.L. has a habit of producing variety when put to the test and even yodelling cowboy was produced.
Manjimup Mail and Jardee-Pemberton – Northcliffe Press Friday 7 March 1947 page 11
Harry Woodrow, Edna and Bill Harrison
Pen Points on Perth – By Harry Black
A young man who is quickly coming into prominence in the local dance-band world is up-and-coming-altoist Jack Harrison. I had seen this name featured in many current dance-hall adverts., so snooped around to find who this “stranger” was fronting his own small outfit in quite a few nice little jobs, and was agreeably surprised to find former harmonica-wizard Jackie Harrison (now 15 years of age) tootling away on sax and clarrie with as much ease and confidence as many a veteran.
“SOMETHING OF A SENSATION”
He seemed to be reading almost anything around the place as well as finding his way around many of the old “fakies” with plenty of improvising. This may sound a tall yarn for one so young, but readers should remember that Jack Harrison was featured here in W.A. as somewhat of a sensation with his brilliant harmonica work and, after capturing all the local radio spots that he could, he went east to Sydney (when only 9 years of age) and there, after topping the poll in an Australian Amateur hour programme, fulfilled many radio dates with prominent Sydney radioites – Jack Davey’s Shows, the Youth Show and others. Thence to Melbourne to do a round of their Tivoli circuit and came happily back to Groper-land (NOT the least bit swell headed!!). Since his return Jack has been studying music very seriously, besides keeping many radio engagements, throughout each year – and now the fruits of his studies seem to be bearing well – judging by his easy switch to reed instruments in his own band.
IT RUNS IN THE FAMILY
Music is an integral part of the Harrison family, as veteran pianist Bill Harrison is Jack’s proud poppa, a sister plays piano in Jack’s outfit while a brother wields the drumsticks. Jack is being ably coached in his sax work by Ken Murdoch, while h is also studying “legit” clarinet with A.B.C. woodwind-ist Alan rule. Apart from these few activities, plus his harmonica appearances, plus his home rehearsals, plus his rehearsals with the A.B.C. Amateur Symphony Group, plus his private practise – Jack still finds time to be a modest 15 year old Aussie. All his many friends in local musical circles predict quite a musical future for young Jack – so we wish him the best of luck!!
Music Maker July 21 1947
William was supervising the four hours practice a day by Ray, Jack and Jill, going from room to room to help them. He managed all their venue bookings, advertising and liaised with regards to their rehearsals at the ABC for broadcasts and performances.
1948 – aged 50
In 1948 William and Edna had their first grandchild, Susan Mary.
William Snr, William Jnr, Susan and Arthur Dight Harrison
On 17th January 1950, William Snr (aged 52), Jack and Jill (aged 18) set sail from Fremantle aboard the Strathaird to Adelaide where Jill had won a scholarship to study bassoon and piano at the Adelaide Conservatorium. William and Jack then continued on to Melbourne and Sydney. William had written and liaised with venues and artists to ensure Jack got as much exposure and experience during the trip. During his stay in Sydney Jack performed with Frank Coughlan’s band in a series of swing concerts at the Trocadero and received an offer to stay with the band as a permanent member. Jack also received lessons from Clive Amadio. They returned to Perth on 2nd March 1950.
JACK HARRISON RETURNS TO PERTH
Jack Harrison is back in Perth after having spent two months in Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney. It is Jack’s opinion that the standard of dance bands in the Eastern States, particularly Sydney, is very high. During his stay in Sydney, the young music maker played solo with Frank Coughlan’s band in a series of swing concerts at the Trocadero and received an offer to remain with the band as a permanent member. Coughlan’s band plays mostly specially arranged numbers from the pen of the ex-Perth pianist Jimmy Riley. Other band leaders whom Jack met in Sydney were Dennis Collinson who has a 15 piece dance band as well as his Radio Orchestra, Les White at Princess, Paul Lombard at the Celebrity Club and Wally Norman at the Roosevelt. In Melbourne, he met George Watson, Splinter Reeves, Abe Romain and Horry Dargi; and in Adelaide, Colin Bergenson who was playing at the Palais Royal. Jack feels that the highlight of his tour was his association with Clive Amadio. This artist, in his friendly way, gave Jack lessons and invited him to the radio studio during the presentation of the well-known Amadio broadcasts. Watching these, and also rehearsals gave the young player experience he could not have gained elsewhere, he says. Jack says that Amadio spends the whole week perfecting his Sunday session. Nothing is too much trouble. A staff of arrangers, stopwatch timing, a tape measure as an aid to balance and even a musician and technician with a musical score in the panel room. A photo described “to Jack, my rival from the West, Clive Amadio” now hangs in the music room of the Harrison household. Questioned regarding his plans for the future. Jack said that there appeared to be a shortage of young clarinettists in some of the Eastern States and there was a possibility of his being offered a position with one of the ABC Symphony Orchestras. He was practising hard.
Broadcaster Jack Harrison scrap book
1950 – PERTH TWINS TO STUDY HERE
Two young Perth musicians, 19 year-old twins Jack and Jill Harrison, are in Adelaide to further their musical careers.
Yesterday, Jack began his duties as second clarinettist with the S.A. Symphony Orchestra under conductor Henry Krips. Jill has been in Adelaide since March studying piano and bassoon at the Elder Conservatorium under an A.B.C. Scholarship.
Music is a family affair with the Harrisons. In Perth, Jack had his own dance band trio with Jill at the piano, older brother Ray on the drums and himself playing the saxophone and clarinet. Mr Harrison senior, who plays the piano, has his own dance band and Bill, the eldest son, plays the same instruments as Jack. Jack and Jill have ideas of forming their own band in Adelaide – “something on the lines of a Benny Goodman quartet or quintet,” they say. “But don’t get the idea that I’m keener on swing than the classics, because I’m not” Jack said today. “Otherwise I wouldn’t have tried for the job with the Symphony Orchestra.” Jack worked under Henry Krips before when Krips conducted the A.B.C. Symphony Orchestra in Perth before coming to Adelaide.
He and his sister said today the winning of a Perth dance band contest in 1948 really gave them the incentive to go on. A few months ago Jack was a finalist in the concerto competition in Perth.
Jill expects to spend all next year at the conservatorium, and hopes eventually to join the State orchestra which is being formed in Perth. Apart from his job, Jack’s main interest is in cars. He and his sister are busy searching for a flat, and hope to find one with a garage.
The News Adelaide Wednesday November 8 1950
1951
On 20th July 1951 Jack’s ensemble auditioned at 2.30pm in A.B.C. Studio 1 by Ewart Chapple, Manager for Western Australia. “Jack Harrison and His Music” broadcast regularly for nine years on A.B.C. Radio 6WN up until 1960. The A.B.C. provided a 1 ¼ hour rehearsal followed immediately by a 1 ¼ hour pre-recording during the week (often Wednesday afternoons) and live broadcasts occurred Sunday evenings, usually 6 – 6.30pm. Jack was required to provide 27 minutes of music which were introduced by an A.B.C. presenter (often Peter Harrison – no relative) making a total of half an hour. Twenty seven minutes of new music was about 10 musical numbers that had to be new, arranged for the specific ensemble, parts copied by hand, practised and rehearsed before they got to the ABC. In 1959 Jack received a total of £42 for the above. Jack’s father William did many of the arrangements, made program suggestions, collated the music and augmented on percussion. In essence he was their manager and agent.
The first broadcast of “Jack Harrison and His Music” was on September 1951 on 6WN.
Engagement Party To celebrate
the engagement of their daughter, Miss Jill Harrison, to Mr John Mowson, Mr. and Mrs. Bill Harrison gave an outdoor party at their home in Nedlands last night. Miss Harrison wore a pretty, flared frock of pale-blue waffle pique. Among the guests were Mrs. A. Mowson, who arrived from Melbourne recently Mr. and Mrs. John Mathews, Mr. and Mrs. T. Bennett, Mr. and Mrs. A. Ackland, Mr. and Mrs. Alan Cole, Misses Stephanie James, and Shirley Flesflader. Miss Harrison and her fiancé plan to be married early next year.
The West Australian Monday 8 December 1952 page 12
By the end of 1953, William and Edna’s nest was almost empty with all four children married. After their marriage, Jack and Marcia lived for six months with Jack’s parents until their Iwanoff house in City Beach was completed in June 1954. They rented the second storey of 24 Highway Nedlands for extra income (including tenant Shirley Moller who later married Bessie‘s son Ross George).
William was a composer and wrote “Subiaco March” and “Penny” both of which were performed by the W.A. Symphony Orchestra and broadcast by the A.B.C.
RADIO BROADCAST (1970) – 10.30 ORCHESTRA TIME
Tasmanian Orchestra – Conductor: Verdon Williams – “Penny” by Bill Harrison
He composed a work for every grand daughter: Susan, Pauline, Julie and Penny. Jody, his youngest born 1963, missed out as he was too old.
In his retirement, Bill Snr’s hobbies included the odd gig with his own band, making tom toms, gardening (especially growing red poppies and cinerarias) and tending his fishpond. He won an R.S.L award in 1955 for his garden. He managed his children’s careers, arranged music and performed percussion in the radio broadcasts of Jack Harrison and His Music. Edna and her sister Bessie continued with their catering business.
MEET THE FAMILY
By Mary Ferber
The Harrison’s of City Beach are a family who are what they are because their parents are what they are and their grandfather still is. They are music lovers and musicians. They practise partly because it is one of the things they do because they should, but also because they like to. There is no” do what I do, not do what I say” psychology in parental attitude from the parents. No lines of demarcation between popular music (what the young like) and classical (parents’ choice) any more than there is between a music lover and a musician. When four year-old Jody knocks out little tunes on the piano she is enjoying herself, but she is also being a serious creative musician and is treated seriously. And why not? These people do not learn music beginning with five finger exercises. They live it.
When Jody’s father Jack found a little mouth organ in his Christmas stocking when he was five he began his musical career. When in a few years he had one 10 silver cup,s $1000 in fees, topped the voting list in an amateur hour session and being on Eastern state tours playing his mouth organ, he backtracked according to conventional musical training ideas. He learned the piano from his father, worked hard at the clarinet and started consolidating a theoretical background. Now the States leading clarinet player in the ABC Symphony Orchestra, he has a solid knowledge of harmony, counterpoint and all that un-jazz. He still plays popular music as well as orchestral work and teaches.
His son Jay, 13, has inherited the clarinet his grandfather bought for his son Jack from a member of Johnny Turck’s US Army band during the war. He plays it in a modern group of youngsters who play Dixieland and call themselves “The Five Saints.” He also likes Mozart and playing hockey at Hale school and will sing in the school production of “Oliver”. Before the clarinet, Jay learnt the piano from his grandfather, Mr. William Harrison, as his seven-year-old brother Kimberley is doing now on Sunday night. The Harrison’s go to tea with the grandparents in Nedlands and the music lesson is sandwiched in. Bill Harrison. Senior was a part-time picture theatre pianist in the silent days with that wonderful repertoire of mood music which gave the old flicks another emotional dimension. He had to wait to resign from a government job to be a full-time musician, took a band up to the Murgoo races every year for 10 years, had a dance band and took his teaching diploma after the war. When his son had a group playing for radio, Bill Harrison did their arrangements for them. Now Jack Harrison does his own arrangements. Bill Harrison, now more than 70 and still playing and teaching on a restricted scale, belonged to that generation of parents who wanted their families to make music together. He drew his children into his own band- son Bill on saxophone. Ray on drums( he still does some playing) and twins Jack and Jill on clarinet and bassoon. At 16 the twins and Ray formed their own dance band. Playing for a Perth College dance, Jack met pretty Marcia Chayter and later married her. She is not a professional musician. She plays the piano usefully and enjoys singing in the chorus of the Gilbert and Sullivan Society as contentedly as Kimberley plays one hymn, arranged by his father, for his Sunday school.
John Mowson now Principal double bass player in the W.A. Symphony Orchestra came from Melbourne and married Jill Harrison the bassoon player nearly 3 years ago. John and Jill were invited to join the Sydney Symphony Orchestra on a tour which included the Commonwealth Arts Festival in England and in Asian countries. They left their two children with Jill’s parents. Two years later they were asked to join the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra for Expo 67 in Canada. There was then another little Mowson, so Penny, now eight, Peter showing musical promise at six and baby Paul were farmed out among the family. The family is scattered around Perth. Jack and Marcia Harrison have a delightful, modern, open-planned home at the end of the Dodonia Gardens City Beach with the coast down to Fremantle as picture in a picture window. The young have learnt to be quiet when music is going on in such a house, to listen with appreciation. But the whole family looks forward to having a music room so that making a noise when one wants to isn’t so important.
Daily News, Monday June 3 1968 page 10
William died 2nd May 1977 of pneumonia aged 79.
NOTED WA MUSICIAN DIES
One of the State’s oldest musicians, Mr Bill Harrison of Nedlands, died on Monday. He was aged 79. Mr Harrison was a prominent pianist and band leader between the 1930s and 1950s and two of his children are leading musicians in orchestras in Perth and Melbourne. The secretary of the Musicians’ Union, Mr Harry Bluck, said yesterday that Mr Harrison’s son Jack was the senior clarinettist in the W.A. Symphony Orchestra. His daughter Jill was a bassoonist with the Melbourne Elizabethan Theatre Trust Orchestra. Mr Bluck said that Mr Harrison senior had devoted a lot of time to encouraging and promoting young musicians.
William Edward Harrison was the first child born in Subiaco to 
William was still having bouts of malaria and was dogged by chronic bronchitis and was seen by Dr C. Anderson at this time. He spent some time at Fremantle Base Hospital and Hollywood Repatriation Hospital due to these ongoing health issues.
As a result of this win Jack travelled with his father to Sydney, where Jack had lessons with famous harmonica soloist Horrie Dargie, and then travelled to Melbourne. His father had set up professional engagements for him with Sydney radio 2LO, picture theatre bookings and secured a contract to appear with Dick Freeman’s Orchestra at the Trocadero.
By the end of 1953, William and Edna’s nest was almost empty with all four children married. After their marriage, Jack and Marcia lived for six months with Jack’s parents until their 
In his retirement, Bill Snr’s hobbies included the odd gig with his own band, making tom toms, gardening (especially growing red poppies and cinerarias) and tending his fishpond. He won an R.S.L award in 1955 for his garden. He managed his children’s careers, arranged music and performed percussion in the radio broadcasts of Jack Harrison and His Music. Edna and her sister Bessie continued with their catering business.