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In June 1916, a conference of state-based returned soldiers associations recommended the formation of The Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League of Australia (RSSILA). In 1965, the RSSAILA’s name was changed to the Returned Services League of Australia (RSLA). During the Second World War, the League changed its name to the Returned Sailors Soldiers and Airman’s Imperial League of Australia (RSSAILA).
The former home of the Essendon RSSILA (later RSSAILA, and then RSL) in Holmes Rd, Moonee
Ponds. The stone commemorating the launch by the Governor-General, Lord Forster is set into a brick
plinth near the footpath, in the centre foreground. (Photo: Lenore Frost, 2010)
"Essendon Branch RSSILA. This building is dedicated to the memory of those who gave their
lives in the Great War, 1914-1919. "Lest we forget". this stone was laid by His Excellency the
Governor-General Lord Forster, KCMC, PC, on Sunday 31st October 1920. C J Mullins,
President, C W H Mears, Hon Builder". (Photo: Lenore Frost, 2010.)
SOLDIERS' MEMORIAL HALL.
A well attended meeting was held at the clubrooms of the Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League, Moonee Ponds, yesterday for the purpose of raising funds for a memorial hall. The mayor (Councillor A Fenton) presided. It was decided to hold a gala day on April 2 in support of the project. Mr Aikman, MLC, has given the use of commodious club rooms, and the sum of £10 was given by Mr Aikman MLC, Councillors A Fenton (mayor), A F Showers, and W Royle, Essendon Bowling Club, fathers of soldiers (Essendon Bowling Club), Aberfeldie Bowling Club (fathers), North Suburban Club, League of Soldiers' Friends, Sailors and Soldiers' Welfare League, Messrs Gordon and Mealey.
The Argus 20 March 1919
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1447496
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This afternoon the State Commandant [Brigadier General Brand] will open a fete at Queen's Park, Moonee Ponds, to raise funds for the Essendon Soldiers' Memorial Hall.
The attractions include a championship drum and bugle band contest for the Sutton-shield. A united memorial service will be held in Queen's Park to-morrow afternoon.
The Argus 26 April 1919 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1461534
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Guard of Honour at Essendon.
On the occasion of the visit of the Prince of Wales to Essendon at a quarter past 2 on Saturday next the route in the immediate vicinity of the Essendon Town Hall will be lined by Essendon district returned soldiers. All Essendon district soldiers are requested to meet in uniform at the Returned Sailors and Soldiers' Imperial League Association clubrooms, Margaret street*, Moonee Ponds, at a quarter to 2 o'clock sharp. After falling in the soldiers will march to the town hall and take up their positions.
Friday 28 May 1920 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1706256
* A Returned Soldiers clubroom appeared in the Sands & McDougal Post Office Directory around this time, apparently located in the billiard saloon of James Francis Mullany, who was also a furnisher in Puckle Street. Meetings may have been held in upstairs rooms. This building, opposite the Moonee Ponds Railway Station, is known (in 2010) as 'Bargain Hunters', an establishment run by the Brotherhood of St Lawrence.
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ESSENDON MEMORIAL.
Laying of Foundation Stone.
His Excellency the Governor-General, Lord Forster, laid the foundation stone yesterday afternoon of the soldiers' memorial building in Holmes road, Moonee Ponds. His Excellency, who was accompanied by Lady Forster, was received by a guard of honour of returned soldiers under Captain H. Barker, D.C.M. Nearly 1,000 persons witnessed the laying of the stone, which was preceded and followed by a devotional service.
Lieutenant Mullins, president of the Moonee Ponds branch of the Returned Sailors' and Soldiers' League, said that it had been stated that the league was endeavouring to put the returned soldier upon a pedestal. That statement was not correct, because his country had put the soldier on a pedestal during the war. (Applause.) Lieutenant Mullins concluded by presenting to His Excellency a richly wrought trowel provided by Mr. Ryan, M.L.A.
After declaring the stone "well and truly laid," His Excellency said that Lady Forster and he rejoiced that the first foundation stone, with the laying of which they had been associated in Australia, was that of a budding to the memory of those who laid down their lives in the service of their King, their country, and the Empire. When finished the building will have cost £8,000. The land, which is valued at £1,200, is a gift from the Essendon City Council to the branch.
Later His Excellency said: -I have had the privilege of seeing your roll of honour in the Essendon Town Hall. lt is a very great and very striking human document. I have heard of the deep sorrow of the relatives of the men who fell. It may well be that many of you whom I see in front of me have cause to mourn those whom you love better than life itself. May I say one single word to you. Speaking to you - as I can do - with the full understanding of what your loss means, I say to you that if you grieve unduly for those who have gone, you are grieving for yourself rather than for them. Thank God that you have had sons who did not flinch, but who did their duty like brave men.
The Argus 1 November 1920 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4574371
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RSSAILA Football Team date not known. Courtesy of Gayle Murray.
Essendon RSL Football Club, Season 1948-49. John Johnston is in the back row, far left. Courtesy of Gayle Murray.
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