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Army Leisure Time
There was a big emphasis on leisure and organised sport on Rottnest Island during World War 2 and it's not hard to see why.
Personnel were isolated on the island, limited to their stationed posts and unable to wander around the island like a tourist.
Leave was not always a guarantee, particularly when the rough weather delayed the boat back to Freo for days or an alarm was triggered, warning of a potential enemy threat.
No one really knew if the Japanese would actually invade Australia but after the bombing of Darwin on 19 February 1942, the fear was surely a constant.
Working long hours or undertaking intensive training can take its toll on anyone, as we know ourselves in today's busy and time-poor lives. Although mental health certainly wouldn't have been something that could easily be discussed, quite like today, it certainly would've been an issue with all the emotions brought on by the World War 2 experience, as well as family separation.
Troops were rewarded with a regular swim in the ocean, organised games of tennis and cricket, movies playing in the settlement and even bands that came over from the mainland to play.
Keeping the ‘boys’ in good spirits was a main concern for the officers and commissioned staff. There was always a positive follow-on effect. It meant good team work, they were willing to work hard when required and performed their roles to the best of their ability, to name just a few.
Inter war, Western Australia, Rottnest Island. Government House, 5 Fortress Company, Royal Australian Engineers.
5 Fortress Company, Royal Australian Engineers (L to R): Bill Paris; unknown; Charles Cronin; Eric Barlow; Basil Nelson. All are 5 Fortress Coy personnel quartered at Government House prior to completion of the Barracks.
(incomplete)
1941
May 14 - The fish is reported to be in abundance with the men getting good catches at night, mainly that of the herring (AWM2020.71.7560).
June 02 – Organised fishing parties for competition takes place to celebrate Foundation Day. An approximate 138lbs (62.6kg) of clean fish is given to the Battalion cookhouse (AWM2020.71.7560).
December 25 - Troops are given a Christmas dinner and beer is served by the officers. The spirits of all are reported to be high (AWM2020.71.7560).
1943
May 11 - A recreation hut is recommended to be constructed next to the Battery Canteen in the settlement area. A wireless set, table tennis and set of quoits and darts are required to make this worthwhile (AWM2019.366.1548).
Inter War, Western Australia, Rottnest Island, Kingstown Barracks. 5 Fortress Company Royal Australian Engineers. Cricket team
5 Fortress Company RAE personnel stationed at Kingstown Barracks prior to the start of WW2. The group appears to be the Fortress Cricket Team and are photographed at a cricket pitch.
V. Lucas is pictured second from the left in the back row.
1944
January 03 - Troops are reportedly looking very fit. Excellent meals are provided. A sports day is held with three cricket matches played. Troops not participating in the games, march to the beach for a swim (AWM2020.71.7564).
February
02 - After a day of weapons training, 10 Garrison Battalion troops enjoy a sports afternoon with cricket matches, tennis and swimming parades. Whilst the winds are strong, the temperature is colder (AWM2020.71.7564).
03 - Morale is reported to be excellent amongst troops. The usual training and schools are intermixed with lectures on education, nature and debating to give them a variety and measure of interest. A debating society is arranged with a number of voluntary enthusiasts as members (AWM2020.71.7564).
12 - A swimming sports carnival is held in the afternoon and prizes are given to winning competitors. There are many entrants and the events are reported to be keenly contested (AWM2020.71.7564).
20 - Rifle Club members hold a regular shoot. They’re seeing a growth in popularity with an increasing number of competitors. Cricket, tennis and swimming are also held in the afternoon, followed by a community concert at night which is well attended. Troop morale is reported to be excellent (AWM2020.71.7564).
June/July – A Cinema Hall commences construction using Army labour, thanks to a donation of £850 from the Amenities Fund (AWM2020.71.1983).
September 30 - Concerts are given each Monday night with the Concert Party assisted by artists from other units on the island (AWM2020.71.7522).
References
AWM2019.366.1548 - 116 Australian Light Anti Aircraft Regiment - January 1943
AWM2020.71.1983 - 68 Australian DCRE Works - November 1942 to February 1946
AWM2020.71.7522 - 5 Garrison Battalion - January to November 1944
AWM2020.71.7560 - 10 Garrison Battalion - January to December 1941
AWM2020.71.7564 - 10 Garrison Battalion - January to March 1944
