Rupert Franks was among 20 returned servicemen who were given a welcome. At the conclusion of the speeches, the attendants sang the national anthem and God Bless Our Splendid Men.
God bless our splendid men Send them safe home again God bless our men Keep them victorious Patient and chivalrous They are so dear to us God bless our men Around mid 1915, God Bless Our Men was published in the Melbourne Age. Some State School teachers, recognising their appropriateness, taught them to their pupils and had them sung as an addition to the national anthem. The Minister of Public Instructions decided to give it official sanction and to make it general throughout the schools. Other Education departments of the Commonwealth followed Victoria’s lead, and many church authorities had the verse printed and inserted in their hymn books. This led onto a wider practice of singing the verse at public gatherings even at wedding receptions. God Bless Our Men was also sung as Rupert’s brother, Leonard, marched off to war. Having completed his basic army training in Melbourne, Leonard made one last trip to Tasmania to spend a day with his family at Elliott. During his visit, a number of friends and family members gathered at a local store, where a presentation was made on behalf of the local football team. Three cheers were then given and God Bless Our Men was sung as Leonard left for Burnie on a return trip to Melbourne.
2 Comments
Kathryn
11/2/2018 17:53:21
Rupert Franks was my great grandfather! It's a great photo....such a baby-face.
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Tazdan
11/2/2018 20:55:15
And you wouldn't be here to write such a lovely comment about your great granddad!
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