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Souvenir scarf featuring HMAS SYDNEY and 'Australia Will Be There'
Souvenir scarf featuring HMAS SYDNEY and 'Australia Will Be There'

Souvenir scarf featuring HMAS SYDNEY and 'Australia Will Be There'

Date1927
Object number00044514
NameScarf
MediumCotton
DimensionsOverall: 465 x 475 mm
Display dimensions: 895 × 660 mm
ClassificationsCommemorative artefacts
Credit LineANMM Collection
Collections
DescriptionThis souvenir scarf was produced to commemorate the World War I Australian naval victory of HMAS SYDNEY over SMS EMDEN. It features the lyrics to the John Beukers' song, 'Australia Will Be There' (updated by William 'Skipper' Francis in 1927). Each corner of the scarf depicts a warship, probably vessels of the newly formed Royal Australian Navy. The scarf embodies the strong sentiment of attachment to Britain as Australia's 'motherland' - for which over 60,000 Australians were to be killed in battles on the Western Front and at Gallipoli. HistorySouvenirs featuring patriotic songs were favourite purchases during and after World War I. Few families were spared a connection with the conflict as tens of thousands of men enlisted. As a memento of the war, scarves and cushion covers were popular gifts to loved ones and could be purchased as part of the war effort. This practice continued through to World War II but became a less popular form of commemoration and patriotism in following conflicts. This scarf sings the praises of fighting Australians, especially the victorious men onboard HMAS SYDNEY who defeated the crew of SMS EMDEN in 1914 off the Cocos Keeling Islands. It is also a strong expression of the ties Australia felt to Britain as a former colony. The World War I song, 'Australia Will Be There' by John Beukers and later updated by William 'Skipper' Francis in 1927 is recorded below. There has been a lot of argument going on they say, As to whether Dear Old England should have gone into the fray. But right thinking people, all wanted her to fight; For when there's shady business, Brittania [sic] puts it right. Refrain - Rally round the banner of your country, Take the field with brothers o'er the foam, On land or sea wherever you may be; Keep your eye on Germany. But England home and Beauty have no cause to fear, Should Auld acquaintance be forgot No! No! No! No! No! Australia will be there Australia will be there. 2nd verse - You've heard about the "Emden" that was cruising all around, It was sinking British shipping where 'ere it could be found, Till one fine summer morning Australia's answer came; The good ship "Sydney" hove in sight, and put the foe to shame. 3rd verse - When Old John Bull is threatened, by foes on land or sea, His Colonial Sons are ready and at his side will be, From Africa, India, Canada, come men to do or die And Motherland is glad to hear Australia's Battle cry.SignificanceThis patriotic scarf demonstrates the contribution of Australian sailors in World War I and is a unique commemorative piece that pays tribute to Australia's first significant naval victory.