RANR boxing trophy awarded to Lindsay Alphonso Parer
Date1932
Object number00033913
NameTrophy
MediumSilver, wood
DimensionsOverall: 185 x 43 x 80 mm, 0.293 kg
ClassificationsCommemorative artefacts
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionA Royal Australian Navy Reserve depot boxing trophy awarded to l.A. Parer, 1932. The trophy is in the form of a silver goblet with round handles and stepped wooden base. Inscribed ' R.A.N.R. Depot / Port Adelaide / Boxing / 27.10.32 / Won by / l.A. Parer.'.HistorySport in the RANR was an important part of the fitness training but was also a team building exercise. It was a spectator sport with the local communities being able to watch.
An extract from The Hobart Mercury in 1932 gives a lengthy account of a RANR boxing competition part of which it reads:
"The large crowd that attended the Drill Hall last night on the occasion of the second of the series of boxing and wrestling tournaments conducted by the Royal Australian -Naval Reserve, was rewarded with an excellent evening's entertainment. The R.A.N.R. is affiliated with the Tasmanian Amateur Boxing and Wrestling Association, consequently all contests were under amateur rules. The boxing bouts were keenly and Hercely fought, but as usual with those bouts, not the least feeling was shown, winners and losers showing fine sports- man ship. Messrs’ H. Macgregor Smith and A. Berriman entertained the audience with a display of Jujitsu holds, and were applauded.
Trophies wore presented to winners and losers alike, these having been donated by various business establishments and sporting bodies in the city, by the chairman (Commissioned Instructor A. T. G. Parsons). Lieut. C R. Garland was master of ceremonies, and thanked donators for trophies, and said he trusted that he would see them all again at the next tournament, to be held next month."
SignificanceTrophies such as this one for RANR boxing illustrate the various sporting activities that were part of life in the navy. It allowed recruits to share and compete in an arena outside the base or ship in addition to facilitating pride, dedication and team work.
