Copyright © 2008 Elizabeth & Salisbury Navy Club
In the Beginning....
Early in February 1957, a group of ex-matelots met in one of two small stables of the Stud Farm adjacent to the Phillip Highway in the vicinity of the now Holden (G.M.H.) vehicle plant central car park at Elizabeth in South Australia. By the end of that month, with 23 names in the book, they applied for official recognition as a Sub-Section of the Ex-Navalmen's Association. As the small stable was hardly appropriate to begin the Sub-Section, the inaugral meeting of the Sub-section took place on March 9, 1957, in a rented hall on the corner of Commercial Road and Wiltshire Street, Salisbury.
Early in February 1957, a group of ex-matelots met in one of two small stables of the Stud Farm adjacent to the Phillip Highway in the vicinity of the now Holden (G.M.H.) vehicle plant central car park at Elizabeth in South Australia. By the end of that month, with 23 names in the book, they applied for official recognition as a Sub-Section of the Ex-Navalmen's Association. As the small stable was hardly appropriate to begin the Sub-Section, the inaugral meeting of the Sub-section took place on March 9, 1957, in a rented hall on the corner of Commercial Road and Wiltshire Street, Salisbury.
The Elizabeth and Salisbury Sub-Section was launched with 21 members at a meeting chaired by the State President.
With the approval of the Salisbury Council, the two stables were joined and made relatively comfortable. In this larger premises, the Club continued until the members realised that larger, more permanent quarters were required
With the approval of the Salisbury Council, the two stables were joined and made relatively comfortable. In this larger premises, the Club continued until the members realised that larger, more permanent quarters were required
In 1960, the Council resumed the stable premises and the Sub-Section moved into the Salisbury RSL. The Sub-Section remained at the RSL for approximately 18 months, during which time the late Ralph Haines, the then State President, organised the financing and building of a new Clubroom. The first monthly meeting was held in the new Clubroom on 7 September, 1962, with the first social evening being held on 16 November of that year.
The Dedication ....
The new Clubroom was dedicated to the memory of the late Captain 'Hec' Waller (the Commanding Officer of HMAS PERTH(1) in WW2) on 20 October, 1963, by the widow of Captain Waller, Mrs Nancy Waller.
The new Clubroom was dedicated to the memory of the late Captain 'Hec' Waller (the Commanding Officer of HMAS PERTH(1) in WW2) on 20 October, 1963, by the widow of Captain Waller, Mrs Nancy Waller.
It was said by all present to be a perfect ceremony where nothing could have been improved.
The first Women's Auxilliary meeting of the Sub-Section was held on 8 April, 1964. An involvement that has continued in various guises to this day.
A number of ex-PERTH survivors were introduced to the Sub-Section at the opening ceremony, and their friendship sealed when they represented the PERTH survivors as the official guests at the inaugral Annual Waller Dinner on 27 February, 1965.
In 1966, the inaugral Anzac Day Dawn Service was held at the Captain Waller Memorial Hall. This memorial ceremony has since become part of the tradition in the Elizabeth area to this day.
The first Women's Auxilliary meeting of the Sub-Section was held on 8 April, 1964. An involvement that has continued in various guises to this day.
A number of ex-PERTH survivors were introduced to the Sub-Section at the opening ceremony, and their friendship sealed when they represented the PERTH survivors as the official guests at the inaugral Annual Waller Dinner on 27 February, 1965.
In 1966, the inaugral Anzac Day Dawn Service was held at the Captain Waller Memorial Hall. This memorial ceremony has since become part of the tradition in the Elizabeth area to this day.
Henceforth the Club was to be dedicated in his memory and be known as the Captain Waller Memorial Hall.
At the Waller Dinner in 1968, the Sub-Section was presented with a relic, a compass indicator, recovered from the wreck of the PERTH by Mr Dave Burchell, which will always be displayed in a prominent position in the Captain Waller Memorial Hall.
This and other artifacts donated by ex-HMAS PERTH crewmembers are displayed in full view. Of particular note is a shell casing donated by Mr Gordon Reid (who received it from Dave Burchell) which was presented to the club by his widow, Mrs Joan Reid, to add to our collection. Other memorabilia, including with the Anzac Day banner of HMAS PERTH(1), are displayed in the main area of theClub
This and other artifacts donated by ex-HMAS PERTH crewmembers are displayed in full view. Of particular note is a shell casing donated by Mr Gordon Reid (who received it from Dave Burchell) which was presented to the club by his widow, Mrs Joan Reid, to add to our collection. Other memorabilia, including with the Anzac Day banner of HMAS PERTH(1), are displayed in the main area of theClub
Onward and Upward....
In 1970, a need was identified for expansion of the original building and the Clubroom was doubled in size. The Sub-Section was again honoured when Mrs Nancy Waller re-dedicated the new construction as a continuing memorial to her late husband.
The Hall now boasts the HMAS PERTH bar which reflects the traditional hospitality offered to units from the Commonwealth and Allied Navies by Sub-Sections of the Naval Association.
In 1970, a need was identified for expansion of the original building and the Clubroom was doubled in size. The Sub-Section was again honoured when Mrs Nancy Waller re-dedicated the new construction as a continuing memorial to her late husband.
The Hall now boasts the HMAS PERTH bar which reflects the traditional hospitality offered to units from the Commonwealth and Allied Navies by Sub-Sections of the Naval Association.
In 2003, the Elizabeth council offered the Sub-Section a gun mounting from the HMAS PROTECTOR. The original HMCS PROTECTOR formed a component of South Australia's Maritime force prior to Federation and, in 1901, was recommisioned as HMAS PROTECTOR. The mounting had been on display in the Windsor Green at Elizabeth, adjacent to the ELizabeth Shopping Centre, and was at risk from encroaching development. An enterprising team from the Sub-Section liaised closely with the Elizabeth Council and the gun mounting was relocated to outside the Captain Waller Memorial Hall in 2003. The gun was dedicated to the memory of shipmates past at the Anzac Day Dawn Service in 2003 by the Sub-Section's Honourary Chaplain, Garry Prince.
Today, the Sub-Section offers membership to both ex-serving members and to those who wish to enjoy our hospitality. Our history, and atmosphere, reflects those who have gone before and worked hard within the Naval Association for the benefit of our members and guests.
Each for All, and All for Each
On 1 October 2005, the Royal Air Forces Association 1200th Branch (RAFA 1200 Club) that used to be located on the corner of the Phillip highway and Ridley Road moved to the Navy club premises and now calls our Club home.
The Captain Waller Memorial Hall