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Members of the US servicemen's boxing team, Brisbane, February 1943. John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. Neg 102776 On February 27, 1943, two allies in war became rivals in the ring, as the Australian and American servicemen came together for a night of boxing. This inter-Allied competition was held at the old Brisbane Stadium (which stood on the corner of Albert and Charlotte Streets in Brisbane's CBD). There were an estimated 5,000 people in attendance, including the Governor of Queensland, Sir Leslie Wilson, and the Brisbane Lord Mayor, Alderman Chandler. On the previous evening, the Australians held an "elimination series" between the Army and the Air Force to decide who would make the final team. In the end, the Australian team featured several experienced and professional boxers, including Fred Corton, Lionel Orrell, and Bill de Blein. American-born Todd Morgan was the trainer of the United States boxing team, himself a former world lightweight champion. Morgan was confident, describing his team of sailor and soldier boxers as being "pretty hot". American servicemen boxers in Brisbane. John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. Neg 104178 There would be 14 fights in total, each bout would be awarded points - 3 for a win, 2 for a draw, and 1 for a loss. The Australians had an extra impetus to win; in a previous stoush back in May 1942, they suffered a bruising defeat against the Americans, winning only 4 of 12 bouts. This time around the Australian fighters proved too strong for the Americans, who despite fighting valiantly, won only 5 of the 14 bouts, finishing with 24 points compared to Australia's 32. The biggest upset of the tournament, according to The Sunday Mail, was when Colin Moody defeated "the star of the American team" Eddie Markham, a light heavyweight. The tournament raised £1626 for the Queensland Patriotic and Comforts Funds. Myles Sinnamon - Project Coordinator, State Library of Queensland Source: www.slq.qld.gov.au/blog/allies-war-rivals-ring

See pellethepoet's photo - www.flickr.com/photos/pellethepoet/4478546407/ And the artwork - docs.google.com/viewer?url=http://www.alumni.sydney.edu.a...

Also nla.gov.au/nla.pic-an2962621

Brisbane April 25. In the bright sunshine and morning stillness, broken only by the soughing of the neighboring pines, the Cross of Sacrifice and Stone of Remembrance erected in TooWong cemetery to the memory of those who have made the supreme sacrifice in the Great War were unveiled this morning by the Governor-General (Lord Forster). The spectacle was a most impressive one, and worthy of the noble sacrifices it commemorated. Grouped round the Cross were the relatives of the heroic dead, a naval guard from the British cruiser Dragon, and representatives of the Returned Soldiers' League, while overlooking the site were headstones marking the resting places of some 350 departed heroes. An aeroplane whirred overhead, dropping a shower of floral tokens. Brisbane Citizens' Band played the majestic Beethoven. "Symphony" and the Dead March in "Saul." Daily Mercury (Mackay, Qld), 26 April 1924. "Commemorating our beloved dead" said His Excellency " we turn to the Cross, the sign of Him through whose self-sacrifice they have passed through the vale into life immortal". His Excellency then quoted from a poem written in the early days of the war which was written by a friend in the House of Commons. 'O valiant hearts, who to your glory came Through dust of conflict and the battle flame Tranquil you lie, your knightly virtue proved Your memory hallowed in the land you loved.' The Brisbane Courier, 26th April 1924 Source: monumentaustralia.org.au/themes/conflict/ww1/display/9270...