Australia

I know the Gallipoli thread was some time ago but I just wanted to bask in some reflected glory of my forbears. My Grandfathers' brother fell at Gallipoli and his name remain much revered in our family - the name Rupert is still shared in generations above and below mine.
He was a great friend of Sir Robert Menzies (he was just Bob when they were at Uni) and we still have some of their personal letters in the family. The future PM penned a poem to his fallen mate.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rupert_Balfe

Some of the sporting and mental prowess has been passed down too - sadly I missed out in the brains dept but I was a fair athlete once upon a time (brawn, no brains - and no, I do not need anyone confirming this or providing their "seconded"; thank you!) His father was the mayor of Brunswick for some 28 years (and uncle was MLA in Tassie). Unbeknownst to one another - having been separated in Ireland - they both arrived in Australia as orphans (one in Tas, one in Vic) and both went on to become politicians, businessmen and landowners. Both were present at Corrowa for the birth of federation.

My Grandfather served in the second war (too young in WW1) and became a colonel and very senior member of the Freemasons (boogedy-boogedy you secret society advocates) and served on the Board of the freemasons hospital in Melbourne, his picture still hangs there. The family still have strong connections to the freemasons - relatives are currently 'grand poo bah' of a number of lodges.

He was an architect by trade and played district cricket, was the proprietor of M Balfe and son (hardware) which had a shopfront in Brunswick Road for over 100 years.

http://cas.awm.gov.au/photograph/057316

So far I have nothing to be proud of but the reflected glory of others and some frontal lobe damage caused by alcoholism.

Thought you might find some of this interesting - if not, at least I found a new photo of Norman (Grampa) that I hadn't seen before.
 
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A great contribution. Thank you.
RisingSun.jpg


FNBalfe.jpg

VX89042 Lieutenant Colonel F. N. Balfe ED
Commanding Officer, 1st Australian Base Area
Buna, New Guinea, 29 September 1943​
 
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To expand on A.A.Alfie's post above:


(Joseph) Rupert Balfe (9 March 1890 – 25 April 1915) was an Australian rules footballer. He had a strong friendship with Robert Menzies, who was studying Law at Melbourne University. Menzies went on to become the Prime Minister of Australia from 1939-1941, and from 1949-1966.

Menzies wrote a poem for the late Balfe which appeared in several local newspapers on 16 July 1915.


His was the call that came from far away;
An Empire's message flashing o'er the seas.
The call to arms! The blood of chivarly
Pulsed quicker in his veins; he could not stay.

Let others wait; for him the glorious day
Of tyrants tumbled and a world set free
Had dawned in clouds of thunder; with a glee
Born not of insensate madness for the fray,

But rather of a spirit noble, brave,
And kindled by a heart that wept at wrong.
He went. The storms of battle round him rave,
And screaming fury o'er him chants its song.

Sleep gallant soul! Though gone thy living breath,
Thou liv'st for aye, for thou has conquered death.

- Robert Gordon Menzies​
 
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A.A.Alfie said:
So far I have nothing to be proud of but the reflected glory of others and some frontal lobe damage caused by alcoholism.
Click to expand...

Dont be so hard on yourself. The fact you recognise, understand and appreciate the efforts of your fore bearers means a lot within in itself.

You only have to look at the reaction of Australians to the dreadful natural disasters that befell the nation in 2009. Or the 2004 Christmas Tsunami, which involved some nations that just a few short years previously had been our enemies

We often see ourselves as lazy and self absorbed people. I believe this is actually wrong. Because once something ignites us as a people, we are virtually unstoppable

I really do believe those ghosts of wars and sacrifice past, smile down on us and say...."You guys are doing alright"
 
I still fail to see the point of hero-worshipping sports people. Sure, they were good at what they do. Supremely good, in some cases. But to elevate them up to the equivalent of Weary Dunlop I think is unwarrented, and borderline insulting to the memory of the people who actually made a difference.

Never mind.
 
I'm pretty sure I agree, and I don't think we've been guilty in this thread at least, of overdoing the sporting hero two-step. I Know I mentinoned in a previous post that a famous former soldier was a sportsman, but on the, whole, I'm with you as regarding it as irrelevant. What gets on my goat is the way sports people are are referred to as heros and legends, which to me are words with entirely different meanings to our sports commentators. I bloody hate sport, as a matter of fact. Waste of resources. Don't ever get me started on bloody golf.


Okie dokes.
 
Oh, I must object! And strenuously!

I omitted a few claims to fame in my previous post, namely:
I trounced my 11 year old son at table tennis on the weekend.

I am a bloody hero! By any measure.

I can also beat my wife in an arm wrestle (she is 5ft 2 in the old and about 52kg). I am a measely 6ft and 95kg of prime Aussie beef.

Again H.E.R.O. with a capital AITCH.
 
Thinking about a few of the last few threads, heroes and the like I though we could have a little quiz (another top 10 or 100 perhaps on each?).

Nominate your favorite hero in following categories for:

- Sport
- Science
- Music
- Art
- Actor
- Writer
- Sex Symbol
- Other public figure
- Other personal hero.


Naturally your nominations can only be from Australia; Russell Crowe does not count as an actor, nor Sam Neill. Tim Finn, Neil Finn or Split Enz do not count as Australian musicians - but Crowded House could (as they are/were predominantly Australian, 2 of the 3). Pharlap doesnt count etc.


The first seven are simple enough.
The other public figure might be a politician, social worker or similar.
The personal hero might be a parent, a much loved mentor/coach, Akhenaten etc.
I deliberately left out politicians, but let me know if you think there should be any other categories.


I hope the rules are simple enough. Any other suggestions will be greatly appreciated or simply ignored with disdain.
Sadly I have accidentally posted this prior to finalising my list - I will have one up in a little bit -
Fire away.

Alfie
 
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No wukkers matey. I hope I didn't seem to be coming the raw prawn earlier, but I think your idea and the thread as it is might have ended up at crossed purposes.

I reckon your new thread will be a beaut, and I'm looking forward to participating, especially in the 'discussions' regarding your proposed rules. :)

You're familiar with the expression "like trying to herd cats"?


HerdingCats.jpg


Cheers cob,

Seeya 'round like a rissole.
 
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