SPORTSMEN SERVING

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21184, 6 August 1940, Page 8

SPORTSMEN SERVING

FAMOUS AUSTRALIANS REVIEW BY OLDFIELD Among famous Australian sportsmen who have offered services to their country are Don Bradman (who is with the Royal Australian Air Force), and his team-mates, Walker, Barnes, Fleetwood-Smith, Barnett and White. The Australian Test team which visited England in 1938 has contributed at least six men to the fighting arms. Bert Oldfield, famous wicketkeeper, who served throughout the last war and who is now active in home defence, discusses the war spirit of Australian sportsmen in a report issued in New Zealand by the Australian Trade Commissioner.

“Once again,” he says, “South Africans, New Zealanders, Canadians and Australians find themselves side by side answering the call, and already among these are men prominent in every branch of sport. Is this to be wondered at? It is because of our belief in the principles of freedom and fair play, so strongly inculcated in our various games, that we find with pride the example of 1914-18 being emulated. “It is unquestionable that the principles which true sportsmanship engenders, and which have brought fame to our Empire soldiers in the past, are just as requisite in the successful development of our arms today, and without them no army can hope for ultimate victory.” Oldfield discloses that of the Australian Rugby Union football team whose tour of England was so dramatically cancelled when war broke out, no fewer than 17 have enlisted. In addition, Sid. Malcolm, vice-captain of the last Wallaby side to visit South Africa, has joined the Navy.