Advertiser – October 1918

3 October 1918 p9
Australia to London by Air — a daring Project

Sydney, October 2. A gathering of prominent business and financial men took place to-day -to discuss the advisability of an aerial mail between I Sydney and London. Mr. Reginald Lloyd, of London, said an aeroplane service such as was suggested would place London within 150 hours of Australia, and only £6,OOO was needed for the preliminary work. The meeting formed a syndicate, and a part of the sum needed was subscribed. It is intended to secure the remainder of the £6,000 required in other States.

8 October 1918 p9
Victorious Cavalry March through the City

DAMASCUS. October 2.General Chauvel marched through Damascus this afternoon at the head of a great force of his victorious cavalry. It was an impressive scene. The dusty, worn horsemen included squadrons representative of the whole cosmopolitan host which makes up the largest and most successful mounted body engaged in any theatre of war. Approaching the city from the south by the Pilgrims’ Road to Mecca, the column extending over many miles, entered the city by the ”Gate of God” and rode along the narrow, winding streets between dense masses of citizens of many races and religions in distinctive gala dress. … The dashing Australian Light Horsemen were in the lead, followed by the brilliant cavalry from the Indian highlands. Then came the Yeomanry from the English shires and dark-skinned French Colonials from Northern Africa on their Barbary stallions, sturdy New’ Zealand machine-gunners, and batteries from Eng-and and Scotland. The grand march of fighting men, riding as they ride in battle, with the least ceremonial, was a magnificent demonstration of the might of the British and Allied forces.

11 October1918 p 7
Spanish Influenza: Quarantine Precautions

Several medical men questioned on Thursday regarding the possibility of the epidemic of Spanish influenza spreading from South Africa to Australia, did not consider there was any cause for alarm. It was not known, they said, that the ailment differed to any great extent from the severe type of influenza experienced in this State within recent months, and the serious ravages it was making in South Africa might be due to climatic and other conditions, particularly the existence of a large coloured population, who appeared to be extremely susceptible to attack. Influenza had been bad this year in practically all parts of the world. It was-quite possible that Australia had had its experience, having preceded South Africa in this respect…. The Federal quarantine officials in Melbourne are taking precautions against the spread of infection from South Africa. The chief quarantine officer in South Australia (Dr. F. S. Hone) received instructions on Thursday to apply the provisions of the Quarantine Act to influenza. In the event of a definite epidemic being found on a vessel he will withhold pratique.

14 October 1918 p6
Soldiers Home Again: Two special trains arrive: First batch of ANZACS

To the accompaniment of stirring music by the Mitcham Camp Band two special trains arrived in Adelaide on Saturday morning (12/10/1918) with 140 returned soldiers, including the first batch of nine of the 1915 Anzacs, who have been granted furlough. When the first train arrived at 9.5 a.m. there was a large gathering of relatives, friends, and, the general public on the platform and in the vicinity of the station, and the returned warriors were met with a hearty welcome. The second train arrived an hour later…  The Minister of Repatriation (on behalf of the Government) and the Mayor of Adelaide (on behalf of the citizens) welcomed the returned men and cheers were given for their comrades still at the front. Then they were hurried off to Keswick in motor cars, provided by members of the Automobile Association. As they passed through the streets they were loudly cheered by the people, who bestowed floral and other gifts on the men.

14 October 1918 p11
Australia’s Losses

The Australian casualties up to yesterday totalled 285,062. Details-Dead, 53,584- missing, 87; prisoners of war, 3,388; wounded. 152,487; sick, 75,300; casualty not specified, 216.

14 October 1918 p7
THE NEWS IN ADELAIDE GENERAL EXCITEMENT CAUSED.

The news of the acceptance by Germany of President Wilson’s peace terms was received with mixed feelings by the residents of Adelaide and suburbs. The development was of such a startling nature that many people were at first inclined to regard it as but another of the many sensational rumours that have been in circulation of late. Many people, especially those whose dear ones are still on the battlefield, were overjoyed at the news, believing that it would mean an immediate cessation of hostilities» following upon the complete surrender of the Germans. A large section of the community, however, were unable to forget the many dishonourable acts and dastardly outrages committed by the enemy, and they read into the news an effort on the part of Germany to gain time in which to reorganise her forces. A source of general satisfaction, however, was the knowledge that the arrogant Kaiser and his underlings had had to humble themselves by acknowledging defeat.  It was indeed sensational news, and it created much excitement. Throughout the whole of Sunday “The Advertiser” office was besieged with requests for the latest information, and a large crowd assembled in King William-street to read the notice board announcing the receipt of the tidings.

18 October 1918 p18
The ANZAC Arch: First sod turned
War stripes for ladies

The first sod was turned in front of the Cheer-up Hut on Thursday for the erection of the first Anzac triumphal arch in Australia. There was a large crowd at the ceremony, which was followed by another of great interest, namely, the presentation of war stripes to the Cheer-up workers. Among those present were the Premier (Hon. A. H. Peake), and members of the Ministry, the Military Commandant (Brigadier-General J. M. Antill), the Mayor of Adelaide (Mr. Glover), and the acting president of the Cheer-up Society (Mr. G. McEwin). The arch, which is to be 45 ft. high, and will stretch the whole width of the main roadway leading from King William Rd. to the Adelaide railway station will be constructed of concrete. It was designed by Mr. J. Quinton Bruce (honorary Cheer-up architect). It is in the Corinthian style of architecture. When completed it will be a great ornament to the thoroughfare.

The Acting President of the Society (Mr. George McEwin) in asking the Premier to turn the first sod, said the arch was part of the tribute the women of the society wished to pay to the returning Anzacs, as well as to all our other soldiers who had so nobly responded to the call of the Empire.

30 October 1918 p7
The End in sight: Peace probable before Christmas

LONDON, October 29. The “Daily Chronicle” states that despite contrary reports the Germans have recalled their U-boats, and there has been a cessation of submarine warfare for four days. The impression in British Parliamentary circles is that the war is rushing to its close, and that peace before Christmas is highly probable.

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