120yo Naval Brigade trophy on display at Geebung RSL
A unique piece of Brisbane’s naval history has found a permanent home in the city’s north.
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A UNIQUE piece of Brisbane’s naval history has found a permanent home for public display in the city’s north.
The Brisbane Naval Brigade Rifle Club Trophy is thought to be more than 120 years old.
It is considered significant as most of the Brigade’s history and artefacts were lost in a flood during the 1890s when the Naval Stores at Kangaroo Point were washed away.
Recently, representatives from the Naval Association of Australia (NAA) Brisbane Sub-Section presented the trophy to Geebung RSL as a permanent loan.
Sub-Section president Duane Jaenke said the trophy was originally awarded to the ‘champion shot’ of an annual shooting competition held by the Brisbane Naval Brigade. This particular trophy was won by E Morley.
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The volunteer citizen reserve Naval Brigades operated in Australia from the late 1800s until they were disbanded in 1907.
“Every city in Australia had a Naval Brigade,” Mr Jaenke said.
“The Naval Brigade predated Federation (1901) and obviously the Royal Australian Navy (1911) and became the Royal Australian Naval Reserve in time.”
Mr Jaenke said the trophy was donated to the Brisbane Sub-Section of the NAA in 1978 by a member who has since passed.
Members initially agreed to keep the trophy at their mess (clubhouse) in Wavell Heights.
“But in doing so, few people other than our members could see or appreciate it,” Mr Jaenke said.
“To have such a beautiful and historical item hidden from view is a shame.”
Mr Jaenke made an offer to Geebung RSL committee members to keep the trophy safe and it was decided to loan the trophy on a permanent basis.
“Geebung RSL have a number of ex-Navy members but even their members who are ex-Army and RAAF were grateful for the offer to house such a piece of Australia’s naval history.
“Ironically it was we who were grateful to see such a beautiful piece of history given a safe home, yet the members of Geebung RSL thanked us.
“Geebung RSL has an awesome display of Australia’s military history and the Naval Brigade Shooters Trophy shall be a centre of the display.”
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Geebung RSL president Harry Boxsell said they were pleased to give the trophy a permanent home.
“I believe it’s unique. There’s only one of them and to be the guardian of a trophy that’s some 120 years old, to us as an RSL is a privilege,” Mr Boxsell said.
“It’s one of the oldest trophies we’ve got. It’s memorabilia you can’t replace.”
The trophy is on display in the RSL Club’s Walk of Honour.
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