Black lines are quotes from the actual event.Black lines = event

Blue lines are quotes that show the language being used contemporaneouslyBlue lines = contemporary language

Red lines are picturesRed lines = pictures

Green lines are explanations

Introducing the A.I.F. XI

The war is over, or presumably soCricket, Kooweerup Sun, Lang Lang Guardian and Cranbourne Shire Record (Vic), Wed 20 Nov 1918, p. 3. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article127198593 . The soldiers of the Australian Imperial Force have accumulated in cold and distasteful camps on Salisbury PlainsAustralian Soldiers Abroad, Barrier Miner (NSW), Tue 11 Mar 1919, p. 4. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article45475955 , near the curious Druidical desolate looking rocksW.J.S., The Roving Editors, The Register (SA), Fri 17 Jan 1919, p. 7. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article60544554 of StonehengeSgt. T.R. Lydster A.I.F., Stonehenge, England, World War I, 1916-1919, photograph, https://collections.museumvictoria.com.au/items/1478164 , waiting eagerly to go homeAustralian Soldiers Abroad, Barrier Miner (NSW), Tue 11 Mar 1919, p. 4. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article45475955 . They tell us there is no hope of shipment before MayAustralian Soldiers Abroad, Barrier Miner (NSW), Tue 11 Mar 1919, p. 4. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article45475955 . But most of us won’t be returning home the same men we were when we went awayReturned Soldiers, National Advocate (NSW), Tue 14 Oct 1919, p. 2. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article158635002 , not least because it was only by answering the call to fight for freedom, peace, and liberty that we became menWelcome to Two Anzacs, The Yackandandah Times (Vic), Thu 9 Jan 1919, p. 3. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article144801311 .

The brass hats– those officers “on the staff”Patrol, About the Brass Hats, The Beverley Times (WA), Sat 11 Jan 1919, p. 2. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article200756978
The officer staff were not actually the ones to instigate this programme, which was implemented by Lieutenant General John Monash as Director-General of the A.I.F. Department of Repatriation and Demobilisation. Repatriation was actually quite political and fought out between the A.I.F. and the Repatriation Department, a government entity, not to be confused with Monash’s department. However, for the average soldier, it most likely would have been the officer staff who informed them of the programme. See Philip Payton, ’Repat’: A Concise History of Repatriation in Australia, (Brisbane: Department of Veterans Affairs, 2018, pp. 21-22. https://www.dva.gov.au/sites/default/files/files/publications/corporate/P03428.pdf –have decided they need to find some things to keep us occupied and interestedA.I.F. Education Campaign, The Maitland Daily Mercury (NSW), Wed 29 Oct 1919, p. 3. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article131145639 so we don’t pillage the English countryside like happened in ColomboSoldiers Damage Property, The Age (Vic), Mon 20 Jan 1919, p. 4. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article155227278 , or riot in LondonEarlier Cables, Lithgow Mercury (NSW), Wed 12 Mar 1919, p. 2. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article218610241 . Many of the men just want to go home wives almost forgotten and children never seenSocial, Table Talk (Vic), Thu 21 Aug 1919, p. 30. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article146471558 . But in the meantime, there are many opportunities for the Australian to improve his knowledge and skillDemobilisation, The Argus (Vic), Mon 7 Apr 1919, p. 7. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1454637 through education and a widespread scheme of sports has been organised during the dead days of demobilisationSports for A.I.F., The Sun (NSW), Mon 6 Jan 1919, p. 5. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article222641712 . I’m not much interested in learning mechanics or farmingAustralian Soldiers, Gympie Times and Mary River Mining Gazette (QLD), Tue 14 Jan 1919, p. 4. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article188701136 , and although I’ve born the burden and heat of many a summer dayNoted Cricketer’s Death, Weekly Times (Vic), Sat 27 Oct 1917, p. 19. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article132696424 at the wicket, I’m no Victor Trumper. But before I left on my own Big AdventureReturn of Gallant Cairns Officer, Cairns Post (QLD), Sat 6 Sep 1919, p. 4. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article40338494 , I had had the opportunity to scribble a few notesLieutenant-General Sir John Monash, On The Eve Of Battle, Western Mail (WA), Thu 4 Mar 1920, p. 2. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article37461355 about the game from time to time, and I’ve been able to use that to hoodwinkMaking Our Manhood, Dunmunkle Standard (Vic), Fri 21 May 1915, p. 3. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article130046423 the most tray bongSlang and the Coining of Words, The Queenslander (QLD), Sat 27 Mar 1920, p. 3 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article25317274 draftW.H. Downing, Digger Dialects, p. 20. (Melbourne: Lothian Book Publishing Co. Pty. Ltd, 1919). http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/91206 in the A.I.F. as the Charles Bean
C.E.W. Bean was the official war correspondent of the A.I.F. He wrote weekly articles back to Australia from his position on the front lines with Australian troops. George Lambert, Portrait of Charles E.W. Bean, Australian official war correspondent during the First World War, 1924, painting, https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/71/Charles_EW_Bean_portrait.jpg of cricket!

A call went outThe Black Death in China, The Queenslander (QLD), Sat 6 May 1911, p. 13. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article21917313 in March for all cricketers who consider that they had any claim to selectionA.I.F. Cricket. The Anzac Bulletin (Great Britain), Issue 114, 14 Mar 1919, p. 8. http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-58813995 and a number were invited along individually to practice with a view to inclusion in the touring teamNot Out, The A.I.F. Team, Referee (NSW), Wed 16 Apr 1919, p. 9. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article120308740 . Although initially Major Gordon Campbell and Major Eric Barbour were chosen to pick out fifteen players for the jauntThe A.I.F. Australian XI, Anzac Bulletin (Great Britain), Issue 115, 21 Mar 1919, p. 8. http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-58876157 , they’ve apparently already returned homeNot Out, Sport & Sportsmen, Smith’s Weekly (NSW), Sat 8 Mar 1919, p. 12. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article234253317 . This week a representative each of N.S.W., South Australia, and Victoria acted as the selection committee for the tour, and these were Captain Edmund Long, Captain Clarence Pellew, and Captain Roy Park, with Major Cyril Docker and Lieutenant Ernest Cameron attached in an advisory capacitySelection Committee of the A.I.F. Cricket Eleven, Anzac Bulletin (Great Britain), Issue 121, 2 May 1919, p. 16 http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-60962509 . About 100 players turned upH.L. Collins, And They Call Me “Lucky”, The Sun (NSW), Sun 9 Mar 1941, p. 8. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article231202369 for the trials at Kennington Oval and Lord’sA.I.F. Cricketers, Recorder (SA), Mon 5 May 1919, p. 1. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article95414021 hopeful to make the team. The selectors have now settled upon 21 players from whom they will choose the teams for the early engagementsThe number of 21 comes from the rest of the players listed in this article, as shown below.
Australian Imperial Forces Team, The Sporting Life (London), Mon 12 May 1919, p. 5. . From what I saw of the prospects, if this is the best of just who is here in England, a very bright future for Cricket in Australia seems assuredGlenelg Cricket Club, Glenelg Guardian (SA), Thu 2 Sep 1920, p. 4. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article214718010 –even if some believed that the war had created another sense of proportion and that the serious problems of life would be too absorbing to give cricket its old eminenceRepresentative Cricket, The Australasian (Vic), Sat 11 Jan 1919, p. 11. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140217106 .

The most famous of all the players is Captain Charles KellewayAustralian Imperial Forces Team, The Sporting Life (London), Mon 12 May 1919, p. 5. . A veteranCricket in the Upper Derwent, World (Tas), Wed 6 Oct 1920, p. 7. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article187545538 of twoFirst Ashes Test, Albury Banner and Wodonga Express (NSW), Fri 15 Dec 1911, p. 23. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article101155058 AshesImperial Cricket, The Daily Telegraph (NSW), Tue 25 June 1912, p. 7. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article238745771 and South Africa’s tour of 1910/11Test Match Players Selected, <iClarence and Richmond Examiner (NSW), Thu 29 Dec 1910, p. 6. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article61534113 , he is the only player on the side with a Test background. His experience and rank have seen him elected captainKelleway did not tour England in 1909 as the article suggests.
Australian Cricketers, Dundee Evening Telegraph (Angus), Mon 12 May 1919, p. 5. . His century and five wickets against the South Africans at Manchester in 1912A Glorious Victory, The Sun (NSW), Wed 29 May 1912, p. 8. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article228857588 shows him equally good with bat and ballA New “Test” Man, The Herald (Vic), Fri 9 Dec 1910, p. 2. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article241971112. Although he suffered six gunshot woundsC. B. Kelleway Wounded, The Muswellbrook Chronicle (NSW), Sat 15 Jul 1916, p. 2. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article107842651 in the war he is looking fit and readyDempsey and Miske, The Daily Telegraph (NSW), Mon 6 Sep 1920, p. 5. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article239700969 to take on the best of the English.

From the officer’s corps, along with Kelleway, a few other officers possess very conspicuous potentialities and prospectsL. O. S. Poldevin, Australia and the Ashes, The Arrow (NSW), Sat 17 Feb 1912, p. 5. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article125982982, although they are still a bit green at the gameOff-Break, Cricket Notes, Leader (NSW), Fri 21 Oct 1921, p. 3. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article108465720 .

“Fans” of Australian RulesThe Cynic, Old-Time Odds and Ends, Referee (NSW), Wed 15 Jul 1914, p. 16. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article120283398 will know of Carl WillisAustralian Imperial Forces Team, The Sporting Life (London), Mon 12 May 1919, p. 5. , who played with Park for ‘varsityFree-Kick, Football, Sporting Judge (Vic), Sat 9 May 1914, p. 1. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article154813264 before the war. He also had a few games for the Victorian XIAustralian Imperial Forces Team, The Sporting Life (London), Mon 12 May 1919, p. 5. , and is a good batsman and fine fieldOur Cricket Eleven, Anzac Bulletin (London), issue 123, May 9 1919, p. 8. http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-60965244 . PellewAustralian Imperial Forces Team, The Sporting Life (London), Mon 12 May 1919, p. 5. , has electrified the Tommies by his cricketing featsSoldiers and Sport, The Register (SA), Thu 4 Oct 1917, p. 6. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article60321895 in the matches he’s played whilst he’s been here. A good all-round sportsmanLeslie Pellew was Clarence’s brother. I have used this article for the language as it also shows the sporting prowess of the family.
The Late Corporal L. R. Pellew, The Express and Telegraph (SA), Fri 24 Nov 1916, p. 4. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article209700342 , South Australian readers might have heard of his achievements as a schoolboy athlete for St Peters CollegeSt. Peter’s College, Daily Herald (SA), Thu 11 Apr 1913, p. 3. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article105226235 . He competed well in a few sports at the British Empire and American Army Athletic Meeting at Stamford Bridge in early September, his winning running broad jump of 21’5.5”Referee (NSW), Wed 20 Nov 1918, p. 12. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article120305500 falling just a few feet short of the world’s amateur recordAmateurism, Sporting Judge (Vic), Sat 31 Jan 1914, p. 1. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article154817110 . We didn’t get to see any of his form this week thoughLawrie Jervis, Sporting Profile, News (SA), Sat 20 Jan 1951, p. 7. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article130368796 , as he’s been laid upSenator Pearce Laid Up, Daily Observer (NSW), Wed 9 Apr 1919, p. 2. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article105046879 recovering from this dog feverW.H. Downing, Digger Dialects, p. 19. (Melbourne: Lothian Book Publishing Co. Pty. Ltd, 1919). http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/91206 that seems to be going aroundGeneral, The Forbes Advocate (NSW), Fri 16 Jul 1915, p. 6. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article100296533 , and was restricted to watching the others train.

Captain Edmund Long will be the wicketkeeper, having performed that role for N.S.W. back in 1911 as well as on the informal tour of Ceylon in 1914Australian Imperial Forces Team, The Sporting Life (London), Mon 12 May 1919, p. 5. . Close followers of the Sydney scene may remember his seven stumpings and a catch for Middle Harbour against Burwood back in 1910, said to be a world’s recordCricket, The Mercury (Tas), Sat 9 Dec 1911, p. 9. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article10123062 . He is said to have a great ability to “take” googlie bowlingCricket, The Mercury (Tas), Sat 9 Dec 1911, p. 9. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article10123062 , something which should come in handyNew Zealnd Sport News, Referee (NSW), Wed 15 Mar 1916, p. 14. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article121176678 on the English wickets. He is chums withHow The Spy Is Trained, Camperdown Chronicle (Vic), Thu 18 Feb 1915, p. 6. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article26131832 many on the team, having played alongside a few in some of the war-time matchesCricket, Kalgoorlie Miner (WA), Wed 26 Jun 1918, p. 6. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article92818734 , but some look at him a bit side-eyedThe Socialist Girl, The Bathurst Times (NSW), Sat 6 Nov 1915, p. 3. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article111244677 , given he was D.A.P.M.W.H. Downing, Digger Dialects, p. 9. (Melbourne: Lothian Book Publishing Co. Pty. Ltd, 1919). http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/91206 (that’s the Deputy Assistant Provost Marshall for you civviesW.H. Downing, Digger Dialects, p. 16. (Melbourne: Lothian Book Publishing Co. Pty. Ltd, 1919). http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/91206) in London during the warNAA: B2455, LONG EDMUND JAMES Page 14 of 56, https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Gallery151/dist/JGalleryViewer.aspx?B=8204530&S=1&N=25&R=0 .

The final two captains are Captain Cyril DockerAustralian Imperial Forces Team, The Sporting Life (London), Mon 12 May 1919, p. 5. and Captain William TrenerryAustralian Imperial Forces Team, The Sporting Life (London), Mon 12 May 1919, p. 5. . In pre-war times Docker did not have much time to spare for the gameNot Out, Sydney Boys in England, Referee (NSW), Wed 28 Nov 1917, p. 12. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article120288169 , but he has been playing occasionally for Mitcham Cricket, Observer (SA), Sat 9 Feb 1918, p. 17. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article164146888 and in some of the big charity matchesCricket, Glen Innes Examiner (NSW), Mon 25 Jun 1917, p. 3. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article183264880 during the war. Spending time talking cricket with the late greatCricket, The Mirror of Australia (NSW), Sat 13 Nov 1915, p. 23. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article104643505 Tibby Cotter on the way overCyril Talbot Docker, M.B.E., Smith’s Weekly (NSW), Sat 11 Aug 1945, p. 13. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article234641730 probably helped too. That’s not to say he’s not up to scratchCrossbar, British Association, Fremantle Herald (WA), Fri 22 May 1914, p. 6. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article212552548 , he went to Ceylon on the same tour as Long in 1914Australian Imperial Forces Team, The Sporting Life (London), Mon 12 May 1919, p. 5. and will be one of the front rank bowlersFighting Mao, Cricket Chatter, The Newsletter: A Paper for Australian People (NSW), Sat 29 Nov 1913, p. 3. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article116942404 . Trenerry is one of the dark horsesCricket, Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate (NSW), Sat 7 Oct 1916, p. 10. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article133838524 and should be a handy change bowlerCricket, Windsor and Richmond Gazette (NSW), Fri 23 Jan 1914, p. 6. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article85860979 . His selection in the team may have something to do with his receipt of the military cross for great gallantry and coolness under fire in the trenches of FlandersAustralian War Memorial, AWM28 177, https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/awm-media/collection/RCDIG1068640/document/5511566.PDF . We may need such mettlePrivate J. A. Hoare, Shepparton Advertiser (Vic), Thu 23 sep 1915, p. 2. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91364060 before long.

The final officer is Lieutenant Jack GregoryAustralian Imperial Forces Team, The Sporting Life (London), Mon 12 May 1919, p. 5. . No one at the practice knew of him, just referring to him as the “long streak”. He was almost overlooked until none other than ‘Plum’ Warner himself suggested he showed promise, and the selectors agreed he might develop into a fair playerH. L. Collins, And They Call Me “Lucky”, The Sun (NSW), Sun 9 Mar 1941, p. 8. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article231202369 . I won’t spoil the secretOswald Wildridge, A Lost Cargo, The Geraldton Express (WA), Wed 12 Sep 1917, p. 4. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article211262007 now, but let’s just say cricket is in his bloodAttractive Eric Hughes, Saturday Referee and the Arrow (NSW), Sat 1 Aug 1914, p. 2. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article117416555 .

Next is Warrant Officer William StirlingAustralian Imperial Forces Team, The Sporting Life (London), Mon 12 May 1919, p. 5. . He should add some strength and stability to the inexperienced sideJ. W., Cricket, The Daily News (WA), Sat 3 May 1919, p. 2. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article81833755 , having had five seasons with South Australia before the warAustralian Imperial Forces Team, The Sporting Life (London), Mon 12 May 1919, p. 5. . . He’s also participated in a few of the big war time matchesAustralian Imperial Forces Team, The Sporting Life (London), Mon 12 May 1919, p. 5. . . His medium paceThe Soldier Cricketers, The Argus (Vic), Thu 15 Jan 1920, p. 6. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1673409 will help give Docker a spellThe English Eleven, The Ballarat Star (Vic>, Mon 22 Jan 1912, p. 4 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article218531910 .

The non-commissioned officers are led by Sergeant Albert LampardAustralian Imperial Forces Team, The Sporting Life (London), Mon 12 May 1919, p. 5. . Lampard played for Victoria before the war, can be used as a wicket-keeper if necessaryAustralian Imperial Forces Team, The Sporting Life (London), Mon 12 May 1919, p. 5. and is said to be an underrated batsman and overrated bowlerC. B. Willis, Vigorous “Old Men”, The Sun (NSW), Sun 14 Nov 1920, p. 2. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article222655590 . His keeping shouldn’t be needed, however, for backing upMid-On, Cricket, Western Mail (WA), Fri 6 Feb 1914, p. 39. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article37965585 Long is Corporal Hampden Love “G. Love” is an error of Sporting Life.
Australian Imperial Forces Team, The Sporting Life (London), Mon 12 May 1919, p. 5. . Love’s show of batting in the trials should see him get a chance in that position for the first gameI have no evidence of this, just that he was known as a wicket keeper, but played in the first game as a batsman, where he scored 0 and 2, and was dropped not to play again..

Most of you will be familiar with the last of the N.C.O.s, Herbie CollinsAustralian Imperial Forces Team, The Sporting Life (London), Mon 12 May 1919, p. 5. . He’s made quite a name for himselfHobbs’ Achievements, The Herald (Vic), Fri 22 Mar 1912, p. 2. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article241483073 with the bat playing for N.S.W. before the war, particularly his 282 against Tasmania in 1913The Big Scorer At Hobart, Sunday Times (NSW), Sun 9 Mar 1913, p. 11. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article126462414 . He’s also been on tours of North AmericaAustralian Imperial Forces Team, The Sporting Life (London), Mon 12 May 1919, p. 5. and New ZealandNew Zealand Tour, The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW), Fri 16 Jan 1914, p. 9. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15477118 , so is no stranger to international cricket. No doubt he will be entrusted with the task of opening the batting with Kelleway.

The squadErringhi, Cricket, The Sydney Mail and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW), Wed 17 May 1911, p. 54. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article165738020 is rounded out byGrand Theatre, The Daily News (WA), Tue 5 Jun 1917, p. 5. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article81021572 the other ranksBritish Casualties, Observer (SA), Sat 4 Mar 1916, p. 34. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article164659497 , in this instance two gunners: John TaylorAustralian Imperial Forces Team, The Sporting Life (London), Mon 12 May 1919, p. 5. , and John MurrayAustralian Imperial Forces Team, The Sporting Life (London), Mon 12 May 1919, p. 5. . These enlisted menN.C.O. and Officers’ Schools, Albury Banner and Wodonga Express (NSW), Fri 7 Apr 1916, p. 33. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article101138164 have been enlisted in this side to form the nucleus ofInternational Cricket, The Age (Vic), Wed 5 Jul 1911, p. 9. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article196207588 the batting. And what a nucleus it isAlthough this isn’t the exact phrase, this is presented to show that the phrase ‘what a X it is!’ was used contemporary cricket writers.
History of Yorkshire County Cricket, 1903-’23, Sunday Times (NSW), Sun 9 Nov 1924, p. 5. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article128150381 ! Both have shield caps to their name, Taylor for New South WalesAustralian Imperial Forces Team, The Sporting Life (London), Mon 12 May 1919, p. 5. , Murray for South AustraliaAustralian Imperial Forces Team, The Sporting Life (London), Mon 12 May 1919, p. 5. . Murray is known as an extraordinary hitterAn A.I.F. Cricketer, Referee (NSW), Wed 23 Jul 1919, p. 14. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article120314725 , and claims he can throw a ball over 100 yardsRoseworthy College, Bunyip (SA), Fri 25 Jul 1913, p. 6. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article97562323 ! Taylor is the baby of the teamRambler, Cricket’s Test Match, Arrow (NSW), Fri 17 Dec 1920, p. 8. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article103426844 . He enlisted two days before his 21st birthday back in 1916NAA: B2455, TAYLOR J M Page 1 of 32 https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Gallery151/dist/JGalleryViewer.aspx?B=1932008&S=1&N=32&R=0#/SearchNRetrieve/NAAMedia/ShowImage.aspx?B=1932008&T=P&S=1 , and won’t see his 24th before we’re on the ship home. He was a youthful prodigyCricket, The Mercury (Tas), Fri 13 Feb 1914, p. 8 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article10361870 before the war, knocking up 83 for N.S.W. whilst still a schoolboySearchlight, Sparklets From Sportdom, Co-operator (NSW), Thu 12 Feb 1914, p. 3. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article239295740 before having played grade cricketJ. M. Taylor To Play For Petersham, The Sydney Morning Herald, Wed 13 Jan 1915, p. 6. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15558564 .

With Pellew’s health in doubtVon Hindenburg On Peace, Leader (Vic), Sat 8 Dec 1917, p. 36. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article90858768 , these 13 will head to Norfolk for the twelve-a-side game against Lionel Robinson’s elevenDespite being a twelve-a-side game, the team is still referred to as Lionel Robinson’s eleven.
A.I.F. Cricketers, The Newcastle Sun (NSW), Thu 15 May 1919, p. 1. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article162571367 . The remaining eight left for selection consideration are Major Norman Spiers, Warrant Officer James Sheppard, Sergeant Mortimer Hotchin, Corporal Sydney Trumper-younger brother of the great Victor, Driver James Ainslie, Gunner George Maidment, Gunner Robert Herring, and Gunner Eric Bull. An informal group of Pellew, Willis, and Collins has been formed to whittle the list down to a touring groupThis comes from a much later interview with Collins (1941). There is no contemporary evidence to support the idea that it is these three left with the job of picking a final touring side hence the ‘informal group’ language, however, the idea that a smaller touring side is created is supported through the context of who is available throughout the tour. I have included this sentence to support this idea. There are several different pieces of evidence which suggest different names on the early touring group, especially the list in Anzac Bulletin, issue 122, linked above, but this list, supported by the Sporting Life article where the player biographies come from and includes all the names from the other lists
H.L. Collins, And They Call Me “Lucky”, The Sun (NSW), Sun 9 Mar 1941, p. 8. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article231202369 .

With so many officers amongst them, are there too many leadersCrisis In Germany, The Week (QLD), Fri 20 Jul 1917, p. 14. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article188088088 ? However, one wonders if this will prove to grate on the nervesSporting Notes, The Catholic Press (NSW), Thu 22 Aug 1912, p. 31. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article105008401 of the lower ranks; as has been said the officer sporting class will not mix with the soldier sporting class on the cricket crease, except as much as may be necessary to have its boots Ki-wi-ed by the common chap known as a batsmanWhy The A.I.F. Tour Was Abandoned, Westralian Worker (WA), Fri 7 May 1919, p. 7. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article149019225 . There have also been rumours–absolutely denied– that some of the officers have returned home becauseA.I.F. Cricket Team, Evening News (NSW), Sat 10 May 1919, p. 2. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article120840629 they refused to be placed on the same footing as privatesWhy The A.I.F. Tour Was Abandoned, Westralian Worker (WA), Fri 7 May 1919, p. 7. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article149019225 . I’m sure this is just a rumour, however, as surely no man could turn down such a grand opportunity to show their patriotismHelp The Cause!!, The Register (SA), Fri 30 Jul 1915, p. 9. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article59421102 as fighting on the front lines in the battle to reconstruct cricket. But I will investigate further as the tour progresses.