Photo gallery page: 1 2 3 4 5 6
Photo Gallery: 1919 Peace Regatta and other Inter-Allied Armies Regattas after WWI – page 2
The Petition to the King for the King's Cup
Dispatch of the petition to the King
The handwriting at the foot of the carbon copy letter is very interesting and states:
"Note: The action taken in proposing the despatch of this petition was confirmed by the Committee meeting of 1st Nov 1920. The petition had to be despatched without delay as it was learned that the War Museum has written to the King asking his concurrence in their action in placing the Cup in the Museum."
Clearly the Victorian Rowing Association was fully appraised of the intentions of the Australian War Museum and so timing was of the essence.
The two page petition from Capt Disher to the King
This is the positive response received noting that the Australian War Museum was directed to hand over the trophy to the Department and then be collected by the Association.
Handwriting at foot of letter states:
P.S. Please advise Capt Disher to the above effect.
Ted Kenny notes further:
Capt Disher advised by phone EK 16/7/21
The positive response
Conformed copy of the original letter from Churchill
His Majesty commands me to inform you that it is his wish that the Cup should be used as a permanent trophy and it be competed for annually in the Interstate Eight-Oar Race of Australia.
I have the honour to be,
My Lord,
Your Lordship’s most obedient, humble servant,
Winston S Churchill
Churchill was at that stage of his career, the Secretary of State for the Colonies.
