Alexander F Girling
Richmond Rowing Club (VIC)
The Richmond Rowing Club 1953-54 annual report records the following obituary of Alex Girling.
The death of Mr. Alex Girling on 6th December, 1953, meant the loss of a good and loyal friend to the Club and to many of the members.
Mr. Girling was a senior Vice-President and a member for 43 years. He was unobtrusive and modest in his extensive work for the Club and very few knew of just how much his efforts meant to our general benefit.
In his youth he was a skilled oarsman and keen squash player. He won his maiden eight at Henley in 1913, and won many races.
In 1914 he enlisted for overseas service, where he was awarded the Croix de Guerre.
Alex was a Staff Sergeant of the Tunnellers' Section and later became the President of their post-war organisation.
He was a fine man!
His service records show that he enlisted as a Sapper and was rapidly promoted to corporal, then sergeant. He served in the Australian Second Tunnelling Company and was wounded superficially in the right hand and developed a hernia as a result of his service. He was operated on and rendered unfit for service in 1918. After an illness, he finished the war with the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was awarded the Crois de Guerre for conspicuous service on 23 May 1919.
His service record also notes him as a cabinet maker at the time of enlistment.
Known rowing wins
1913 - Australian Henley, Maiden Eight, five seat - First
1913 - Nagambie Regatta, junior four, two seat - First
1913 - Seymour Regatta, Maiden Four, two seat - First
Extracted by Andrew Guerin
December 2025
Sources
- The Victorian Oarsman by John Lang published by Massina & Co 1919
- 1953-54 Richmond Rowing Club annual report
- Australian WWI Service Records - National Archives - Girling Alexander Francis : SERN 569 : POB South Melbourne VIC : POE Melbourne VIC : NOK M Girling Annie