Keith "Bluey" Truscott at the Australian War Memorial

[Bendigo Demon 115]

I recently visited the Australian War Memorial and amongst the fantastic displays there, I was rapt to see that Keith "Bluey" Truscott was mentioned a number of times for his war service and sacrifice. The only disappointment I had was that nowhere was there a mention of the fact he played for the Melbourne Football Club, or that our biggest trophy each year is name in his honour. He was referred to as an Australian Rules Footballer, but not as what he really is, one of MFCs favourite sons.

I understand that hundreds of thousands of men and women made sacrifices during conflicts our country has been involved in, and that the memorial is there to laud these men & women, and not sporting clubs, but I would have liked to have seen a small MFC symbol, or some mention of the fact that he is held in such high esteem by our club.

The war memorial is a fantastic place to visit and honour everybody who served in our conflicts.

Am I right to be a little disappointed that our club isn't mentioned?

[pitmaster 3,549]

Given he was a dual premiership player (1939 and 1940), yes I think you are entitled to be disappointed.

Maybe doubly so since we had several others lost to the war.

Football was part of his fame and is integral to his story.

Edited November 1, 2015 by pitmaster

[Middymalt 244]

We would've had 18 flags beside our name if it wasn't for wars!

[Bossdog 2,002]

Middymalt, on 01 Nov 2015 - 12:01 PM, said:

We would've had 18 flags beside our name if it wasn't for wars!

Bloody Germans.........It's all their fault..

[Left Foot Snap 2,402]

Not sure if it is common knowledge or not, but the Airmen's club at RAAF Base Darwin is also named after the great Bluey Truscott. Was over the moon when I came across it one day. His service legacy - particularly within the RAAF - is a certainly a deep one.

[Left Foot Snap 2,402]

Also, for those interested and don't know a lot about him. Bluey also has an Airbase/Airfield named after him. More info here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mungalalu_Truscott_Airbase.

[waynewussell 5,746]

The current crop would do well to research those that came before them. These blokes were basically amateurs who dedicated themselves to their clubs, and in Bluey's case (along with many others) gave their lives fighting for a cause they believed in... not snorting another line!

Edited November 1, 2015 by waynewussell

[Bitter but optimistic 22,239]

The current crop would do well to research those that came before them. These blokes were basically amateurs who dedicated themselves to their clubs, and in Bluey's case (along with many others) gave their lives fighting for a cause they believed in... not snorting another line!

Indeed ww - we live in a privileged world.

[Left Foot Snap 2,402]

Bitter, we certainly do. And Wayne, I think the education would be a good idea. Not only the glory years, or individual greats, but more recently also what not to do. Interestingly I think there are a number of stories worth mention. Neita, Schwartz, Yze, and I was always a Cam Bruce and Brad Green fan. I have wondered though - how history would view Travis Johnstone. How would Demonlanders explain him and his contribution to the youth?