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| The Signaller |
A prized item in this blog's ephemera collection is a worn 12 page collection of poems by a person going under the name "Durban Signaller" , praising the soldiers passing through the South African port during the two world wars .
The poet was the amazing Ethel Margaret Campbell an experienced signaller who semaphored a hearty welcome to every troopship which arrived from Australia . On the departure of each vessel , she waved a farewell , wishing them luck as they sailed off into an uncertain and dangerous future .
Our copy is signed by Campbell and appears to have been sent to Australia by a soldier .
Born in Glasgow , Scotland , in l886, her father was Dr Samuel Campbell , from Natal, South Africa .
Born in Glasgow , Scotland , in l886, her father was Dr Samuel Campbell , from Natal, South Africa .
With the outbreak of WWl , she became extensively involved in welcoming every Australian troopship and helping entertain thousands of soldiers who passed through . It also inspired her to pen poems of praise about the ANZACS and the part played by Australia and New Zealand in the battle against the mailed fist of tyranny. For her contribution to the war effort she was awarded the MBE in 1919 .
In l923 , with her parents, she visited Australia and received many a rousing reception , especially through the RSL , because of her treatment of the soldiers during the war . Her father's sister , her aunt , was Lady Marie Cowley , the founder and president of the Queensland Soldiers' Comfort Fund , her husband a Queensland politician and former North Queensland sugar planter , Sir Alfred Sandlings Cowley .
The Australian visit took in Western Australia through which troopships had passed and Ethel was warmly welcomed there . She wrote a special poem To Aussie Land during her time here , the handwritten original in the John Oxley Library, Brisbane .
WORLD WAR ll
Once again Ethel was seen down at the wharf welcoming troopships bearing the sons of ANZACS with her flags . After suffering a nervous breakdown in l944 she moved 70 miles from Durban for her health . Many soldiers called on her there bringing gifts . She had a two-up tower constructed to make the Australians feel at home .
She died in l954. Other sources of information about the Angel of Durban are the Australian War Memorial and the National Library of Australia .
She died in l954. Other sources of information about the Angel of Durban are the Australian War Memorial and the National Library of Australia .
