Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Lawrance ‘Blue’ was born in Port Augusta on the 10th of September 1916. His family subsequently moved several times to different areas of the state, including the Riverland and Kimba.
As a young teenager, Lawrance competed at the Royal Adelaide Show in the wood chopping event from 1929, taking up the sport when he was in the Adelaide Hills. At that time, there was an exceptionally talented and successful chopper called Art Figg who encouraged Blue in the sport. In a remarkable interview conducted decades later when he was 72, ‘Blue’ Edwards explained that it was a ‘good, clean, healthy sport and you meet terrific guys from all over Australia and overseas.’ By that time Blue, his son, Darryl and grandson Mark Parsons were all competing – an amazing three generations of involvement.
The Victor Harbor Times reported in September ’85 that ‘Blue's most successful Adelaide show was in the year before last when he won the SA residents novice, in which he finished third this year, and in addition he and Darryl and Mark have 'won one here and there at other events.' The report continued 'Blue also cuts in exhibitions and competitively 'all round the place'. He now has 11 good competitive axes— 'I've had one since 1932 and still use it today' and adds that he needs them for the different types of wood used in competitions. The axes are special competitive axes, the object of much care and attention to ensure that they are— and stay— almost razor sharp. Blue says that different woods are different to cut, and even different pieces from the same tree can vary He describes wood chopping as 'a beautiful sport that keeps him pretty fit' and stressed that young people interested in becoming involved in the sport should seek assistance to learn it the right way.’
Making a prediction for the future Blue had already told fellow competitors at the Royal Adelaide wood cutting competition that he'll be back next year, the Lord willing, and son Darryl will also be continuing in the sport. Grandson Mark is receiving instruction from a Queensland cutter and plans to pay more attention to the sport.
With the outbreak of WWII, Lawrance enlisted on the 25th September ’41, becoming SX14691 and was allocated to the 2/48th Battalion. He named his mother, Audry as his next of kin. Lawrance survived the conflict before finally being discharged in January, 46. Post war he continued to be active with the RSL in Victor Harbor. He had moved to that seaside town and gained employment with the local Council in ’48. He and his wife, Jean had six children, three daughters Anne, Maureen and Helen and three sons Brian, Darryl and Joe. In later years, Jean and Lawrance were justifiably proud of their son, Brian who had followed in his father’s footsteps by having a career in the army. Brian married in June ’76 before taking up his posting in New South Wales.
In the post war years, Arbor Day celebrations were regular events in Primary schools. In ’51 the local Victor Harbor children were to have been involved in planting 500 Athel trees and 100 Poplars, however because of the unseasonably wet weather, the Headmaster thought it would be best if the children did not participate. The planting still went on with Lawrance being one of five volunteers to tackle the huge job in the area around the local camping ground. This was done efficiently so that the Violet Memory Day Celebrations which followed had each tree adorned with a bunch of violets to signify the true spirit of remembrance.
Lawrance also proved to be a talented sportsman in both golf and bowls, regularly featuring in the Victor Harbor Times for his skills, including when he had an impressive golf win ‘Cantering in with the A grade trophy with the excellent score of 3 up’ in May ‘55. The following year he notched an excellent score in the four-ball-best-ball against bogey competition. The Victor Harbor Times reported on his freakish skills. ‘'Blue' Edwards made things difficult for his tour on the 8th. He was 75 yards from the pin after playing his second and taking out his ancient niblick he executed a neat shot towards the hole. The ball sailed into the hole without touching the sides and stayed there, giving him a three.’ Lawrance also came in for his share of chyacking as the next report described how 'Blue' Edwards, after a sensational 'birdie' on the eighth last week, had another of a very unusual nature on Saturday. Having addressed the ball, he was about to commence his backswing when a small bird, apparently curious to inspect his lie, alighted on his club. 'Blue's' comments are not recorded, but his facial expression must have been a study.’
Bowls also highlighted Lawrance’s sporting skills in the night bowls competition when he progressed to a final playoff in the pairs tournament In ’51. His wife, Jean also shared Lawrance’s passion for bowls, being country vice president of the SAWBA (bowls) in ’68 and a regular participant in the game.
Life was not without unexpected dangerous incidents when Lawrance had a narrow escape from possible death or serious injury. The Victor Harbor Times reported in November ’60 that ‘With other Council employees he was demolishing a boatshed on the esplanade, near Victoria Street, with a tractor and frontend loader. Edwards, who had been operating the load, was standing beside the tractor inside the building when the parapet collapsed. A shower of bricks and heavy limestone fell on the tractor and grazed Edwards, striking his head and arms. The force of the fall dented the heavy bodywork of the tractor and Edwards would have taken the full impact had he been in the driver's seat. He was treated by a doctor for cuts and abrasions.’
By ’72 and just prior to his 56th birthday, Lawrence retired in April with considerable fanfare and a well-earned presentation by the Corporation. ‘An employee who has been with the Corporation of Victor Harbour for 24 years retired last week. He is Mr. Lawrence Arno ('Blue') Edwards, of Seaview Mr. Edwards joined the council staff in 1948 and for many years was assistant to the foreman. He has been with the council longer than any other employee. At a ceremony in the Council chambers on Thursday of last week, the Mayor (Mr. S. H. Lovell) made a presentation to Mr. Edwards on behalf of the Corporation and the works foreman (Mr. Pervan) handed Mr. Edwards a gift on behalf of the staff.’ At that stage Lawrance and Jean planned to revisit and explore the northern areas of South Australia where he had spent his early years.
Aged 90 Lawrance had lived a full and active life. He died on the 1st January 2007 and was buried in the Victor Harbor Cemetery.
Researched and written by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133, 2/48th Battalion.