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Allan (Humphrey) was born at St Peters on the 10th June 1920 to Albert Alan and Florence Gertrude Darke. He had an older brother, Richard Foster and a sister, Joan. The family lived on a farm in the Pinnaroo area and were heavily involved in local activities and on committees. Albert was also known for the quality of his livestock, including winning an award for champion bull with his Jersey entry at the local show in ’26 and in subsequent years ‘scooping the pool’ with a fine lot of Jerseys. Their farm was also known for the quality of its wheat crop. Florence also, was a hard-working and generous member of the Country Women’s Association, the Pinnaroo Institute Ladies’ Committee, the Comfort Funds, Red Cross, Ladies’ Hospital Committee, Pinnaroo Methodist Ladies’ Church Aid and the Pinnaroo School Mothers’ Club.
An adventurous boy, 18-month-old Humphrey was very fortunate to survive an incident described in the Pinnaroo and Border Times, when he ‘obtained access to the kerosene drum and drank the contents of a pannikin of the liquid which had been left on the drum. Dr. McNeil rendered medical treatment.’ No obvious ill effects were evident as Humphrey went on to excel at Parilla School, then Pinnaroo Higher Primary School. More senior students at the school would do a weekly write up for a section in the Pinnaroo and Border Times, which both Richard and Humphrey authored at different times. Humphrey was consistently mentioned for his performances in the weekly exams in both the Gold Star and Excellent categories.
Events including Arbor Day were actively supported by the school with whole day celebrations including tree planting, sporting events and musical items. In ’27 Humphrey was involved in tree planting in the school grounds and local Croquet Reserve. As part of the celebrations, lunch and games followed at the nearby Soldiers’ Memorial Park. There, Humphrey proved to be an athlete, winning his seven-year-old and over race. This was a prelude to his sporting prowess on the football field. Humphrey also proved to have a strong voice, earning him a place in the five member Boys’ Choir in ‘34. (Coincidentally another singer was Eric Westphalen who also enlisted at a similar time to Humphrey in the same 2/48th battalion as SX9359.) The item was a four-part song which gained huge praise with the boys reported as sustaining ‘their parts excellently, the altos blending well with the other voices, and the whole of the rendition was such that the gathering were speaking of it for several days after.’
Humphrey and his family were also regularly involved in a variety of fund-raising events including the Pinnaroo Institute’s Juvenile Frolic in ’28 where Humphrey prophetically dressed as a soldier. (Joan went as Mary, Quite Contrary). The following year his sense of humour was evident in his costume of a white Leghorn rooster, which won him the title of ‘Most Original Boy’. (Again, Joan was consistent with her effort as Queen of Hearts.) A confident child, Humphrey also gave an elocution presentation at the Pinnaroo Methodist Sunday School Anniversary.
From a relatively early age, Humphrey was being lauded for his football skills, playing with men up to ten years older than him and whom would later also enlist in the same battalion, including Norman Badman (SX7093), Clem Billing (SX6829) and Beau Jones SX6856. As an 18-year-old Humphrey was described as playing ‘rather well during the day. He is a good mark and plays in nice style. He should handle the man less and improve his ball play’; he is ‘a very useful member and performed creditably’ and ‘is a young player of great promise. He showed good judgment for United on Saturday and is a heady player.’ In a match against Parilla, in August ’39 Humphrey scored the first of Pinnaroo’s goal, going on to score an incredible nine overall.
And in other reviews Humphrey was described as ‘a very handy player who will be among the best in a season or two.’ In a Patriotic Football match held in May ‘40 Humphrey, Norman and Beau were selected in a Pinnaroo Representative Football team designated as the ‘Army and Navy, versus the Air Force’ with the proceeds donated to the Pinnaroo Red Cross and Comforts Fund. Just two months later a huge ‘Win The War Rally’ was held, described as Pinnaroo’s greatest function in history. The Pinnaroo and Border Times reported that ‘The gathering, the enthusiasm and the patriotic fervour which gripped the huge assembly indicated that the public of this district are right behind the War effort of Australia and the British Empire in their fight against the enemy.' Both Private Humphrey and Corporal Richard Darke were present. They were presented with parcels of comforts prior to the singing of ‘For They are Jolly Good Fellows’.
Older brother Richard, aged 23, had already enlisted on the 2nd March ’40 as SX1866 and was allocated to the 2/10th Battalion where he rose to become a Corporal. About four months later and immediately after his 20th birthday, Humphrey also enlisted on the 29th June ’40 to become SX6937 with the 2/48th Battalion. Enlisting at a similar time were fellow locals and footballers, Clarrie Baldwin SX7108, Clem Billing SX6829, Paul Cashen SX7000, Wally Everett SX7261, Beau Jones SX6856 and Norm Badman SX7093.
Humphrey had fortuitous leave at the start of July and was able to return home to contribute to United’s tussle for top spot with the Ngallo team. Playing against Parilla, the local paper recorded United’s win where ‘An outstanding contributor to this was H. Darke, who was home on leave from the A. I. F. and was assisting United that day. Although comparatively quiet in the first half, he showed greatly improved form thereafter, and was the driving force behind United’s attacks. Time after time this player secured the ball either with nippy play or high marking to go on with very accurate kicking to score goals. All the attacks were directed to him, and he was equal to the occasion.’
Home on leave during the 1940 season, Humphrey played whenever possible. Subsequently, including final games in 1940, Humphrey kicked 28, this despite only taking the field part-way through the minor round, scoring six matches for 28 goals. He also was able to squeeze in playing a final minor round game for United, where he proved a telling factor in the victory by kicking seven of the nine goals scored to snatch victory by five points. A Grand Final encounter followed with United securing ‘the services of Darke, and N. Badman for this match, and both pulled, their weight to good effect. The latter received a jar on the shoulder in the last quarter and had to retire.’ But they had won their first Grand Final for six years.
By this stage, Humphrey’s brother, Corporal Richard Darke shared his experiences in the Pinnaroo and Border Times, in a letter published in July ’41. “I have been in some queer places since I left home. but the present one is by far the worst. It is pretty hot now and as the temperature reaches 140 deg. during the next two months we have something to look forward to. I will try and paint a word picture of this barren, desolate place. The town is a little flat roofed white Italian village, nestling on the side of an inlet or gulf about a mile in length, while to the left and right bare brown hills circle round like a wall that nature has provided to keep out the driving, dry, dusty winds. It looks quite impressive on a clear day, but on close scrutiny shows the scars of countless bombings. The little harbour is almost bottled up with wrecked shipping, and it is a wonder that ships can still use it. As we leave the town, we follow a winding bituminous road which brings us to a plateau about 100 feet above sea level which is the beginning of the desert. Most people imagine the desert as being a vast expanse of sandy country, but this is not so. Most of the country consists of stony limestone hills with flats covered with stunted bushes. There is plenty of water 10 or 20 feet under the ground, so the place is not altogether useless, though what the Italians did with it is a mystery to me.
“We spend our idle, moments at the beach, where we indulge in swimming, fishing and sun bathing. The Mediterranean is ideal for both swimming and surfing, and we have quite a lot of fun when the sea is a bit rough. However, as we have a four-mile walk back to our bivouacs most of the joys of bathing are soon forgotten.” For family back home, this news was precious, as was hearing Richard Darke in a broadcast through National Stations during a Voices From Overseas session.
Humphrey was granted three months harvest leave from November ’40 to February ’41 to help his father, then returned to Army Camp. The following month, Humphrey was one of five soldiers presented with parcels on behalf of the Cheer Society and the C.W.A., with their wishes for the best of luck. At the farewell the five were praised as being representative of Pinnaroo, “typical boys of the district, having been born and bred here. Several other soldiers from this district had gone overseas and they had a fine reputation which the boys present that night would not only uphold but would build onto” that reputation. Private Darke, on behalf of all of the soldiers, expressed thanks and appreciation for the parcels. The gathering, who had given them a great ovation, rose and sang “For They Are Jolly Good Fellows”, then followed with three cheers.
By August that year, Humphrey had another brief leave where friends had gathered at the Pinnaroo Institute to celebrate his 21st Birthday. Following speeches, Humphrey was presented with the “key of the door,” autographed by those present before he lit candles and cut a specially made cake. The Pinnaroo Girls' Club also organised a dance at the Institute where Humphrey was one of three soldiers who were guests for the evening. As each soldier entered the hall ‘For He’s A Jolly Good Fellow’ was sung with dancing, supper and presentations from the Cheer Society and the Girls’ Club following. The sincere good wishes of the gathering were extended to each soldier who then thanked the speakers for their remarks and the committees for their presentations.
With so many young men from the country having enlisted, labour was in very short supply when crops were ripe. The Pinnaroo and Border Times shared the incredible response by locals in November ’41. ‘Several farms were visited by townspeople on Saturday last and assistance given in the stocking and carting of hay. The farms of Mr. A. Badman, Mr. L. Jones and Mr. A. Darke were scenes of activity last week-end. Members of the Girder of Knights arrived at Mr. Badman’s farm in full force, more than 20 making the trip. Sore hands were in evidence during the week and sales of liniment and sticking plaster rose considerably. It is pleasing to witness the fine spirit of co-operation among residents in these times in an endeavour to help those who are affected by war enlistments, etc.’
Humphrey was particularly grateful to the members of the Pinnaroo Girls’ Club, sending a letter to them which the Pinnaroo and Border Times published that month. He wrote, “I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate you again on the wonderful job you are doing, and the very much appreciated presents you have presented to the boys in the AIF before going overseas. I was rather fortunate in travelling over to here on one of the biggest and most modern boats in the world. The trip was up to expectations and proved an experience I shall never forget. As we left harbour we had a wonderful farewell from the people, and some of the proud mothers, striving to see their sons right to the last minute, ventured out in small motorboats. I’ll never forget the last view; I had of old Australia. As the troopship steamed gracefully out to sea the troops sang “Wish Me Luck," “There’ll Always Be An England," and all of the old songs till the landscape faded away. It was a glorious feeling to be off with such a high-spirited crowd of young Australians anxiously waiting to arrive at their unknown destination to help and do their duty as the boys who have gone before us.
”On arriving here, we travelled about four or five hundred miles in the train and were posted in Palestine. The conditions are not the best, but nobody seems to be grumbling. In fact, everybody is in high spirits and waiting anxiously for the time when they go into action. The friendship that is evident among the fighting forces is marvellous. Everybody seems to be brothers, because they well realize that sometime in the near future that friendship will be needed. Last Friday there was a surf carnival held at Tel Aviv. Members of the AIF from far and near competed in the events. I was very fortunate in being chosen from our crowd to represent them in the open surf event, and the hundred yards spirit. On arrival at Tel Aviv, I found to my great disappointment, that none of our chaps could compete in any of the events owing to the fact that our nominations had not been made on the specified date. The carnival was the biggest of many which have been held in Palestine, and it proved a wonderful success. There were about 20,000 civilians present besides members of the AIF.
“Tel Aviv is a town that has grown up in the last twenty years. It is the most modern town in the Middle East and is approximately the size of Adelaide. The approach to the city is very pretty. Miles and miles of orchards and vineyards, very similar to the irrigation settlements along the River Murray. It seems incredible that there could be such a nice city in this country. After spending a few hours in Tel Aviv, it seems hard to realize there exists a desert so close and that at the end of the day one has to retire to the sands. The inhabitants of the town are mainly Palestinians and Europeans, and believe me, the girls are very attractive. I will be pleased when this war is over and we can all have a good time back in old Pinnaroo at the dances.”
Humphrey wrote again in December. “The names of the members of the Pinnaroo Girls’ Club and an inscription on the pack of cards you gave me often comes to my mind: “Think of us when you use these cards”. To be quite candid I have often thought of you all when using them, because they have brought me quite a lot of luck.
“My place of abode has changed., I am now in Syria. Really, it’s a marvellous little country. In comparison with other countries in the East Syria is like Switzerland in Europe. Its climate is beautiful and the scenery along the coast and through the mountains really does one’s eyes good to see. I am camped in barracks. My sleeping quarters are on the second floor of a beautiful three-storey building. My bed is a steel one with a shelf built into the wall just above it to hang one’s clothes and personal belongings. There are nice hot and cold water showers, good meals, and best of all, plenty of leave. It is really home from home—just a soldier’s paradise. No doubt the French had some conveniences when they were here. It is welcome after being in the desert.
“I have been to Beyrouth a few times on leave. It is a real little Melbourne town. Trams, flash hotels, picture theatres, and everything one can wish for. The American university in Beyrouth is one of the most interesting and pretty places I have inspected. Its buildings are situated on terraced ground, starting from fairly high up with the sports grounds and university oval finishing right down to the foreshore. There is a beautiful view from the high terraced ground down to the university oval with its turf grounds and nice little grandstand on one side. A wonderful view is seen from the foreshore looking over the whole area with its avenues of trees winding through beautiful buildings forming drives that lead to the oval and the wonderfully laid out gardens. I met a couple of students from the university just after my arrival, and they took me right over the area. I went to a soccer match held in the grounds, and to a concert in the afternoon which was held in one of the university halls. I could write a lot about this country but time will not permit.”
Humphrey wrote again to the Pinnaroo Girls’ Club, with the letter published in July ’42. He states “I suppose you are aware of the fact that I have left the Ordnance and joined old Beau (Jones). It is like old times to be back together again. I am still in Syria camped somewhere in the mountains. I have just shifted to a new area. The surroundings are pleasant. We are camped in an orchard which adjoins a very large olive grove. Nearby is perhaps one of the best villages in this country. The people are very friendly and Hospitable and speak English. In peace time this place is one of the centres of attraction to tourists because of its beautiful scenery. Great attention is given to views which present wonderful sights for miles and miles from a height many feet above sea-level. Where the show abounds all the year round there are wonderful holiday resorts for tourists and holiday-makers.
“I suppose by this time you have already had a lot of the boys home on leave. I hope to get there myself before next Christmas. I have not received any mail for over seven weeks so you can see I am really in the dark concerning happenings in Australia. We are reaching a stage of perfect physical fitness. Intensive training has occupied nearly all our time and there has been little time left for rest and recreation. I regard it an honour to be a member of this famous battalion. I pay tribute to my fellow comrades who won fame in the field of battle. As members of a patriotic club you girls should feel proud of the wonderful contribution of gifts you have provided for the many members in this battalion. They have, I can assure you, appreciated everything you so generously provided for them.”
Finally, home on leave in December ’42 Humphrey announced his engagement to Rita Maxwell, a twin whose parents lived at Glenelg. Whilst preparing for her own wedding, Rita was a bridesmaid three times, including for her twin sister, Palma in February ’40 and also her older sister Aileen in August ’41.
Soon after, the Darke family received the unwelcome news that their older son, Richard was wounded in action in New Guinea on the 24th December ’42, however Richard hastened to write saying the injury was not serious. This was quite an understatement as a report in the Pinnaroo and Border Times shared that ‘Pte R. Darke, who was wounded in action in New Guinea, was reported to be in a serious condition a few days ago and a blood transfusion was necessary. Friends will be pleased to know that he has now made rapid improvement.’
Humphrey was able to return home in March ’43 with others from his battalion who had enlisted at a similar time including Henry Wall SX13029, William Wall SX13031, Clarrie Baldwin SX7108, Beau Jones SX6856, Clarrie Jones, SX15145 Cpl Clem Billing SX6829 and Humphrey’s brother Richard. The two Badman brothers were expected home soon after. the Pinnaroo Girls’ Club immediately organised a dance in honour of these soldiers and others who had arrived in the ensuing days. Each soldier received a gift from the Girls’ Club before the singing of ‘For They Are Jolly Good Fellows’ and four rousing cheers given. L/Sgt. Norm. Badman responded on behalf of all soldiers, thanking everyone for their good wishes and reinforced how grateful the boys were for the fine spirit of cooperation and fellowship shown to their parents whilst they were occupied in Military duties.
Humphrey, and others with whom he had served, including Beau Jones, was able to return to playing football. In the ’44 semi-finals Humphrey’s Pinnaroo team scored a convincing win over Wells. ‘At Pinnaroo’s end H. Darke scored his first goal with a nice, left leg shot. He was proving a handful to the Wells who failed to hold him firmly when he had possession.’ The newspaper report later added that Wells ‘inability to cope with the tricky methods of H. Darke cost them dearly, the latter scoring eight goals, several from a long way out with good kicks.” Humphrey followed up that performance in the semi-final, scoring four valuable goals and was described as having ‘been closely watched all day, proved a. He marked well against strong opposition and scored valuable goals.’ Pinnaroo went on to win the Grand Final with Humphrey the leading goal scorer with a final tally of six goals and the review stating that ‘He was proving a hard man to hold in, check. Most of his goals well earned, and that he was a prominent player all day.’ He was back playing the sport he loved.
Richard was discharged in February ’44, the week before Humphrey on the 21st. He briefly returned to Pinnaroo before he and Rita married on the 1st February at Glenelg Moseley Street Methodist Church. They subsequently had three children, William, Robert and Maxwell.
Humphrey and Richard were able to spend precious time with family in the ensuing post-war years, despite their father, Albert’s car being involved in collision with a truck on the Pinnaroo-Adelaide road in ‘51. A stay in the Tailem Bend Hospital resulted to treat his triple fracture in his right arm.
Aged 53, Humphrey died on the 6th July ’73 and is buried at Centennial Park Cemetery in General Plot AB, Path 25 Grave 986A. When Rita died, she was buried alongside, as was their 41-year-old son William, who later died on the 16th April ’95.
Researched and written by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133, 2/48th Battalion.