Olympic Games - Melbourne 1956 - Part 2         

Day 13, Saturday November 17th 1956
Its been overcast all day with rain in the evening. We have been told that all Australian athletes must march at the opening ceremony or they will be disciplined. But there is talk that some athletes who have to compete the next day will attempt to defy this order. They don't fancy standing around most of the afternoon hopping from one foot to the other - good for them.

This morning after breakfast our squad assembled on the road outside the quarters. For one hour and a quarter we practised marching drill. Four abreast, in line, chin in, eyes front, swing those arms.
The Sergeant Major who was overseeing the marching later said he was quite pleased with us. This practise was in preparation for the Olympic Opening Day Ceremony, when the whole of the Australian Contingent would march onto the Melbourne Cricket Ground. We want to put on a good show!

On Tuesday morning all members of the Australia Contingent are to have a marching rehearsal at the Village Oval.
After the marching practise we trained (football) for a short while on the Cinders track in the village and then went for a road run of about 4 miles. I got runners John Landy and Mervyn Lincoln's autograph at midday.

In the afternoon we went to the Showground where we saw the Japanese Olympic Team beat the local first division side Hakoah 3 goals to 0. Although the Japanese had good ball control they were not too keen on close tackles. Their midfield play is good but yesterday they failed in front of goal.
I fancy our chances against them. Mr Smith, our manager is trying to arrange as many matches as he can for next week.
At the moment we know that we will play Great Britain next Monday. We're badly in need of match practise.
I saw the movie "Susan Slept Here" at the Recreation Hall after tea. I received a letter from Kath and one from Mrs. Thorpe today.

Day 14, Sunday November 18th 1956
Today is the first full day we have had since arriving here. I am making the most of it by writing letters, resting and doing a little reading. I wrote to Mum and Dad - Bob Vincin and the 'boys' in Sosters. I also wrote to Kath and eighteen month-old son Brian and the following is some of the news I gave them -
"So far down here Kath the weather has been terrible. Since last Wednesday 14th which, for some strange reason, happened to be a beautiful sunny day, every day has been overcast with showers on and off. As a matter of fact it's quite cool and raining as I write. So bring some warm clothes with you".
I went onto tell Kath that - "I had written to Bill Shipley asking how many tickets he wanted and for which sports. It was a week before I heard from him in the form of a registered letter which contained 10 pounds ($20). He wants tickets for the 27th (Tuesday) and either the 28th or 29th for Lil and himself and the 2 boys Raymond and Kevin.
His letter had apparently been held up at the Village Post Office for five days. Anyway I have the tickets he wants and I wrote to him last Friday night (16th) and told him I would hold on to the tickets and he could get them for me at the village. He will be down the same day as you. Will you ring him to check that he got my letter? The only tickets I could get for Neil Henderson (our neighbour) were 2 basketball tickets. Cycling and swimming were sold out. I posted them to him at his home address, registered, on Friday night (16th) so he should have them Monday or Tuesday."

I got a letter from Kath yesterday in which she wrote that it had been reported in a Sydney newspaper that our squad had been quarantined due to an outbreak of gastro-enteritis.
It came as quite a surprise as the only one who has been feeling a bit 'off' for a couple of days has been Cliffy Sander whose wife is 7 months pregnant. One unkind comment was that maybe he was having sympathy pains.
The only other chap to pay a visit to the Village hospital has been Bill Harbourn for an eye infection and myself for a sunburnt forehead which incidentally is alright now.

After dinner today Bill and myself went outside the Village entrance to the shops nearby, and were surprised to see so many people milling about. Olympic fever is high down here. It seems that everyone has autograph books so we don't venture outside in our tracksuits for fear that we could be held up for an hour or more.
We saw Marjorie Jackson and her husband Peter Neslon at the dinner table today.
Its been a wet morning and overcast until 7 p.m. - then a clear and cold night.

Day 15, Monday November 19th 1956
Crazy weather. At 7 a.m. the sun was shining - and from 8.30 a.m. until 11 a.m. it rained and we had a strong wind.
We trained at the Yarra this morning and in the afternoon we played the Great Britain team at Moreland and I believe we were unlucky. They won 3 goals to 1 with their third goal a definite offside. We missed quite a few opportunities. I played the first half in which they scored 2 goals.
After tea we saw the movie ' "The Treasure of Pancho Villa" at the recreation hall.
Received a letter from Kath and telegrams from Bill Shipley and Bill Cooper sending their good wishes.

Day 16, Tuesday November 20th 1956
This morning we trained at an uncompleted factory where we did physical exercises. We also had a march rehearsal with the full Australian contingent. In the afternoon we played India at Moreland and we won 3 goals to 1. Bill played in the first half - the score then 2-1.
After tea we went to the Showground and saw Bulgaria defeat a local club side Wilhelmina 17 goals to 0. I didn't think the Bulgarians were as good as the Russians.
Today has been cold with rain setting in at 10 p.m.

Day 17, Wednesday November 21st 1956
I was up early this morning and did my washing. At 10 a.m. our squad took a bus into Melbourne specifically to pick up our Olympic blazers. They are made from a very heavy serge material and nicely lined so I hope the weather is not too hot tomorrow during the Olympic Ceremony. We played an 11-a-side game at Morelands in the afternoon. Early morning was cloudy clearing to a fine and sunny day.

Day 18, Thursday November 22nd 1956
We had our breakfast at 8 a.m. and an early lunch at 11 a.m. Then into our 'Olympic Uniforms' leaving the village at 1 p.m. and arriving at the Richmond Cricket Ground at 1.30 p.m. There was a lot of excitement and all the nations assembled on the ground in preparation for marching the short distance into the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

It was very hot as we waited while the nations were organised into march order and it wasn't until 3.25 that the first nation Greece moved off. We as host nation didn't start moving until 4.15.
Between the grounds was a 6 foot high wire fence and we were able to march to the M.C.G. without any obstruction from spectators.

At 4.30 we marched into the Olympic Stadium to a tremendous roar from 104,000 spectators. It was a great sight and we marched, proudly like soldiers with shoulders back, head erect and 6 abreast. Merv Wood the Sculler was our standard bearer and he led us around the cinder track to a position at the far end of the ground. It made a superbly colourful spectacle as the competitors emerged on a beautiful emerald-green Stadium, past massed bands and gay standards.

The various nations had their designated position which was such that each nation faced the official dias. All athletes had to hold a stand easy position. His Royal Highness, The Duke of Edinburgh officially opened the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games by delivering his opening speech.

Then there was further fanfare of trumpets and the thunder of a 21-gun salute. There was a mighty roar when Ron Clarke the junior Victorian Mile record holder ran into the Stadium carrying the Olympic Torch.
He did a lap of the ground and then proceeded to run up a series of steps high up beside one of the grandstands. As he stood on tiptoe and held the naked flame over the rim to light the gas-fired Olympic Torch, the gas suddenly ignited and flame shot over the rim.

He stepped back suddenly and I thought he was going to fall but he was equal to the occasion. A choit of 1,200 voices sang the Olympic Hymn then Handel's 'Hallelujah Chorus' after the Archbishop of Melbourne had delivered the dedicatory address.
Flag bearers of all nations formed a whirl of colour around the dias when through a profound stillness there came the voice of John Landy. He has been given the supreme honour of delivering that all-inspiring vow, the Olympic Oath:

"We swear that we will take part in the Olympic Games in loyal competition, respecting the regulations which govern them and the desirous of participating in them in true spirit of sportsmanship for the honour of our country and the glory of sport."

The Doves of Peace that were in crates about 25 metres from our group were released and as the circled to get their bearings we all had to duck for cover. A few direct hits were reported.
John Landy's words made a glorious climax to a day of traditional ceremony and pageantry that will live in the memory of all.
The 16th Olympiad, Melbourne 1956 has been launched.
It was so hot inside the Stadium that I found some dye had run onto my shirt from the heavy Green Serge Blazer. The ceremonies concluded at 5 p.m. and nations started to march out. We started at 5.45 p.m.
By the time we got back to the village it was 6.30 p.m. and we were all looking to hit the sack. It's been a very long day, very hot, with no breeze but nevertheless a beautiful day. I'm sure the memories of this day will live in our minds forever.

Day 19, Friday November 23rd 1956
This morning we trained at Morelands.
In the afternoon we played Yugoslavia and they beat us 5 goals to 1.
Our team was:
Henderson, Bignell (c), Pettigrew, Weymns, Warren, Sander, Laughlan, Lennard, McMillan, Smith, Morrow. Reserves were Lord, Arthur, Purser.
The sky was overcast until about midday, rather cool as it turned out and very sunny and hot.

Day 20, Saturday November 24th 1956
Today begins the first Preliminary round of soccer with Germany playing Russia at Olympic Park. We had a light training run down on the village oval this morning.

At 1.15 p.m. we caught the bus to Olympic Park arriving there early enough for the 2.30 p.m. kick-off. Russia won the game 2-1 and I thought they were much superior to the Germans. They were faster to the ball their positional play was better and their passing more accurate. The Germans relied too much on defence and for most of the game had only 2 forwards in attack with the midfield not giving them enough support.
I was rather disappointed with the game. It has been a very hot day with gusty winds at times.

Day 21, Sunday November 25th 1956
This morning we played India on the village oval. They won 4-3.
Our line-up was Ron Lord, Bob Bignell (c), John Pettigrew, Bob Weymns, George Arthur, Cliff Sander, Bruce Morrow, Frank Laughran (Col Kitching 46'), Graeme McMillan, Ted Smith.
Our coach Len Young is now easing up on our training and the team to play Japan in round one at Olympic Park on Thursday 27th at 4.30 was announced.
It was Ron Lord, Bob Bignell (c), John Pettigrew, George Arthur, Al Warren, Cliff Sander, Bruce Morrow, Frank Laughran, Jack Lennard, Graeme McMillan, Ted Smith; Reserves : Bill Henderson, Col Purser, Col Kitching.
The team was not popular with some of the boys, but then I guess your opinion could depend on whether you made the team or not.

Day 22, Monday November 26th 1956
We had a light training run on the village oval this morning.
At 2.30 p.m. the squad took a bus into the M.C.G. where we watched the running of heats of the 200 metres, the pole vaulting and javelin throwing and the 5,000 metres in which Lawrence of Australia beat Kuts of Russia.

We left the M.C.G. at 4.30 and went across to Olympic Park only minutes away to watch Great Britain play Thailand. Great Britain won this game easily 9 goals to 0. This was a first round match.
It was at the game that I met up with Kath and Margaret Henderson and Margaret's brothers Brian and Lindsay Hilton. They had caravaned down from Sydney to watch our games and had been good enough to bring Kath with them. They'll only be here for a few days long enough to watch the game against Japan.
Kath left our son Brian at her mother's place with her mumn, sister Pat and Pat's husband Wally. We went back to the village and had tea in the village dining hall. It has been overcast all day and a cold windy afternoon.

Day 23, Tuesday November 27th 1956
Game day - we had a restful morning.
I received Kath's letter which she had written last Wednesday. Prime Minister Menzies and Lady and Sir William Slim were in for lunch today and created some excitement.
We left the village for Olympic Par at 3.15 p.m. We are to play Japan in this first round match. Kick off at 4.30 p.m. The boys were nervous and so was I but that disappeared once the whistle blew.
With the goalkeeper beaten a Jap defender kicked off the line. I was pleased with one save I made early in the first half. A Jap forward had broken clear of our defence and I had to come out quickly to smother the ball at his feet.
Jack Lennard was ruled offside after scoring. A Jap defender handled the ball in the area and Graeme McMillan converted the penalty.
Half-time score Australia 1 Japan 0.

In the second half the Japanese goalkeeper made two fine saves from shots by Graeme McMillan and Ted Smith. Frank Laughran received a bouncing ball across the goalmouth and as the goalkeeper advanced he calmly lofted it over the goalies head into the net to put us 2 up and such was the score at full-time.
All the boys are terribly excited with the win, none more so than our Manager George Smith.

Margaret and Bill, Lindsey, Brian, Kath and myself had tea together in the village. It has been a dull day, cold, good footballing weather.

Day 24, Wednesday November 28th 1956
We trained on the village oval this morning and then had a friendly game against the Germans the scores were 3-3.
We got to the M.C.G. at 3 p.m. and saw the heats of the 400 meters, the women's javelin, shot putt, the start of the 20 kilometre walk and the final of the 120 metres men hurdles. We left the MCG. at 4.15 for the Quarter Final soccer match over at Olympic Park where we saw Yugoslavia 9 beat USA. 1. The Yanks were no match for them. For tea tonight our group comprised Bill and Margaret Henderson, Brian and Lindsey Hilton, Kath and myself and our friends from Auburn Bill and Lil Shipley and their sons Raymond and Kevin.
The weather today has been scattered cloud in the morning with overcast in the afternoon and cold.

Day 25, Thursday November 29th 1956
We trained again this morning on the village oval with another game against the Germans. After lunch we spent about an hour at the Olympic swimming pool which is right beside Olympic Park. At the pool we saw one heat of the 200 metres women's breaststroke and one half of a water polo match between Hungary and Great Britain. Hungary were winning 4-0 at half-time.

We left the pool to watch the second round soccer match between Russia and Indonesia. This game resulted in a no score draw after playing 30 minutes of extra-time. Indonesia were hardly ever out of their own half at any stage of the game. They played with a 10-man defence with their inside forwards hardly ever moving more than 10 yards outside the 18-yard box. They had one solitary forward up near the centre circle. It was just like watching a game of shooting in with the defenders continually blocking any shots. It must have been very frustrating for the Russians.
The game is to be replayed next Saturday morning at 10.30 a.m.

For tea tonight our group was Bill and Margaret, Brian and Lindsay, Kath and myself. Margaret, Kath; Brian and Lindsay leave for Sydney in the morning.
It has been overcast all day - windy and very cold with rain at night.

Day 26, Friday November 30th 1956
We trained at Campbell Reserve Moreland this morning.
Back to the village and then to the MCG. at 2.30 p.m. We watched the pentathlon, pole vault and heats of the 400 metres relay. Then to Olympic Park for the quarterfinal. The kick-off was at 4.30 p.m. and Bulgaria 6 beat Great Britain and Northern Ireland 1. Bulgaria was much too good. We had Bobby Duff and his wife Joan in for tea tonight.
Our team to play India was announced tonight. It was Ron Lord, Bob Bignell (c), John Pettigrew, George Arthur, Al Warren, George Sander, Frank Laughran, Jack Lennard, Bruce Morrow, Graeme McMillan, Ted Smith; Reserves : Bill Henderson, Bill Weymns, Alec Beattie.

Day 27, Saturday December 1st 1956
Breakfast at 8 a.m. early lunch at 11 a.m. Our kick-off against India is scheduled for 2.30 p.m. This Australian team is the same as the one picked against Japan.

We gave a poor display against India. We're all very disappointed with the result. We lost by 4 goals to 2. We play anything like we did last Tuesday against Japan. India had an element of luck with a couple of their goals.

The first goal came when the right winger ran in on the angle shot and hit the upright. The ball rebounded on the full onto the head of one of their forwards.

The second goal came from a cross again from the right wing to the far edge of the penalty area.
Bob Bignell went up and attempted to head it back to me. It was a weak header and an Indian darted in and pushed the ball home as I dived at his feet.

The third came from a scrimmage in the goalmouth and the fourth when the right winger sent in a cross which was destined for the far post. I tried to get back but couldn't make a decent jump off my leg that I had injured earlier. The ball went in and so ended our chance of playing on the Melbourne Cricket Ground in the Quarter Final.

This morning Russia and Indonesia played their scoreless draw of last Thursday and Russia won 4-0. In the evening most of our squad went into the recreation hall to see Virginia Mayo in the picture 'Pearl of the South Pacific'. I think it helped to take our mind off the game, for a little while anyway.
Football expected it's been a beautiful sunny day, very hot.

Day 28, Sunday December 2nd 1956
Today has been an easy please yourself day, trouble is you don't know what to do with yourself. It's such a let down after yesterdays defeat.
The Duke of Edinburgh was in for lunch today. Representing our soccer squad at dinner was our manager George Smith and captain Bob Bignell, Con Purser and Bill Harbourn also went after winning in a ballot from the remaining players. The weather today has been overcast with rain.

Day 29, Monday December 3rd 1956
Another 'free' day so Cliff Sander and myself decided to go into town about 11 a.m. We went to a newsreel which was running a lot of segments on the Olympic games.
We saw the Opening Ceremony, Shirley Strickland winning the hurdles, Betty Cuthberts 100 metre win and Bob Morrow's 200 metre win. As we were walking out of the theatre we saw the Duke arrive at the Town Hall opposite. An official function no doubt. He seems to be bobbing up everywhere.
After lunching at Coles we went to the Olympic Pool and saw the qualifying round of the women's diving and three heats of the women's 100 metre backstroke.
We had tea back at the village after a fairly relaxing day. It's been a clear sunny day with a cool breeze.

Day 30, Tuesday December 4th 1956
Today we have a 'free' morning so I was able to catch up on my washing. This afternoon the squad is going to watch the first soccer semi-final that is being played at the M.C.G. between Yugoslavia and India. Kick-off is at 4.30 p.m.
Yugoslavia were too good and ran out winners 4 goals to 1.

Day 31, Wednesday December 5th 1956
Another 'free' morning. At 4.30 p.m. at the MCG. the squad saw the second semi-final between Russia and Bulgaria. The scores were 0-0 at full-time and an extra 30 minutes was played. In the 7th minute of extra-time Bulgaria scored.
Russia was playing with virtually ten men. Their left back had gone down in a tackle, possible broken collarbone. He wouldn't go off so his arm was strapped to his body and he hobbled around on the left wing. It was a tense game with Bulgaria looking the better side. And then with 10 minutes to go Russia scored and it was 1 goal each. Then with 4 minutes to go Russia scored the winning goal and will go into the Final against Yugoslavia next Saturday. Russia 2 Bulgaria 1. It was a great game that the Bulgarians would never have lost only for carelessness in defence. Its been a fine sunny day.

Day 32, Thursday December 6th 1956
This morning we picked up the HMS.Newcastle's soccer team and while at Port Philip Bay we saw Her Majesty's yacht Britannia at its berth.
We took them back to Morelands ground where we beat them 6 goals to 2.
This afternoon we saw a show up at the recreation hall. American singers Buddy Rich, Stan Freberg, Frankie Lane, Joe 'Fingers' Carr and Nola Lester. Joe Martin the Australian compared the show. It was grand entertainment and thoroughly enjoyed by everyone present. The day has been very hot and sultry all day, tonight as well.

Day 33, Friday December 7th 1956
A 'free' day. I borrowed Jon Hendrick's identification pass and got into the swimming pool. I saw Murray Rose win the 1,500 metres Gold Medal. Pat McCormack the American won the Women's High Diving Gold Medal. There was a big crowd present.
Bulgaria defeated India 3-0 to win the Bronze Medal. It's been a fine sunny day.

Day 34, Saturday December 8th 1956
Well this is it! The last day.
Russia will play Yugoslavia in the final for the coveted Gold Medal and then the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games closing ceremony will take place.
We have been told that unlike the Opening Day when it was compulsory to march, we can if we wish, watch the closing march from the stands with the spectators.
Some of us decided that we would do this. We got pretty good seats among a crowd of 105,000 people.

Russia proved too good for Yugoslavia winning 1-0. I was glad I decided to watch. It was exciting being amongst such a large crowd, cheering and waving and giving the Olympians such a great send-off. But also, sad to think its all over.

Day 35, Sunday December 9th 1956
We left Essendon Airport on a Viscount at 7.15 a.m. and arrived at Mascot at 8.15 a.m. Kath and Brian were at the airport to meet me and it was great to see them.
We were home at Padstow at 10 a.m.

   On Monday 11th of September 2000 Ron Lord was honoured to carry the Torch of the Olympic games in Sydney in the City of Shellharbour, where he now resides.

I'd like to give a heartfelt thanks to my friend, the fantastic Greg Stock; Olyroo Ted Smith who made a lot possible for me and especially to the Soccer legend Ron Lord, who gave me the permisson to bring this on the net. I'am very proud to call him my friend.
André Krueger, Hannover, Germany

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