The death of Joe Pearce
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A man who, like the late Captain Hunter, considered that the culminating point of his athletic career was in volunteering his services to the Empire was Corporal Arthur M. Pearce [aka ‘Joe’], whose name, unfortunately, has to be included in the list of those which have fallen in action. The call of his country was readily responded to by Corporal Pearce, who left a lucrative position and enlisted with the First Expeditionary Force.
A native of Bendigo, the deceased soldier was 30 years of age, and the only son of Mr. A. J. Pearce, principal of the Bendigo Grammar School, Barnard street. For many years he was employed in the local branch of the A.M.P., and worked himself up to a high position in the Melbourne office of the society, which he held at the time he volunteered. It is a somewhat peculiar coincidence that the initials of the deceased soldier were similar to those of the society in which he was employed—A.M.P.
He was a good all round sport, but in football he was particularly brilliant. Many will remember him as a prominent player in the South Bendigo team until he went to the metropolis in 1904. He was a fine long distance kick, and was well known as "Joe" Pearce. On going to the metropolis he joined the Melbourne Football Club, and had the distinction for some years of being the champion full back of the Melbourne League. He captained the Melbourne club for one season, and acted as captain on occasions previously. He was one of the most popular players in the metropolis. Being of a genial disposition, he was esteemed by his own team and his opponents alike.
He was a man in every sense of the word, and both in Bendigo and MIelbourne he had a wide circle of friends, by whom the news of his untimely death will be received with deep regret. He was connected with Holy Trinity Church, East Melbourne, and took a keen interest in the Church of England Men's Society. At the time of his death he was attached to the 7th Battalion.
Sincere sympathy is felt for the bereaved family. Mr. A. J. Pearce was on relieving duty at the Maryborough Continuation School when the sad news reached him, and he has returned to Bendigo. He has three nephews at present serving the Empire, viz., Captain Paye Pearce, who is with the Garrison Artillery in West Africa; Dr. Frank Pocock, who is on the battleship Colossus in the North Sea; and Mr. Christopher Pearson, who was studying at Oxford when the war broke out.
The 37th casualty list (from the Argus, June 1915)
The 37th casualty list included among the killed a name well known to all footballers and supporters— Joe Pearce, the once famous full back of the Melbourne team. For years he was the mainstay of their back lines, and his great dashes and mighty punts made his play especially attractive throughout the 10 years that he played senior football. He was a fine comrade, a loyal club fellow, and a fair and manly opponent.
Joe Pearce has not been forgotten (From the Argus, 26 April 1956)
PEARCE: In loving memory of Corporal Arthur M. Pearce who fell at landing of Gallipoli, April 25, 1915. (Inserted by sister Ethel)
PEARCE: In loving memory of Corporal A. M. (Joe), killed Gallipoli, April 25, 1915 (Inserted by W. F. Hastings.)
For 40 years this advertisement has appeared in The Argus memorial columns. Joe Pearce was one of the first casualties at Anzac Cove 41 years ago. Old-time football fans will remember him playing for Melbourne—a full back, and one of the best kicks ever. His sister, Ethel, has never forgotten her brother and the sacrifice he made, and neither has his friend W. F. Hastings.
'JOE' PEARCE, FULL BACK FOR MELBOURNE; ' AN APPRECIATION
The whistle blows, the referee calls 'Time,'
The players drop their futile pantomime.
The game is o'er, the final goal is made,
A fickle public says of you, 'Well played!'
But to a sterner field you heard the call,
Leaving the men of softer stuff at ball.
And gladly gave your life to save the goal,
The honor of your country, yea, its soul.
A peerless wreath of laurel crowns, your name,
For, fearless to the end, you played the game.
And when you meet the last great Referee,
His verdict of your life must surely be—
A MAN, clean, honest, fair and unafraid,
Who played the game as He would have it played.
D. M. RAY, Federal Land Tax Office, 'Rialto', Collins St, Melbourne
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Footnotes
Title: Corporal A. M. Pearce
Publisher: Bendigonian (Bendigo, Vic: 1914-1918)
Date: Thursday, 17 June 1915, p.20 (Article)
Author: Bendigonian Staff Writer
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