'Anzacs, Well Done!' musical score

Melbourne: Austral Music Publishing Co, 1917. Musical score to celebrate returning World War I soldiers, the words written by Sergeant W. Darwin, 7th Battalion, 1st Australian Division, and music by Ambrose G. Gregory. The printed subhead at the front wrapper of the score continues, "Returned Soldiers' Song, Dedicated to the brave Australian and New Zealanders who fell at Gallipoli and to those living victorious".

William Darwin, born in Bendigo in 1895 (d 1981), was a drum major for highland pipe bands from an early age. He enlisted in 1914 as a member of the Bendigo Volunteers and joined the 7th Battalion which sailed for Egypt, where he was nominated as stretcher bearer. He sailed on the Galeka from Alexandria to Lemnos in preparation for the landing in Gallipoli. He served at Achi Baba, Cape Hellas, was promoted to Acting Sergeant, and was wounded in September 1915. Darwin was later transferred to hospitals in England and Scotland and was diagnosed as suffering from shell shock by the Australian Medical Board in 1916. In 1917, back in Australia, he settled in Carlton, became Chief of the Carlton Caledonian Society, and wrote the words to this highly popular march. While continuing to compose, Darwin began a career as a lecturer, speaking on a variety of topics, and earning himself the nickname in the British press of "the Australian Orator". Starting in the 1920s he began organizing domestic and international tours for the Australian Pipe Bands.

The score includes additional songs: 'There's a Sunny Land, Australia', written and composed by C. Vaude; and 'Lonesome, Jes' Lonesome for You', by Hal L. Campbell.

Small folio, 7pp. With a b&w printed photographic portrait of Darwin at the front cover, text printed in black. Some toning at front cover, otherwise very good condition. Trove 6162165. OCLC: 154150497.