Sylvester Sydney Day

Portrait of First Library Assistant, Sylvester Sydney Day. Original held by State Records of South Australia GRG 19/418/1.

Sylvester Sydney Day was born in Adelaide in 1887 and was educated at Christian Brothers' College and Adelaide University. He joined the staff of the Public Library, Museum and Art Gallery as a cadet in 1902. In 1910 Day was appointed First Library Assistant and 'by his courteous manner, he became a favourite with visitors to the institution.' Also that year he married Rosalind Mary Robertson (1 September). They had two children: Robert Sydney born 24 March 1911 and Patricia Florence born 8 April 1914.

Day enlisted on 11 September 1914. At the time he and his family were living at Beaconsfield Street, Unley, and his children were only 3 1/2 years old (Robert) and 5 months old (Patricia).  Day became a Lance Corporal in G Company, 16th Battalion. His Library colleagues farewelled him with a party to express their admiration for his action (Trunk full of books, p. 94). Day embarked from Melbourne on HMAT A40 Ceramic on 22 December 1914, arriving in Egypt in early February 1915. His battalion there became part of the 4th Brigade commanded by Colonel John Monash. The 4th Brigade landed at Gallipoli in the early evening of 25 April 1915. The 16th Battalion was in action for five days following the landing, fighting to get forward just one foot. Many casualties were sustained by sniper fire. The area for which they fought was later known as Pope's Hill, after the 16th's commanding officer. They rested on 1 and 2 May, but sniper fire still took its toll. On the night of 2 May the 16th went into action again, fighting and digging trenches under constant enemy fire. Day was killed in this action, one of the eight officers and 330 men the battalion lost on this night. Day's body was never identified; he is commemorated on the Lone Pine Memorial. The Report of the Board of Governors of the Public Library, Museum, and Art Gallery of South Australia for 1914-15 records that news of Day's death 'was received with sorrow and regret by the Board and members of the Staff, who nevertheless are proud to know that the institution is represented on the Roll of Honour which Australia will always cherish.'

In late 1915, the Board of the Public Library, Museum and Art Gallery had an enlarged photograph of Day hung in the Library in commemoration (Report...1915-1916, p. 6). The Board also approved the payment of £60 to Day's widow, the equivalent of the four months' long service leave to which Day had been entitled when he enlisted.

Permission to use this item for any purpose, including publishing, is not required from the State Library under these conditions of use.

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