Come on Australians

The outbreak of World War One in 1914 produced a large quantity of patriotic songs. Some of the themes reflected in the lyrics of this genre are personal sacrifices, recruitment and anti-conscription.

Gertie Campbell composed songs and piano music, published the works of other South Australians and sold music in her shop in Bowman's Arcade, King William Street. As a pianist she was in the habit of embellishing popular pieces as she demonstrated them to her customers.

George Gough Newman, born in North Adelaide 15 January 1863, achieved a BA at London University. Returning to South Australia he married Alice, daughter of John Frederick May of May Bros. Ltd., Engineers, at the Gawler Wesleyan Chapel, 18. December 1895. In this era he wrote the words to On the leather, M Stacy’s song about football. This reflected Newman’s sporting interests. The Newmans had two sons at North Adelaide, where George was headmaster of Whinham College until 1898. His reputation became compromised and subsequently he wrote numerous educational booklets. In 1906 he wrote the words for WR Knox’s love song Bright Ray of Sunshine. During the Great War Newman co-wrote Come on Australians with Gertie Campbell, who published their song. He also wrote the novel The Hope of Glory, published by Adelaide’s Ellis and King in 1915. Newman died 30.5.1929 and was buried at West Terrace. Cemetery.

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