Summary

War Funds Appeal Prize Medal for tennis awarded in 1941. This medal reflects the use of sport as a fundraising activity in Melbourne during World War II. It was issued by the Lawn Tennis Association of Victoria.

An article in the Age, 12 November 1941, explained that 'The Lawn Tennis Association or Victoria, at its meeting at Kooyong last night, approved a scheme for a State-wide tennis drive in March to aid the Red Cross and Comforts Fund. The drive will be known as the L.T.A.V. war funds drive, and will be organised by the Red Cross and Comforts Fund under the direction of the association. Sporting goods manufacturer have indicated their willingness to provide 100 prizes, which will be distributed by lots to courts, clubs and associations raising more than £1. Those raising over £5 will each receive two L.T.A.V. plaques as trophies. Mr. C. R. Cowling, chairman of the organising committee, said the drive might mean the establishment of a "new order" for tennis in the State. The association appealed not only to affiliated clubs and associations, but also to unaffiliated bodies and owners of private courts to assist in one immense effort. ... If the scheme was taken up enthusiastically, the two funds should benefit to the extent of several thousands of pounds. The annual schoolboys' and schoolgirls' championships are to be held at Kooyong from December 12 to 20. Entries will close on December 5. Permission was granted to Scotch and Geelong colleges to use four courts at Kooyong for a match on November 15.'

The Lawn Tennis Association of Victoria was established in 1904, and in 1920 took possession of the Kooyong stadium, where international tennis contests were held until the opening of the sports and entertainment centre in Flinders Park, Melbourne. The medal was designed by Melbourne artist and critic Alan McCulloch (1907-1992).

Obverse Description

Male tennis player moving right playing a backhand; below, ALAN McCULLOCH '41.

Reverse Description

Rifle, helmet and garment above plaque; below, WORLD WAR II ; around, THE LAWN TENNIS ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA.WAR FUNDS APPEAL.

Edge Description

Plain

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