The Australian Dictionary of Biography is quite comprehensive in describing Courtney’s later life here, so I won’t go over all those details again. But not much is known of his life before 1910. This paper endeavours to fill in some gaps 1907 to 1910.
Courtney was born 27/05/1894 in NSW, and his family moved to WA, possibly before 1900, as by December 1900 his father, Henry Courtney, was already the editor of the Greenbushes Advocate. (The Inquirer and Commercial News – Perth)
The first mention of Victor Courtney in any newspaper in Trove, as far as I could find, is in The Daily News (Perth) Sat 31/08/1907 in that he is listed as the #252 Contributor under Victor D. Antony Courtney. This suggests there may be earlier appearances in the children’s pages. This is later followed on Sat 7th September with his essay poem Australia. At this point he is about 12 years and 4 months old. I’m afraid I don’t believe he wrote all of this, considering his father is editor of a newspaper. Fearing that this might have been copied somewhere I asked ChatGPT to try and identify the author. The result was that, while some of the style is reminiscent of Banjo Pattison and Henry Lawson, it is far too patriotic for it be by either of them.
Australia, Australia! the land of the free,
Haste thou thy starry banner to wave;
Warn hostile nations o’er the sea,
Bravely we’ll fight the flag to save,
Oh! lovely Australia, the sea’s largest isle,
Beauteous country, the land of our birth;
None shall dare thy name to revile,
Australia, the fairest spot on this earth.
Though we may roam o’er countries grand,
Great, glorious nations of the past,
Our thoughts revert to our native land,
And we’ll love thee to the last;
Your fine harbors and your cities grand,
Your valleys green and your mountains high,
Will soon among the nations stand,
May that wished-for time be nigh.
We have loved with all our heart
The land of our forefathers’ birth,
But the time is ripe to start
And prove to all Australia’s worth;
That should the invader ever dare
Attempt to make her son a slave,
Like a lion bearded In his lair,
We’ll fight for the gift God gave,
Sons of Australia, you need never fear
While we have an arm to strike,
For, though the coward drops a tear,
We’ll show, tyrants what her sons are like;
Now the reasons have been given
Why we scorn the tyrant’s yoke,
We humbly seek the help of heaven
For full strength to deal the stroke.
No! none but English-speaking men
Shall ever rule our proud country free.
Years go, but ne’er to come again,
But still Australians free we’ll be;
We’ll bravely guard what’s ours by right,
So may Australians all be true,
And to the very death we’ll fight
For the nation washed by oceans blue,
And then with starry flag unfurled,
And sturdy men so brave and true,
We’ll proudly shine to all the world
As the nation glorious, young, and new;
And may statesmen wise direct us
In the way that we should go,
And may kind Providers protect us
From the ravages of a foreign foe.
On the 14 Sep 1907 Courtney is listed as a contributor of 2d for the Sunshine Cot Fund, attributed to Victor D. A. Courtney, an event to raise money as well as a way of raising funds leading to the event.
(Most commonly he is known as Victor D. A. Courtney from this point, though occasionally he is featured in various lists as V. D. A. Courtney.)
Not long after (Oct 1907), he wins a writing competition with his diary of a visit to ‘The Girls Orphanage’ describing his taking of flowers to bring some joy to the ‘in-mates’. He also continues donating to the cot fund and is listed in several successive Saturday papers of various contributions though October and November 1907. A call out for ideas for the event had Courtney suggesting in Nov 1907 that ‘song’ should help open the event. He later followed this by suggesting, in a letter, “I could write a little dramatic sketch concerning the opening of the Cot.”
His contributions at a Bizarre to continue to help raise funds was well received by one of the residents, Louisa Daley, who complimented all those that contributed, singling out Courtney and a few others as being worth of praise. Courtney follows this with a column of what he did on the day with a huge amount of detail, from the stall holders, to raffles, to purchases and music as well as how important it was for the ‘much-desired Sunshine Cot installed in the home’. The Daily News 16/11/1907
He continues to have letters printed, such as in 23/11/1907 regarding his sketch, which is later performed at the December 28 Girl’s orphanage event. He and Lottie Biune, according to a previous letter, performed a short scene where a baby is placed in a cot, with Courtney playing the part of Uncle Tom. The concert programme is listed in the 14/12/1907 issue here: Christmas Cheer for the Ophans
On 11/01/1908 Courtney’s ‘Essay on the Unveiling of the Sunshine Cot’ appeared in The Daily News, taking up an entire column. This column, considering that Courtney is still 12 years old at the time, already shows his developing writing skills, with creative turns of phrase and practiced attention to detail and observation. “Nature herself seemed aware of the importance of the ceremony, majestic in his power, was as calm as the waters of the lake, only at intervals could be heard the gentle beat of the waves on the seashore.”
After this, Courtney publishes other pieces in the children’s pages of the newspaper including Essay on Youth https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/77333927, a letter confirming he’ll sing a song at a future sunshine concert, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/77332854, and why he wants to create a Sunshine patch. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/76528802 Even though this was printed in July 1908, it still listed him as being age 12. He had turned 13 in May. This may be by design as the July 1908 edition also lists various classes of children and over 8 to 12 is the second class: his last chance to win a prize in that group. Or perhaps it is that prize letters take awhile to be judged.
(Courtney is also listed as contributing to various fundraising concerts in the opening entertainment, such as doing a recitation at the New Children’s Hospital Fund concert in May 1908 ) https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/77265858
Interestingly, while 1907 is when Courtney actively offered and participated, 1908 is when the newspaper was contacting him, and others, directly or indirectly, for help. For example, in this July 1908 call “Surgical Ward … Master Victor D. A. Courtney, East Perth” “Will those named kindly write to me on Monday telling me if they accept the positions” – Uncle Tom needs volunteers for the next Children’s Hospital Gala Day. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/77339418 Courtney gratefully accepts the position in the Wed 22 July edition correspondence list. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/77337920. He is then reported having given a silver trowel and mallet in the ceremony in the 25 July edition. The article “Children’s Hospital. Another Stage in its Development” details much of what has happened for this hospital to be built, from the initial plans in 1897 along with the benefits people will get out of sponsoring it. Compared to today’s hospitals, the idea that a children’s hospital was put together over a ten year period with the help of the community, subscriptions, donations and volunteer labour seems like a fantasy. But, for many communities around Australia in 2023, we might need to go back to this model to get more hospitals built. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/77340403
Courtney gives a heartfelt plea to be involved in another orphanage event and offering a selection of his sketches, referring to the previous year’s event, in the December 1908 edition of the Daily News. However, ‘Uncle Tom’ whose words seem quite short in reply considering his earlier request from Courtney to put himself out, rejects his offer completely and, while others in the pages are sent invitations, Uncle Tom doesn’t mention any for Courtney. However, it’s possible the relationship is more convivial beyond the paper, and here perhaps Uncle Tom is focusing more on the under 12s, and is more professional with the 13s and up.
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/76835750/7792079
It seems this slight by Uncle Tom forces Courtney to reevaluate his position, and apologise in his next letter for not writing more often, though he goes onto describe his being in seventh class, his passing exams, his plan to be a lawyer, and also to attend Perth Boys’ School. Uncle Tom gives a professional reply, asking if Courtney will attend the Anglican Orphanage event on December 28. Uncle Tom, in letters to other children, regrets he can’t give our invitations to everyone, and it does seem that his cutoff might be 12 years. With Courtney being 13, it looks like Uncle Tom needs to play the more serious uncle, no doubt a regret for Courtney who, through his letters, still seems, while intellectually advanced, childish and naïve at this point. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/76834553
Further articles list donations of goods by Courtney to various places, and he continues to write to the newspaper, although not as much as previously. ‘Essay on the Christmas Cheer Visits’ covers his visits to various institutions, including the Perth Girls’ Ophanage, where he not only brought a Christmas tree, he stayed and helped make tea, then attended the event, Cottage by the Sea, for the concert, and St. Joseph’s Orphanage’s food donations and entertainment. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/77114670 and again in the main Saturday children’s pages: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/77111161
After these events, and the encouragement all around, Courtney turns to writing about other important issues. In the 13/02/1909 edition of The Daily News is his essay “An Australian Bush-Fire” where he describes his recent encounter poetically. “Like unto some rapacious being suddenly released from captivity, the fiery scourge hurries on, a constant crackling informing the observer that the dry twigs and grass are being speedily consumed.” “Oh! Ruthless destroyer! Injurious fiend! You that have made miles of desolation! Stay your hand. The grass will again shoot forth with emerald hue.” https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/77110914
Courtney, and many of the children working for Uncle Tom, are referred to as nieces and nephews, or those that are part of the Sunshine Children’s pages. In February 1909 news, one of the cousins dies, and Courtney pens an epitaph:
“Her soul so pure hath taken wing,
And from earth’s realms hath flown,
She bloomed, but as the flow’r is spring,
Then journeyed to above—alone.
Like the bird that sweetly sings,
Thou cheered the poor and wert adored,
Till thou were borne on angels’ wings
Far, far from earth to they reward.
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/77112291
27/02/1909 is the launch of Courtney’s 15-month Saturday serial An Aerial Adventure, or The Secret of a Scientist. Details about this epic visit to a lost planet in the Solar System are in other posts on this site. It’s possible he started writing it in 1908 so that a finished version could be given to The Daily News (Perth) in 1909, which might explain why they kept his age at 13 until late in 1909, though it is still possible he wrote each instalment weekly. In previous posts, I suggested that the middle of An Aerial Adventure, or The Secret of a Scientist might not have been solely written by him but after close reading of a number of his letters to Uncle Tom, I now believe that most of the story was written by Courtney, with the newspaper editor, family and friends helping to refine it. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/77113533
While the story is being serialised, Courtney is still very much involved with fund raising for orphanages and those in need through Sunshine concerts. 12/03/1909 saw him give a recitation at the Home of Peace, and 09/10/1909 featured another letter praising Uncle Tom’s scheme and offering to be involved in the day at the zoo as well as quoting Shakespeare to emphasize his appreciation. Unfortunately, Uncle Tom confirms in his reply that Courtney had later said he is unable to attend due to being ‘absent in the East’ This confirms, for me at least, that communications are close between Courtney and the newspaper, and in particular Uncle Tom, outside the paper, and the letters pages only reveal a small part of the story.
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/77348756
27/10/1909 lists Courtney as being involved in the St. Alban’s Hall Concert and Dance in aid of the Orphan’s Christmas cheer and Cottage-by-the-Sea Sunshine Cot, in performing one of his character sketches. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/76519159 So, it seems his stage play writing skills have improved. This is soon followed in November 1909 with a recital for the same.
It seems that in November 1909 Courtney began to become more political, not only fighting for the rights of people who were born into poverty, but also fighting for the rights to freedom. In the 20/11/1909 The Daily News, Courtney writes a Hymn called “Australians to Arm! The Battle Hymn of Australia” (The newspaper has begun listing his age as 15)
“Verse I
If foulest war stalks through the land,
And Foeman from a foreign strand
Pour ruthless hordes upon our soil,
Quick, their direful purpose to foil,
Arise! Each and all, respond to the call!
All joined as one, advance to fight
For Country, Freedom, and the Right,
Fell the foe with a heavy blow,
Or rest your corpse in his vile blood’s flow,
The sky for your pall. Repel them or fall.
Chorus
Sweep the invader back—or die!
Yield up your breath! Scorn, scorn to fly!
Australians, to arms! Australians, to arms!
Unfurl our banner! Float it high!
With spirit firm take up the cry;
Australians, to Arms! Australians, to arms!
Verse II
Pause not ‘mid the dangerous strife,
Readily all yield up your life,
Defend the flag which ye have made,
Defend the Cross which God has laid,
As the Sign above of the land you love,
Contending strong with iron will,
We’ll strive to flaunt our banner still;
But, should this fail our race to save,
The Southern Cross will mark our grave,
And will mourn above for the land we love.”
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/76515340
In the 18 December 1909 edition, Master V. D. A. Courtney is mentioned in a Perth Boy’s School First Annual Dinner as giving a speech and suggesting the creation of a magazine for the school. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/77328321
Apart from a short letter apologising for not being at the zoo picnic or any other events in December of 1909, and, of course Courtney’s space opera story which ends May 1910, there are no other contributions to the newspaper until one letter in November 1910 where Courtney complains about his name appearing next to a poem that wasn’t by him. Interestingly, there is no longer an Uncle Tom at this point, as he has been replaced by Auntie Nell who gives a perfunctory answer implying that Courtney is wrong.
As this poem didn’t turn up for the search “Victor D. A. Courtney” I soon discovered that he is also listed by the newspaper under other guises, including Victor D Antony Courtney. Above, I have updated his first appearance, though future researchers may wish to read through the many more issues of the newspaper under his various names to discover more of his exploits. For now, I’d like to end this exploration of Courtney’s early life here, in November 1910.
Other links re: Victor Desmond Antony Courtney
07/09/1907 My Teacher essay: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/77837375
Entreaty to conduct a drama at an Old Men’s Home – https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/77840476
21/09/1907 Compliment on the Sunshine Bazaar: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/77881391
24/12/1909 Mention of “Master V. D. A. Courtney belonging to a long line of journalists, being the son of Mr Henry Courtney” https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/77326141
01/06/1910 The Lone Hand Vol. 7 No. 38 01/06/1910 A Westralian Boy’s Impressions of the Eastern States
18/06/10 mention of Honour to Captain Cook by V. D. A. Courtney appearing in the Australia Junior magazine, with a criticism by J. J. Simons: “The last writer, aged 16, has a fine command of language, but his articles and his poetry show a rather excessive rhetoric and extravagance of style” https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/38363013
Cite this page (Chicago)
Hogan, Neil J. “The Earlier Life of Victor Desmond Antony Courtney.” Retrieving Speculative Fiction from Australian Newspapers, June 19, 2023. https://neilhogan.com/the-earlier-life-of-victor-desmond-antony-courtney/.