New Guard records relating to Group 8 (Jerilderie), 1931-1932

MLMSS 10094

fonds

1931-1932

1006245

0.01 metres of textual material (1 folder) - typescript

The New Guard was formed in Sydney in February 1931 as a right-wing paramilitary organisation to defend loyalty to King and Empire, sound government, law and order, individual liberty and property rights. The New Guard declined after 1932 with its remaining members becoming increasingly inclined towards fascism. The New Guard is best-known for the actions of Captain Francis De Groot, who upstaged proceedings at the official opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in March 1932 by cutting the ceremonial ribbon with his sword. Although short-lived, the New Guard had a decided impact on NSW society. Members organised public rallies, broke up so-called Communist meetings, drilled, and vilified the Labor government. At its peak it claimed 36,000 active members, and 80,000 members in total.

Reference:
Library correspondence file

The documents comprised a file in the offices of Clayton Davis, a solicitor in Jerilderie. The donor’s father purchased the solicitor’s practice including all files. The donor subsequently entered into partnership with his father and inherited the file on his father’s death.

Various operational documents relating to Group 8, Jerilderie, including group structure and membership, intelligence reports, circulars and memoranda, special instructions, questionnaire, oath of secrecy, and orders.

Copyright status:: In copyright
Research & study copies allowed:
Rights and Restrictions Information:: No publication without prior written approval of copyright holder
Please acknowledge:: Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

It is possible, though not confirmed, that these documents relate to the White Army rather than the New Guard. The White Army was based in Melbourne but had some branches in the Riverina district of NSW.

Reference:
Cathcart, Michael. Defending the National Tuckshop: Australia's Secret Army Intrigue of 1931. Fitzroy, Vic.: McPhee Gribble/Penguin, 1988.