The Flemming cup is the oldest Australian military trophy and was first competed for in 1894. It was competed for as part of the WADF until 1902, initially only 7 teams competed for the cup but by the end of the competition there were 14 teams. After 1902 no competition for the cup was held for nearly 30 years and it remained in position of the Western Australian Artillery which had won it 3 times. The competition was reignited in 1933 and continued until 1939 when it was shelved forever with the outbreak of World War 2.

The team that won the cup was awarded 5 Pounds and another 5 pounds went to the best marksman. In today’s money that was around $800. The cup itself was named after Commandant Flemming and was also referred to as the Challenge Cup or the Commandant’s Cup. A small version of the cup also existed and was awarded to the best marksman. It was held in July of each year.

The Flemming Cup. Note the wording on the top says “Challenge Cup” and on the base it says “Of The Defence Force 1894”. The writing on the left & right I could not make out but a Black Swan is quite visible in the centre. The cup was made of Silver and stood 2 feet in height.

Flemming Cup Results

1894: Geraldton Rifles

In total 7 units took part in the first Flemming Cup for a prize of 5 Pounds to the best Marksmen and 5 Pounds to the winning team. Each squad was 7 men strong.

Sgt Hepburn won 5 Pounds ($820 In todays money) for best Marksman on the winning team. The Geraldton team in total received 5 Pounds and Lt Troode from the Plantagenet Rifles was awarded 5 Pounds and a small silver cup from Mr. W. Hooper for the highest individual score.

The Perth Infantry shortly after challenged the Plantagenet Rifles to fight under the same conditions and the 2 forces met in late July. The Perth Infantry won the fight with best Perth Marksman Pte M L Loyd (88) and best Plantagenet Marksman Lt Troode (81). The Perth Infants also challenged the Permanent Force Artillery which they beat again with Pte J Neeson being top marksman (88 Points).

1895: Fremantle Infantry

In total 7 units took part in the 1895 Flemming Cup.

1896: Geraldton Rifles

In total 7 units took part in the 1896 Flemming Cup

1897: York Infantry

In total 7 units took part in the 1897 Flemming Cup with the Plantagenet Rifles not participating and the Bunbury Rifles participating for the first time.

1898: Permanent Force Artillery

In total 9 units took part in the 1898 Flemming Cup. The Guildford Infantry was brought in and the Albany Civilian Veterans made a satellite team.

1899 – Bunbury Rifles

In total 10 units took part in the 1899 Flemming Cup. The Perth and Fremantle Infantry each sent 2 teams.

1900: Permanent Force Artillery

In the 1900 Flemming Cup 10 Units took part in the competition with 3 from Fremantle. Unfortunately the Guildford Infantry did not take part in the competition.

1901: Bunbury Rifles

In the 1901 Flemming Cup 11 Units took part in the competition with the South West Mounted Infantry, Civil Service Battalion, The Subiaco Company and the return of the Guildford Infantry. This was held 6 months after Federation with the other colonies. The Perth Artillery was not present.

1902: Permanent Force Artillery

For the final Flemming cup only 14 Units took part with the absence of the York infantry. However it saw the introduction of the various companies of the Goldfields Battalion Of Infantry. This was obviously planned to be the last competition as the prize money was 100 Pounds (Around $14,861 AUD in today’s money) rather than the usually 10 Pounds.

The Flemming cup in the 1930’s was open to all Militia and Permanent Forces in Western Australia. Each team consisted of 1 officer and 9 men who would take rifle and machine gun shots from a range of 200-500 yards. It was held in February of each year.

It was first held in 1933 with the best team being from A Company, 44^th (West Australian Rifles) Battalion. Second place was A Company, 11^th/16^th (City of Perth/Cameron Highlanders of Western Australia) Battalion. Third place was the Royal Australian Artillery and fourth place was B Company, 44^th (West Australian Rifles) Battalion.

Although the cup was held between 1934-1936 we don’t know which dates were won by who but we do know that 1 of these was won by the 44^th Battalion. The 1937 Cup had 6 teams compete and was won by the 44^th Battalion team led by Captain K L Paris at a range of 200-600 yards
2^nd Place: Royal Australian Artillery (Permanent Force)
3^rd Place: 3^rd Brigade, Royal Australian Artillery
4^th Place: Engineers
5^th Place: 11^th (City of Perth) Battalion
Last Place: 28^th (Swan) Battalion

We unfortunately don’t have any information on who won the 1938-1939 cups. It’s important to note that there was an unofficial Flemming Cup Competition held in June between various Rifle Clubs.

E G H McKenzie was awarded the Military Cross in the Great War. He was the leader of the A Company, 44th Battalion team which won the 1933 cup.