AustLit

Formed by soldiers serving with the four infantry battalions that comprised the 4th Australian Infantry Brigade (13th, 14th, 15th and 16th battalions), the Blue Dandies presented an array of entertainments, including revues, pantomime and musical concerts. As with most other WWI soldier entertainments the shows were based around whatever talents were available within the ranks – with the variety-based shows invariably including songs, dances, comedy and patter routines, and specialty acts.

Troupe members identified to date are: S. E. Dancey, Roy Houghton, J. Barham, R. Lloyd, W. J. Cobb, L. M. Croucher, R Fisher, N. Bunker, A. Sturgeon, W. Marshall, G. Wilson, J. Shearer, G. Reynolds and (initials unknown) Marshall-Lawrence, Gerrard, Mardi, Stanfield, Russell, Eastman, Hepworth, Kreutzer, and Line. Jack “Dinks” Paterson is also likely to have performed with the Blue Dandies.

[Source: Australian Variety Theatre Archive]