31 In light of the popularity of the Battery, their social lives were often written about. Members had been reported winning multiple trophies on every sports field imaginable, organising community events such as debutante balls and having the unique opportunity of attending quarterly reunions. The reunions themselves were for ex-103rd Battery members who fought in the Great War, to give them acknowledgement and a place to be amongst friends. The invitations for the quarterly reunions in the town hall however were extended to any ex serving personnel and the like. The events would attract visits from veterans and dignitaries – including Sir Joseph Hobbs, the leader of the 1st Divisional Artillery during the Great War. The Battery were reputed to draw large crowds to these events. Similarly, one article from The West Australian 22nd May 1934, describes the organisation of a debutante ball. Members of the 103rd Battery’s Sergeants Mess assisted the committee in the process of making preparations of the ball without charge. The article goes on to say that over 60 debutantes – a record for the state – wished to be a part of this specific ball and all of their partners were to be military men. Of the 60 girls, 8 would be nominated by the Lady Mayoress of Perth, a clear display of her interest in the community, the military and by extension the Battery. The committee, of which the 103rd Battery were invested in, organised an honour guard for the girl’s arrivals – complete with a bugle call as they walk a literal red carpet. It was this kind of engagement that made the Battery very well liked within the community. Across the seas in Europe, however, whilst the celebrations and enjoyments of this beautifully organised debutante ball went on in Australia, Nazi Germany would be in full swing. Founded on the 30th January 1933, Germany would be clawing its way out of The Great Depression on the foundations of the Nazi Party. The hatreds sown in the hearts of many during the Great War would come to a head and in September of 1939 the Germans would invade Poland, starting World War II.
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