BIO

Donald Cunningham represented the Norwood League side ten times during the 1915 season when he was the back up ruckman (at 5ft 9 inches) to Norwood Captain, Clarence Packham.

Described as a “solid contributor,” Cunningham, in a career shortened by war service, managed to kick three goals for the season while resting in a forward pocket. One of these goals on July 3rd was particularly significant as it was the winning goal in a six point victory over West Torrens.

Donald Cunningham was born In Norwood on June 8th, 1893. He joined up late in World War One and embarked on 8th of May 1918, although the war ended just a few months later (11 November 1918). At the time he was living with his sister Janet and her husband Herbert Smith, a local land agent, at 23 Queen Street in Norwood. Donald served in the 3rd and the 1st Motor Transport Company, in France. He was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.

Perhaps still looking for adventure, Cunningham teamed up with a man called Lieutenant L.G. Cherry to attempt to set an overland record between Adelaide and Melbourne, riding an Excelsior motorcycle with sidecar.  They left Adelaide at 2.00am on Friday 3 October 1919. Shortly after leaving the punt (ferry) at Wellington (after crossing the River Murray), the motorcycle rolled following a mechanical failure. Lt. Cherry died 20 minutes later and Cunningham was injured and unconscious until 8.30am the next day. He recovered and published the following “Public Notice” of thanks in The Advertiser on 15 October, 1919.

THE MOTOR CYCLE ACCIDENT-I thank Mr. Mr F. L. and Mr. H. J. Stacey for their kind and prompt attention to me when rendered unconscious. Having no idea of what went on, and all papers being kept away from me, I did not know to whom the credit was due. I wish also to thank Mr. Bruce, Mr. and Mrs. Slater and family, and others who rendered assistance in saving my life. DONALD CUNNINGHAM. Queen Street, Norwood.

By 1924, Cunningham had married Annie and was living at Glenelg when they had a daughter, Margaret Annie, at the Memorial Hospital in North Adelaide.

Cunningham died suddenly on 23 May 1947 at his residence, 15 Elizabeth Street Evandale. He was survived by his wife Annie (known as Emmie), daughter Margaret and son Donald.

 Cunningham and his wife were buried together in Centennial Park Cemetery – General C section, Path 4, Grave 276.

Our thanks to the Virtual War Memorial Australia website for information about his service record.

B Ridge April 2014, C Brown March 2026