Obituaries Australia

Corporal William Irving Boon, of the artillery, formerly a prominent member of the Port Adelaide Football and Cricket Clubs, has been killed at the front. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Flitcroft Boon, Murray Street, Albert Park. In his boyhood, Corporal Boon was a chorister at St Margaret’s Church, Woodville. He was educated at the Alberton public school and Muirden’s College. He left the latter to join the clerical staff of the Australasian Implement Company and subsequently obtained an appointment with the Savings Bank. He was with that institution when he enlisted in November 1915. Although splendidly built, and a brilliant athlete, Corporal Boon had a difficulty in passing the doctor, and was twice rejected. After undergoing training in this State and Victoria he reached France in December 1916. When in the battle line he enjoyed good health. His last letter to his parents was from Paris, where he was spending a few days furlough. Corporal Boon was exceedingly popular in football and cricket circles, and had the true sportsman’s nature. To him victory was sweet, but defeat was always accepted with good grace. He was one of the football eighteen which carried the Port Adelaide colors to the top of the tree a few years ago, when the team gained the premiership of Australia. He was also one of the eleven that brought the seaside cricket team into the front rank. He was in his 27th year.