Les Darcy locket

• Locket worn by the sweetheart of Australian boxer Les Darcy
• Darcy was linked to the conscription debate of 1916
• He died in tragic circumstances in America in 1917
• The locket is an enduring and personal symbol of one woman's grief

A small gold locket which belonged to Winnie O'Sullivan, the sweetheart of Australian boxing legend Les Darcy, tells a poignant story of heroism, tragedy and love.

Containing a portrait of Australia's 'golden boy of boxing' and a lock of his hair, the locket was donated to the National Museum of Australia by Father Kevin Hannan, Winnie O'Sullivan's son.

Darcy was Winnie's first love, and he would remain a painful memory until the last years of her life. According to Winnie's family, she constantly carried the locket.

The front of the locket bears the inscription 'WOS 1917'. Research into the hallmarks show the locket was passed into the Birmingham Assay Office in 1928.

The locket may have been given to Winnie around this period as a memento of Darcy, or she may have kept Darcy's hair and had it arranged in a locket around this time.

Winnie O'Sullivan's son, Father Kevin Hannan, and his nephew John Hannan visit the National Museum. Photo: Dean McNicoll.

Les Darcy was born into a poor Irish Catholic family in East Maitland, near Newcastle, in 1895.

Darcy developed a flawless reputation in the ring from his first few rounds in 1910.

In 1915 he moved to Sydney to focus on his boxing career.

Darcy worked part-time as a barman at the Lord Dudley Hotel in Paddington. There, he courted the hotelier's daughter, Winnie O'Sullivan, who became his sweetheart.

Darcy became an Australian household name after he defeated America's Eddie McGoorty, the leading contender for the world middleweight crown, in 1915.

Darcy's fame grew but the First World War had a great impact on his future.

Darcy became involved in the debate over conscription when Australian prime minister Billy Hughes proposed a referendum on compulsory service to maintain numbers for the Australian Imperial Force.

The referendum caused divisions in society and exacerbated the rift between Protestants and Catholics.

Darcy, a fit young man, became caught in the debate. He had rejected an approach from a local promoter to tour Australia, to travel to the United States instead.

The overseas tour promised greater financial rewards and fame. The disgruntled local promoter spread rumours that the boxer was leaving to avoid military service.

The smear worked. Darcy was attacked for shirking his duty and not serving his country. Earlier, Darcy had attempted to enlist, but his parents would not give permission to the under-aged boxer.

Men of military age were prohibited from leaving the country without government approval but Darcy was determined to tour the States.

He stowed away for America on a ship on the eve of the first conscription referendum in 1916.

Darcy was publicly denounced and arrived in America to learn the Australian public was outraged and he had been banned from fighting.

Donor Kevin Hannan with the Les Darcy locket. Photo: Dean McNicoll.

Darcy fell ill in April 1917, due to bad dental work he had received in Australia.

Winnie, who was holidaying in America at the time, rushed to be with him when she heard he was seriously ill.

He died at the age of 21 from septicaemia.

News reached Australia several days after his death and the nation fell into deep mourning.

When Darcy's body arrived in Australia, hundreds of thousands of people filed past his open casket in six public viewings.

In death, all had been forgotten, and Darcy was finally put to rest at the East Maitland cemetery.

A fascinating yet saddening object, this once cherished locket is a window into the private lives of Les Darcy and Winnie O'Sullivan.

While it speaks of the grief that Darcy's sweetheart endured after his death in 1917, it also exemplifies the effects the First World War had on both famous and ordinary Australians.

Aaron Pegram, Curator

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