born: 25 April 1916 Mount Gambier South Australia
died: 3 August 1940 Adelaide, South Australia
Parents: Michael Simon Duigan and May Josephine Morris.
Siblings: Eileen Mary, Henry John, Mary Claire, Kathleen, Paul Joseph, May, Leo Morris, Beatrice Joy, John Edward, Alicia (aka Sally), Kevin Francis
Michael or Mick as he was more commonly known, grew up in Mount Gambier and on completing his education worked with McDonough’s motor and carrying service before taking up employment within the Forestry Industry around 1940.
Mick was well known in the Southeast, especially in the sporting circles and was held in high esteem. Described at various stages of his cricket career as an infant prodigy, a dashing cricketer as well as a versatile baseballer, Mick played with the Federal cricket and baseball club, and had represented Mount Gambier in cricket throughout the southeast and at Country Carnivals in Adelaide.
Described as an, Mick made his mark in local cricket circles and was selected in the Federals A grade team in October 1931 and then the Whitty Eleven at the age of 15 years. Mick was an excellent left-handed batsman, a dangerous slow bowler, a safe fieldsman, and a good relief wicket keeper. As an all-round sportsman, Mick played several seasons of football with North Gambier, but preferring baseball he was a member of the Federals baseball team for 6 seasons being in several premiership sides. He was one of the biggest hitters in the game and was equally at home in the catcher’s box, at third base and short stop as well as in the outfield.
He was a popular figure with his happy go lucky nature making him well liked with both players and spectators.
Mick enlisted with the army on 28 May 1940 and entered the Woodside Camp with the 27th Battalion for training. His service number was S3830. Mick would never get the chance to serve his country overseas as 9 weeks later while on leave he fell to his death at the Victoria Hotel in Hindley Street. His death was found to be accidental.
Resources:
Border Watch (Mount Gambier, SA : 1861-1954), Tuesday 6 August 1940, page 3
Border Watch (Mount Gambier, SA : 1861-1954), Tuesday 27 August 1940, page 1
Genealogy SA – Birth Registrations
