Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Hugh Maxwell Semple (Max) was born at Strathalbyn South Australia on 26 February 1917, the second child of George Semple and Louisa Mary Semple formerly James. Max had an older sister Zena May born 10 May 1914 and a young brother Douglas George born 6 November 1923.

His early years were spent on his fathers orchard on Adelaide Road Strathalbyn.  In 1926 his cousin Vernon William Semple aged 4 months joined the family following the death of his mother Nellie who was Louisa's sister.  Vernons father was George's brother William Henry Horace Semple who lived on an adjoining property.

Around 1930 the family moved to a larger orchard " Willow Brook " on the northern side of Strathalbyn. 

Max was educated at Strathalbyn Primary and High School.

Both orchards were adjacent to " The Lodge " property owned by Sir Lancelot Stirling and home to the private Strathalbyn Golf Club.  At an early age Max caddied for the Lodge players. That experience grew into a lifelong love of golf. For 36 years Max was number 1 player in the Strathalbyn interclub team from 1934 age 17 to 1969, his last season. He won his first South Australian Country Championship aged 20 and went on to win numerous Club Championships and Open Championships as an individual and member of the Strathalbyn team.  He was made life member of the Strathalbyn Golf Club in 1959 and in 1961 became a scratch player with zero handicap.

On 21 October 1941 Max enlisted in the Army and served with 27 Battalion, South Australian Scottish Regiment. On 14 December 1941 following Japan entering the war he entrained with his Battalion for Darwin where it formed part of the garrison force to defend against the possibility of Japanese attack. They were there during the Japanese bombings of Darwin. Max became a member of the Strathalbyn RSL.

Max's father George served with the Fifth South Australian Bushman Corps during the Boer War.  His brother Douglas and cousin Vernon served with the RAAF. Douglas died on a bombing mission on Gasmata New Britain 12 September 1943.

On discharge Max returned to the family orchard.

On 10 March 1945 Max married Elizabeth Grace Ainsworth ( Betty ) born 18 June 1922 of St Peters. Max and Betty lived on the family orchard with his father.  His mother Louisa passed away 1 December 1933.

In 1950 the orchard was sold and the family built a home on North Parade Strathalbyn where they raised their family, Peter James born 1948, Michael William born 1951, Anne Elizabeth born 1953 and Jane Louise born 1959. Max's father George passed away 19 December 1959.

After leaving the orchard Max worked as a carpenter joiner and later at Rowe and Co hardware, Strathalbyn.

Tragedy struck the family when Betty passed away on 28 September 1963 aged 41 years.  Max cared for the children with the support and assistance of his sister Zena who lived nearby at Mt Barker.

Max passed away suddenly on 12 February 1970 aged 52 years.  The children were then taken care of and supported by their Aunty Zena until her passing on 23 November 1986.

Betty and Max are interred at Centenial Park Cemetery.