By TREVOR DIFFEY, Wangaratta Rifle Club THIS month marks the 90th anniversary of a most momentous occurrence in the history of the Wangaratta Rifle Club. Labour Day weekend, Williamstown Rifle Range, 1934 – the Victorian King’s Rifle Shooting Championship. The two-day lead-up competition known as the David Syme was won by East Wangaratta farmer and proficient marksman R.T ‘Bob’ Hempel. What is most remarkable about Bob Hempel’s win is his scorecard included three consecutive possibles, a first-time record and a feat not equalled until the mid-1960s. In the main event, and up against 1300 competitors, the three-day King’s event was won by Markwood farmer Henry Johnson. In the 139-year history of the Wangaratta Rifle Club, Henry Johnson remains the only King’s/Queen’s prize winner in target rifle. In the 1950s, Henry Johnson inaugurated a perpetual trophy in memory of his son Ian, who was lost in a tragic farm accident. The second Saturday in July each year, Wangaratta Rifle Club members fervently compete to have their name engraved onto the Johnson Cup.
