George Patrick (Pat) Hanna (1888-1973), entertainer, was born on 18 March 1888 at Whitianga, New Zealand, son of Patrick Hanna, hotelkeeper, of Downpatrick, Ireland, and his wife Mary Jane, née Carnie, of Sandhurst (Bendigo), Victoria.

 

He was educated at Wanganui High School. A talent for drawing led to a signwriting apprenticeship, and he worked as a cartoonist in Wellington on the Free Lance while conducting a commercial art and signwriting business. He was also a champion diver.

 

On 15 August 1914 Hanna enlisted as a private in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, in the Samoan Advance Party which took over the German Territory. In March 1916 he left for Europe in the Otago Regiment. By 1918 he held the rank of lieutenant.

 

At the end of the war Hanna was appointed recreational and entertainment officer for the New Zealand division which was part of the army of occupation. He introduced a new game, 'Batinton', an adaptation of badminton. More importantly he organized the Diggers Concert Party, writing, acting in and producing the shows.

 

Led by Hanna, they performed in France, England and North America. In 1919 they toured New Zealand and in 1920 appeared in the principal Australian cities for J. C. Williamson Ltd.

 

Augmented by Australian soldier talent they called themselves 'The Diggers' or 'Pat Hanna's Famous Diggers', and toured Australasia for the next ten years.

 

The Cremorne Theatre, Brisbane, and Arcadia, an open-air theatre on the Esplanade, St Kilda, in Melbourne were notable venues.

 

Hanna's shows were noted for their topical, witty writing, which was never risqué at a time when 'blue' humour was popular. His versatile characterizations and lightning sketching were among the main attractions.

 

Pat Hanna starred in several Australian movies during the 1930s, often times playing the typical, irreverent digger role for which he was so famous.

 

Some of his sketches can be viewed in clips on YouTube and Facebook for your enjoyment...

 

Meanwhile, check him out through my link below...