Cyril Harry Hannaford was born 3 January 1897 a few months after the death of his father, Harry Hannaford, a fireman. He was first employed by the Public Library, Museum and Art Gallery of South Australia as a library cadet on 29 July 1912.

At the time of his enlistment Hannaford was the Periodicals Room Superintendent. He enlisted for active duty on 9 February 1916, aged 19 years, and embarked from the HMAT Afric A19 on 9 June 1916, with his colleague from the Library Malcolm McRae. Hannaford served as a Private in the 43^rd Battalion, AIF. He was wounded in action (gunshot wound, buttock) in France 3 July 1917. Hannaford was recommended for a Military Medal on 8 September 1918 for action near Peronne, France. He repaired communication lines in heavy shelling which ensured 'valuable information to be transmitted which was of vital importance to the success of the operation.' Hannaford returned to Australia on the Nestor on 29 June 1919. Hannaford was discharged 14 August 1919 and resumed his duties at the Library on 15 August, after three and a half years active service.

In 1921, Hannaford became a Senior Library Officer. During his employment at the Library Hannaford compiled several indexes and catalogues which were published and are still in the State Library's collections.

Hannaford married Emma Lavinia Willing in 1931 and died 25 March 1975 aged 78.

Hannaford, C. H. (Cyril Harry), 1897-1975

State Library of South Australia

AIF service record

D 6959 (Misc) - Appointment letter

PRG 221 - Papers of Cyril H. Hannaford

Recommendation for Military Medal 8 September 1918 action near Peronne, France

State Records of South Australia, GRG 19/383

Portrait of Cyril Harry Hannaford [State Records of South Australia on Flickr]

South Australian Red Cross Information Bureau website [State Library of South Australia]