Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

‘His Duty Nobly Done. Ever Remembered’

Allan Glanville was one of five children born on the 26th November 1921 to Christina Mary (nee Williams) and James Thomas Porter. The family included two sisters Gwen and Joyce, and two younger brothers Brian (Jimmie) and Mervyn. Allan lived in King William Street in Kent Town, in the Eastern Parklands of Adelaide. He was respected for his sense of humour but also for his quiet nature and maturity. He owned a loyal, well trained ‘Bob’ a kelpie-cross, which remained with the family for a number of years after Allan’s death. 

Allan and his best mate, also an Allan (Frederick Allan Fulton), both attended the Norwood Public School on Osmond Terrace, Norwood where both successfully completed their Qualifying Certificates. The inseparable pair, just in their early teens, both gained employment on the same day, at the ‘Thamms Toymaking and Wickerwork’ business, located in Capper Street; Kent Town. The thriving business also employed another young lad, Tom Cliff, who lived in the nearby suburb of Maylands.  The three became firm friends and thereafter were always together, becoming known as the ‘Inseparable Trio’. The trio were reliable, hardworking and respected by their fellow workers for their pride in the work they produced as well as having identical interests.

While wages were not high, each week from his earnings, Allan purchased chocolate bars for his family, and after ‘saving his pennies’ (as was his habit) occasionally he bought something for himself. This included a steel guitar to learn how to play music. Coincidentally Frank Young, another workmate of Allan’s at Thamms, who also lived in Kent Town was a guitar player so of an evening Allan went to Frank and his wife’s home to learn. 

Allan later bought a Winchester .22 calibre rifle for hunting wild rabbits on family camping trips to the River Murray township of Morgan, and other river locations; and a leather wallet which he took with him to the War. During the late ‘30s, Allan had saved enough money to purchase a second-hand, slate-based billiard table from Brady’s Billiard Hall in the Adelaide Arcade, for the sum of twenty pounds.  The table, was a ‘three-quarter’ size, measuring eight feet by four feet and in good condition. Naturally Allan enjoyed playing billiards with his mates, but he also knew that his dad, Jim loved the game.  So, the table was a welcome addition to the Porter home, and was located in the ‘long room’ towards the front of the house.  The table gave immeasurable enjoyment to Allan, his friends and particularly, his family.

Allan was also a talented athlete, winning a silver sports cup for running, on 8th October, 1938 at a Thamm’s picnic day. 

Obviously with the outbreak of war, young men, regardless of their occupation, would have numerous discussions about ‘joining up to do their bit’.  At some point, the ‘Inseparable Trio’ were no different. Inevitably they walked together to Wayville to enlist with the Army. Allan’s official records show his birthdate as the 26th November, 1919 which suggested he was 20 years old. However, the reality is that he was certainly born on the 26th November, but two years later in 1921 at Number 2 Dew Street in Kent Town so was just 18. It appears that the other two may have done similarly as Allan Fulton’s headstone lists his birth as being 1922.

The News of August ’41 reported that the trio ‘did preliminary training together, and then separated in two units.’ Because of the initial of their surname Tom Cliff and (Frederick) Allan Fulton were enlisted in the 2nd/43rd Battalion becoming respectively SX7305, giving his date of birth as 29 Jan 1919 and SX7302 9 July 1919 and Allan Porter was allocated to the newly formed 2nd /48th Battalion becoming SX7315. Their relatives and friends gave the trio a joint farewell party, knowing they would serve their country with honour.

Whilst on the queue for the 2nd/48th Allan Porter found himself alongside a young man from Renmark, Harry Luxton Lock, SX6846.  Initial days were spent in the cold of the Pavilions, now part of the Royal Adelaide Showgrounds, before the new enlistees headed to Woodside for their training. The large contingent embarked on the Stratheden for the Middle East, on the 7th November 1940, arriving on the 19th December 1940. Allan was the first of the trio of friends, the two Allans and Cliff to go to Tobruk, but they did all reunite in Palestine.

The 2/48th Battalion completed a few months training in Cyrenaica before going to Tobruk at the start of April 1941 where the dust, flies, heat, minimal water supplies and constant bombing typified each day. A strong friendship grew with Harry Lock, who rose to be a Lieutenant. Later in their training they found themselves to be the number one and number two gunners of a Bren gun. And that was the same position they were in on 1st May, 1941 at Tobruk, when number two gunner, Allan Porter lost his life in battle. Tragically, within four months of arriving, Allan was killed in action in Libya.

John G. Glenn in ‘Tobruk to Tarakan’ describes how at 3:50am on May 1st, the 2/48th “in thick mist, darkness, and bitter cold snatched a quick breakfast of bully beef and hard biscuits.” German dive bombers swept over the battalion at the same time as “a heavy concentration of enemy artillery fire. One shell made a direct hit on a dugout of D Company, killing two and wounding two others.” It was under these conditions that Allan was killed in action. His official Army record lists him as being 21, he was just 19.

The next morning there was a terrific dust storm but a foot patrol set out to find their soldiers who had not returned. For some of those missing men it was some time before their fate was confirmed. Mark Johnson in his recent book, ‘Derrick In His Own Words’ explained that ‘On 1 May the 2/48th suffered 51 casualties, including 16 killed. Besides Allan, these included Herbert Neumann SX8014 from Aldgate, Robert Carey SX7943 from Portland, John Christerson SX7791 from Yorketown, John Marshall SX7759 from Hawthorn, William Gates SX6867 from Brompton and Allan Glanville Porter SX7315 all from the 2/48th Battalion. A tragic day. The deaths were announced in the Advertiser on 21st May ‘41 with others from South Australia, Pte. George M. Best. SX1391, Murray Bridge; Pte. P. R. Miller, SX9101, Med., Lucindale.

His fellow soldiers buried him in the field but he was later transferred to permanently rest at the Knightsbridge War Cemetery, Acroma in Libya grave number 15. C. 16. on the 16th May, 1944. His parents chose the inscription ‘His Duty Nobly Done. Ever Remembered’ and a cross to be etched on his headstone. He now rests with other Australians including 24-year-old South Australian Private Maxwell Glenn Paddick, SX623 from the 2/10th, six Victorians, including Corporal Richard Allan Burge VX32624, killed the same day as Allan and two Tasmanians. He rests now with 3670 other casualties remembered at Knightsbridge.

In an ABC interview with Isabel Dayman for Anzac Day in 2017, Harry Lock, then 96 years old, admitted that “he had never been able to forget the moment his friend Glanville Allan Porter was killed during the Siege of Tobruk. [Going into battle], we were informed that we were going to be supported by six British tanks,” he recalled. “We saw these tanks and thought ‘well, this is going to be good’, but when they turned to face us, the German flag was up, and they were German tanks.”

Mr Lock said back in the trenches, his number two on the gun, Allan, used a box of magazines to shield his head from the attack.

“Next minute, we got a burst of machinegun fire and a bullet went through the box of magazines — through his shield — and killed him, instantly,” he said. “Because he was so close, only in arm’s reach, that’s when I leant over and took his wallet.

“It happened at about six o’clock in the evening… and I bawled my eyes out all night.”

Once peace was declared, Harry Lock held on to his friend’s wallet for several decades, hoping he may eventually learn something about the Porter family.

In 1995, Mr Lock received a call from Allan Porter’s younger brother, Mervyn. “He said ‘My name’s Porter’… and he asked if I knew anything about his brother,” Mr Lock said.

“I said, ‘Yes, he was my number two on the gun!”

Not long after, Mr Porter’s family visited Renmark and Mr Lock was able to return his friend’s wallet.

“The reaction was terrific… and [he] still talks about it because there were photos of [Allan Porter] and myself and some of the other boys [in the wallet],” Mr Lock said.

“He’s been very friendly since and he always rings me on May 1 — that was the day his brother was killed.”

In a further cruel twist of fate Tom Cliff, another of the Inseparable Trio died of wounds three months after Allan on the 4th June ‘41. John Glen described the encounter; ‘In the south, the 2/43rd attacked strongly, but came up against strong and accurate machine-gun fire, and were forced to withdraw. The 2/43rd commenced the attack with 137 men, and came out with only 33 unscathed.’ He was listed as 22 years old. His fellow soldiers buried him in the field but he was later transferred to permanently rest at the Knightsbridge War Cemetery, Acroma in Libya Number 6. D. 30 near his close friend, Allan Glanville.

Allan’s grief-stricken family, friends and fellow 2/48th soldiers continued to remember this young man each year. Childhood friends and fellow enlistees Allan Fulton and, prior to his death, Tom Cliff continued to remember Allan, reflecting on the service he had given. Allan Fulton died in 1977, aged 55 and is buried in the Darwin Cemetery.

Youngest brother, Mervyn was just 18 months old when Allan enlisted. He has Allan’s billiard table as a precious daily reminder of the brother he barely knew. Thanks to Lieutenant Harry Lock, whose quick thinking rescued Allan’s wallet from the battle field, Merv now also has that precious personal memento. Second youngest brother, Jimmy (Brian) who was six when Allan enlisted, treasures the steel guitar, and silver sports cup won by Allan.

Advertiser Friday 23 May 1941, PORTER On the 1st of May. killed In action. Pte. Alan Glanville Porter, loved nephew of Mr. and Mrs. H. C. Porter. Luhr’s road. South Payneham, and cousin of Jack and Margaret.

Advertiser Friday 1 May 1942, PORTER. —In loving memory of Allen, who made the supreme sacrifice at Tobruk, May 1, 1941. One of the best. —Mrs. Moore, Glad and Jack. PORTER. —In loving memory of our dear son, Pte. Allan Porter, 2/48th Batt., killed in action on May 1, 1941, at Tobruk. Beneath the Cross of Sacrifice Within a silent grave. His comrades laid him down to rest. Among the honored brave. —Still lovingly remembered by his mother father, sisters and brothers. Joyce, Jimmie and Mervyn. PORTER. —In loving memory of Pte. Allan Porter, who was killed in action on May 1, 1941. He shall not grow old as we who are left grow old. —Inserted by his mates. Pte. F. A. and Gunner S. J. Fulton. A.I.F. abroad. PORTER. —In loving memory of our nephew and cousin. Allan. A.I.F. killed on active service. Tobruk, on May 1. 1941. "His duty nobly done."—inserted by Aunty Myrtle. Uncle Lew and cousins. PORTER. —In loving memory of our dear friend. Private Allan Porter, of Kent Town 2/48th Battalion, killed in action at Tobruk on May 1, 1941. His duty nobly done. Not just today, but every day. In silence we remember. —Ever remembered by his friends Mr and Mrs. T. Cliff and family. Maylands. PORTER. Allan Glanville—ln memory of Allan, who paid the supreme sacrifice one year ago today, at Tobruk. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we shall remember him. Remembered by his uncle Harold auntie Elsie and family. PORTER. —In loving memory of our dear brother Allan Private A. G. Porter. killed in action at Tobruk on May1. 1941. A special thought brings many a tear of a brother we miss and loved so dear For we whom he left, so truly know How much we lost a year ago. —Ever remembered by his sister. Gwen and brother-in-law Fred. PORTER—In loving memory of my dear friend. Alan killed at Tobruk on May 1. 1941.—Ever remembered by his friend, Vivian. 

Advertiser Saturday 1 May 1943, PORTER. —In loving memory of Allan. killed at Tobruk, May 1, 1941. We will always remember him. —Glad, Mrs Moore, Jack, R.A.N. PORTER. —In loving memory of Pte A Porter, who was Killed in action on May 1. 1941.—Always remembered by his mates. Bdr S. J and F A. Pulton 2nd A.I.F., returned PORTER. —In fond memory of Allan, killed In action Tobruk, May 1, 1941 God must have a beautiful garden, for He always chooses the best. —Always remembered by Mr and Mrs Cliff and family. Maylands PORTER. —In loving memory of Allan. killed at Tobruk, May 1, 1941. Without farewell he fell asleep, with memories for us to keep. —Ever remembered by his sister. Joyce. PORTER, Allan. —In memory of Allan, who gave his life for his country, two years ago today, at Tobruk. —Always remembered by Auntie Elsie, Uncle Harold and family PORTER. Pte. Allan. —In loving memory of our dear nephew. Allan, killed in action. May 1, 1941. Sunshine passes, shadows fan. memories outlast all. —Remembered by Auntie Carrie Uncle Arthur and family. PORTER. —In memory of Allan, killed in action. Tobruk, 1941. He died a noble death for one so bright and young. His soul now rests in God's care, but his memory still lingers on. —Remembered by Fred and Gwen. PORTER In loving memory of Allan, killed at Tobruk, May 1, 1941. Till memory fades and life departs, you will live forever in our hearts. —Ever remembered by his mother and father and brothers, Brian and Mervyn.

Advertiser Monday 1 May 1944, PORTER—In loving memory of Pte. Allan Porter, killed in action May 1. 1941. remembered by Jim and Allan PORTER. —In fond memory of Allan killed In action. Tobruk. May 1, 1941. A token of love and affection, of one we will never. forget. —Always remembered by the Cliff family. Maylands. PORTER. —In remembrance of our nephew. Allan, killed in action. Tobruk. May 1, 1941. Just a token, tender and true. to say. dear Allan, we think of you. —By his uncle Arthur, auntie Carrie, and family. PORTER. —In loving memory ot our nephew Allan, who was killed in action. Tobruk. May 1, 1941. Beautiful memories never die. —inserted by uncle Lew. auntie Myrtle, and family. PORTER. —In memory of Allan. AIF killed at Tobruk. May 1, 1941. There's a road called remembrance, where thoughts and wishes meet; some day we will take that road, to the one we long to greet. — Remembered. Mother, father and brothers. PORTER—In memory of Allan Glanville, killed Tobruk May 1. 1941. Although three years have passed away, to us who love his memory, it seems just yesterday. —inserted by his loving sister Gwen, brother-in-law Fred. PORTER In loving memory of Allan AIF. killed at Tobruk on May 1. 1941 Time rolls on. but memories stay of a brother I loved and miss to this day. — Remembered by his sister Joyce (WAAAF). PORTER. —In loving memory ot our friend. Allan, Killed Tobruk, May I. 1941. Time drifts on but memory stays. —inserted by Glad. Mrs Moore, and Jack (R.A.N.). 

Advertiser Tuesday 1 May 1945, PORTER. —In loving memory of my brother Allan, who was killed at Tobruk. May 1. 1941. Love lights the gloom of sorrow; faith sees the dawn to be hope awakes the glad tomorrow that brings us nearer thee. —Ever remembered by his sister Joyce (W.A.A.A.F.) PORTER—In loving memory of my brother Allan, who was killed in action at Tobruk May 1 1941. We hoped for his safe return, and longed to clasp his hand, but God postponed that meeting, it will be in a better land. —Always remembered by his sister Gwen and brother-in law Fred and family. PORTER- In loving memory of Allan, who was killed at Tobruk May 1. 1941. He has won a higher guardian, lasting peace from earthly strife, leaving us the' bright example of a pure and noble life. —Inserted by his loving mother, father and brothers, Brian and Mervyn. PORTER. —In loving memory of Allan, killed at Tobruk. 1941.—Inserted by Uncle Harold and family. PORTER. Allan, killed at Tobruk. 1941. —Ever remembered by Aunty Carrie, Uncle Arthur, and family. PORTER- —In loving memory of Pte. A. Porter, who was killed in action—. May 1, 1941. To be with us in the same old way would be our greatest wish today. Inserted by his mates. S. J. and F A. Fulton. PORTER. —In loving memory of our friend Allan, who made the supreme sacrifice at Tobruk. May 1. 1941.—Gone but not forgotten. —Glad. Mrs. Moore. Jack (R.A.N.). PORTER-—A tribute of honor to Allan, killed in action, Tobruk. May 1. 1941. To all who knew and loved him his memory will never grow old. —Always remembered by Mr. and Mrs. Cliff and family. Maylands. 

Advertiser Wednesday 1 May 1946, PORTER. —In loving memory of Pte. Allan Porter, 2/48th Batt killed in action on May 1 1941 at Tobruk, Things have changed in so many ways, but one thing changes never, the memories of those happy days when we were all together. Ever remembered by his mother and father and brothers Jimmie and Merv. PORTER. —In memory of my brother Allan, killed in action Tobruk May 1 1941 For us he gave his all. Ever loved and remembered by his sister Joyce. PORTER. -In memory of my brother Allan, Killed Tobruk May 1 1941. Just a token of remembrance, for one who asking no reward made the supreme sacrifice for those he loved. Loved and missed always, Gwen and Fred. PORTER In loving memory of our friend Allan who died at Tobruk. He gave his all. Mrs Moore, Glad, Jack and Heather. PORTER In loving memory of Allan, killed in action May 1 1941 Tobruk. A leaf from the book of memory is gently turned today. Always remembered by Mr and Mrs Cliff and Family, Maylands. PORTER In loving memory of Pte Allan Porter killed in action May 1 1941. Ever remembered by Fulton family. PORTER In memory of Allan, killed at Tobruk May 1 1941. Always remembered by Viv.

Advertiser Thursday 1 May 1947, PORTER. —In loving memory of Allan, killed in action at Tobruk. May 1. 1941. Years may dawn and fade away; loving memories of Allan will always stay. — Ever remembered by his mother, father, brothers, Brian, Mervyn. PORTER. —In loving memory of Allan, killed in action at Tobruk. May 1, 1941. Memories sweet of one so dear, treasured deep from year to year. Ever remembered by his sister Joyce. PORTER. —In loving memory of Allan, killed May 1, 1941. His memory, though time is passing, never dims, but strengthens yearly in the hearts of those that loved and miss him always. Ever remembered by his sister and brother-in-law. Gwen and Fred. PORTER. —In loving memory of Pte. Allan Porter, killed in action. May 1, 1941. Always remembered by the Fulton family. PORTER. —In loving memory of Allan, killed in action, Tobruk, May 1, 1841. As you rest in peaceful sleep, your memory we will always keep. Ever remembered by Mr. and Mrs. Cliff and family. Maylands. 

Compiled from a personal biography written by Allan’s youngest brother, Mervyn Porter with additional research by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133, 2/48th Battalion.