LAW, Alexander
| Service Number: | 24102 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 6 March 1940, Melbourne, Victoria |
| Last Rank: | Leading Stoker |
| Last Unit: | HMAS Torrens (Depot) / HMAS Encounter (Shore) |
| Born: | Waikerie, South Australia, 7 April 1921 |
| Home Town: | Waikerie, Loxton Waikerie, South Australia |
| Schooling: | Waikerie State School, South Australia |
| Occupation: | Fruit grower |
| Died: | Motor vehicle accident, Kingston On Murray, South Australia, 6 March 1943, aged 21 years |
| Cemetery: |
Waikerie General Cemetery, SA |
| Memorials: | Adelaide WW2 Wall of Remembrance, Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour, Holder School Memorial, Waikerie War Memorial |
World War 2 Service
| 6 Mar 1940: | Enlisted Royal Australian Navy, 24102, Melbourne, Victoria | |
|---|---|---|
| 6 Mar 1940: | Enlisted Royal Australian Navy, Leading Seaman, 24102 | |
| 7 Mar 1940: | Involvement Royal Australian Navy, 24102 | |
| 6 Mar 1943: | Involvement Royal Australian Navy, Leading Stoker, 24102, HMAS Torrens (Depot) / HMAS Encounter (Shore) |
Help us honour Alexander Law's service by contributing information, stories, and images so that they can be preserved for future generations.
Add my storyBiography
Alexander “Lex” LAW was the eldest son born on the 7th April, 1921 to Alexander and Robina Elder LAW at Waikerie. He had a brother Ian and sister Evelyn. Alexander (Snr.) was an original “Anzac” who served in Gallipoli and in France during ‘The Great War’ (World War 1).
Lex enlisted in the RAN attesting on 6th March 1940. At that time he was a fruit grower, described as 5’7” tall, fresh faced with straight brown hair and blue eyes. His overseas service was impressive and included participation in the evacuation of Crete, in the bombardment of Syria, and the withdrawal of Australian troops from Tobruk. He also served with British destroyers in the Atlantic on very dangerous convoy work.
In March 1943, Lex, like other servicemen were allowed “harvest leave”. Lex and an old school mate, Bruce Allen was on leave in Waikerie at this time. On Friday the 5th March, 1943, Lex took a local 18 year old girl, Anita SEARLE, to a dance at Barmera. Bruce travelled with them. In the early hours of Saturday morning, 6th March 1943, as they returned from the dance, their car crashed into a tree on the ‘Kingston-on-Murray main highway’, 21 miles east from Waikerie. Lex and Anita were killed instantly and Bruce was injured. Lex and Anita were buried on Sunday the 7th March, 1943 at the Waikerie Cemetery.
Alexander LAW is commemorated at the Australian War Memorial on the Roll of Honour.
Lex is also commemorated with a tree and plaque in the WAIKERIE War Memorial Gardens.
Click images to start slideshow.