Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Ronald was born at Renmark almost a year to the day after his brother, Bruno, on the 30th December 1915. (Bruno was born on New Year’s Day, 1914). Ron was the seventh son in a family of ten of (Elizabeth) Helena Linke and Carl Bernhardt Hombsch. His siblings included Walter, Wilhelm (Bill) Theodor (Fred) Helena (who died soon after her birth in 1906), Harold, Paul (Ross), Bruno, Robert and Lorna. By the time Ron was nine, his oldest brother Walter had married a local girl, Chloris Trussell, with the young couple also settling to live in Cobdogla. Life was at times quite eventful as the families worked long hours to make a success of their land. In one incident, just after Walter’s wedding, their father sustained a broken collarbone and extensive bruising when he was thrown from his horse. He had been riding to nearby Loveday to work on one of the unallocated blocks in preparation for the summer season.
As children, everyone was expected to help, so their lifestyle was one of activity and cooperation but there certainly were times of celebration which usually included the entire family and community. The Cobdogla R.A.O.B. held annual picnics at the North Lake with families making the journey in an assortment of vehicles. For the children, sweets, fruit and lollies were a highlight, followed by a variety of sports. Ron consistently won the sprints in his age group as did his older brother Bruno in his higher age group. By 1929 Ron was winning races in his own division (11-13) and the next (13-15) plus the novelty three-legged race; he was quite an athlete.
At the end of each academic year, the Cobdogla School held their annual picnic on the North Lake, considered the ideal picnic spot. Almost any form of transport was used, including motor lorries to transport children, parents, staff and the school committee, food, book prizes and other necessities. The site was near the Government Boarding house. Because of the heat, early in the day the water had first claim on the children, before everyone sat down to an extensive luncheon. This was followed with each child being given a bag of sweets and oranges. Sporting competitions followed with book prizes presented for the winners, including Ron winning his Under 11 category in the 100 yard sprint and a young girl who would later feature in his life, Mary Reed performing well in the 6 – 9 age group of both the flat race and three legged race. The school also had a Christmas break-up of elocution and musical items, followed by the presentation of prizes. Ron featured in 1927 being one of three students to gain their QC (Qualifying Certificate). Business over, a regulation afternoon tea of cool drinks, sweets and fruits were provided for the children before they ‘left for their homes in a happy mood’. A Gala Day was held in October that year on the Loveday Park Oval. A wide variety of stalls were created with sweets, fancy goods, produce, cheap jack, hoop-la and even a poppy garden. For the children, races were held with Ron competing against Bruno in the over 9 age group and the two taking out first and second place – in birth order. All of the siblings placed well in the sporting events.
Post Primary School, Ron attended Barmera School, continuing to excel at the Berri Area sporting competitions between the Berri-Barmera Associated Schools, finishing second in the 440 yard Post Primary Boys championship over two successive years. The Hombsch family became renowned for their athleticism, particularly in football.
The Cobdogla Young Men’s Club also offered weekend entertainment and Sports at the North Lake where in the 15 – 17 age group Ron won the 100-yard sprint as well as coming second in the Open category. Ron had just turned 17 when his father died unexpectedly, aged 63. With a number of family still living at home it was essential for the boys to assist with the income.
By the time he was 19, Ron was a talented footballer playing alongside his older brothers, Walter, Albert and Harold, making quite a formidable team, frequently outclassing their opponents and being regulars in the goal kicking figures and best player list for Cobdogla. ‘The Hombsch brothers were towers of strength’ was the description used by the ‘Murray Pioneer and Australian River Record’. During the 1936 season an Eitzen Trophy was awarded based on the umpires’ votes for the most brilliant and most gentlemanly players for the Fairest in the Upper Murray Football competition. All four brothers scored votes with Harold taking out the trophy. Additionally, Ron was the team delegate at meetings for the Upper Murray Football Association. He was also the Cobdogla Cricket Club representative on the Progress Committee which was instrumental in the upkeep of the Cobdogla oval and approaching local council to help improve the oval. This particularly included the WWI memorial drinking fountain that had been out of commission for some time.
By 1939 Ron was selected in the Upper Murray Football Association team to play against the West Torrens League team at Berri. Again, all three brothers were selected with Ron named as second Ruckman, also as part of the rugged full back group.
Ron was also a highly respected cricketer known for his ‘hurricane hitting’. In a match against the Loveday Internment Camp in 1950 Ron scored 26 runs off the last six balls; 6, 4, 4, 6, 4 and 1 to top score with 37 runs. Similarly, he was also an accomplished tennis player.
In a house full of boys, sister Lorna’s 21st birthday was a cause for celebration. Over 150 friends filled the Cobdogla Soldiers’ Memorial Hall, where Ron spoke on behalf of Lorna as older brother Fred was in hospital. Bruno, who had by then enlisted in the A.I.F. had managed to have leave from Army duties in Melbourne to attend the celebrations.
Ron enlisted in the Royal Australian Airforce in May ‘41. The Cobdogla community immediately organised a social in his honour at the Cobdogla Hall where dancing and singing were a feature. Guest speakers highly praised Ron for his contributions to Cobdogla and presented him with gifts from the Cobdogla Ladies. Before heading away for training, in August 1941 Ron and nurse, Mary Audrey Reed both Cobdogla young people, announced their engagement. Mary was the second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. Reed, of Cobdogla, and niece of Miss R. Commane, of Barker Road, Prospect.
The worsening war and duty called with Ron travelling to Victoria to do his training before being posted to Rhodesia. Initially he was attached to the Coastal Command in England for some time before being transferred to the Middle East in April, 1943.
Ron’s young niece, Heather Hombsch in November ‘42 held four functions, a junk auction sale, a continental, ball and cricket match raising a creditable £115 ($230.00) in just three weeks for the Red Cross Junior Competition, knowing her efforts would in some way help her two uncles, Bruno and Ron.
Within a year, in August of 1943, Helena Hombsch had received the heart-wrenching news that her son Ron, just 27 years old, was missing in action. While at that stage unconfirmed, it was believed that he was killed in air operations on the night of July 25-26. The family held out hope that Ron had been injured or was captured as a POW as no body had been found. Few details were known, or rather, made public. What emerged was that Ron was involved in a flying battle over the Aegean Sea. This coincided with a huge ground battle where it was possible Ron’s plane was providing support to the troops. His plane, Wellington MP 627 of No. 38 Squadron, was officially recorded as having taken off ‘from Gambut at 0020 hours on 26 July, 1943 on an operational shipping reconnaissance in the Aegean Sea. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to Berka. Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1948 that the missing crew members had lost their lives at sea.’
Those crew members were:
Sergeant Arthur Carter (1212819) (RAFVR) (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
Flight Sergeant Ronald Victor Hombsch (416338) (Navigator Bomb Aimer)
Sergeant Mick Anthony Smith (1312603) (RAFVR) (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
Pilot Officer Edward Morgan Stanyon (129925) (RAFVR) (Second Pilot)
Sergeant Kenneth Frederick Woodhouse Stevens (1383083) (RAFVR) (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
Flying Officer Harold Adam Taylor (J/12821) (RCAF) (Pilot)
Ron’s family and his fiancée Mary eventually had to accept that Ron would not return, but they continued to grieve his loss. Young Heather Hombsch, who had just five years earlier done such a magnificent job fund raising for the Red Cross, was chosen for a more sombre role. She and her cousin, Carol in May ’47 were selected to place a wreath on behalf of the school in a touching ceremony, two years in the planning, at the Cobdogla Memorial Garden and Playground. An honour roll bearing the names of old scholars of World War II who made the supreme sacrifice was also unveiled. This carried Ron’s name as well as another uncle, Lewis Semmens who was killed In New Guinea, having survived the fighting in Egypt as a Rat of Tobruk. Others, like Ron’s brother, Bruno, who served were also named on an Honour Roll. It was a day of sad remembrance for the Hombsch family and their community.
Advertiser Saturday 11 March 1944, HOMBSCH, Flight-Sergeant Ronald Victor. —On July 26, 1943, now presumed killed, air operations, Middle East. A silent thought brings many a tear of the son I miss and loved so dear. Ever remembered by his loving mother. HOMBSCH. —In fond memory of our loving brother Ron (R.A.A.F.) presumed killed, air operations in Middle East, on July 26, 1943. His duty nobly done. Always remembered by Lorna Fred, and Bruno (A.1.F.).
Chronicle Thursday 16 March 1944, HOMBSCH, Flight-Sergeant Ronald Victor. — On July 26, 1943, now presumed killed, air operations, Middle East. A silent thought brings many a tear of the one I miss and loved so dear. — Ever remembered1 by his loving mother.
Advertiser Tuesday 25 July 1944, HOMBSCH. —In loving memory of my fiancée Ron, believed killed in air operations, 25-26 July. 1943.—Inserted by Mary Reed (W.A.A.A.F.).
Murray Pioneer Thursday 27 July 1944, HOMBSCH, Flt.-Sgt. R.V. In memory of our dear brother who was killed in Action in Middle East on the 26th July 1943. To have you with us in the same old way Would be our dearest wish to-day. Inserted by Harold and Wally.
Advertiser Wednesday 26 July 1944, HOMBSCH. —Sgt. Ron. believed killed air operations. July 25-26. 1943.—Fondly remembered by brother and sister-in-law. Paul, Muriel, nephews, Loveday. HOMBSCH. —Loving memory of my dear son Ron. died air operations, Middle East. July 26. 1943. No one knows the heartache, only those can tell, who have lost a loving son without a last farewell. — Ever remembered by mother. HOMBSCH. —Loving memory dear brother Ron, killed air operations. Middle East, July 26. 1943. To have you with us In the same old way would be our dearest wish today.—Ever remembered by brothers and sister Lorna.
Murray Pioneer Thursday 26 July 1945, HOMBSCH-In loving memory of Ron believed killed in air operations on July 25-28, 1943. -Inserted by Mary Reed. HOMBSCH, Flt.-Sgt. R. V. In loving memory of our dear Ron, who lost his life in air operations on the 26th July, 1943, in the Middle East. We often look at your photo and just can't believe it true. There are tears shed in silence as we think of you. We hoped for your safe return, But God postponed that meeting To a better land. -Ever remembered by his loving Mother, Sister and Brothers.
Advertiser Thursday 26 July 1945, HOMBSCH. F-Sgt. R. V.— ln loving memory of our dear son and brother Ron, presumed killed air operations M.E. on July 26. 1943. A little token, true and tender, to show, dear Ron. we still remember. —Ever remembered by his loving mother, sister and brothers. HOMBSCH. —In loving memory of Ron. believed killed in air operations on July 25-26. 1943.—Inserted by Mary Reed.
Advertiser Friday 26 July 1946, HOHBSCH, F. Sgt. Ronald Victor. — Treasured memories of our dear son and brother who, with all his gallant crew lost his life in the Middle East on July 26, 1943. Partings come, hearts are broken, loved ones go with words unspoken; we who loved him truly know how much we lost three years ago. —Ever remembered by his mother, sister and brothers. HOMBSCH. —In memory of Ron, killed in air operations, July 26. 1943. —Remembered always by Mary Reed.
Advertiser Saturday 26 July 1947, HOMBSCH. F/Sgt. Ronald. —ln loving memory of our dear son and brother Ron, Killed in air-operations on July 26. 1943 Treasured memories are all we have left of one we loved and will never forget. — Ever remembered by his mother, sister and brothers.
Murray Pioneer, Thursday 25 July 1946, HOMBSCH. F/Sgt. Ronald Victor. —In loving memory of our dear son and brother, Ron, who lost his life on July 26, 1943. We have missed you dear Ron, No one will ever know, We miss the sound of your much loved voice, And the sound of your footsteps near. Our hearts are ever longing for the one we loved so dear. —Always lovingly remembered by his mother, sister, and brothers.
Besides being remembered by his community on the Cobdogla Roll of Honour, Ron is remembered on the Alamein Memorial in Egypt, the Canberra Australian War Memorial and the Adelaide World War II Honour Roll, National War Memorial of SA on North Terrace.
Researched and written by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133 2/48th Battalion