Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Colin Keith DAY SX31645

Born in Prospect on the 6th February 1924, Colin was one of Kenneth and Rose Day’s three sons with brothers Malcolm and Gordon. The family moved to Lameroo in the Murray Mallee region of South Australia, known for sheep and grain production.

Colin attended the local Lameroo School where he was a capable student, receiving honours in Year 9 English, History, Algebra and Geometry topping his class. In his Intermediate results, Colin was successful in Mathematics 1, History, and Geography. He was also a capable cricket captain and a successful bowler and batter. Similarly, he captained the school football team.

Post school, Colin gained an apprenticeship as a plumber improver. Then, as an 18-year-old, Colin joined the Militia full time as S110106 before he enlisted, aged 19, to serve in WWII on June 4th 1943, just over the border in Dubbo, NSW. He then proudly became SX31645, spending his first leave at home in Lameroo with a fellow enlistee, Norman Drogemuller, SX28934.

From Townsville Colin was shipped to Lae, but contracted Dengue fever, returning to Queensland and home for brief leave. A dance was held at the Lameroo Institute to honour Colin with a number of speeches being given, including by the Returned Men, church Reverend and the local District representative. Joyous dancing was reported until the witching hour.

Colin was then initially transferred to the 2/43rd Battalion in May ’44 before joining the 2/48th Battalion in July. He arrived in Tarakan in April ’45 but was killed in action at Tarakan whilst scout to a patrol in the jungle on the 2nd June 1945, aged just 21. Initially Colin was buried in the field but he now rests in the Labuan War Cemetery. The local ‘Pinnaroo and Border Times’ described Colin as ‘a firm favourite with all who knew him, and his passing means another sad blow to this district.’

A poignant tribute was also published anonymously in the local paper:

In remembrance of Pte Colin Day, Lameroo, and Cpl Alf. Badman, Pinnaroo, killed in action at Tarakan.

Will you walk with me in the heat of day

Till we come to the cross-roads on the way,

On a dusty road on Tarakan,

To a scene in the scheme of the war’s mad plan.

There are soldiers there in a little square,

Who will breathe no more of the dust-filled air,

On the trails they died, by the road they rest,

With foreign soil on each manly breast.

On the crosses marking the arid mounds

Are the tales of courage which knew no bounds,

“Killed in Action’’ and “Died of Wounds’’-—-

These wasted lives are the war’s worst ruins.

You will see their mates at the gravesides stand slouch hats held in hand,

And you may grieve, as they will too,

For the hopes and dreams which will not come true.

You gaze at the flag which hangs from the mast

To honor the men who were staunch till the last,

And fancy you hear a quiet voice say,

“Australia, my country, will you repay?” ‘

‘Will you warm, my hearth, give daily bread

To the hungry mouths which once were fed

Through the sweat and toil of a fallen man,

Who sleeps by the road on Tarakan?”

So when you return, by the dusty road.

 You will bear your share of a sacred load,

And a pride, whose flame burned strong in them,

Will burn till the sound, of the last Amen.

TARAKAN, June 1945. ANON.

His family and friends also continued to remember him each year.

Advertiser Monday 11 June 1945, DAY, C K.—ln loving memory of our dear nephew. Colin, who gave his life at Tarakan June 2. —Ever remembered by auntie Jean, uncle Allan, and cousins.

Advertiser Saturday 1 June 1946, DAY. C. K— In loving memory of Colin, who paid the supreme sacrifice at Tarakan. June 2. 1945.—Always remembered by Uncle Lloyd. Auntie Essie and boys, of Reeves Plains. DAY. — In loving memory of Colin, killed In action. Tarakan. June 2. 1945 — Remembered always by grandpa and Auntie Laura. DAY, SX31645 Pte. C. K.—ln proud and loving memory of Colin, killed in action at Tarakan. June 2. 1945. Lest we forget. —Fondly remembered by Uncle Ralph. Auntie Jean and cousins. Lameroo. DAY. Pte. C. K. SX31645. 2/48th — Killed in action. Tarakan. June 2. 1945 —Cherished memories, grandma, auntie. uncle and girls. West Croydon. DAY. —In loving memory of Colin who gave his life at Tarakan. June 2 945. —Ever remembered by auntie Ruby, uncle Murray, and cousins. DAY. Pte. C K—ln remembrance of Colin. killed at Tarakan. June 2. 1945 A little white cross, so far from here, marks the resting place or a friend so dear. —His friend. Myra. 

Advertiser Monday 3 June 1946, DAY. C. K.—ln memory of Colin, killed In action June 2, 1945. Tarakan —Ever remembered by Barbara. DAY. -In loving memory of our dear nephew and cousin. Colin, killed in action at Tarakan on June 2. 1945.—Always re-membered by Uncle Allen, Aunty Jean, and cousins. DAY-In proud and loving memory of dear Colin, SX31645. 2/48Btn. killed in action. Tarakan June 2, 1945. whilst scout to a patrol in the jungle. Greater love hath no man than to lay down his life for his friends. Sadly missed by mother, father and brothers. DAY. —In loving memory of Colin, killed at Tarakan June 2. 1945. Not Just today. but always will remember. —Uncle Don, Aunty Greeta and family. DAY C.K. SX31645 In memory of I my pal Colin, killed in action at Tarakan June 2. 1945. Resting in a soldier's grave. Ever remembered by Doug.

Advertiser Monday 2 June 1947, DAY, C. K., 2/48th. —A tribute of love and memory to dear Colin, killed in action, Tarakan, June 2, 1945. —Ever remembered by his parents and brothers. DAY. —In loving memory of Colin, killed in action, Tarakan, June 2, 1945. Remembered always. —Uncle Ralph, Auntie Jean and cousins. DAY Pte. C. K., 2/48th Inf. Bat. — In memory of Colin, killed in action at Tarakan, June 2, 1945. —Ever remembered by Myra. 

Advertiser Wednesday 2 June 1948, DAY. Pte. Colin K. late 2/48th Batt. —in proud, and loving memory, of dear Colin, killed in action. Tarakan, June 2, 1945. —Always remembered by father, mother and brothers. DAY. —In memory of Colin, killed in action. Tarakan, June 2, 1945. — Barbara.

Researched and written by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133 2/48th Battalion