Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

MAGAREY Alexander Roy MB BS DRCOG

1917-1969

Alexander Roy Magarey was born, in Adelaide, on 25th March 1917. He was the third son of Dr Rupert Eric Magarey and Elsie Emily, nee Cowell, of Stephen Terrace, Gilberton, SA. His older brother was James Rupert Magarey. He was educated at St Peter’s College and the University of Adelaide, where he graduated MB BS in 1941.

Magarey enlisted at the rank of captain, with the CMF, in July 1941 and named his father as his next of kin. He was called up for full-time duty on 28th May 1942 and initially, posted to 105 AMH. Transferring to 2/AIF, on 6th August 1942, he was posted to 10CCS, and embarked in Brisbane on the Anhui for Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea (PNG), on 12th August 1942. Magarey was treated as an inpatient in 10CCS, for malaria, in December 1942, this was the beginning of his extensive health problems. Magarey was then posted as RMO of 33 Australian Army Anti-aircraft Battery on 13th March 1943. However, he was evacuated back to Australia and admitted to 2/2 AGH, in May 1943, with Malaria and Pleurisy with effusions.  He had several admissions to different hospitals with the same condition until July 1943, when he was finally admitted to 105 AMH in SA.  When discharged he was then posted as MO to 105 AMH in January 1944. He continued to suffer with pulmonary disease and was again admitted to 105 AMH with the addition of Vincent’s Angina. He undertook a locum tenens relief, April 1944 for Dr Watson of Yorketown, SA. Magarey was again admitted to 105 AMH on 26th June 1944 with pulmonary disease later diagnosed as tuberculosis and medically reclassified in October 1944. He was discharged on 25th February 1945 and placed on the retired list the next day.

Magarey married Nelleen Judith Swann on 12th February 1947, at St Peter’s College Chapel. She was the daughter of Dr Eric John Swann and Nellie Swann, nee Sandland of Glenelg. After further training and after completing his DRCOG, in London, in 1952, Magarey entered general practice. Alexander Roy Magarey died on 4th November 1969, at Hyde Park, Unley, survived by his wife, son, a medical practitioner, and daughter.

Source

Blood, Sweat and Fears III: Medical Practitioners South Australia, who Served in World War 2. 

Swain, Jelly, Verco, Summers. Open Books Howden, Adelaide 2019. 

Uploaded by Annette Summers AO RFD