Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Alfred William Thomas Retallack
William and Lilly Retallack had ten children, with two sets of twins, Alfred and Arthur being the fourth and fifth, but first sons, born on the 24th May 1915 at Manoora Forster, SA. Sadly, the subsequent set of twins, Noel and Norman died in early childhood aged 4 and 2 years respectively. Their eighth child, Eric also died.
While Alfred and Arthur were the sporting boys in the family, their older sisters, Olive and Myrtle were winning awards for their school work and garment making. Alfred eventually followed in their footsteps gained a school award for his note book in 1927 aged 12.
From an early age, Alf and Arthur excelled in both football and tennis. As under 16s they represented Bordertown in football and continued to compete in the United Churches’ Easter Tournament, where Alf succumbed to Arthur in the Handicap singles but also played strongly in the mixed and single competitions. They also successfully paired together for doubles.
In June 1936, the twins celebrated their 21st with a lavish celebration in the local Masonic Hall where games, music and dancing were the order of the night before the two received the traditional gold key and gifts. Their mother, Lilly made a two-tier cake with the traditional candle lighting and singing of "Auld Lang Syne".
On the 7th July 1942, Arthur and Alfred enlisted to serve in WWII. Coincidentally this was the same time as Private SX20308 Herbert Arthur Nash who enlisted at Frances, Balcombe, Victoria with the 2/1 Port Operating Company. Herbert married the twins’ sister, Olive during the War at Bordertown on July 29, 1944 before finally being discharged on the 9th January 1946.
A delightful story recorded in the local newspaper, the Border Chronicle, relates the community spirit and helpfulness of Alf; ‘ Although the emphasis is placed on community spirit and co-operative societies in these days of grace, all too often do we see opportunities for individual help passed by. It is pleasing, therefore, to note that some chances are availed of. Last Friday evening Mr Walter Fridd was returning home from Bordertown along Wolseley summer track in his buggy and pair. The sensitive animals took fright at an approaching freight train and smashed the buggy pole. Mr Fridd tethered the animals and walked to his brother Edgar's residence to secure a makeshift pole to continue his journey. Unknown to the principals, Alf. Retallack, a local returned soldier, was travelling to Bordertown on the train and witnessed the episode. On arrival at his home he saddled the only horse on the place and rode to the Fridd's with a buggy pole. By this time a makeshift pole had been fashioned from a tree limb, but nonetheless his spontaneous and generous action is greatly appreciated.’
Towards the end of the war communications relaxed with the local paper recording fellow old school mate, Leading-Stoker Angus Macdonald meeting up with Alf and Arthur in an unnamed location. In typical Australian tradition, troops were updated with a key tradition; ‘Moving pictures of the 1945 Melbourne Cup were filmed and flown to Borneo in time to enable the A.I.F. lads there to witness the running of Australia's classic turf event on the Thursday following the Tuesday on which the cup was run. Among those who saw the pictures at a Borneo camp were Art and Alf Retallack, who have recorded the fact in a letter received by their parents, Mr and Mrs W. J. Retallack of Bordertown, this week.’
Alfred remained unmarried, outliving his twin brother by 5 years. He died on the 26th October 2000, aged 85 years. He is buried in the Bordertown Cemetery, as are his parents William and Lilly, Arthur, the other young twin brothers Noel and Norman and Eric.
Tribute written by Kaye Lee, Grand-daughter of Blanche Cummings (nee Retallack)