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Gerald was born in Glenelg on the 13th January 1905 the eighth of 11 children of Laurence (Larry) and Frances O’Loughlin and one of seven sons. Gerald’s siblings included Cornelius (Neil) V., John (Jack), Lawrence, Frank, Charles, Patrick, Ethel, Kitty, Frances, (who became Sister M. Colette at the Convent of Mercy, Parkside), and Gertrude.
Gerald’s father, a farmer, served as a parliamentarian from 1890 until 1918 because “There was a desire at the time on the part of most of the farmers to get direct representation, and a petition was got up asking me to contest the district of Frome. I stood in the Liberal interest as a farmer and had the support of pretty well all the farmers in the district.” During his parliamentary career, he undertook roles including Commissioner of Crown Lands in the Holder Ministry and later, Speaker of the House during the Peake Government. The Advertiser in January ’27 recounted that ‘because of his knowledge of agricultural matters, Mr. O’Loughlin, in 1893, was appointed a member of a Commission to enquire into the prospects of opening up the Pinnaroo country. The Commission recommended the building of a railway, but the recommendation was not acted upon until 10 years later. Realising the possibilities of the Pinnaroo district, Mr. O'Loughlin sold his property in the north and selected land in the newly opened mallee country, being one of the first settlers at Pinnaroo. His defeat in 1918 gave him an opportunity to seek a well-earned rest from public life, and he retired to his property, which had been carried on for many years by his sons.’
Soon after the birth of the next son, Paddy in 1906 Gerald and the family moved to the new farm which was about six miles out from what would become the township of Pinnaroo. Laurence and Frances were amongst the first residents to settle on the land in this area, experiencing all the pioneering hardships but were also exceptionally active in the local community, The oldest son, Neil also was a pioneer in clearing and fencing the land in preparation for productive farming, living in a tent as the scrub clearing work was done. He also acted as a manager of his father’s farm. Being a strong Catholic family, the boys were active in the Catholic Men’s Society.
The younger children’s early education was at the local Oaks school before the boys headed to the all-boys Catholic Christian Brothers College in Adelaide. Once his schooling was completed, Gerald returned to Pinnaroo and assisted his older brothers who were establishing their own farms. He then gained employment with the Railways.
As a 21-year-old he announced his engagement in the Register in October ’26. ‘SUTTON— O'LOUGHLIN.— The engagement is announced of Miss Hetty Margaret Sutton, third daughter of Mr. and Mrs. D. Sutton, Murray Bridge, to Mr. Gerald R. O'Loughlin, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. L. O'Loughlin, of Pinnaroo.’ This was not to last. Then just days after his 22nd birthday, his 75-year-old father, Laurence died on the 25th January ‘27. His mother died on the 1st July ’38, also aged 75, followed by his second oldest brother, 48 year old John Francis three weeks later. Eventually Gerald and his younger brother, Patrick acquired their own farm at Gurrai.
Gerald was passionate about local horse racing and was incensed at the inconsiderate changing of dates by the the Pinnaroo Racing Club. He was prompted to write and have a letter published in the local Pinnaroo and Border Times in March ’33 protsting at the action by the Racing Club to postpone their meeting to a date that clashed with the Gurrai Sports, an action that would be greatly deplored by horse owners and competitors, also some of the public, who were desirous of attending both fixtures. When the committee of the Gurrai Sports held their sports meeting, it was decided to hold their annual fixture on the 11th of March, although the 4th would have suited them better, but in consideration of horse owners, the public and the Pinnaroo Racing Club, it was decided to try and 'cooperate with everyone and hold the function a week later. However, I feel sure that our patrons will still attend the Gurrai fixture where they will be made welcome and also will have the satisfaction of helping a “going concern”.
Gerald and his brothers Frank and Charles were the backbone of the local Oaks cricket team, performing creditably with Gerald especially as a bowler and reliable at the crease as an opening batsman. Frank, the wicket keeper, would frequently prepare the pitch which was described as playing perfectly during the whole of a match. A strong rivalry existed between the Pinnaroo Buffalo Lodge and The Oaks, for whom the O’Loughlins played. Gerald also owned a horse called Caress that won ‘in a decisive fashion’ at the Pinnaroo New Year’s day Sports of ‘36
With the outbreak of WWII Gerald was already part of the Militia as S686, having enlisted at Keswick in December ’40 initially with the 4th Garrison Battalion. At that stage, his younger brother, 34-year-old Paddy had already enlisted in July, becoming SX7535 with the 2/48th Battalion. Gerald had an expensive 2 days’ absence without leave in January, which cost him two days’ pay. Soon after he transferred to the 18th Garrison Battalion but by March had contracted a severe fever, requiring hospitalisation. He fortunately recovered before being officially discharged on the 21st July so he could enlist to serve in the A.I.F. the following day on the 22nd July ‘41, becoming SX13754 and also serving in the 2/48th battalion. At that stage, 35-year-old Gerald was a Railway employee. As had Paddy, Gerald also nominated his oldest brother, Cornelius (Neil) who was living in Swan Hill, as his next of kin.
Gerald had pre-embarkation leave and returned home to spend time with his family. The local paper reported that ‘There was a happy gathering at the Oaks hall on Thursday evening last to honour Pte. Gerald O’Loughlin who was home on leave. Community singing and dancing, interspersed with friendly discussions between those present were the order of the evening. Several personal friends of the guest journeyed from Pinnaroo.’ After supper, best wishes were extended by several speakers to Gerald before a presentation was made. ‘Gerald made a suitable response and expressed his thanks to his many friends present. For He’s A Jolly Good Fellow was sung and at the conclusion of the function all joined hands for Auld Lang Syne. '
By October ’41 Gerald was in the Middle East but in the voyage across had contracted mumps and was hospitalised on the ship and soon detached to the Base Postal Unit before returning to the 2/48th Battalion.
In November ’41, the local Pinnaroo and Border Times published a letter Gerald wrote of his trip over to the Middle East. ‘I had a splendid trip over but was glad to get off the boat as I am not keen on sea travel. We had Mass every morning on the boat. Father Elliot was the Priest. There are no Pinnaroo boys with me. It is Sunday and most of the boys are writing letters. The weather has been perfect. I expect some leave in two weeks’ time might then be able to see some of the cities. There is a picture show every night and it is really good. Admission is only sixpence. The YMCA supply writing materials and pen and ink free. We also receive gifts from the Comforts Fund. We get our washing done free which is a great help. Camels are very numerous here. I am just watching 32 go past my tent. The sheep are more like goats to look at. There is an Australian cemetery of the last war nearby. The prices charged by the canteen are reasonable and they supply a good service.’
The following year in August ’42 a further letter from Gerald was sent to his older brother Frank and published. ‘I have just come back from a long trip on leave. Had a wonderful time. My mate and I were lucky in winning a double at the races for which we received £26 for 2/6d. The only reason we backed the winning double was because they were the only two horses with Aussie names—Ajax and Shakreen. Ron Drew is my mate. He hails from Queensland. We have been together for six months and intend trying to transfer to a Victorian Battalion. I have seen all the big places here, including Port Said, Alexandria and Cairo. We are going on leave again in about a Week’s time, probably to Jerusalem. We are hoping to return to Australia but do not think it is likely for some time. The weather is perfect, just like spring— no dust, no rain—just mild sunshine every day. I was bowled over in an air raid about three weeks ago and suffered with concussion. I was not seriously injured. The bomb landed in the water about 70 yards from us. I have been lucky at the races. Meetings are held on Saturday and Sunday. The Government take 25 p.c. from the tote. The horses are not bad, and the courses are good. I have not seen anyone from Pinnaroo for about six months. Some of the cities are very dirty in the native quarters. Beer costs about 2/3 per bottle but only 1/3 at the canteen. My mate is a teetotaller and I have spent very little on drink. You can’t drink and see everything at the same time. How is everyone at Pinnaroo? Would be pleased to receive mail at any time. I had a job as wog basher for a time. It is marvellous how soon one picks up their lingo. We can go to the pictures every night, if desired. When it blows here the wind reaches 60 miles an hour for 48 hours on end. This occurs about once every six weeks. Apart from this the climate is splendid.’
At that stage, it was evident that Gerald was unaware of his brother, Paddy’s death, killed in action on the 22nd July. Back home the local paper carried the news. ‘Quite a gloom was cast over the town and district last week, when news was received that Cpl. Patrick F. O'Loughlin was killed in action in Egypt on July 22. He was the fifth son of the late Hon. L. O'Loughlin. He enlisted in June, 1940, and went abroad the following October. The Rev. Fr. Bustelli conveyed the sad news to the family, and celebrated Mass at the homestead the following morning, which was consoling to the relatives present. Paddy could be described as one of nature's gentlemen. He was popular with everyone. He was unmarried. The surviving brothers and sisters are: Neil (Swan Hill), Laurie, Charles, and Frank (Pinnaroo), Gerald (abroad), Ethel and Kitty (Pinnaroo), Francie, Sister M. Colette (Convent of Mercy, Parkside), Gertie (Port Fairy).’
Soon after the letter was published, Gerald contracted malaria and spent some time hospitalised. Returning to his unit he lost his pay book ‘by neglect’ and attracted another fine. It was fortunate that he was soon on his way back to Australia via Sydney. He had time home on leave in March ’43 with the Badman brothers who had also served in the 2/48th Battalion. Representatives of the Cheer Society, Returned Soldiers’ League and Pinnaroo Girls’ Club honoured the record number of over 20 soldiers home on leave. Each soldier received a gift from the Girls’ Club. For They Are Jolly Good Fellows was heartily; rendered and four rousing cheers given. L/Sgt. Norm. Badman SX7903 responded on behalf of all soldiers, thanking the speakers and all present for their good wishes. He said how grateful the boys were for “the fine spirit of cooperation and fellowship shown to their parents whilst they were occupied in Military duties.”
By July Gerald was posted to the Northern Territory where an initial prognosis of arthritis was eventually refined to being osteoarthritis in his left hip joint. Following hospitalisation, Gerald enjoyed some leave but inevitably, his diagnosis led to his being discharged from the 2/48th battalion in December ‘43.
The family lost another son, 53-year-old Laurence Theodore who had served with the 2nd Ammunition Column with the 1st AIF. He died on the 13th April, 1946 and is buried in the Pinnaroo Cemetery as are his parents. He was the third son of the late Hon Mr and Mrs. L. O’Loughlin and older brother of Gerald. The Pinnaroo and Border Times reported that ‘His death came as a great shock to residents who had conversed with him a day or two before his death, and a gloom was cast over the district. The deceased was a very popular resident, evidence of which was seen at the funeral on when a very large gathering assembled to pay final tribute. The cortege which wended its way from the Catholic Church to the Pinnaroo cemetery included visitors from as far away as Lameroo and from towns on the Victorian side of the Border. Returned men marched at the head of the procession, followed by members of the RAOB Lodge and a long line of cars. The service was conducted by Rev. D. Ruane, after which the Pledge of Remembrance was recited by the RSA President.’
Gerald’s return to live in Pinnaroo was heralded in May ‘46 returning to farm without Paddy by his side. He followed his late father’s lead in supporting changes. By ’47 he was encouraging the privatisation of Banks, a move some locals had suggested was backed by Nazis or Communists. In a letter to the editor, Gerald argued that several of the supporters of the announcement had very creditable and honourable military records. He added ‘that there are thousands of people behind this bill who have just as good, if not better, war-time records than some of the small-town residents, in a few country districts who evidently over-rate their own importance. Quite a lot of the opposition to the move in this district, is because it is sponsored by the Labor Party.’ He concluded his passionate letter with ‘Profits made now by trading banks will after nationalisation, be made by the treasury and eventually help to reduce taxation generally.’
By 1950 Gerald and brother Charles were both leaders in the protest against the Federal Government’s proposal to levy a special tax on wool. They believed that woolgrowers had put up with low prices during years of depression and droughts but with the price having reached a high level the government wished to take a portion from the producer by way of a special tax. They argued “It. was wrong to impose this special tax. This and many other districts were subject to droughts which may occur at any time, and the extra money received now would offset poor returns received, in another season.”
Gerald also returned to playing cricket in a match supported by the residents from Parilla, Parilla Well, Pinnaroo and The Oaks. It was held at a farmhouse where the pitch had been graded. The Oaks called themselves ‘Grasshoppers’, whilst Parilla Well chose ‘Grass Seeds’. Gerald topped the batting with 17, scoring the only six of the match. He also became an active supporter of the Parilla Well Football Club by donating an annual trophy and undertaking the role of Vice President. He was a popular announcer at the Parilla Sports Day and generally highly involved in a wide range of local events.
Gerald died on the 1st August 1972 and rests in Centennial Park Cemetery. A plaque commemorating Gerald’s service is at Centennial Park, with a tribute from his two surviving siblings, Frank and Frances.
Researched and written by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133, 2/48th Battalion.