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War Memorial
Australia

‘A Wonderful Soldier’

Archibald and Rosa Badman had a large family of ten children, five girls; Gladys, Evelyn, Laura, Edith, and Ruth and five boys; Harold, Stan, Reginald, Norm and Alfred. Alf was the youngest son born on 5th January, 1920 at Hamley Bridge, situated at the junction of the Gilbert and Light Rivers to the north of Adelaide. The growing family moved to live in Pinnaroo in the Murray Mallee region, at a property called ‘Hill View’. The whole family had a strong Christian upbringing in the Methodist Church. From early years, 7-year-old Alf and his sisters Evelyn and Laura were regular attendees at the Young Worshippers League. Alf also proved to be an active and talented participant at the Methodist Sunday School Anniversary in ’35 when, aged 15, he and Roy Mann gave a flute duet with the local ‘Pinnaroo and Border Times’ reporting that the successful boys “were forced to make a second appearance”. To celebrate Christmas in ‘38, the young people created a powerful play that reflected three sections of a Stained-Glass Window being unveiled and telling the story of Christmas. Alf played the part of a well-dressed man while his sister, Edith represented the Madonna and also played Brahms’s Lullaby as a solo. In November the following year, the Church Strawberry Fair and Ball also included a humorous detective play, entitled “The Man on the Sofa”. Again, three of the Badman children were involved with Alf as Tom Collins, Norm as Captain Travers and Evelyn as Mary Taylor.

All of the Badman children attended the Pinnaroo School with Alf proving to be academically able, regularly being named amongst the top four students who were awarded Gold Stars for their class work. The school also encouraged students to be involved with the school gardens and with home projects where progress was documented throughout the growing season from soil preparation, planting and to picking the produce. At school, students were also allocated plots. Alf’s role was in growing vegetables while other groups were involved with pig rearing and keeping fowls.

Typical of country communities, Alf was also actively involved in local sporting competitions, including cricket, tennis and football. Post school he became a farmhand, working for the MacGillivray Family at Barmera.

Older brother Norman was one of the early enlistees to serve in WWII, signing up in June 1940. Alf was a member of the militia (Citizens Military Force) as Private S17939 with the 10th Battalion prior to the outbreak of WWII before he also enlisted at Wayville, on the 11th July, 1941, aged 21. He then became SX13639. During a brief period of pre-embarkation leave, the extended family gathered at Alf’s parents’ home with relatives coming from Jabuk, Cummins, Adelaide and Parrakie. His brother, Cpl. Norm Badman at that stage was abroad with the A.I.F.

Soon after, Alf was shipped to the Middle East where he undertook a Signals Instructional Course before joining the newly formed 2/48th Battalion, following in Norman’s footsteps.

He was soon in the thick of the action, sustaining a gunshot wound to his elbow in August 42, as did another local, Pte Wally Sharp. However, in an attempt to reassure readers, the ‘Pinaroo and Border Times’ reported that “In each case the report read, ‘wounded in action,’ therefore the injuries, are probably not serious.” The ‘Advertiser’ further added that ‘Pte. Badman enlisted in June, 1941, and sailed for overseas in the following November. His brother, Cpl. N. Badman, has been overseas for two years.’ In their September edition the local paper carried the comforting news that ‘Mr. and Mrs. A. P. Badman have also received word to the effect that their son, Pte Alf Badman, was well.’ He had also sustained Spinal concussion causing hospitalisation. Meanwhile it was an anxious wait for parents Archibald and Rosa as in November ’42 news about, Cpl. Norm Badman, being ‘wounded in action was received.

Alf finally left the dust and action of the Middle East as a vaunted Rat of Tobruk to return home via Melbourne and seasonal leave. It was to be a time of joy as he proposed to Maurine Joan Hubbard of Glossop on the 4th March 1943. With his newly promoted brother, now L/Sgt. Norm Badman, also home at the same time, the two were honoured guests at a social evening of games and competitions arranged in their honour by the Methodist Order of Knights and Girl Comrades. Engaged for just three months, the community helped create a memorable wedding day when Alf and Maurine married in the Berri Methodist Church on 5 June, 1943. Maureen’s sister, Dorothy was her bridesmaid and Alf chose his younger brother, Reginald as his best man. In a more light-hearted vein, later that month the Pinnaroo Methodist Order of Knights held a mock wedding and reception between Miss Flossie Platilda Flutterbrush and Mr. Murgatroyd Mugwompe with a celebratory glorified pie melon cake. Alf acted the role of the bridegroom’s grand-parent, an interesting feat as Alf was just 23 years old!

The following month the Methodist Order of Knights and Girl Comrades, carried out the country tradition of ‘tin-kettling’ newly married Len and Maureen. While the young couple were living with Alf’s parents, not in their own home, best wishes were made that it would not be long before they would be able to settle down in peaceful times. The ‘tin-kettlers’ provided the supper and coordinated games and other entertainment. Alf thanked the gathering for their good wishes and the manner in which they had welcomed Maureen to Pinnaroo. A rousing version of Auld Lang Syne concluded the festivities.

Following training in Queensland, Alf then left from Cairns to fight in totally different conditions in New Guinea. His ability as a leader were recognised with his promotion to L/Cpl in December of ’43. However, the tropical conditions meant that Alf contracted the debilitating scrub typhus and malaria causing him to be transferred to a hospital ship and thence back to Australia via Sydney and Kapara Convalescent Home at Glenelg SA. Nevertheless, it did allow him to have a brief time with his family. Alf and other members of the forces spending leave in the district, patronising a Diggers’ Ball in the Pinnaroo Institute in April. Alf’s tropical diseases were successfully treated, as was a foot ulcer which lasted for four months before he was able to return to his Battalion. By October ’44 Alf received a further promotion to Corporal. He was initially detached to the 2/12 Brigade Workshop but again ill health affected him with an Upper Respiratory Tract Infection, then tonsilitis causing further hospitalisation.

By the end of October ‘44, Alf re-joined the 2/48th Battalion and a return to Cairns before heading to Tarakan. Other locals serving overseas were quick to report when they met up with locals. WO Vic. Sampson (RAAF) wrote to his parents with an extract appearing in the ‘Pinnaroo and Border Times’:

“...Met Dick Wegner up north—he is a captain in the AIF. Also met an officer who has several Pinnaroo lads in his platoon—Dick Darke, Alf. and Norm Badman, and a few others, the names of whom I can’t think of at the moment. He thinks they are all wonderful soldiers, especially Alf. who, he said, has done a very good job and deserves a mention. It was good to hear first-hand what a good job the local boys have done.”

In less than a month after arriving in Tarakan, Borneo, Alf was killed in action on 20 March 1945. In Murray Farquhar’s book ‘Derrick V.C.’ the events experienced by Alf and the 2/48th men are described:

“In jungle combat, everything depends on individuals…. To pinch out that vital central knoll was imperative. With that gone, Japanese resistance would surely lessen. Meanwhile blood was being shed in the saddle. By this time snipers were wreaking havoc. Reflecting many years later, Os Gooden says “we had lost so many god section leaders – Alf Badman and Curly Ryan spring to mind. From aerial photographs we all knew how important that track was to the enemy.” In the recently published  book, ‘Derrick VC in His Own Words’ by Mark Johnson a diary entry by Derrick on the 20th May details the group being on the wrong track but killing one Japanese soldier before Alf was killed soon after.

Soon after, Diver Derrick was also to lose his life. Alf initially was buried in the field before his final resting place at Labuan War Cemetery, Brunei Bay.

The ‘Pinnaroo and Border Times’ broke the news to his close-knit community at home: ‘CPL A. BADMAN PAYS SUPREME SACRIFICE KILLED IN ACTION AT TARAKAN A reminder that the war was not yet wholly won, and that a heavy sacrifice of human lives was still being demanded, was given local residents, on Wednesday when the sad news was received of the death of Cpl Alf. Badman, son of Mr. and Mrs. A. Badman, of Pinnaroo. The report stated that he was killed at Tarakan. The whole district grieves with the bereaved family and young wife in their great loss.’ The Methodist Church which had joyously celebrated Alf’s wedding 18 months earlier, conducted a Memorial Service in his honour. Similarly, at a subsequent Council Meeting, members stood, observing a minute’s silence as a tribute to the late Corporal Alf Badman.

A poignant tribute, written anonymously was published in the ‘Pinnaroo and Border Times’

WAR GRAVES ON TARAKAN TARAKAN, June 1945. 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.

Back home, Alf’s family and friends continued to remember him.

Advertiser Thursday 24 May 1945, BADMAN. A. L. SX13639.—1n remembrance of my loving husband. Alf. 2/48th Batt- 9th Div.at Tarakan. on May 20. Always thoughtful loving and kind, Beautiful memories he has left behind. Inserted by his loving wife Maurine. 

Advertiser Wednesday 30 May 1945, BADMAN, Cpl Alfred Irving.—A proud and loving tribute to the memory of our brother, Alfred, who made the supreme sacrifice at Tarakan on May 20. Greater love hath no man. —Ever remembered by Harold. Chrissie and niece Joy.

Advertiser Thursday 31 May 1945, BADMAN. Corporal Alfred Irving. — Killed in action Tarakan. May 20. "Lest we forget."—Lovingly remembered. Gladys Alan, Dorothy, Robert. BADMAN. A. I. —A tribute to the memory of our cobber. A I.F., who gave his life on Tarakan. May 20, 1949. A soldier and a man. —Ever remembered by Vin. Goodes and Fred Pocock (ex A Coy. 2/48th Batt) 

Advertiser Thursday 7 June 1945, BADMAN. —Treasured memories of our dear brother Alf who paid the supreme sacrifice at Tarakan, May 20 We who loved you sadly miss you. — Proudly remembered by Ev. Carrie and family. 

Advertiser Friday 22 June 1945, RETURN THANKS Mr. and Mrs. A. P. Badman and family. at Pinnaroo and Mrs. Alf Badman desire to sincerely thank the many kind friends and relatives for letters, cards, telegrams, and personal expressions of sympathy in the sad loss of -their son, brother and beloved husband, who gave his life on May 20 at Tarakan. Will all please accept this as their personal expression of deepest gratitude?

Advertiser Monday 20 May 1946, BADMAN, Cpl. A. I. 2/48 Batt. —In proud remembrance of my brother Alf, who made the supreme sacrifice at Tarakan on May 20, 1945. Greater love hath no man. Ever remembered. Harold, Chrissie, Joy. BADMAN. —Dear to our memory is our brother, Alf, who died a hero. He lived clean, loved sincerely, laughed often. How can we ever forget? —Lovingly remembered by Clarrie, Ev. and family BADMAN, Cpl. A. I., SX13639. — In loving memory of Alf. killed Tarakan, May 20, 1943. I have had many a lonely heartache, shed many a silent tear; and always that great longing, just to have you here. — Sadly missed by his loving wife Maurine. BADMAN —In loving memory of our dear brother. Alf, killed in action at Tarakan May 20, 1945. —Ever remembered by Stan and Emma and nieces Junice and Evon. BADMAN. SX13639. Cpl. Alfred Irving Badman. —This war was won by deeds of valor not recorded. —Lovingly remembered as a hero by Aunty May BADMAN. Cpl., A. SX13639. — In loving memory of our beloved youngest son and brother, Alfred, who gave his life at Tarakan. May 20. 1945. He was not spared to see the peace in the country he helped to save, but we remember him as a hero, and treasure the life he gave. —Remembered by father, mother and Norm. BADMAN. —In proud and loving memory of our dear brother, who paid the supreme sacrifice on Tarakan, May 20, 1945 He lived clean, loved sincerely and laughed often. His life an Inspiration, his memory a benediction. —Lovingly remembered by Laura, Clarrie and kiddies. BADMAN. —A tribute of love to the memory of our beloved brother and uncle. Alf, killed at Tarakan. May 20. 1945. We have him in our memory, God has him in His care. —Ever remembered by Ede, Stan and girls. BADMAN. —In proud and loving memory of brother Alfred. 2/48th Battalion, k.i.a. Tarakan, May 20, 1945. Years pass by but memories stay, as near and dear as yesterday. —Ever remembered, Gladys and Alan. BADMAN. —Treasured memories of Uncle Alf who was k.i.a. at Tarakan, May 20, 1945. He died that we might live. —loved by Dorothy. Robert. Gilbert BADMAN. —In loving memory of our dear brother Alf (Corporal SX13639 A.I.F), killed in action, Tarakan, May 20, 1945. He lived clean, loved sincerely and laughed often: his life an inspiration, his memory a benediction. —Ever remembered and sadly missed by his brother Reg, Oriel and children. 

Advertiser Thursday 23 May 1946, BADMAN. GIDDINGS. DERRICK. —In memory of Alf, Jack, and Tom. 2/48th Batt., killed in action. Tarakan. May, 1945.—Always remembered by Art Williams, ex-2/48th Batt., A.I.F. 

Advertiser Tuesday 20 May 1947, BADMAN. — Dear to our memory is Alf. Eternal honor to one so brave, lying in his soldier's grave. — Ever remembered by Clarrie. Ev and family. Parrakie. BADMAN — In loving memory of our dear son and brother Alf. who gave his life at Tarakan on May 20 1945. A distant grave, a lonely thing, A little white cross, no flowers can bring. But in our hearts, dear Alf, Your memory will always cling. — Lovingly remembered by mother, father, brothers and sisters. BADMAN. —Loving memories of Alfred. 2 /48th killed Tarakan. May 20. 1945. His cheerful ways and smiling face live with us for always. —Remembered by Glad, Alan. Dorothy and Robert. BADMAN — In loving memory of our dear brother Alfred, killed in action at Tarakan May 20. 1945. — Always remembered by Reg. Oriel, and children. 

Advertiser Friday 23 May 1947, GIDDINGS. —In remembrance of Jack, who gave his life at Tarakan May 23, 1945. Also, Alf Badman, Tom Derrick (Tarakan), Max Trengrove (Satelberg), and other members of the 2/48th. Time passes, memories stay. —Inserted by Colin Fryar.

Advertiser Thursday 20 May 1948, BADMAN, Alfred I, SX13639.— In loving memory of my dear husband, Alf, killed in action at Tarakan May 20, 1945. Treasured memories will always linger - Ever remembered by his loving wife Maurine. BADMAN - Treasured memories of brave brother Alf, who paid the supreme sacrifice at Tarakan, May 20, 1945--Ever remembered by Harold, Chrissie and Joy BADMAN—Loving memories of Alf, killed in action, Tarakan May 20, 1945 - Always remembered, Glad, Alan, Robert and Dorothy.

Advertiser Friday 20 May 1949, BADMAN. — A tribute to the memory of Alfred, 2/48th Btn, killed Tarakan, May 20, 1945. — Lovingly remembered by Gladys, Alan, Dorothy and Robert. BADMAN. —Treasured memories of our brother Alf, who paid the supreme sacrifice at Tarakan on May 20, 1945. —Ever remembered by Harold, Chrissie and Joy. BADMAN, Alfred Irving. —In loving memory of my dear husband, Alf, killed Tarakan, May 20, 1945. — Ever remembered by his loving wife Maurine. 

Advertiser Saturday 20 May 1950, BADMAN. — Treasured memories of our brother AIF., who paid the supreme sacrifice at Tarakan. For those he loved he gave his all. — Ever remembered by Harold, Chrissie and Joy. 

Alfred’s father, Archibald died in January, 1948, soon after peace was declared. His remains are in the Pinnaroo Cemetery with Rosa’s. She died on July 1st 1964.

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

Other Service number S17939

Son of Archibald Alexander Pilkington Badman and Rosa May Badman; husband of Maurine Joan Badman, of Glossop, South Australia.