Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Ebenezer (Ebby or Eb) was born on the 12th September, 1899, according to his Militia records and later in correspondence from his family. However, when he enlisted to serve in WWII, he deducted three years from his age, changing his birth year to 1901 and therefore being under 40 years of age. Eb was born to Edward and Blanche Kilsby in the western suburb of Torrensville with siblings including Elsie, Rose, Harold and Eddie. Just prior to Eb’s ninth birthday, his 57-year-old father died on the 3rd September 1908 and was buried in the Hindmarsh Cemetery.
Aged 22, Ebenezer had an adolescent moment where he chose (or was dared) to set off a fire alarm. This resulted in an appearance in Court, which was widely reported. ‘Ebenezer Norman Kilsby was charged on Wednesday at the Adelaide Police Court with having given a false alarm of fire by tampering with a fire alarm, in Winwood street, Southwark, on the previous evening. He pleaded guilty. Constable Parkinson said he caught the defendant in the act of ringing the alarm. Sub-Inspector Nicholson said since January 16 there had been seven malicious calls from the same alarm. A fine of £3, with 10/- costs., was imposed.’
Just days after his 31st birthday, Eb’s mother, Blanche, also aged 57 like his father, died on the 24th of September. She was interred in the Hindmarsh Cemetery with her late husband. Seven years later, Ebenezer, then still unmarried, first enlisted at nearby Keswick to serve in the Militia on the 8th February 1938. He became S19793 with the 27th Battalion (SASR). At that stage he gave his birth date as 12th September 1899 and stated his age as 38 years 4 months, adding that he worked for Holdens Limited. He soon rose to rank of Corporal on the 2nd September ‘40.
However, with the outbreak of WWII, on the 9th July ’41 Eb then enlisted in Adelaide but this time changed his date of birth year to 1901 and his age to 39 years and nine months. By that time, he had married Elizabeth (Betty) and was living in New Hindmarsh with their two daughters, Frances and Helen.. Eb gave his occupation as both a gardener and a carpenter, so was obviously very fit looking and not afraid of work. He was allocated to the 2/48th Battalion as SX13621.
Following precious pre-embarkation leave with Betty and their two daughters, Frances and Helen, Ebenezer was soon on his way to the Middle East, arriving in Dimra in October ’41. He had some time with the 26 Australian Infantry Trig. Battalion before re-joining his original Battalion.
In June ’42 Eb contracted a worrying fever (called Pyrexia of Undetermined Origin) causing him to be hospitalised for a week before being able to return to the 2/48th. Unfortunately, the following month and just a year after he enlisted, Eb was killed in action on the 22nd July, 1942. All official records suggest he was 40 but it is more likely that he was 42. His battalion was attempting to capture West Point in a dawn attack. In late June, 42 with Rommel crossing into Egypt, the 2/48th were in an offensive to capture Trig 33, which was achieved on the 10th July. In doing so, over 400 Italian prisoners were taken. The 2/48th battalion then advanced south, capturing the Tel el Eisa station and repelling numerous counter attacks. However, they were eventually forced to withdraw, having suffered over 100 casualties. It was during this attack that Private Stan Gurney was awarded the 2/48th Battalion’s first VC having captured two machine gun posts and bayonetting the gun crew firing on his company but was killed attempting to take a third. The 2/48th battalion suffered 215 casualties between the 7th July and 23rd October. Of that number, 64 men were killed and six died of their wounds. 125 other men were wounded but survived.
In his book, ‘Tobruk to Tarakan’, John G. Glenn described the ferocious encounter;
‘When the troops were well forward of the start-line they came under terrific fire from shells and mortars from the front and left and suffered heavy casualties. With the slow deliberate movement of perfectly trained soldiers both companies continued the advance in perfect formation, over ground that trembled and erupted with vicious explosions. Through this, sometimes obscured by the smoke and dust, the men moved, and, as they advanced, the fire kept place with them, leaving behind the still shapes of fallen men among the camel bush and sand.’
Glenn later quotes 22-year-old Ray Bloffwitch SX7866 of D Company who was in the thick of the fighting:
‘The noise was terrific: German machine guns were spreading the fire right across our front. The continuous call for stretcher bearers told of our casualties. My section had just cleaned out a pocket when I saw another section cut down. Wally Shane fell and did not move. Then a little further forward, Sergeant Lin Evans was hit twice.’ Ebenezer was also killed with these fellow soldiers who were all initially buried nearby, with Ebenezer buried in Box Cemetery.

The Chronicle published a list of those killed in action in August ’42. In his list, all fifteen were from Eb’s 2/48th Battalion. Killed In Action SX8230 Pte Ronald A P Clemens. 2/48th Eden. SX5304 Pte Eric W Coleman 2/48th Thebarton SX7483 Pte Ivan C Hanel, 2/48th Norwood. SX13560 Pte Herbert J Hill Inf Stirling West SX7200 Pte Gordon J Jury 2/48th Torrensville. SX13621 Pte Ebenezer N Kilsby 2/48th. New Hindmarsh SX7399 L/Cpl Ray B Lovelock 2/48th Karoonda SX9316 Pte. Arthur L Phillips 2/48th Murray BridgeSX829P SX829P Pte Carle Sims 2/48th Norwood. SX12849 Pte Hartley R Stocker. 2/48th Birdwood SX7801 Pte. Edward S. Smith. 2/48th York. SX7740 Pte John K Stone. 2/48th Willowie. 3X7156 Pte Wilfred R. Wear. 2/48th Birkenhead. SX8636 Pte Victor L J. Young. 2/48th Adelaide Died Of Wounds SX8670 L/Cpl William J. Glennon 2/48th Alberton.
By this stage, Elizabeth was permanently living in the mid-north town of Burra where the local Burra Record announced Ebenezer’s death. ‘Mrs. Elizabeth Kilsby, of Welsh Place, Burra received the sad intelligence yesterday that her husband had been killed in action abroad. Mrs. Kilsby, to whom is offered the residents' deepest sympathy, only came to reside in Burra last May.’ Later that month, the local Women’s Comfort Funds Group also publicly extended their sympathy via the newspaper. ‘Our sympathy is extended to Mrs. Kilsby in the loss of her husband who died on active service.‘

Ebenezer was re-buried on the 22nd March, 1945 in the El Alamein War Cemetery In Plot A III, Row G Grave 16. He now rests with 25-year-old SX8087 Private Bill Fletcher and 28-year-old WX9834 Private T Burke from the 2/48th Battalion and others from the 2/13th, 2/24th and 2/28th Battalions who were killed at a similar time. Elizabeth chose the inscription ‘Treasured with a Love Sincere. Fond Memories of One so Dear’ for his headstone.
She and their daughters continued to live in Burra with Frances and Helen attending the local Primary School where Frances’ musical talents on the violin were frequently mentioned, including her winning first prize for her solo performance in 1945. Elizabeth also immersed herself in the local community including being on School Welfare Commitee and involved in the Salvation Army Women’s Home League. Ebenezer’s Medals, 1939/45 Star, Africa Star, Defence Medal, War Medal, and Australia Service Medal. were posted to the family in 1951.
The family continued to remember Ebenezer in the ensuing years.
Chronicle, Advertiser, Thursday 20 August 1942, KILSBY.—On July 22, Pte. E. N. Kilsby. killed in action in Egypt, dearly beloved husband of Betty, and loving father of Frances and Helen, Burra. He lived his life for others. KILSBY, E. N., Pte.—Killed in action in Egypt on July 22, dearly loved brother of Elsie, Rose, Harold (R.A.A.F.), sister in-law, nieces and nephews. At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember thee. KILSBY. E. N.—Killed in action on July 22.—Inserted by brother Eddy, wife, and son. KILSBY, E. N., Pte.—Killed in action in Egypt on July 22, dearly loved brother of Elsie, Rose, Harold (R.A.A.F.), sister-in-law, nieces and nephews. At the going down of the sun, and in the morn-ing, we will remember thee.
Advertiser Friday 23 July 1943, KILSBY.—In remembrance of my husband. Ebb, killed In action July 22 1942. El Alamein battle. Without farewell, he fell asleep, leaving sweet memories for us to keep.—inserted by his wife Betty, daughters Frances and Helen.
Advertiser Saturday 22 July 1944, KILSBY.—Sacred to memory of my dear brother, killed in action El Alamein July 22. 1942. Beautiful memories, dearer than gold, of a brother whose worth can never be told.—Ever remembered, sister Elsie, Stan (A.I.F.). Arnold (R.A.A F. KILSBY.—Sacred to the memory of my dear brother, killed in action El Alamein. July 22, 1942. To have you with us in the same old way would be my dearest wish today.—Ever remembered by his sister Rose. KILSBY. —In loving memory of dear Ebb. killed at El Alamein July 22. 1942 Without farewell he fell asleep, with just sweet memories for us to keep. —inserted by his loving wife and daughters. Francis and Helen. KILSBY. Pte. E. N.—To the memory of Ebby. killed in action in Egypt on June 1 22. 1942.—Eddy, Rona, Anthony.
Advertiser Tuesday 24 July 1945, KILSBY.—In loving memory of our dear husband and father, killed in action. El Alamein. July 22 1942. He'll walk beside us through the passing years and lift his hand to wipe away our tears. —Ever remembered by his loving wife Betty, and children Frances and Helen. KILSBY.—In memory of Pte. E. N. Kilsby, died in action July 22, 1942. Egypt. A toll to the brave.—Eddy and family.
Advertiser Monday 22 July 1946, KILSBY.—To the memory of my brother. Pte. E. N. who was killed El Alamein July 22. At the going down of the sun. and in the morning we will remember him.—Inserted by Harold. Melva and family. KILSBY.—In loving memory of my brother. Pte. E. N. who was killed at EI Alamein. July 22. Not just today, but every day in silence I remember. —Sadly missed sister, Rose. KILSBY. —In loving memory of my brother. Pte. E. N. who was killed at El Alamein July 22. A nature one could not help loving, a heart more precious than gold, to those who knew him his love will never grow old. —Sister Elsie and family.

By 1985, Ebenezer’s brother, Eddie started a search for more information about Eb’s war service as did a niece, Ruth. Both gave Eb’s birth date as 1899 with Ruth suggesting that he may have used his middle name, Norman as his surname.
Researched and written by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133, 2/48th Battalion.