Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Charles was one of four children born to Alfred Stanley and Ethel Maude Holman. He was born on the 27th October 1913 at Broken Hill an isolated city in the outback, on the New South Wales and South Australian border, an area rich in minerals, especially silver, lead and zinc. Charles had three siblings, all sisters who were Mona, Mavis and Joyce. All children went to the local Broke Hill School where Charles left at the end of his Primary years.
Aged 16, Charles was one of 24 young men who applied for the position of junior clerk with the local electricity works. The process created quite a response from the Town Clerk, who was incensed that a decision would be made about the most suitable applicant without having ‘seen the handwriting of any of these boys and I cannot see how you can sit there and make a recommendation without knowing whether they write left hand or right hand or can write at all.’ He then highlighted that only one applicant had passed their Intermediate, adding ‘To appoint a boy of 17 or 18 years means that he is 21 before he has started to learn the job.’
Instead, Charlie gained employment in the Broken Hill North mine where there were frequent bouts of union activity, including go-slow policies, attempts for fixed contract prices, strikes and reports of landslides and the subsequent loss of life. Just prior to his wedding, nearly a thousand men were affected by a strike resulting from a serious mishap at the Number 1 Shaft which meant that truckers could not be placed. Just three days later Charles married Iris May Pinal on June 19th 1937 in the Oxide Street Methodist Church. They were to later welcome two children, Ron and Colleen.
In 1940, Charlie was a passenger involved in a car accident, injuring his arm and requiring hospitalisation. The driver of the car faced several charges, including failing to stop after an accident and also of failing to report the accident, as it collided with a stationary vehicle. A court case ensued.
An active recruiting drive, especially in country areas, following the eruption of WWII. The Barrier Daily Truth of April ’41 reported that ‘Recruiting for the A.I.F. brightened up yesterday when six applications were received and all passed their first medical examination and will proceed to the Recruit Reception Depot, Wayville, for their second medical examination and X-ray. The men examined yesterday were William Keith Keegan, John Campbell Carter, Charles Holman, Edward Arthur Moore, Albert Pearce, Jack Dune.’ Charlie was 27 when he enlisted, but a 39-year-old fellow enlistee commented that ‘"We're all needed now." who also enlisted for service with the A.I.F. at the local recruiting centre. ‘The majority of men who have joined up locally in the last fortnight have been in their late thirties. In one batch two men were 38 years of age and one was 39. ‘
Charlie officially enlisted on the 5th July 1941 and travelled to Wayville to begin his training. He was allocated the number SX13570 and initially placed in the 2/10th before then being transferred to the 2/48th Battalion. Following training in the bleak conditions of Woodside, he and fellow enlistees headed overseas for the Middle East, arriving on the 20th March ’42. Another Broken Hill local, Private Collin Campbell, also serving in the Middle East reported in the local paper that: 'Things are very tough out here in the desert. The dust storms are ten times worse than in Broken Hill and they blow for days and days at a time. The din of bombing and shell fire, and machine gun fire are terrific at times.’ This was Tobruk and the makings of the Rats of Tobruk.
Charlie undertook a stretcher bearer course while in Dimra in June ’42 but was soon wounded in action in July, reported as sustaining gunshot wounds in both feet. In July ’42 the fighting at Tel el Eisa intense fighting erupted. In Tobruk to Tarakan, John Glenn described the patrol led by lieutenant Jack Wilson and Sergeant Prime Willmott, which resulted in their deaths. ‘The remainder of the patrol immediately opened up on the trucks and the machine gun posts, killing a number of Germans and taking seven prisoners. When questioned, these Germans said they had become lost in the earlier engagement and had moved east. They had no idea where they were, were tired and confused and had been told to lift mines. Privates L Biele, R.M. Harper and C. Holman were wounded during the day.’
Charlie was evacuated to hospital before finally returning to the 2/48th in October when he was also promoted to Lt/Corporal. It is difficult to imagine both his recovery and return to being actively involved with his Battalion. His remaining days were brief.
Aged 28 years, Charlie was killed in action in Egypt on the 26th October 1942 in Egypt in the fierce fighting undertaken by the Allieds to capture Trig 29. Patrick Hoare, also from Broken Hill (SX8486), was killed in the same offensive. In his book, ‘Tobruk to Tarakan’, John Glenn describes that ‘the 2/48th had stirred up a real hornets’ nest’ He described the preceding nights where ‘an occasional burst from a machine gun disturbed the night of 24th October. Nevertheless, it was a busy time for the tired men. Little or no sleep could be had. A hot meal sent forward after dark was quickly swallowed. There was no time for yarning. Defences had to be improved, more digging and wiring done and patrols sent out.’ On that night alone 9 of the Battalion were killed and 20 wounded in action. Of these 16 were from South Australia and the remainder from Western Australia. The conditions where ‘arrangements were made for mines, wire ammunition, food, water, overhead cover, sandbags, tools, anti-tank guns, and all the rest, and holding the present position while preparing to launch another attack. And while all this was being done, the battalion was subjected to murderous fire from artillery and mortars. It says much for the battle-drill of the battalion and supporting arms that everything worked out smoothly, going off without a hitch.
‘The suddenness of this attack when it came, and the devastation caused by the artillery fire, created tremendous confusion in the enemy lines, leaving them no option but to make every effort to locate out exact position and try to seal off the penetration. Patrols of both sides were active; a number of clashes occurred in No Man’s Land. In the early hours of the morning a strong enemy patrol, led by a German officer, approached the left flank of D Company; there they came under the fire of Pat Hoare’s Bren gun. The officer soon fell, whereupon the patrol withdrew, carrying their wounded.’
‘At last light on the same front some three hundred enemy troops attacked, and D Company area was swept by small arms fire. During the action Private Pat Hoare was killed and Lance-Corporal Henry Lohmann was so badly hit that he died soon after.’
The Barrier Miner on the 11th November ’42 carried the news of Patrick and Charles’s deaths. ‘PRIVATE Patrick Hoare (23), son of Mrs. J. Hoare, of Lane, and the late Mr. J. Hoare, has been reported killed in action in Egypt. Pte. Charles Holman; of Marks Street, has also been reported killed in action in Egypt. These casualties were announced today. Pte. Hoare is one of four brothers who enlisted together in Broken Hill. and have been abroad for two years. The other brothers are Ptes. Jack, George and William Hoare. Private Holman was a married man with two children. He has also had considerable service abroad. He was previously wounded in action. Before enlisting he was employed at the North mine. He is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Stan Holman, of Wicks Street.’
The full extent of the losses was reported in the Chronicle later that month. Killed In Action. — SX8468 Pte. Patrick H. Hoare. 2/48th North Broken Hill (NSW); SX13570 Pte. Charles Holman, 2/48th Broken Hill; SX7771 Pte. Henry O. Lohmann, 2/48th, Murray Bridge; SX6848 Cpt. Alfred F. Meyer. 2/48th Renmark: SX3149 Col. Arthur H. Peters. 2/48th Macclesfield; . SX11768 Pte. John R. Smith, 2/48th Wardang Island; SX13535 Pte. Allan L. Thessinger, 2/48th, Jamestown. Died Of Wounds. — SX8164 Fte. Sydney R. Borowski, 2/43rd Burra; SX11376 Pte. James H. Bowes, 2/43rd Renmark; SX13162 Pte. Thomas B. Cosgrave, 2/48th Macclesfield: SX7917 Pte. Leslie A. King, Adelaide. Frank McCullough (SX12977) from Broken Hill was wounded at the same time. He served with the 2/43rd.
Initially Charlie and the others killed in the same offensive were buried in the Military Cemetery at Tel El Eisa. They were re-buried in the El Alamein War Cemetery on the 15th April ’43. Charlie now rests in Plot XVI Row G Grave 16. He is with 38-year-old Sergeant Charles Plummer SX7375 from College Park, 21-year-old Private Eric Stagbourer SX12157 from Minlaton, 25-year-old Private George Haywood SX8587 from Loxton all from the 2/48th Battalion as well as others from the 2/7th 2/23rd 2/24th 2/43rd Battalions. Charlie’s family chose the tribute ‘Duty Done for those he Loved. Always Remembered.’ for his headstone.
As so many Broken Hill young men had enlisted to serve, Anzac Day celebrations were always a poignant tribute to the fallen of both World Wars. At the ’43 Armistice Day Service two minutes' silence was observed in memory of the men and women who had paid the supreme sacrifice for their King and Country. Charlie’s parents and sisters laid a wreath in loving memory of Lance/ Cpl. Charles Holman. In ’44 the Barrier Miner reported that ‘The Memorial square was packed with people, and there were also crowds outside the picket fences, on nearby street corners, and the hotel balcony. The ceremony was short, but had a simple dignity, which was intensified by the unwavering attention of the crowd from the time the service began with the observance of the two minutes silence, until it ended. Many beautiful floral wreaths were laid at the base of the Memorial in honor of the fallen. Several were placed on Charlie’s behalf ‘In loving memory of L/Cpl. Charles Holman, ''Lest We Forget" from Alma Infants' Department. In Remembrance of L/Cpl, Chas. Holman, AIF, from M. and E, Pressier, In affectionate remembrance of L/Cpl. Chas. Holman from his wife and children.’ In ensuing years Charlie’s family continued to lay a number of wreaths in his memory.
The ’47 Dawn service was described in the ‘Barrier Daily Truth’. ‘Just before dawn groups of men standing near the Soldiers Hostel formed up and marched to the war memorial; past the crowd of silent citizens where they gathered as 'Stand To' and then the 'Last Post' and 'Reveille' were played by Bugler J. Keenen, as the first streaks of dawn appeared in the eastern sky. The impressive short ceremony was pregnant with meaning and the spirit of Anzac as the long dead comrades and friends came to mind. No one but felt the deep solemnity of this occasion, the 32nd Anzac Day. By daylight the Memorial presented a beautiful sight bedecked with the numbers of wreaths from relatives and friends.’ Wreaths were laid for the two friends in the 2/48th Battalion, killed at the same time – Private Patrick Hoare and L/Cpl Charles Holman with each wreath being from their family and friends. They were not forgotten.
In 1948 and following years, his children also laid a wreath ‘in loving memory of SX13570 L/Cpl. Chas Holman, always remembered by his wife (Iris) and children (Ron and Colleen) and another in loving memory of L/Cpl. . Charles Holman from his sister, Mona, Alf and family.
Life was not so easy for Iris and the young children. On the four years anniversary of Charlie’s death when Ron was 8 and Colleen 4, Iris was in the Police Court to attempt to return to her own premise she had shared with Charlie. She had been living with her own mother for 18 months but wanted to return. However, the large exiting family had rejected all attempts Iris had made to help them find more suitable and larger lodgings. Fortunately, the widow Iris was supported in her application.

Post War, Medals were sent to the next of kin of the soldiers. Initially, Charles’ were sent to the last recorded address belonging to Iris. However, she had re-married and moved so the medals were returned unclaimed. When Charles’ son Ron was 18 he was keen to have his father’s medals as a lasting memory of the father who had gone to war when Ron was still a very young child. Following a letter written by Iris, who had become Iris Goodwin, enabled Charles’ medals to finally be sent to his son in Feb ‘57. These included the 39/45 Star, African Star, Defence Medal, War Medal and Australian Service Medal. Precious and treasured mementos of the supreme sacrifice Charles had made.
For over a decade, the family continued to place a tribute to Charles in the local papers on the anniversary of his death.
Barrier Miner Tuesday 26 October 1943, HOLMAN. —In loving memory of our dear husband and father, L/Cpl. Charles Holman, killed in action at El Alamein on October 26, 1942. Deep in my heart is a longing for the one I love, and a smile hides many a tear; And although that longing can never come true. You are with me always, Chas, dear. Always remembered by his loving wife (Iris) and children (Ron and Colleen). HOLMAN. —In loving memory of our dear brother, brother-in-law and uncle, Charles, killed in action 26th October, 1942. Always remembered. Inserted by Mavis, Ted and family. HOLMAN. —In loving memory of L/Cpl. Charlie Holman, only son of Mr. and Mrs. S. Holman, killed in action EL Alamein, October 26, 1942. Resting in a soldier's grave, your memory honored with the brave. Inserted by his loving father, mother and sister (Joyce). HOLMAN. —In loving memory of our dear brother, L/Cpl. Charlie Holman, killed in action El Alamein, October 26. 1942. With tender love and deep regret, we who loved you can never regret. Sadly missed by Mona, Alf and family. HOLMAN. —In loving memory of our dear son-in-law and brother-in-law, L/Cpl. Charles Holman, killed in action at El Alamein on October 26, 1942. Too far away your grave to see, But not too far to remember thee. Always remembered by Mr, and Mrs. J. Pinal, Melva, Violet, Lilly, Joan, Eric, Alf and Joe.
Barrier Miner Thursday 26 October 1944, HOLMAN-In loving memory of our dear Husband and Daddy (L/Cpl. Charles Holman), Killed in Action at El Alamein on October 26, 1942. Always remembered by his wife and children (Iris, Ron and Colleen), HOLMAN-In loving memory of our dear Son and Brother (L/Cpl. Charles Holman), Killed in Action at El Alamein on October 26, 1942. His presence was our greatest pleasure. His memory now our dearest treasure. Always remembered by his loving mother, father, and sister (Joyce). HOLMAN-In loving memory of our dear Brother, Brother-in-law, and Uncle (L/Cpl. Charles Holman) Killed in Action at El Alamein on October 26, 1942. Always Remembered. Inserted by his loving sister (Mona), Alf and children. HOLMAN. -In loving memory of my dear nephew, L/Cpl. Charles Holman, killed in action at El Alamein on October 26, 1942. Ever remembered by his Aunty (Blanche). HOLMAN, L/CPL.-A tribute to the memory of my Pal and Cousin (Charles), Killed in Action at El Alamein on October 26, 1942. A thought for today. A memory forever, Inserted by Max Cates, Ex 2/48th Batt., AIF. Ret.
Barrier Miner), Friday 26 October 1945, HOLMAN. -In loving memory of our dear son and brother, Holman, killed in action October 26, 1942. Sweetest memories Deeply treasured. Always remembered mother, sisters (Mona, HOLMAN. -In loving memory of my dear husband and father Chas., Holman, SX13570 killed in action October 26, 1942 always remembered by his wife and children (Iris, Ron and. Colleen) HOLMAN.-In loving memory of our dear son-in-law Charles, S.X13570 October 26, 1942. we remember. Inserted by J. Pinall, Eric and Melva, Lily, Joan, Violet, Alf and Joe.
Barrier Miner Saturday 26 October 1946, HOLMAN, L/Cpl. In loving memory of our dear son and brother, who made the supreme sacrifice, El Alamein, October 26, 1942. We have a precious memory to Treasure Our whole lives through, Its sweetness will live forever, It's the memory, dear Charles, of you. Always remembered by father, mother, sisters, Mona, Mavis, Joyce. HOLMAN. -In loving memory of L/Cpl. Chas Holman, SX13570, K.I.A. Egypt, October. 26, 1942. Always remembered by Mr. and Mrs. J. Pinal, Eric and Melva, Lily, Joan, Violet, Alf and Joe. HOLMAN. -In loving memory of our dear husband and father, L/Cpl. Chas Holman, SX13570, K.I.A. Egypt, October 26, 1942. Always remembered by his wife, Iris, and children, Ron and Colleen. HOLMAN. -In loving memory of our dear brother, brother-in-law and uncle (L/Cpl. Charles Holman), killed in action, El Alamein, October 26, 1942. Remembered always by Mona, Alf, Margaret, Ian, Gordon and Barry.
Barrier Miner Monday 27 October 1947, HOLMAN. —In loving memory of our dear husband and father, SX 13570 L/Cpl. Chas. Holman, k.i.a. October 26, 1942. Always remembered by his wife (Iris) and children (Ron and Colleen). HOLMAN. —In loving memory of SX 13570 L/Cpl. Chas. Holman, k.i.a. October 26, 1942. Always remembered by Mr. and Mrs. J. Pinal, Melva, Violet, Lilly, Joan. Eric, Alf and Joe.
Barrier Miner Tuesday 26 October 1948, HOLMAN. —In loving memory of our dear son and brother (L/Cpl. Charles Holman, SX13570), killed in action, El Alamein, October 26, 1942. Time cannot dim the memory Of one we loved so well. Always remembered by his loving father, mother, sisters Mona, Mavis, Joyce. HOLMAN. —In- loving memory of our dear husband and father. SX13570 L/Cpl. Chas. Holman. K.I.A., Egypt, October 26, 1942. Always remembered by his wife (Iris) and children (Ron and Colleen),
Barrier Miner Wednesday 26 October 1949, page 7HOLMAN. —In. loving memory of SX13570, Lance-Corporal Chas. Holman, killed in action, October 26, 1942. Always remembered by his wife Iris, children Ron and Colleen. In Memoriam HOLMAN (Chas., L./Cpl.). —In loving memory of our dear son and brother, killed in action, El Alamein, October 26, 1942. Ever Remembered Inserted by his father, mother and sisters.
Barrier Miner Thursday 26 October 1950, HOLMAN (Chas. L/Cpl.).-In loving memory of our dear son and brother, killed in action El Alamein, October 26, 1942. Always remembered by his loving father, mother, sisters (Mona, Mavis, Joyce). HOLMAN. -In loving memory of SX13570 L/Cpl. Chas. Holman, killed in action El Alamein, October 26, 1942. Always remembered by his wife (Iris) and children (Ron and Colleen).
Barrier Miner Friday 26 October 1951, HOLMAN: —In loving memory of our dear son and brother (Charlie), killed at El Alamein, Egypt, October 26th, 1942. Ever remembered by his father, mother, sisters Mona, Mavis, Joyce HOLMAN: —In loving memory of SX13570 L/Cpl. "Chas" Holman. K.I.A.. October 26th. 1942. Always remembered by his wife Iris, and children Ron and Colleen.
Barrier Miner Saturday 25 October 1952, HOLMAN. - In loving memory of SX13570 L. Cpl. Charles Holman, killed at El Alamein, Egypt, October 26, 1942. Ever remembered by his loving father, mother and sisters, Mona, Mavis and Joyce. HOLMAN. - In loving memory of SX13570 L./Cpl. Chas Holman, K.I.A., October 26, 1942. Always remembered by Iris, Ron, Colleen.
Barrier Miner Monday 26 October 1953, HOLMAN. — In loving memory of L./Cpl. Charles Holman, killed in action El Alamein, October 26, 1942. Ever remembered by his loved ones.
Barrier Miner Tuesday 26 October 1954, HOLMAN, - In loving memory of L/Cpl. Charles Holman, killed in action El Alamein, October 26, 1942. Ever remembered, by his loving mother, father and sisters.
Researched and written by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133, 2/48th Battalion.