Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Hurtle Lawrence Zacher
Hurtle was born in the Riverland town of Wanbi, a railway junction town on the 31st January 1918. He was one of six children with two brothers, Leslie and Leon and three sisters, Sylvia, Jean and Ida. His parents Carl and Paulina, were recognised as being one of the oldest pioneers in their district with Carl being an astute farmer who regularly produced quality hay on his 100 acres. In June 1938 the local paper reported on the worst hailstorm the Zachers had experienced. Paulina recalled Hurtle clearing three Inches of hail from the roof of their home with which her other young son, Leslie made a pile four feet high which “did not melt until a week after the storm." She was amazed at the size of the stones being the size of a sparrow's egg.
As with most country communities, the local Show was an important community event. Typically, Hurtle was involved as a steward for the Wanbi Show in the diverse poultry, cats and dogs exhibitions.
Hurtle was also a talented sportsman, particularly enjoying football playing for Wanbi and winning two best and fairest with the club. In summer he was a cany tennis player, well respected for his cheery personality, and a in general was popular young man. He helped his father on the family farm until He enlisted on the 28th June, 1941, soon after his 23rd birthday, becoming SX13461 in the newly formed 2/48th Battalion where he served in the Middle East with the 9th Division. Hurtle rose to the rank of Corporal and on leave back in South Australia announced his engagement to Agnes Bates of Lucindale in August 1942. At that stage others of his family were fully engaged in helping the war effort, including his married sister, Jean Banks in the AWAS, brothers-in-Law, Lance Banks and Lawrie Wilson.
The war was still in progress so after more training Hurtle was sent to New Guinea. He was killed in action in New Guinea on the 17th November 1943, just 25 years old. John Glenn describes that day in his book, Tobruk to Tarakan where the remaining two platoons of B Company were thrown in a frontal attack. Under the leadership of Corporal Radbone, the Japanese positions were charged, grenades thrown as the group ran. Lieutenant’s Robinson’s group also charged, coming under small arms fire. “In view of the time and casualties suffered it was now decided to withdraw the two platoons… Our casualties for the day had been six killed and twenty-six wounded. Lieutenant F.A. Norton, Privates E.J. Woodroffe, H.L. Zacker, I.S. Ogilvie, R. G. Bowen and L.T. Dixon had all paid the supreme sacrifice.”
With his fallen comrades, Hurtle is buried at the Lae War Cemetery. With the war drawing to an end, fellow soldiers were welcomed home at the Wanbi local Institute. The Advertiser reported that; “During the evening Mr. C H. Zacher unveiled a photograph of his late son Hurtle, who was killed in action in New Guinea. Mrs. Zacher presented the photograph to the local sub-branch of the RSL. It has been decided to build a RSL room on to the Institute, also a ladles' cloak room. These additions will be the district's memorial to those who served in the war. — The usual Anzac commemoration service was held, conducted by the Rev. Ball, of Berri. The service was especially dedicated to the late Hurtle Zacher and Alec Williams, who died on service.”
Hurtle’s family, fiancée and friends continued to remember him:
Advertiser (Adelaide, SA: 1931 - 1954), Monday 6 December 1943, ZACHER, H. L.- Memories of our son. killed. N.G. November 17. Away in a beautiful somewhere, sheltered from sorrow and pain: some day when life's journey is ended, dear, we will meet again. Sadly missed by dad and mother. ZACHER, H. L. —In loving memory of Hurtle (Tack). killed in action. N.G. November 17. So dearly loved, so sadly missed. —Ever remembered by his loving fiancée. Agnes.
ZACHER, H. L.—ln loving memory of my dear brother, killed in action. N.G. Nov. 17. One of the bravest, one of the best: with so much to remember, how could we forget. —Ever remembered by Silvia. Laurie (AIF), Ian.
ZACHER, H. L.—ln loving memory of our dear brother, killed in action. N.G. on November 17. He never complained, he was always so kind, he was one of those brothers hard to find. —Ever remembered by Les and Leon.
ZACHER, H. L—Treasured memories of my brother, killed in action. N.G. Nov. 17. Nobody knows the heartache, only those can tell who lost a loving brother, without that last farewell. —Remembered by Jean (A.W.A.S.) Lance (A.I.F.)
ZACHER, H. L.—ln loving memory of Hurtle, killed in action. N.G. November 17. His smiling face and happy ways shall linger with us always. —Loved friend of Horrie, Laurel and family.
Advertiser (Adelaide, SA: 1931 - 1954), Monday 13 December 1943, ZACHER. —In memory of Hurtle, killed in action, N.G. November 17. Thoughts go back to bygone days, time moves on, but memories stay. inserted by Ralph and Fay Roberts.
Advertiser (Adelaide, SA: 1931 - 1954), Thursday 16 December 1943, ZACHER, Pte. H. L. —Loving memories of Hurtle, who made the supreme sacrifice. N.G Nov. 17. Not just today, but every day. in silence we will remember. —Dearly loved by Arch, Joyce and Reg.
ZACKER. —A tribute to Hurtle. Who gave his life in N.G. Nov. 17. "A soldier and a gentleman."—lnserted by T. L. Richardson and family.
Advertiser (Adelaide, SA: 1931 - 1954), Friday 17 November 1944, ZACHER. —In honor or the memory of Hurtle. A pal to remember. —lnserted by his pal Pte. H. H. Lawrence. 2/8th Aust. Field Ambulance.
ZACHER In loving memory of Hurtle, AIF., killed N.G., November 17. 1943. What would I give, your hand to clasp, your loving face to see. to be together once again, just as we used to be. —Ever remembered by his loving brother Leslie.
ZACHER —In loving memory of my dear son Hurtle. AIF., killed N.G November 17. 1943. Gone from us his smiling face, those pleasant, cheerful ways; a heart that won so many friends in happy, bygone days. —Ever remembered by his loving dad.
ZACHER—To the memory of my beloved stepson Hurtle. AIF, killed N.G. November 17. 1943. When last we saw your smiling face, you looked so bright and well, how did we think that day would be our last farewell. —Ever remembered by mother, and brother Leon.
ZACHER. H. L.—ln proud and loving memory of my darling brother, paid the supreme sacrifice. N.G. November 17, 1943. No morning dawns or evening falls, without a thought of you, dear. —Ever remembered by your loving sister Jean, brother-in-law Lance (ex A.I.F.)
ZACKER—In proud and loving memory of our dear brother. Hurtle, killed in action November 17. 1943, in N.G. One year has passed since that sad day when one we loved was called away. The end was sudden, the shock severe, we little knew the end was near. Loved in life, honored in death, a beautiful memory Is all we have left. —Ever remembered by Ida and Ned.
ZACHER, H. L. —In loving memory of Hurtle, killed in action. N.G, November 17. Three little words, not hard write, but I will remember them always my darling brother. —Ever remembered by Sylvia. Laurie (ex AIF.), lan.
ZACHER. H. L.—A tribute of honor to Hurtle, killed in action in N.G. November 17. He never complained, he wasn't that kind, just one of those friends hard to find. —Ever remembered by the Wilson family. Islington.
ZACHER. —In memory of Hurtle (A.I.F.). killed in N.G, November 17. 1943. "Lest we forget."—lnserted by Mr. and Mrs. Bates.
ZACHER. —In loving memory of Hurtle (AIF.). killed in action. N.G, November 17. I943. Time drifts on. but memories stay. —lnserted by his fiancée Agnes
ZACHER—In honor of the memory of Hurtle. Always a friend, fond memories linger. — Cec. Dolcie, Rex and Pam Arney. Macclesfield, also Jack Woods, AIF.
ZACHER In loving memory of our friend Hurtle, who lost his life while serving his country November 17. His duty nobly done. —Ever remembered by Mr. and Mrs. Topsfield. and family
ZACHER. Pte. H. L. —In memory of our friend Hurtle who paid the supreme sacrifice November 17 1943. in silence we remember. —Inserted by Mr and Mrs. Wheaton and family Wanbi.
ZACHER. —Loving memory of Hurtle, who paid the supreme sacrifice November 17. There's a face that is always with us; there's a voice we would love to hear; there's a smile we'll always re member of one so dear. —Fondly remembered by Stella, Alf. and nephews Alf, Ray and Dean (AIF)
ZACHER. —In memory of our sincere friend Hurtle, killed in action. New Guinea. November 17. 1943. At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember. —Inserted by Horrie, Laurel, and children.
ZACHER. —In remembrance of our friend Hurtle, who paid the supreme sacrifice in New Guinea on November 17, 1943. —Inserted by members Wanbi R.S-A.
ZACHER. —In memory of Pte. Hurtle Zacher, killed in action at Satelberg, November 17. 1943. They shall not grow old as we that are left grow old: age shall not weary, or the years condemn. At the going down of the sun. and in the morning, we shall remember them. Inserted by his mate Pte. Andrewartha. SX13499. 2/48th Bat.
Advertiser (Adelaide, SA: 1931 - 1954), Saturday 17 November 1945, ZACHER, Hurtle. —In memory of our beloved son and brother, killed, N.G. November 17. 1943. Two sad years have passed. But love and grief remain: In life he was so dear to us. In death he is the same. —Ever remembered by your loving parents, brothers Leslie and Leon.
ZACHER. H. L. —In loving memory of Hurtle, killed in action in N.G. November 17, 1943. One of the bravest, one of the best. With so much to remember, how could we forget? —Ever remembered by Harrie. Laurel, and children.
ZACHER, H. L—Treasured memories of my dear brother, K.I.A. N.G Nov. 17. 1943. You left behind some aching hearts, that loved you most sincere; they never have, and never will forget you. brother, dear. —Ever remembered by your loving sister Jean, brother-in-law Lance (ex-AJ.F.) ZACHER. —Loving memories of Hurtle, killed in action, N.G. Nov. 17. Deep in our hearts a memory is kept of one we will never forget. —Sadly missed by Stella. Alf. nephews Alf, Ray. Dean (ex-A.I.F.) ZACHER. Hurtle. —A tribute to Hurtle, killed in action. N.G. Honored among Australia's brave. — Members Wanbi RSL.
ZACHER. Hurtle. —In remembrance of Hurtle. —Mr. and Mrs. N. Arney and family.
ZACHER. —In memory of Hurtle. 2/48th Batt. killed in action Satelburg. November 17. 1943. A true pal at rest. — Inserted by Roger Lawrence.
Advertiser (Adelaide, SA: 1931 - 1954), Monday 17 November 1947, ZACHER- —Loving memories of Hurtle, killed N.G., Nov. 17, 1943. Not dead, just sleeping, resting where no shadows fall, in peace and quiet he awaits us all. —Remembered always by mother and dad.
ZACHER, H. L.—Cherished memories of my dear brother. K.I.A., N.G. November 17. 1943. Love in death should make us see what love on earth should always be. —Remembered always by your loving sister Jean and Lance.
ZACHER. Pte. H. L.—Treasured memories of our darling brother, killed in action in N.C November 17, 1943. Dearly loved, sadly missed by Laurence. Sylvia, lan, Dennis and Colleen.
Advertiser (Adelaide, SA: 1931 - 1954), Wednesday 17 November 1948, ZACHER. —In loving memory of our dear son Hurtle, killed Satelberg, N.G., November 17, 1943. We who loved him so dearly, can never forget. —Ever remembered by his loving parents mother, dad, and brothers Leslie and Leon.
ZACHER, Pte. H. L.—Loving memories of Hurtle, who gave his life in N.G. November 17. 1943. Not for one moment are you forgotten, darling brother. —sadly missed. Sylvia. Lawrence. Ian.
ZACHER, H. L.—ln memory of my dear brother. K.i.a. N.G. Nov. 17. 1943. You live with us in memory still, not Just today, but always. — Ever remembered by your loving sister Jean and Lance.
Advertiser (Adelaide, SA: 1931 - 1954), Thursday 17 November 1949, page 20 ZACHER. —In fond and loving memoir of our dear son Hurtle, killed in action. Satelberg. N.G. November 17. 1943. Memories are just as dear today As in the hour he passed away. —Ever remembered by father and mother, brothers Leslie and Leon.
ZACHER. H. L.—ln loving memory of Hurtle. K.i.a. November 17. Tears roll off. but memories stay As near and dear as yesterday —Ever remembered by his loving sister Jean and Lance.
Researched and written by Kaye Lee daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133 2/48th