Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

John was born at Myponga on the 13th June, 1920 to Alan Leslie and Matilda (Tilly) Rollbusch. He was one of six children with four sisters, Mildred, Ethel, Mary and Iva. The family lived in Oakbank in the Adelaide Hills. This beautiful setting alongside the Onkaparinga River proved fatal in October ’30 when Tilly and the girls went for a walk on the banks of the river but were startled by a bull. The Chronicle reported that ‘Mildred, the oldest girl, aged 11, crossed in safety, but somehow the mother and the other two little girls slipped on the green mossy bank and fell into a deep hole. Mrs. Rollbusch and the youngest girl were pulled out by the elder sister, but the other girl did not rise. Mr. H. Rollbusch, an uncle, jumped in, but on account of the depth of the water was some minutes in locating the girl. Efforts to restore animation were tried by those present without avail, and afterwards by Dr. Linn, of Woodside.’
The grieving family continued to remember their beautiful sister and daughter over the ensuing years. Advertiser Thursday 8 October 1931, ROLLBUSCH.—In loving memory of our loving daughter and sister, Iva, accidentally drowned at Oakbank on 8th October. 1930. One sad year of thinking Of the dear one we have lost; Only God in heaven knows What that parting cost. A happy child, so young, so bright; Her heart so full of love; Her voice that always cheered our home, Has gone to dwell above. She had a nature you couldn't help loving. And a heart that was purer than gold, And to those who knew her and loved her, Her memory will never grow cold. —Inserted by her loving father and mother, sisters and brother Mildred, Ethel, Mary, and Jack.’
The children all attended the local Oakbank School where their father, Alan was a member of the School Committee. Post school Jack worked as a Millhand with the flourishing Oakbank Woollen Mills. However, with the eruption of WWII a very strong recruiting campaign was conducted for the A.I.F. with enlistment stations at Oakbank and other regional areas as part of a huge drive aimed at encouraging fit young country men to join the army. About to turn 21, Jack initially enlisted at Oakbank in May then formally on the 10th June ’41 at Wayville where he became SX13188 with the 2/48th Battalion and undertook training at Woodside in the Adelaide Hills. His father, Alan Leslie, a gardener, enlisted a few days later on the 30th June, eventually becoming a Lance Corporal, SN S3262. Alan had also served with the 10th Infantry Battalion in WWII with the service number 5197, having enlisted on the 25th March 1916.
In December ’41 Jack successfully undertook a Mortar Course being described as a ‘Capable Mortar Man’. By April he was allocated to the Infantry Special Group, then by September had re-joined the 2/48th Battalion.
Following pre-embarkation leave, Jack was soon headed for the Middle East, arriving in Dimra in February ’42 but was almost immediately transferred to the ship’s hospital with mumps.
In August ’42 he was wounded when the 9th Division was rushed to the Alamein area where they remained for four months. However, Jack returned to his battalion but almost immediately was wounded for a second time with horrific gunshot wounds he was fortunate to survive. In John Glenn’s book, Tobruk to Tarakan the story is retold of ‘The gradual return of men to the 2/48th from hospital brought inspiring stories of endurance and sacrifice.. Of the two A Company men who faced death under a hail of fire from tanks near the Blockhouse in order to get Johnny Rollbusch, who had lost both legs, from his trench when it was destroyed by a direct hit, then carried him back to the R.A.P. When Clarrie Duffield was being congratulated on the fine work done by stretcher bearers the following story was told of Clarrie and of Eric Sterzl of D Company:
‘When Eric Sterzl was shot through the arm Clarrie bandaged it and told him to get back, and then moved to the side of another man. Clarrie had just placed his stretcher on the ground when he heard someone coming. It was Sterzl. Clarrie said, “Get back, I’ll wait here for another bearer.” Sterzl replied: ‘That man can’t walk, I can.” For hundreds of yards, over uneven ground, Sterzl helped carry that stretcher with his wounded mate on it and got him out.’
The battle had a profound impact on the 2/48th with the list published in the News testimony to those in the Battalion either killed or wounded. They included Killed in Action: Lce.-CpI. Ray B. Lovelock, Karoonda 2/48th; Ptes. Ron A. F. Clemens, Eden Valley 2/48th; Ivan C. Hanel Norwood 2/48th; Herbert J. Hill, Stirling West 2/48th; G. C. Jury, Torrensville; Ebenezer N. Kilsby, New Hindmarsh 2/48th; Arthur L. Phillips, Murray Bridge 2/48th; Carle A. R. Sims, Norwood 2/48th; Hartley R. Stocker, Birdwood 2/48th; Edward S. Smith. York 2/48th; John K. Stone. Willowle 2/48th; Wilfred. R. Wear, Birkenhead 2/48th; Victor L. J. Young. Adelaide 2/48th. Died of Wounds. Lce.-Cpl William J Glennon, Alberton 2/48th . Wounded In Action along with Jack were.--CPl. Wallace M. Clegg, Joslin 2/48th and Robert M. O'Callaghan, Kingston 2/48th . Others listed as wounded were from the 2/43rd Battalion.
Both the Mount Barker Courier and Advertiser carried the news ‘L.CpI. and Mrs. A. L. Rollbusch have had notification that their son, Pte. Jack Rollbusch, was wounded in action in Egypt. He was an employee at the Onkaparinga Woollen Mills, and enlisted in June of last year, going overseas in, September last.’
By December ’42 Jack was invalided back to Australia as his severe injuries requiring both his legs to be amputated below the knees. The News carried an article featuring some of the wounded Diggers back from the Middle East ‘who played a major part in the breakthrough at El Alamein, Egypt. They described how masses of new equipment transformed the desert fighting. Veterans of Tobruk and earlier campaigns said that for the El Alamein push they had everything they had previously lacked. The Australians held the key position, and so suffered a high percentage of casualties-but otherwise everything went like clockwork. Private J. W. Rollbusch said there 'was plenty of straight-out, stand-up slugging, with the Australians and Germans letting drive at each other at ranges of 20 to 30 yards. "But when we got within bayonet range, Jerry always gave in," he said. He sounded disappointed.’
In January ’43 whilst he was in Melbourne, ongoing treatment occurred and continued until Jack was discharged in October ’43 as he was obviously medically unfit to continue fighting. Much rehabilitation followed.
By December ’45 over 40 members of the various services were welcomed at a social and dance at Oakbank where there were numerous musical items and the presentation of large photos of the King and Queen as well as Winston Churchill. Jack was one of the RSL Members who responded on behalf of his fellow returnees.
Jack and others from his battalion continued to remember those with whom he fought and had not returned. ‘Advertiser Thursday 26 October 1944, CLEAVE, LIPSON. —In memory of my pals, Mick and Eric, killed in action, El Alamein, 1942. —Always remembered by Lieut. Harry Lock. A tribute to boys 2/48th who fell at El Alamein. —Inserted by Bill (Wog) Miller. In loving memory of our pals of the 2/46th Bn. who gave their lives at El Alamein, October 23-31, 1942. Tom McMullin, Eric Lipson, Mick Cleave, Harold Pearce and Sgt. Myers. —Ever remembered by Algy, Ike and Hank. In memory of the boys of 2/48th Bn, who gave their lives at El Alamein between October 23-31, 1942. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them. —Inserted by Jack Rollbusch, late A Coy., 2/48th Bn.
Advertiser Saturday 2 November 1946, WEST.— In memory or my pal Les, killed in action at El Alamein. Nov. 1. 1942.—Always remembered by Jack Rollbusch.
In September ’46 John and Lucy Jean Littledike of Fulham became engaged. They married in April ’48 at an evening service at St John’s Church in Halifax Street. Lucy and Jack had five children, three sons, John Roger, Dean and Glenn and two daughters, Heather and Sue.
Aged 74, Jack died on February 4th 1995 and is buried at Centennial Park where his wife, Lucy Jean is also buried in the Rose Bed CN 19 Position 45.
Researched and written by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133, 2/48th Battalion.