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War Memorial
Australia

Colin’s record suggest he was born in Port Augusta on the 13th December 1919, one of four boys of George Kensington and Veronica (Vera) Olive Ann Hanley. It is probable that he added a year to his age when he enlisted and, according to his parents’ later tributes, was born in 1918. He had three brothers, Robert George, Graham and Eric. The family lived and worked on Nonning Station, a sheep producing pastoral station in the Gawler Ranges out of Port Augusta. The boys all attended St Joseph’s Convent School but Colin soon started work as a station hand as did other brothers.
Colin’s younger brother, Eric, a talented cricketer, began working on the Station when he was 15. A fit, healthy young man, Eric developed appendicitis in December ’39. His health deteriorated markedly over three weeks, with him being hospitalised in the Port Augusta Hospital, where he died. The Augusta Transcontinental reported that ‘Deceased, who was 16 years and 5 months of age, had resided at Nonning Station and had been working for nearly 12 months prior to his death. He was a well-built, athletic lad, was a good and keen cricketer and prior to his death had not experienced any illness. The unfortunate lad, who was brought from the station to the local hospital on Christmas Eve suffered with appendicitis and although he made a valiant fight and every means possible were tried to save his life, his heart failed under the strain at a critical time and he passed away on Friday night.’ Many friends travelled down from Nonning Station for his funeral at the Port Augusta Cemetery.
It was an horrific time for the family. The following January, the family placed a tribute to Eric. Transcontinental Friday 10 January 1941, HANLEY.—In loving memory of our beloved son, Eric, who passed away on January 13, 1940, aged 16 years and 5 months. The memories are treasures no one can steal, Death leaves a wound no one can heal; Time passes on, but memory stays. Loved and remembered always. Inserted by his loving father and mother and brothers, Colin, Robert and Graham.’
With the outbreak of WWII, there was a huge push by the military with many country towns being visited in a drive to gain more enlistees. Aged 20 Colin enlisted, becoming SX13018 and allocated to the 2/48th battalion on the 28th May ’41 as part of the reinforcement for that battalion. The following month, another country young man from Washpool near Spalding, 20-year-old Walter Shane also enlisted, becoming SX11052. Their young lives were to be inextricably linked through the war.
The new troops then headed overseas arriving in Dimra in the Middle East on the 10th February ’42. Almost immediately Colin lost pay for being absent without leave. Conditions were in stark contrast to home; dust, flies, heat, minimal water supplies and constant bombardment provided a relentless challenge to the young men. They were to become the famed Rats of Tobruk.
While Colin was overseas, a further tribute was placed in memory of his brother. Transcontinental Friday 9 January 1942, HANLEY: In loving memory of our beloved son and brother, Eric John, who died on January 13, 1940. In lonely days and hours at night, When sleep forsakes our eyes; Our thoughts are on a grave, Where our darling Eric lies. Our hearts ache with lonely sadness, We shed many a tear, And God alone knows how we mise him, As it dawns this second sad year. Inserted by his loving father and mother and brothers, Bobbie, Graham and Colin (AI.F.) abroad.
Just six months later and fourteen months after he enlisted, Colin was killed in action on the 22nd July, 1942 as was Wally Shane. Their 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 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 fellow soldier, Private Stan Gurney was awarded the 2/48th Battalion’s first VC having captured two machine gun posts and bayonetted 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.’
Wally Shane and Colin were killed during this time with Colin being identified by his pocket book. The soldiers were initially buried at Tel El Eisa.
The Port Augusta Transcontinental carried a brief announcement of Colin’s death. ‘Mr. and Mrs. G. K. Hanley, of Port Augusta, late of Nonning, received advice this week that their son, Pte. Colin J. Hanley was killed in action in Egypt on July 22. Pte Hanley, who was aged 21 years and 7 months, enlisted in May, 1941. He went overseas in September, 1941. and was in Palestine during May of this year. Before enlisting Pte. Hanley was employed on Nonning Station. Deepest sympathy is extended to the bereaved family.’
The Chronicle in August ’42 also published a list of those killed in action. They included eight others from Colin’s battalion. SX1312 Pte. Reginald W. C. Brown 2/48th Whyalla. SX12765. Pte. Charles A. Corfield 2/48th Clare. SX7166 Pte. Arthur R. Davis 2/48th Rosewater SX13018 Pte. Colin J. Hanley 2/48th Port Augusta. SX8236 Pte. Gerald J. Hayes. 2/48th Wir. SX6297 Pte. Donald S. Ridley 2/48th Loxton SX110521312. Pte. W. M. Shane. 2/48th Spalding and SX8315 Pte. Robert O. Sunman. 2/48th Port Augusta.
Despite having lost two precious sons, Colin’s 18-year-old brother, Robert George a butcher enlisted in November ’43 as SX37277 with the 29/49th Battalion as a cook. He served in Rabaul and various regions of Australia. He was safely discharged in October ’46.
In March ’45 Colin and his fellow soldiers killed in battle, were re-interred in the El Alamein War Cemetery in Egypt, with Colin in Plot XVI Row F Grave 10. He is with his fellow soldiers from the 2/48th who died on the same day. Besides SX13018 21-year-old Private Colin Hanley, they included SX7979 22-year-old Corporal Lindsay Evans, SX11052 22-year-old Private Walter Shane, WX10144 19-year-old Private Albert Lang, SX7948 24-year-old L/Sgt Keith Trenorden, SX9316 28-year-old Private Arthur Phillips, SX7343 27-year-old John Miller and SX8670 26-year-old Corporal William Glennon. Eighteen from his battalion are listed as being killed on the same day and interred nearby. Colin’s parents chose the inscription ‘Only Goodnight Dear Son, Not Farewell.’ The family cenotaph at Port Augusta also carries the inscription ‘His Duty Nobly Done’.
Colin is commemorated in Port Augusta on the Roll of Honor and both he and Robert are remembered on the Iron Knob list of those who served.
Each year the grieving family remembered their two lost sons.
Transcontinental Friday 14 August 1942, HANLEY: On July 22, Private Colin Hanley, dearly beloved son of George and Vera Hanley and loving brother of Robert and Graham. Killed in action in Egypt, aged 21 years and 7 months. In proud and loving memory we will always keep him, As long as the years roll on.
Transcontinental Friday 23 July 1943, HANLEY: In loving remembrance of our dear Colin, who was killed in action on July 22, 1942. He wore no shining medals, He died a dinkum Aussie to keep Australia free. —Always remembered by his Auntie Mag and Uncle Tom. HANLEY: In loving memory of our beloved son, Colin, who was killed in action in Egypt on July 22, 1942. Aged 21 years. Far away from those who loved him, Comrades laid him to rest; In a foreign land he is sleeping, Amongst God's brightest and best. Always remembered by his loving father and mother and brothers, Robert and Graham.
Transcontinental Friday 21 July 1944, HANLEY: In loving memory of our dear son and brother, Colin, who was killed in action in Egypt on July 22, 1342. Aged 21 years. One by one our dear ones leave us, And our sad hearts wonder why. In loving remembrance by Mother, Fathers and Brothers, Robert and Graham, HANLEY: A tribute of love and honour to our dear cousin and nephew, Colin, who was killed in Egypt on July 22, 1942. A thought for today, A memory for ever. Remembered always by Cousins Valerie and Margaret; Uncle Tom and Aunty King and Vera, and family.
Transcontinental Friday 20 July 1945, HANLEY: In loving memory of our dear son and brother, Colin, killed in action in Middle East on July 22, 1942. aged 21 years. A beautiful memory far dearer than gold, Of a loved one's worth that can never be told; Alone and unseen he stands by our side, And whispers, don't grieve, dears death cannot divide. Sadly missed by Mum, Dad, brothers Robert (AIF) and Graham. HANLEY: In loving memory of dear Colin, who lost his life on July 22, just three years ago. Too dearly loved to be forgotten. Inserted by his loving Auntie and Uncle, Margaret and Tom King.
Transcontinental Friday 19 July 1946, HANLEY: In loving memory of dear Colin, who lost his life on July 22, 1942. The years may dawn and fade away, But loving memories ever stay. Inserted by his loving Auntie Mag and Uncle Tom. HANLEY: In loving memory of our beloved son and brother, Colin, who was killed in action in Egypt on July 22, 1942. Hearts that loved you never forget, In memory you are with us yet. Ever remembered by his Mother and Father, Brothers Robert (AIF) and Graham. HANLEY: In loving memory of Colin, who was killed in action at El-Alamein on July 22, 1942. Always remembered by Bet. and Keven.
Transcontinental Friday 23 July 1948, HANLEY: In loving memory of our dear son and brother, killed in action in Egypt, July 22, 1942. Not one day, but every day, We always will remember. Inserted by Mother, Father and Brothers.
Researched and written by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133, 2/48th Battalion.