Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Keith was born on the 31st July 1920 at Undalya in the Clare Valley, a settlement between Auburn and Rhynie. He was the fourth son of William and Clara Jane (nee Maizey) Treagus. Keith had five brothers, Wilfred Ross (Dick), William (Bill), Joseph Arthur (Joe), Walter John (Jack) and Frederick Charles who died as a two-year-old in 1926. His five sisters were Eliza, Ruby, Thelma, Phyllis, and Eleanor.
Keith’s early years were spent in the Clare Valley where he firstly attended the Undalya school and was prominent in fundraising for Christmas cheer for the Port Adelaide Mission, as were his sister Ruby and Ted. He then moved to the local Auburn school, gaining a prize for attendance as a 10-year-old. The family then moved to Kyancutta on the West Coast.
With the outbreak of WWII, 20-year-old Keith, his 21-year-old brother Joseph Arthur and 23-year-old brother, Walter John all enlisted to serve on the 19th February 1941. Keith became SX11350 and Walter SX11345 respectively with both being allocated to the 2/48th Battalion. Joseph, SX11349 was allocated to the 2/27th Battalion. To have three brothers all enlisting was quite unusual, prompting the Chronicle in August ‘41 to publish a photo of the three sons who were serving abroad.
Keith and Jack’s battalion was in Tobruk at the start of April 1941 where the dust, flies, heat, minimal water supplies and constant bombardment were quite a challenge to these fresh new enlistees. Back home the community continued to work to provide extra necessities for those serving overseas. The C.W.A. collected such basics as face washers and recorded parcels of comfort being posted to both Privates, Keith and Jack. Little pieces of information dribbled in and were readily shared, via the local newspapers. Private Frank Miller, SX11301 with the 2/8th Field Ambulance wrote to his family in Kyancutta in September ’41 describing the conditions in Palestine: ‘I have been here three weeks now and have not heard a sound of the war yet. At many of the places, where we stopped during our train journey through the desert, the Arabs tried to sell us various kinds of fruit. They advertised their wares by shouting, "Very nice, very sweet, very hygienic." In the jostling, some of the fruit was dropped and hastily picked up, but the shouting continued— "Very nice, very sweet, very hygienic! " The Arabs were very dirty in appearance and not much fruit changed hands. Arab children pleaded for backsheesh. Palestine money is peculiar to handle at first. A coin the size of our shilling is only worth 3d. Their pound note is made up of 1,000 mils and is a bit larger than our pound note. It is worth 257 of our money. The 5, 10 and 15 mil pieces are silver coins with a hole in the centre. The 50-mil piece is the size of our shilling and is worth 1/3. It is also of silver but has no hole in it. The 100 mil piece is the same as our 2/-piece.” Frank then also reported about Ptes. Jack and Keith Treagus, believed to be in Tobruk delighted at having received parcels sent them by the Kyancutta C.W.A. in March. This was such precious news to those at home.
Seventeen months after enlisting, Keith was killed in action on the 22nd July, 1942. He had not survived to celebrate his 22nd birthday. 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 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.’

The Chronicle published a list of those killed in action in August ’42. They included SX7254 Pte. Robert T. Elliott, 2/48th Adelaide. SX7354 Pte. Herbert C. P. Jones, 2/48th Yundi. SX7877 L-Cpl. Blake H. Mclnnes, 2/48th Lancaster. SX7343 Pte. John E. Miller,2/48th., Parkside. SX7535 Cpl. Patrick O'Loughlin, 2/48th., Plnnaroo. SX8094 Cpl. Walter H. Promnitz, Med., Waikerie. SX8881 Pte. James McA. Sutherland, 2/48th Millicent. SX11350 Pte. K. E. Treagus, 2/48th Kyancutta.
Tragedy almost immediately struck Keith’s oldest brother, William immediately after, when his 21 year old wife, Nellie died in the Royal Adelaide Hospital.
In a touching tribute the community of Karkoo paid a fitting tribute to Keith on learning of his death. The Eyre's Peninsula Tribune in September reported that ‘Regret was expressed when it became known that Mr. and Mrs. W. Treagus, of Karkoo, late Kyancutta, had been notified that their son, Sgt. Keith A. Treagus, had been killed in action in Egypt on July 22. Sgt. Treagus enlisted from Kyancutta and was in his 22nd year. He was the youngest of their four soldier sons. Joe, who was wounded in Middle East, has since returned to Australia. Jack is in the Middle East, and Bill is in hospital with an injured knee. Three days after receiving news of the death of Sgt. Treagus news came the news that Pte. B. Treagus' wife had passed away at Adelaide at the age of 21 years. Pte. and Mrs. Treagus had been married for six months. The district extend their sympathy to Mr. and Mrs. Treagus and family. Flags were flown at half-mast.’
The Northern Argus also shared the sad news with those who grew up with the children and knew the family. ‘One of the five sons of Mr. and Mrs. William Treagus, of Karkoo, formerly of Undalya, was killed in action in Egypt on July 22. He was Sgt Keith E. Treagus, who was educated at the Undalya and Auburn primary schools and was within one month of being 22 years of age. He was one of a family of five sons and five daughters. Three other brothers in the A.I.F. are Private W. R. Treagus, whose wife (formerly Miss Nellie Green) passed away at the Royal Adelaide Hospital on August 13th., aged only 21 years, she being a sister-in-law of Mrs. A. (Phyllis) Waters, of Stanley Flat; Private W. J. Treagus, A.I.F. abroad; and Private J. A. Treagus, who recently returned from the Middle East. Thus four sons joined up the services of King and Country, the youngest, Mr. Wilfred Treagus, not yet being eligible. Sisters of the late Sgt. Treagus are Mrs. Waters, of Stanley Flat, and Misses Eliza, Ruby, Eleanor and Beth Treagus. We congratulate this family on its wonderful patriotism and express our deepest sympathy with them in their time of sorrow.’
The other mid-north newspaper, the Blyth Agriculturist, also carried the sad news in August ‘42. ‘TREAGUS. —Sgt. Keith E., killed in action July 22, fourth beloved son of Clara and William Treagus, of Karkoo, late of Undalya, and loving brother of Phyllis (Mrs. A. Waters, Stanley Flat). He gave his life for those that loved him. Aged 21 years 11 months.’
Back home, William and Clara were comforted by a very thoughtful letter on behalf of his Battalion. This was then published in the October edition of the West Coast Recorder. "Lest We Forget" Tributes to Kyancutta Soldier Mr. W. Treagus, of Karkoo (formerly Kyancutta) has received several letters giving the circumstances of the death of his son, Pte. Keith Treagus, in the Middle East. The letters, written by the late soldier's superior officers, pay high tribute to the bravery of Pte. Treagus, and mention the high regard in which he was held by fellow members of his unit. His Lieut.-Colonel writes : —Pte. Treagus was a brave soldier who carried out his duties efficiently and well. In a counterattack on enemy positions at El Alamein, a burst from an enemy shell proved fatal. His passing was keenly felt by all members of the unit, as they held him in high esteem. Please accept the deepest sympathy of all here who knew him. Another officer writes: It was a sad blow to us in our small victory to find that Keith was not with us to share the honors. He was one of the many good soldiers we had in our platoon. He was without an equal in the company as a rifle shot, and a cool man in action. Keith was buried at Tel El Eisa, and if I can get back to that area, I will take a photo of the grave. Extend our sympathy to all at home. They will know, like we do, what a great chap and soldier he was.’
In the ensuing years, Keith was re-interred on the 16th January, 1943 in the El Alamien Cemetery before being moved to his final resting place in the El Alamein War Cemetery on the 22nd March ’45.He now rest with 22 year old QX22558, R F Bohanan from the 2/48th Battalion and others from the 2/7th , 2/13th 2/17th 2/23rd, 2/24th , Keith is in Plot A 3 Row E Grave 21. His family chose the inscription ‘He Gave His All’ for his headstone.
His family continued to remember him.
October 1942, Mr and Mrs. Treagus and family wish to thank all friends and relations for cards, letters of sympathy in the loss of Keith, their dear son and brother.
Advertiser Friday 14 August 1942, TREAGUS.—On July 22 killed In action. Sgt. Keith E. (Gus) fourth son of William and Clara Treagus of Karkoo (late of Kyancutta) loving brother of Thelma, Phyllis. Ruby, Bill, Jack (abroad), Jon (AIF, Australia). Eleanor, Wilfred, and Beth aged 21 years 11 months. He gave his all.
Blyth Agriculturist Friday 23 July 1943, IN MEMORIAM. TREAGUS.—In loving memory of my dear brother, Sgt. Keith E., killed in Egypt July 22, 1942. Late of Undalya. Not just today but every day In silence we remember. Inserted by his loving sister Phyllis.
Chronicle Thursday 22 July 1943, TREAGUS — In loving memory of our dear son and brother, K. E. Treagus (Gus), who was killed at El Alamein, July 22, 1942. Inserted by his loving mother, father, sisters and brothers. TREAGUS. — In memory of our dear brother and uncle, Keith, killed at El Alamein, July. 22, 1942. Beautiful memories treasured ever, of happy days we spent together. — Inserted by sister Ruby, brother-in-law Norm and family.
Chronicle Thursday 27 July 1944, TREAGUS. — In proud and loving memory of our dear son and brother Keith (Gus) killed at El Alamein, July 22, 1942. Not just today, but every day, in silence we remember. — Mother, father Beth and Dick
Advertiser Saturday 21 July 1945, TREAGUS, Pte. Keith E.—Killed in action at El Alamein on July 22, 1942. A token of love for the brave, my darling brother Keith.—Ever remembered by his sister Phyllis, and family. TREAGUS. —Treasured memories of dear Keith (Gus) killed In action June 22. 1942 at El Alamein. Memory Is one thing death cannot sever, for that will last and live forever.—Ever remembered by his sister, brother, Thelma, Bill, Tops and Johns. TREAGUS Treasured memories of dear Keith (Gus) killed In action July 22, 1942. Only those who knew him realise the greatness of his sacrifice- Ever remembered by his two brothers Jack, Joe (A.I.F.). TREAGUS. — in loving memory or our dear brother and uncle Keith, who made the supreme sacrifice July 22, 1942. A leaf in our book of memories Is sadly turned back today. — Ever remembered by Ruby, Norm and family.
Advertiser Monday 22 July 1946, TREAGUS.—In memory of our dear brother, Keith, killed in action, July 22 1942. El Alamein. Silent memories, true and tender Just to show we still remember —Sadly missed by his sisters, brothers. Thelma. Beth. Bill, Jack, Joe.
Chronicle Thursday 25 July 1946, TREAGUS. — Loving memory dear brother and uncle Keith killed El Alamein July 22. 1942. Time drifts on, two years have passed, but memories of you will always last. Remembered always by Ruby. Norm, and family.
Port Lincoln Times Thursday 17 July 1947, TREAGUS. — In loving memory of brother Keith, killed in action at El Alamein July 22, 1942. Deep in our hearts a memory is kept Of one we loved and never shall forget. Ever remembered by his sister Beth, Jack and Marlene. TREAGUS, — In loving memory of our dear brother Keith, killed in action El Alamein, July 22, 1942. Just a memory true and tender. To show, dear brother, we still remember. — Ever remembered by his sister Ruby, Norm and family.
TREAGUS.—In loving memory of our dear brother Keith, killed in action July 22, 1942, at El Alamein. A little white cross a long way from here marks the last resting place of a brother we all loved so dear. Ever remembered by his sisters, Thelma, Phyllis, brothers Bill, Jack and Joe.
Port Lincoln Times Thursday 22 July 1948, TREAGUS. — In loving memory of our dear brother and uncle, Keith, killed in action, July 22, 1942. A smiling face, a heart of gold. One of the best this world could hold. — Ever remembered by Ruby, Norm and family.
Researched and written by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133, 2/48th Battalion