Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

‘His Duty Nobly Done’

Frederick (Fred) was born in the mid-north town of Jamestown, a settlement on the banks of the Belalie Creek at the centre of good crop and wool farming land. Born on the 27th February, 1919 to Frederick George and Esther Ann Pearce, he was named after his father. Prior to the railway being built to Broken Hill, Frederick and his brother Walter undertook contracts to carry goods to Broken Hill and beyond. He eventually became the Spalding agent for the Shell Company for almost 30 years. Young Fred was one of three children with siblings Mervyn and Leila.  

His family lived in Spalding, where he attended the local School. Typical of country communities, he was involved in and excelled at all sports on offer, including athletics, football, cricket and tennis. As a junior football player, Fred had been awarded the trophy for the best improved player. Post school, Fred’s work an engine cleaner with the South Australian Railways, was based at the busy Terowie Station where he stayed locally with the Rasmus family. At the time, Terowie itself was an important railway town because of the different gauge lines (broad gauge from Burra and narrow to Peterborough) converged in the town.

With a huge push by the military at the commencement of WWII, many country towns were visited in a drive to gain more enlistees. Fred enlisted on the 6th February 1941 just prior to his 22nd birthday. (His older brother, Mervyn enlisted three months later and was to survive the war.) Fred’s initial days were spent in camp at Terowie. He was allocated the number SX11268 with the newly formed 2/48th Battalion.

He enjoyed pre-embarkation leave back home with presentations made to the Spalding enlistees, Ron and Robert Pryde, Fred and Walter Shane in the crowded local Hall. (Walter was allocated to the 2/48th but also killed in action.) In patriotic style, the National Anthem was first sung before praise of the young men was made by various speakers from Sporting, Church and Rifle Clubs as well as the RSL and CWA. Following a presentation to each soldier, dancing, supper and the final singing of 'Auld Lang Syne' concluded the evening.

 The new troops then headed overseas on the Ile De France on the 17th April ’41, arriving in the Middle East on the 14th May. Probably anxious to explore the totally foreign land, Fred immediately was absent from parade the following day, earning a hefty forfeiture of pay. It is quite probable that he sent several souvenirs home as his mother, Esther, exhibited a number of ‘curios sent by her sons’ at the October Spalding Show, attracting much interest. Fred went into the Anuriya Staging Camp initially before then going to the AIF Kit Store, then re-joining his 2/48th Battalion in July. Conditions were in stark contrast to home; dust, flies, heat, minimal water supplies and constant bombardment provided a constant challenge to new enlistees. They were to become the famed Rats of Tobruk.

Within three months, aged 23, Fred died of wounds sustained in the fierce fighting over the 25th and 26th October 1942. Conditions at that time were ever-changing and the fighting continuous. Montgomery had ordered the 9th Battalion to attack northward.  The subsequent action between October 25th and 26th 1942 meant that the survivors of an horrific explosion and ensuing fighting were not always able to immediately retrieve their fallen men. Fred was killed under these conditions.

John Glenn in ‘Tobruk to Tarakan’ describes the carnage caused by the chance hit by an enemy shell on a truck loaded with mines.

‘An ear shattering explosion dwarfed the sound of the guns into insignificance. Seven other trucks, all ladened with mines, had been set off. The whole area became a ghastly raging inferno. As trucks burned and exploded a great wall of fire shot into the sky. The gun flashes seemed dimmed; night was turned into day. The concussion was terrific.‘ He added:

‘The attack continued, however, without pause…it was only after hard fighting, with heavy casualties on both sides, that they were able to consolidate on their objective. The troops had never been more tired.. The 2/48th had stirred up a real hornets’ nest; from first light until nine o’clock the enemy turned all their fury on the Trig area, with particularly heavy fire on 29 itself, hiding the position in a cloud of dust and smoke.’ A comment was later made about the heavy casualties.

The Advertiser of 23rd November ’42 carried the news ‘Mr. and Mrs. Fred Pearce of Spalding. have been notified that their younger son, Pte. F. J. Pearce, died of wounds in Egypt on October 26. Before enlisting Pte. Pearce was employed in the SA Railways and was stationed at Terowie. He was in Tobruk for five months, and in Palestine and Syria. His only brother, Mervyn, is with the AIF abroad.’

A more personal and heartfelt tribute was also published by both the local Northern Argus and Blyth Agriculturalist to Fred and his grieving family. ‘Another Spalding soldier has passed to his great reward while serving King and Country. This is Private Frederick Joseph Pearce, aged 22 years, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Pearce, of Spalding. Private Pearce left Australia in 1941 and first went to Palestine, then to Syria, and was engaged in the latest fighting in Egypt when fatally wounded. One brother, Private Mervyn Pearce is also serving in Egypt now. The late Private Pearce was a fine type of Australian manhood, quiet and reliable. In the world of sport he was a good footballer, cricketer, tennis player and general athlete. He always played with Spalding Clubs while devoting himself to such pastimes. Before enlistment he was a cleaner in the Railways Department, and as a boy attended the Spalding Primary School where he was a very popular scholar. One sister, Miss Leila Pearce, is a nursing sister at the Adelaide Hospital. Wide spread sympathy has been accorded the family at his passing and we offer our sincere condolences to the bereaved family in their great loss. We hope that they will, as time passes onward, be consoled by the fact that their son and brother carried out his duty nobly to the end, in the cause of humanity and freedom. 'Greater love hath no man.'

Typical of country communities, when the Spalding District Council met for their December meeting a unanimous vote was made to send a letter of sympathy to Mr. and Mrs. F. G. Pearce in the loss of their son Fred, who died of wounds abroad with the A.I.F. 

In an era when Arbour Day was regularly celebrated, Fred’s Spalding School in August 1945, planted trees in the school yard in memory of those who lost their lives in the war. Besides Fred, others included Bob Pryde, Wattie Shane, Ron Phillips, Tom Bruce, Milton Trengove, Kevin Clark and Frank Sanders.

Initially Fred was buried in the field but was reburied on the 19th March 1945 at the El Alamein War Cemetery Plot A 11 Row G grave number 10 where his family chose the inscription ‘His Duty Nobly Done’ for his headstone. He rests now with 24-year-old Privates Gordon Munday, SX6672 from Cowell and 29-year-old Leslie Cutchie SX6893 from the 2/48th who died in the same battle.

Each year, family, friends and fellow soldiers continued to remember Fred.

Advertiser (Wednesday 18 November 1942, PEARCE. —A tribute to the memory of my pal Fred, died of wounds, Egypt, Oct. 26, aged 22 years. —Remembered by Pte. W. H. Fairlie (A.I.F., abroad). One of the best. PEARCE. —A tribute to the memory of Pte. Fred Pearce, died of wounds in Egypt, Oct. 26. His duty nobly done. —Remembered by his friends, Harold and Audrey Mesecke. PEARCE. —A loving tribute to Pte. F. J. Pearce, died of wounds in Egypt on Oct. 26, aged 22 years. 

Advertiser Tuesday 26 October 1943, PEARCE. —In loving memory of our cousin. Freddie (A.I.F.), died of wounds in Egypt. October 26, 1942. He died that we may live. —Remembered always by Phylis, Elvine, Norma, and Herc. PEARCE. —In loving memory of Pte. F. G. Pearce, aged 22, died of wounds October 26, 1942, at El Alamein. His duty nobly done. —Ever remembered by aunty Annie, uncle Frank, cousins Clarice. Charlie, and Bill. PEARCE. —In loving memory of our dear cousin, Pte. Fred, died of wounds received at El Alamein on October 26, 1942. His duty nobly done. —Ever remembered by Ken and Nance. PEARCE. —Cherished memories of our friend, Pte. Fred Pearce died Middle East, October 26, 1942. Greater love hath no man than this. —Ever remembered by Piggott family. PEARCE. —A tribute of honor to Fred, who gave his young life on October 26, 1942. in Egypt. None mentions his name but in praise. —Remembered by his friends Mr. and Mrs. Fairlie, Goodwood Park. PEARCE. —In honored memory of Fred, died in Egypt, 1942. You sought no glory, Fred, but unselfishly gave your all. —Always remembered by his friends, Harold and Audrey Mesecke, Glenelg. PEARCE. —A proud tribute to my comrade, died of wounds received in the battle at Al Alamein, 1942. It's not today, Fred, but every day in silence I remember. —Always remembered by his pal, W. H. Fairlie. AI.F. (ret.). PEARCE. —In loving memory of Freddie, who died of wounds in Egypt. October 26, 1942. —Ever remembered by aunty Mabel and family. PEARCE. —in memory of my dear nephew, Fred, died from wounds, El Alamein, Oct. 26, 1942. A smiling face, a heart of gold, one of the best this world could hold. —Remembered by bis loving Auntie Ethel. Spalding. PEARCE. —In proud and cherished memory of our cousin, Pte. Fred Pearce, died from wounds. Oct. 26, 1942, at El Alamein. —Ever remembered by Iris, Snow, John and Lorraine Moyle. PEARCE. —In loving memory of our dear cousin, Freddie, died from wounds, El Alamein, Oct. 26, 1942. —Always remembered by Audrey and Peter Brady. PEARCE. —In loving memory of our dear nephew and cousin, Freddie, died from wounds, Oct. 26, 1942. —Inserted by Uncle Sid and cousins Ron, Max, and Shirley, Spalding. PEARCE. —A tribute of love to our beloved son, Freddie, died from wounds, El Alamein, Oct. 26, 1942. —Loved and longed for always by his loving father and mother, F. and E. Pearce, Spalding. PEARCE. —In proud and loving memory of our dear brother, Freddie, died from wounds. El Alamein, Oct. 26, 1942. —Sadly missed by sister Leila, brother Mervyn (A.I.F.), N. G. (ret.). and friend Gordon (A.I.F.) .

Advertiser October 1943, PEARCE. —In loving memory of Freddie, died wounds at El Alamein October 26. 1942.—Ever remembered by cousins. Cyril. Sylv. and Rosslyn Hales. PEARCE. —In loving memory of Freddie, died of wounds at El Alamein, October 26. 1942. There Is no greater sacrifice. —Ever remembered by Bill and Thelma Hales. PEARCE. —In loving memory of our nephew. Fred, died of wounds at El Alamein. October 26. 1942. His duty nobly done. —Ever remembered by aunt Effie and uncle Nic PEARCE. —In loving memory of Freddie, died of wounds at El Alamein, October 26. 1942. Resting in a soldier's grave, honored with Australia's brave. — Ever remembered by cousins. Merle, Doreen. Joyce, Sen, and Jill. 

Advertiser Thursday 26 October 1944 PEARCE. —Treasured memories of our beloved younger son Fred, 2/48th Batt., died of wounds, Oct. 26, 1942, at El Alamein. Days of sadness still come o'er us, hidden secret tears still flow. For memory keeps our dear one near us, though he died two years ago. —Still sadly missed by his loving mother and father, E. and F. Pearce, Spalding. PEARCE. —In proud memory of our dear brother, Freddie 2/48th, died from wounds, Oct. 26, 1942, El Alamein. The rose that is the fairest and the rarest, is the rose that is killed by the frost. And the brother that to us was the dearest is the one we loved and lost. —Remembered always by his loving sister Leila and brother Mervyn (A.I.F. ret. M.E. and N.G.). PEARCE. —Loving memories of Fred-die, died of wounds, Egypt, Oct. 26, — Always remembered by Phyllis and Elvine. PEARCE. —In loving memory of Freddie, who gave his life, El Alamein, Oct. 26, 1942. He wore no shining medals, nor signed his name V.C.; he died a true Australian to keep his country free. — Ever remembered by his loving cousins Audrey and Peter Brady. PEARCE. —In loving memory of Freddie, died of wounds, El Alamein, Oct. 26, 1942. He died for the country he loved. —Always remembered by Iris, Snow and Shirley. PEARCE. —A tribute to the memory of our dear cousin Fred, who died of wounds at El Alamein on Oct. 26, 1942. — Always remembered by Norma and Herc. PEARCE. —In honored memories of my pal Fred, died of wounds, El Alamein, Oct. 26, 1942. And this I know, on that night great deeds were done, a battle fought, and he was there. —Always re-membered by his friends J. and W. Fairlie (A.I.F.). PEARCE. —In loving memories of Fred, died of wounds, El Alamein, Oct. 26, 1942. He gave his young life that we may live. —Always remembered by Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Fairlie, Audrey and Harold Mesecke.

Advertiser Monday 22 October 1945, PEARCE. —In proud memory of Freddie, died of wounds. El Alamein. October 26, 1942. To live in the hearts of these you love Is not to die. —Always remembered by Iris Moyle.

Advertiser Friday 25 October 1946, PEARCE. —In memory of Fred and comrades, of 2/48th Btn., who sacrificed their lives at El Alamein. —Inserted by W. H. Fairlie.

Advertiser Saturday 25 October 1947 PEARCE. F. J. SX11268. 2/48th—ln loving memory of our beloved younger son. died of wounds October 36. 1942, El Alamein Sweet is your memory, dear to our hearts, the place that you held will never depart. With many a loving heartache, with tears that are shed unseen, we meet in the garden of memories and think what might have been. —Still sadly missed by his loving mother and father. E. and F. Pearce, Spalding. PEARCE. —In loving memory of Freddie, died of wounds five years ago today. —Always remembered by Phyllis and Elaine. PEARCE. —In memory of my pal Fred, also comrades of 2/48th Battalion who sacrificed their lives at El Alamein. "They gave all for their country."—Remembered by W. H. Fairlie. PEARCE. —In loving memory of Freddie, our cousin, killed in action October 26, 1942. —Always remembered by Audrey and Peter. PEARCE. Pte.—ls fond memory of Fred, who died of wounds received at El Alamein October 26. 1942.—Ever remembered by Ken and Nance. PEARCE. —In loving memory of my dear brother Freddie, died from wounds October 26 1942. In true unselfish spirit, upon a foreign shore, He strived to do his duty, as did many —Ever remembered by Mervyn. ex-A.I.F. PEARCE. —In loving memory of my dear brother Freddie, died from wounds October 26. 1942. El Alamein. Five sad years have passed away. Yet love and grief remain; In life he was so dear to us, In death he's Just the same. —Always remembered by his loving sister Leila.

Advertiser Monday 26 October 1953, PEARCE, SX11268, 2/48TH. —Treasured memories of our loved son and brother, Freddie, died of wounds, El Alamein, October 26, 1942. —Still loved and sadly missed by his loving mother and father, sister and brother, E. and F. Pearce, Leila and Mervyn, Spalding. PEARCE, Freddie. —At El Alamein. He gave his tomorrows, That we may have our todays. —Never forgotten by Iris, of Caltowie. 

Researched and written by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes, SX8133, 2/48th Battalion.