Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Jack Pitcher
Jack was the youngest of 7 siblings, with three sisters and four brothers. He was born on the 30th December,1919 at his family home at 44 Opie Avenue, Unley. His parents were George Frederick Pitcher, and Emily Ellen Pitcher (nee Wood). Prior to the outbreak of the War, Jack was working with his father in his painting business. Living in a strongly double-blues area and also being a talented athlete, Jack played for Sturt District Football, beginning in the Second’s team, where he quickly and consistently displaying his skills to the extent that In the 1938 season he was awarded a silver cup for the “Most Improved and Attentive at Training”. (His nephew, also named Jack in his honour, still retains that trophy).
Jack’s mother, Emily used to wash the Team’s gurnseys each week. On the Sunday’s after football Jack and his team mates would catch a train or tram down to the family’s beach house in the sandhills at West Beach where Emily would then cook them all a roast lunch. The players would take their beer with them, carrying it in whatever containers were available. The result was probably warm and rather flat when the time came to drinking it!
Jack made his promising debut in the Sturt A grade team as a 21-year-old. The ‘Advertiser’ of Friday 26 April 1940 reported that “J. Pitcher played his first game and was showing decided promise at half-forward but sustained a badly-bruised leg towards the latter part of the game. He will probably be out for about two weeks.” In less that ten months, this promising athlete enlisted on the 4th February 1941 in Adelaide. As SX11225. He was to become part of the highly regarded 2/48th Battalion as were a number of other local Unley lads as well as some from Pinaroo and towns in the Mallee area. He left behind a girlfriend, Jean Wilks.
Typical of young men, Jack pushed the boundaries, challenging the tight rules of the army and going AWOL a couple of times. Sadly, Corporal Pitcher was Killed in Action in Egypt on the 31st October 1942 aged only 22 years. Described in ‘Tobruk to Tarakan’ by John Glenn that day was the ‘bloodiest fighting in the history of the 2/48th Battalion’ with ‘only forty-one weary troops remaining in the field’ that night was pronounced as the climax of the Alamein Battle.
The news was slow to drift back home with the Mail reporting on Saturday 12 December 1942 “Unley Soldier Reported Missing Mrs. E. Pitcher, of Opey avenue, Unley, has been notified that her youngest son Acting Corporal Jack Pitcher, has been reported missing, believed killed in action in Egypt on October 31st. He enlisted when aged 21, and served in Palestine, Syria and Tobruk. Before enlisting, he was employed by W.H. Pitcher & Son and was a former Sturt footballer.”
Henry’s two older brothers subsequently enlisted. Edwin George (SX29398) on the 15th April 1943 in the 2nd/32nd Battalion and Henry Alfred (141094) served at the 1 Aircraft Depot (Laverton), saying that he did so as a means of getting back at the enemy for killing his brother. Both returned safely to Australia, Henry on 25th Jan 1946 and Edwin on 12th February 1946. Edwin was wounded but on his return resumed his profession as a painter.
When Henry’s son was born, he was named Jack Milton in honour of his uncle. The young Jack retains his uncle’s medals, army issued wallet, initial in-field gravesite and final gravesite framed and hanging up in his office. He continues to remember and honour his uncle. As an example, working on a recent housing development at Woodcroft he initiated the naming of the entrance road Pitcher Place in honor of his Uncle Jack’s Supreme Sacrifice in Egypt in WW2. The Onkaparinga Council Historian recorded the reason behind the naming of that street.
Jack is fittingly buried at the El Alamein War Cemetery; specifically, in Plot 16, Row “A”, Grave No. 19. His name is also listed on the WW2 Honor Roll under the 2nd/48th at the Adelaide War Memorial, North Terrace.
From 1942, each year the family continued to remember Jack through Public notices and continue to do so to this day.
PITCHER. — In loving memory of dear Jack who made the supreme sacrifice at El Alamein, October 31. 1942. Deep in our hearts a memory is kept. Inserted by his mother and sister Emily and friend Jean Wilks. PITCHER. — In loving memory of our dear brother and Uncle Jack, killed in action at El Alamein, October 31, 1942. Not Just today but every day in silence we remember. Inserted by his loving sister Harriett and niece Constance and Alby. PITCHER. — In loving memory of our dear brother and Uncle Jack, killed in action at El Alamein. October 31, 1942. A silent thought brings many a tear of one we loved so dear. Inserted by his loving sister Mabel, Perce, Thelma. and Fred. PITCHER. — In fond memory of our dear brother Jack, who gave his life at El Alamein. October 31. 1942. His life a beautiful memory, his absence a silent sorrow. Inserted by his brother Edwin (A.I.F.) and sister-in-law Margaret. PITCHER. — In loving memory of Jack, killed in action October 31, 1942. Your smiling face and kindly ways will be with us for the rest of our days. Inserted by his loving brother Henry (R.A.A.F). sister-in-law Marjorie. and niece Gloria. PITCHER. — In loving memory of A/Cpl. Jack Pitcher, who gave his all on October 31. 1942. Resting In a soldier's grave, his memory honored with the brave. Ever remembered by Uncle John and family.
Advertiser (Adelaide, SA: 1931 - 1954), Tuesday 31 October 1944, page 8 PITCHER. —In loving memory of Cpl. Jack Pitcher, 2nd/48th Battalion, who made the supreme sacrifice at El Alamein, October 31, 1942. —Sadly missed and fondly remembered by his mother and sister Emily. PITCHER. —In proud and loving memory of our brother and uncle Jack, who made the supreme sacrifice at El Alamein Oct. 31, 1942. Forever in our thoughts. —Inserted by Harriett, Consey, and Alby. PITCHER. —Fondest memory of our brother and uncle, Jack, who fell in action at El Alamein, October 31, 1942. Just a token, true and tender, to show we still remember. —Inserted by Mabel, Thelma, and Fred. PITCHER. —In fond remembrance of our brother. Cpl. Jack Pitcher, who gave his life at El Alamein, October 31. 1942. Not Just today, but every day, in silence we remember. —Edwin (A.I.F.) and Margaret. PITCHER. —In memory of Jack, killed in action, El Alamein. Oct. 31, 1942. Your smiling face and kindly ways will be with us for the rest of our days. —Ever remembered by brother Henry (R.A.A.F.) Marjorie and niece Gloria. PITCHER. —In loving memory of Cpl. Jack Pitcher, killed in action at El Alamein, Oct. 31, 1942. He gave his all so his country could be free: a true Australian to the end. —Ever remembered by Uncle John and family.
Mail (Adelaide, SA: 1912 - 1954), Saturday 21 July 1945, page 12 THALBOURNE — In memory of Morrie, killed El Alamein, 22nd July, 1942, also George Quinn, Bunny Warren, Jack Pitcher. — Always remembered, Norm and Fred Headon, Borneo.
Advertiser (Adelaide, SA: 1931 - 1954), Wednesday 31 October 1945, page 14 PITCHER. —In loving memory of our son and brother Jack, who made the supreme sacrifice at El Alamein October 31. 1942. —Ever remembered by his loving mother and sister Emily. PITCHER. —In loving memory of my dear brother Jack, killed at El Alamein October 31. 1942. May we be worthy of his sacrifice. —Always remembered by Harriett, Cons, and Alby. PITCHER In loving memory of Jack, killed in action. El Alamein October 31. 1942. Your smiling face and kindly way will be with us for the rest of our days. —Inserted by his loving brother Henry. R.A.A.F., sister-in-law Marjorie and little niece Gloria. PITCHER. —In loving memory of dear Jack, who gave his life at El Alamein October 31, 1942. Memories are treasures no one can steal. —Always remembered by loving brother Edwin, AIF., and Margaret. PITCHER In loving memory of our brother and Uncle Jack, who paid the supreme sacrifice, El Alamein, October 31, 1942. Deep in our hearts a memory Is kept of one we love and will never forget. —Inserted by Mabel, Thelma and Fred. PITCHER. —In loving memory of Cpl. Jack Pitcher, who paid the supreme sacrifice at El Alamein October 31, 1942. A leaf in our book of memories is gently turned today. —Always remembered by Uncle John and family.
Advertiser (Adelaide, SA: 1931 - 1954), Thursday 31 October 1946, page 14 PITCHER. —A fond tribute to Jack, who laid down his life at El Alamein October 31, 1942. —Always In the thoughts of mother and family. PITCHER. —In loving memory of Cpl. Jack Pitcher, who gave his all at El Alamein. October 31. 1942. Not Just today. but every day, in silence we remember. —From uncle John and family.
Advertiser (Adelaide, SA: 1931 - 1954), Friday 31 October 1947, page 20 PITCHER. —In fond and loving memory of Cpl Jack Pitcher, who made the supreme sacrifice at El Alamein, October 31. 1942. He lives for ever in our memory. —Mother and family. PITCHER—In loving memory of our dear cousin. Cpl Jack Pitcher, who gave his all at El Alamein. October 31. Always we will remember you, too dearly loved to be forgotten. —Always remembered by bis loving cousins. Nell and Mary.
Mail (Adelaide, SA: 1912 - 1954), Saturday 30 October 1948, page 19 LEST WE FORGET PITCHER. — In fond remembrance of Cpl. Jack Pitcher, killed El Alamein October 30, 1942. Always in the memory of mother and family.
Advertiser (Adelaide, SA: 1931 - 1954), Wednesday 10 November 1948, page 10 PITCHER. —In loving memory or our dear cousin Jack, killed in action. El Alamein. October 31, 1942. Worthy of everlasting remembrance by his loving cousins Nell and Mary.
Advertiser (Adelaide, SA: 1931 - 1954), Monday 31 October 1949, page 14 PITCHER. Cpl. Jack. —Lost at El Alamein. 1942. To live in the hearts of those we love Is not to die. —Ever remembered by mother and family. PITCHER. —Everlasting memories of Corporal Jack Pitcher, killed in El Alamein. 1942. A thought, for today, a memory forever. Inserted by loving cousins Nell, Mary and Phyllis.
Advertiser (Adelaide, SA: 1931 - 1954), Tuesday 31 October 1950, page 18 PITCHER. Cpl. Jack. — Killed In action at El Alamein. — Loved and remembered by mother and family. PITCHER. — In loving memory of our dear cousin. Cpl. Jack Pitcher. Killed at El Alamein. October 31. 1942. Just a token, true and tender, just to show, dear Jack, we still remember. — Ever remembered by loving cousins Nell. Mary.
Advertiser (Adelaide, SA: 1931 - 1954), Wednesday 31 October 1951, page 18PITCHER. Cpl. Jack. — In loving memory of Jack, who made the supreme sacrifice at El Alamein, October 31. 1942.— Inserted by mother and family. PITCHER. — In loving memory of our dear cousin. Cpl. Jack Pitcher, who made the supreme sacrifice at El Alamein, October 31. 1942. We who loved you will never forget you. ' —Ever remembered by your loving cousins. Nell and Mary.
Advertiser (Adelaide, SA: 1931 - 1954), Friday 31 October 1952, page 22 PITCHER —In memory of Jack, killed in action at El Alamein. — Always remembered and loved by all. Mother and family PITCHER. — In loving memory of cousin Cpl. Jack Pitcher, who made the supreme sacrifice at El Alamein. October 31. 1942.— Always remembered by cousins Nell and Mary.
Advertiser (Adelaide, SA: 1931 - 1954), Saturday 31 October 1953, page 28PITCHER. Corporal Jack. — Paid supreme sacrifice, killed in action at El Alamein. — Ever fondly re membered by mother and family. PITCHER. — In loving memory of our cousin. Cpl. Jack Pitcher, killed at El Alamein. October 31. 1942. Memories will last for ever. — Always remembered by cousins Nell and Mary.
Advertiser (Adelaide, SA: 1931 - 1954), Saturday 30 October 1954, page 30PITCHER Corporal Jack. Killed at El Alamein. There is always a silent thought for one we loved. — Remembered by mother and family. PITCHER. — Cherished memories of our cousin Col. Jack. Killed El Alamein. October 31. 1942 — By loving cousins Nell and Mary.
Tribute respectfully researched and compiled by nephew, Jack Pitcher and Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133