Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Lance was the only son and second child of Claude Ray, a tramways employee and Rebecca Maud Heffron. He was born at North Unley on the 25th June, 1915 with his older sister, Audrey born the previous year. Lance was five years old when his parents divorced. His mother later remarried Frederick Brooks in 1926 when Lance was eleven.
Lance attended Adelaide High School where he attained his Intermediate Certificate in ’31 with passes in English, History, Art, Bookkeeping and Shorthand. He gained employment with Wheelers Limited as a tailor’s cutter and also joined the Militia in 1940. He met Maud Lorraine Haddrick, from Yumali in the Coorong district, with the two becoming engaged in August ’38.
In February ’41 Lance enlisted as part of the Reinforcement Unit, joining the 2/48th Battalion with the rank of Lieutenant. He was soon on his way overseas to the Middle East to join the first group of enlistees in that battalion and to become one of the famed Rats of Tobruk. Lance was not without health issues including a high fever (PUO) and Sandfly fever. He added an Arial Photography Course to his qualifications to better interpret the placement of enemy troops and weapons.
By July that year, Lance displayed the leadership for which he was particularly admired. 25-year-old William Owen, SX7628 from Port Lincoln, died of wounds received in the fierce fighting in the Siege of Tobruk on the 1st July. A compassionate, personal letter was sent by Lance to Bill’s parents. It read “It is my duty to write you in connection with your loved son Bill. He was seriously wounded on the night of July 1, when we were moving in to occupy a sticky position. A mortar bomb landed amongst one of my sections and wounded several. Bill was taken to hospital immediately and without fully regaining consciousness, died a few days later. He was buried with the usual formalities in the British cemetery at Tobruk. In the couple of months that I have been in command of this platoon, I have grown to know each one of my men intimately. Bill was a model son, always cheerful and uncomplaining, and most popular with his platoon mates and myself. He would often ask me to sit down and have a yarn for a while and always wore that happy smile so peculiar to him. In action and out resting, he was the same old Bill and believe me he is sadly missed. He died as he had lived—without complaint, and fortunately knew little of his suffering. He did his duty nobly and well and was called upon to pay the supreme sacrifice—our pride in his courage intermingles with our sorrow in his loss.
“Will you and your family accept on behalf of myself and his comrades in this platoon deepest, sincere and heartfelt sympathy in your great loss. I am sure Bill would not like it to be thought that he lost he life, but rather that he gave it, not only for his loved ones, but for the ideals for which so many Britishers are under arms today. All of us here realise only too well that it is our loved ones at home that pay a bitter price in time of war. Always are you wondering where and how your brave boy is— and then the dreaded news—and the ensuing empty years without him. I can understand just a little of what it means to you. In our platoon, we are just one family; we are all pals together and the comradeship that exists between us all is something we value above everything. I trust that through your sorrow will emerge pride in the knowledge that your son, in his great trial, was not found wanting. I trust that even as Bill was brave in his trial, so will you be in yours. His sufferings and sorrows are no more; he rests now after his bitter struggle and God will accept his brave soul above.”

Darren Peach in Adelaide to Alamein, a book based on his grandfather’s Ivor George Paech, war diaries, gives the entry for 26th August ’41. ‘A Company was immediately behind ‘Bianca’, a demolished fort, and I was shown around the platoon area before dark. I met Lieutenant Lance Heffron and Joe Glynn, his platoon sergeant, who were occupying the position on my immediate right flank. Lance insisted I have a nip of whisky with him. I couldn’t help but notice how thin everyone looked.’
In later preparing for the attack on the Tel el Eisa Station, the 2/48th Battalion readied with practice and patrols over July 8th ’42. Paech recorded that two Lieutenants, Tas Gill and Lance Heffron gained incredibly detailed reports of areas unoccupied by the German forces, where weapon pits were located and their construction, and where the flashes of automatic weapon firing was located.
Just a fortnight later, aged 27, Lance was killed in action on the 22nd July. The 2/48th 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. 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.’
Glenn later quotes 22-year-old Ray Bloffwitch SX7866 of D Company who was in the thick of the fighting:
“The noise was terrific: German machine guns were spreading the fire right across our front. The continuous call for stretcher bearers told of our casualties. My section had just cleaned out a pocket when I saw another section cut down.”

Paech also reported on the attack itself and the devastation wrought. ‘In seconds, Private Bill McEvoy saw 11 Platoon, under Lieutenant Lance Heffron, get practically wiped out.’ He added ‘At only 18 years of age, nothing could have prepared Private Bill McEvoy for what was happening around him on the slopes of West Point 24. With only a small camel bush for cover, he was pinned down 50 yards short of an enemy machine gun with the few survivors of his company. In the space of a few minutes, virtually everyone he had known since he joined the 2/48th Battalion 13 months earlier had either been killed or wounded.’ Bill witnessed Lieutenant Frank Threadgold shot as he tried to move to Lance’s position to coordinate their attack. ‘Lieutenant Lance Heffron, OC of 11 Platoon, moved towards his dead mate Frank to retrieve the Very pistol he was carrying but was also killed by a burst of machine gun fire. The sheer weight and ferocity of the enemy automatic fire was overwhelming.’
In his diary entry for that day, 22 July ’42 Paech wrote ‘The attack didn’t succeed and we lost many of the best men, including Col Williams, Lance Heffron and Frank Threadgold. It was a very sad day for our battalion.’
John Glenn in Tobruk to Tarakan added that despite the men being surrounded, they planned to fight their way out. ‘for fourteen hours these men had been lying out in terribly exposed positions, pinned down, with the fearful heat adding to their difficulties.’ He added ‘Lieutenant Lance Heffron had been killed in a lone attack.’ Badly injured Private Wally Davis who was brought in described how “We were getting it from both sides, and the whole front was covered in a pall of smoke and dust. My platoon went to ground in a vicious burst of shelling, and Lieutenant Lance Heffron crawled across to us and gave orders to move forward. As we closed into the German position their machine-guns cut hell out of us and the ground heaved as shells and mortars exploded around.” He continued “there were only three left in my section and Lieutenant Heffron was still with us. We went to ground for the last time and were out of touch with any of the 2/48th Battalion troops”. Lance was still committed to taking the hill, asking his men to press on until support arrived. When the firing died down Lance gave the word. “We got to our feet and started a slow run towards the enemy. Clarrie Brown was hit and fell, then I copped one. Lieutenant Heffron and Bill Morgan went to ground besides us. Lance asked where we had been hit then calmly said “I’ll go on alone, cover me if you can.” As he went to rise, he was shot through the head. Thus died a splendid soldier.’
The Advertiser carried the news of Lance’s death. ‘Mrs R. C. Brooks of John street Goodwood Park has been notified that her only son Lt L. H. Heffron was killed in action in Egypt on July 22. Lt. Heffron was in Tobruk for six and a half months He went overseas in in February 1941. He finished his education at Adelaide High School and for several years was employed at Wheelers Ltd.’ It also carried news that Lieutenant George Gill SX2895 from Jamestown and one of the 2/48th Battalion, was killed with Lance.
Lance was initially buried at Tel El Eisa but eventually was transferred to the El Alamein War Cemetery in January ’44 to Plot 16, Row F Grave 18. He rests with his fellow soldiers from the 2/48th who died on the same day, including SX12765 Private C.A. Corfield, SX8230 Private R.A.F. Clements, SX8636 33-year-old Private Victor Young, WX10416 26-year-old Corporal Harold L. Scott, WX9830 35-year-old Private Benjamin D. Parry, SX5304 Private Eric W. Coleman, SX11304 20-year-old Private Alfred G. Watts, 21-year-old SX13018 Private Colin J. Hanley, 22 year old SX7979 Corporal Lindsay R. Evans, 22 year old SX11052 Private Walter M. Shane, 27 year old SX7343 Private John E. Miller, 28 year old SX9316 Private Arthur L. Phillips, 24 year old SX7948 Lieutenant Sergeant Keith L. Trenorden, 19 year old WX10144 Private Albert B. Lang and SX8670 26-year-old Corporal William Glennon. Eighteen from his battalion are listed as being killed on the same day and interred nearby. Lance’s mother chose the inscription ‘For Honour, Faith and Right, He Like a Hero Fell. Mother.’
In a strange twist of fate, Lance’s fiancée Maud Haddrick, eventually became engaged to Peter Douglas McArthur of Millicent in November ’43. The two married in July ’44. Peter had served with Lance in the 2/48th Battalion as SX8879, where he rose to become a Corporal. He was wounded in August ’41 in the fighting on the Salient.
Lance’s family, fiancée, workplace colleagues and soldiers from the 2/48th continued to remember Lance. ‘Curly’ Bill Foster, SX7263 continued to remember his pals, Lance, Gordon Jury SX7200, Herbie Jones SX7354, Tom Elliott SX7254 and Robert (Tom) Simmond, all killed at the same time. Similarly, Eric Teague SX7280, Wally Everett SX7261, Stan Smith SX5991 and Lance’s loyal batman, Bill Kennett SX8070 continued to remember Lance and their fellow young friends of the 2/48th.
Advertiser Monday 3 August 1942, HEFFRON.—KiIIed in action, Egypt. Lieut. Lance Howard Heffron. loved nephew of Sgt. Harry and Emmie Smith, and cousin of Aileen. At the going down of the sun, and in the morning we shall remember them HEFFRON.—KiIIed in action ln Egypt. Lieut. Lance Howard dearly loved son of Mrs. R. H. Brooks 10a John street. Goodwood Park, and beloved brother of Audrey, aged 27 yean. Loved by all. HEFFRON.—Killed In action in Egypt. Lieut. Lance Howard, beloved fiancée of Maud Haddrick aged 27 years His duty nobly done. HEFFRON.—Killed In action In Egypt, Lieut. Lance Howard. loved nephew of Vic and Perce Holloway. aged 27 years. He gave his all.
Advertiser Thursday 22 July 1943, HEFFKON, Lieut. Lance. —In proud and loving memory of my fiancé, killed in action July 22, 1942, El Alamein in our garden of memories we are always together. Ever loved.—Maud. HEFFRON, Lt. L. H.—ln loving memory of Lance, killed In Egypt July 22, 1942. — Ever remembered by Linda. HEFFRON.—In loving memory of Lieut. Lance Heffron, killed in action July 22. 1942. His duty nobly done. —Inserted by uncle Harry, auntie Em. and Aileen. HEFFRON.—In loving memory of my dear son, Lieut. Lance, killed at El Alamein. July 22, 1942. To have, to hold, and then to part, the saddest story of a mother's heart. —Inserted by mother and sister Audrey. HEFFRON. Liet. Lance, killed El Alamein. July 22, 1942, beloved nephew of Vic and Perce Holloway. "To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die." HEFFRON. —In loving memory of Lieut. Lance, killed El Alamein July 22, 1942. "In silence we remember."—inserted by aunt Ruby, uncle Will and family HEFFRON. JURY. ELLIOTT. SIMMOND.—A tribute to the memory of my pals. Lance. Gordon. Tom. Bob, who made supreme sacrifice. El Alamein July 22. 1942.—Always remembered by "Curly" Foster. HEFFRON.—In memory ot Lieut. Lance Heffron. killed in action 22/7/43. A beautiful life came to an end, he died as he lived, everyone's friend. —Mr. and Mrs. P. King and family. HEFFRON. Lieut.—A tribute to the honor of our pal, Lance, killed in Egypt July 22. 1942. —Ever remembered by friends of Wheeler. Ltd. HEFFRON. Lieut. Lance.—ln memory of Lance, killed In action El Alamein July 22. 1942.—Remembered by Gwen. Gordon, and children. HEFFRON.—A tribute of honor to the memory of Lieut. Lance H. killed July 22. 1942. He loved his country with a respect more tender and profound than his own life.—Ever remembered by Mr. and Mrs. A. Ross and Murray. AIF. HEFFRON A tribute to the memory of Lieut. L. H. Heffron. killed in action at El Alamein July 22. 1942. One of the best: his duty nobly done.—inserted by Stan Smith and the boys. AIF. HEFFRON. Lieut. L. H. who made the supreme sacrifice July 22. 1942. Not Just today, but every day. in silence I remember.—inserted by his batman. Bill Kennett (A.I.F. ret.).
Advertiser Saturday 22 July 1944, HEFFRON, Lieut. Lance Howard — Proud and loving memory of only son and brother, killed July 22. 1942. El Alamein. Time dulls the edge of grief, but memory turns back every leaf—Loving mother and Audrey. HEFFRON.—In fond memory of Lieut. Lance, killed El Alamein. July 22. 1942. beloved nephew of Vic and Perc Holloway. —Remembrance always. HEFFRON.—In loving memory of Lieut. Lance, killed El Alamein July" 22. 1942. Ever remembered.—Aunt Ruby, uncle Will, and family. HEFFRON, Lt. Lance Howard.—Killed in action. El Alamein. July 22, 1942. "Lest we forget.—Ever remembered by auntie Em., uncle Harry, and Aileen. HEFFRON. Lieut. Lance.—Token of remembrance of Lance, killed in action at El Alamein. July 22. 1942.—Ever remembered Maud and Peter. HEFFRON, Lieut. L. H. —A tribute to the memory of Lance, who made the supreme sacrifice. July 22, 1942. His duty nobly done.—Remembered always by Mr. and Mrs. A. Ross and Murray. HEFFRON.—In memory of Lieut. Lance Heffron. killed in action at El Alamein. July 22. 1942.—Inserted by Eric Teague. 2/48th Bn. A.I.F. HEFFRON.—In loving memory of Lance, killed in action at El Alamein July 22. 1942.—Ever remembered by his friends at Wheeler's. Ltd. HEFFRON. JURY, ELLIOTT, SIMMOND.—A tribute to the memory of my pals. Lance, Gordon. Tom. Bob, and the boys of 2/48th Btn. who made supreme sacrifice. El Alamein. July 22. 1942.—Always remembered by Curly Foster. In memory of Lt. Heffron, Gordon Jury, Herbie Jones. Arthur Davis. Bob Zunman, Ted Smith. B Coy. 2/48th Batt., who made the supreme sacrifice El Alamein July 22. 1942.—Always remembered by their pal Wally Everett. A.I.F, ret
Advertiser Monday 23 July 1945, HEFFRON - A tribute to the memory of Lt. L. H. Heffron. How can I forget you when there is so much to remember? Ever remembered by his batman. Bill Kennett (A.I.F. Pacific).
Advertiser Monday 22 July 1946, HEFFRON.—In proud and loving memory of Lieut. Lance Howard, killed at El Alamein, July 32. 1942. May we always be worthy of his sacrifice.—Loved and remembered always by mother and sister Audrey. HEFFRON, Lieut. Lance.—In memory of Lance, killed in action. El Alamein, July 22. 1942. Always remembered.— Maud and Peter. HEFFRON. Lieut. L. H.—In loving memory of Lance, killed at El Alamein, July 22, 1942. Remembered always.—Aunty Ruby Uncle Will and family. HEFFRON, Lieut. L. H.—A sincere tribute to the memory of Lance, who made the supreme sacrifice at El Alamein. July 22. 1942.—Ever remembered by Mr. and Mrs. A. Ross. HEFFRON. Lieut. L. H.—In honored memory of our beloved nephew, who fell at El Alamein, July 22. 1942. Sadly missed.—Aunty Vi and Uncle Perce. HEFFRON.—In proud and loving memory of Lieut. L. H. Heffron, killed in action July 22. 1942.—Inserted by his batman. Bill Kennett.
Advertiser Tuesday 22 July 1947, HEFFRON, Lt.—In loving memory of Lance, killed, El Alamein, July 22, 1942. In our hearts you are always near. Longed for by mother and sister, Audrey. HEFFRON, Lt. L. H.—In proud and loving memory of Lt. Lance Heffron, killed in action at El Alamein. —Inserted by his ex-batman, Private Bill Kennett.
Advertiser Thursday 22 July 1948, HEFFRON. Lieut.—ln fond memories of our beloved nephew Lance, killed El Alamein July 22. 1942. Memories last for ever.—Aunty Viv. Uncle Perc. HEFFRON, Lieut. — In loving memory of dear Lance, killed at El Alamein-.July 22. 1942. Always in our thoughts.—Sadly missed by mother and Audrey.
Advertiser Friday 22 July 1949, HEFFRON. Lieut. —In proud and loving memory of Lance. Killed El Alamein July 22. 1942. Too-dearly loved to be forgotten.—Mother, sister. Aunt Vie. Uncle Perc. HEFFRON. Lt. L. H.—Proud memory of a gallant soldier.—Always remembered by Bill Kennett. Researched and written by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133, 2/48th Battalion.