Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Ernest, commonly called Sam, was named after his father, Ernest Whitford Moore. He was the oldest of two sons born at Tarcoola on the 19th February, 1906 to Lily Trezise and Ernest Moore. His younger brother was Aubury Harold John Oakley. Their parents were bakers who worked long hours, so Sam spent considerable time with his much-loved Gran with the two inevitably establishing a close bond.

Post school, Sam was a farm hand but with the outbreak of WWII, and just prior to his 35th birthday, Sam enlisted on the 21st January ‘41 becoming SX11130 and was allocated to the 2/48th Battalion. The new enlistees moved to the mid-north town of Terowie for their training before heading overseas on the Ile de France to serve in the Middle East, arriving in May ’41. The Battalion then undertook more intensive training at the Amiriya Staging Camp. He served as a stretcher bearer for the 2/48th and undertook this role with intense dedication. By September the following year, Sam had been promoted to L/Corporal. However, within two months he was killed in action during the fierce fighting on the 25th of October ’42, where conditions were ever-changing and the fighting continuous. The 2/48th Battalion had prepared for the second battle of El Alamein which began on October 23rd. That month, Mongomery had ordered the 9th Battalion to attack northward. This included an all-out attack on the strategically positioned Trig 29. The evening was described by John Glenn in ‘Tobruk to Tarakan’ as ‘an occasional burst from a machine gun disturbed the night of 24th October. Nevertheless, it was a busy time for the tired men. Little or no sleep could be had. A hot meal sent forward after dark was quickly swallowed. There was no time for yarning. Defences had to be improved, more digging and wiring done, and patrols sent out.’ He later added that ‘the 2/48th had stirred up a real hornets’ nest.’ On that night alone 9 of the Battalion were killed and 20 wounded in action. Of these 16 were from South Australia and the remainder from Western Australia.
Glenn explains they were ‘running into particularly stiff opposition to the west of the Trig point. It was only after hard fighting, with heavy casualties on both sides, that they were able to consolidate on their objective. Gradually the platoon, small in number to start with, was being whittled away and those remaining were being forced to go to ground.’
Kenneth Slessor the Official War Correspondent also wrote an article which was reproduced in several newspapers. This detailed the battle of El Alamein at the end of October. Referring to the outstanding work of the 2/48th Battalion on that occasion, Slessor wrote: ‘Within one week, in the last great battle of El Alamein, two men of the 2/48th Battalion won the Victoria Cross. Sgt. Bill Kibby, VC, and Pte. Percy Gratwick, VC, lie under the sand in soldiers’ graves today. Australia is far away over the rim of the world, and no one comes near the wooden crosses painted with their names except the wandering Bedouin and the little lizards of the desert.
‘But their battalion is rich in its pride and in its memories. They will never be forgotten. From the stories of their mates, those reluctant-tongued soldiers who fixed bayonets with them in the great offensive which drove Rommel from Egypt, come portraits of these two men in action which no other source could furnish.’ A fitting tribute, also to Sam and those who died with them.
Darren Paech in Adelaide to Alamein described how ‘Overnight on 24/25 October, D Company was probed by strong German patrols. After several firefights the enemy initially withdrew under the weight of the Australians’ supporting artillery and mortar fire. Several men had been killed including a stretcher bearer, 36-year-old Private Ernest Moore, who was killed going to another wounded man’s aid.’
John Glenn in Tobruk to Tarakan added more detail. ‘At last light on the same front some three hundred enemy troops attacked, and D Company area was swept by small arms fire. During this action Private Pat Hoare was killed and Lance-Corporal Henry Lohmann was so badly hit that he died soon after. A stretcher bearer, Private E.W.S. Moore, raced forward into the thick of the firing, carrying a Red Cross flag, to go to the assistance of Lance Corporal Lohmann, but was killed before he could reach him. Clem Billings volunteered to make the next attempt to reach Lohmann but Lieutenant Byrne refused to allow more men to sacrifice themselves. Under cover of darkness that night, however, Byrne led a patrol forward to bring in the bodies of our dead.”
Back home, the Advertiser in December reported that ‘Mr. and Mrs. E. W. Moore, of 10 Matilda street, Kensington, have been notified that their son, Pte. E. W. S. (Sam) Moore, was killed in Egypt on October 25. He was in Tobruk and then went to Syria, Palestine, and Egypt as stretcher bearer.’
Later newspapers also listed those Wounded In Action. — SX13641 L-Cpl. Robert J. Wundenburg, 2/48th Wall Flat was wounded at the same time and Killed In Action were SX640 L-Cpl. Ian Mills, Eng., Callington; SX1226O Pte. Francis C. Dyer, 2/27th Gilberton; SX7659 Pte. M. S. Meyers, 2/48th Kongorong.
Initially Sam was buried in the Tel El Eisa Military Cemetery but in March ’45 he and others killed at a similar time were reinterred in the El Alamien War Cemetery. He now rests in Plot 22 Row C Grave 19. Nearby are others from the 2/48th Battalion including SX7771 30-year-old L/Cpl Henry Lohmann, SX8468 22-year-old Private Patrick Hoare, SX13535 30-year-old Private Allan Thessinger and others from the 2/23rd and 2/24th. Sam’s parents chose the very apt inscription ‘Duty nobly done to save others’ for his headstone.
Over the ensuing years Sam’s family and friends continued to remember him. So also did Private Alwyn Munchenberg SX9202 of the 2/48th Battalion who served in the 3rd Field Ambulance with Sam. Alwyn survived the war.
In a further cruel blow to the extended family, Sam’s cousin Barney Trezise SX5432 of the 2/43rd, was killed less than a year later in New Guinea. The Barrier Miner carried that announcement. ‘Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Trezise, of Menindee and formerly of Broken Hill, have been notified that their eldest son. Dvr. William Arnold (Barney) Trezise, 2/43rd Battalion, 9th Division, AIF, was killed in action in New Guinea on September 14. Dvr. Trezise enlisted from Hallett, S.A., in June 1940, and left Australia on January 5, 1941. arriving back in Australia at the end of February 1943. He served for two years in the Middle East and Syria. Born at Broken Hill on January 5, 1912, Dvr. Trezise was educated at the Burke Ward School and was also a scholar of the Thomas and Mica Streets Methodist Sunday Schools until 1931 when, with his parents, he went to Menindee. At the river town Dvr. Trezise was the first chairman and also playing member of the Lunatic Bend Football and Cricket Clubs.’ Both young men continued to be mourned by family and friends.
Advertiser Saturday 28 November 1942, MOORE.—A tribute to the memory of our dear brother, Sam who was killed in action in Egypt, Oct. 25. For ever we'll remember. —Inserted by his brother and family, Aub. Reta, Allan and Elsa. MOORE.—Killed in action in Egypt. Oct. 25. Pte. E. W. S. (Sam) dearly loved elder son Mr.-Mrs. E. W. Moore, 10 Matilda St_ Beulah Pk. Greater love hath no man.
Advertiser Wednesday 2 December 1942, MOORE.—Loving memory of our dear nephew and cousin, Sam, killed in action in Egypt, Oct. 25.—Will always be remembered by Uncle Bill, Auntie Min, and cousins.
Advertiser Monday 25 October 1943, MOORE.—Fondest memory of Private E. W. (Sam), died October 25. 1942. in action. A smiling face, a heart of gold, one of the best the world could hold.— ' Uncle Harold, Aunty Lill and Shirley. ' MOORE, Pte. E. W. S.—Killed In action. October 25. 1942. In loving memory of our pal Sammy. He sleeps in a soldier's . grave m the desert sands peacefully. He will always be with us in memory.—lnserted by Mr. Mrs. Kendle. MOORE.—In memory, of Sam who was killed at EI Alamein, Egypt. October 25, 1942. One of the bravest and best. Ever remembered by gran, Uncle Jim and Aunty Milly. MOORE.—In loving memory of Sam who was killed October 25 1942. A smiling face a heart of gold, one of the best the world could hold. Ever remembered by his uncle, aunt, cousins, of Broadview; MOORE.—In loving memory of Sam who was killed October 25 1942. God took him home: it was his will; forget him no, we never will.—Ever remembered by his cousins. Ron and Dorrie. MOORE.—in loving memory of Sam. who was killed October 25. 1942.—Ever remembered by Bill and Beryl. MOORE.—In loving memory of Sam who was killed October 25. 1942-—Ever remembered by Les and Joyce. - MOORE—A tribute of honor to the memory of our brother Sam. killed El Alamein. October 25. 1942. In memory you are with us still.—lnserted by Aub, Retta and family. MOORE.—In proud memory of our dear son. Sam. killed Tel-El-Eisa. October 25. 1942 He sleeps beneath a little white cross among his comrades brave.—inserted by mother, father. MOORE—In loving memory of Sam, killed on active service. Egypt. October 25. 1942.—Ever remembered.—inserted by Grandma, Doug and Pearl MOORE Pt. E W S- Killed In action October 25 1942. In loving memory of our dear pal. Sammy.—inserted by Jack. Ken. Bob and Edna Kendle. MOORE—A tribute to the memory of our cousin Sam killed in action October 25 1942. One of the bravest and best.— Always remembered by Ron and Hilda. MOORE-—ln loving memory of Sam, killed on active service. Egypt. October 25 1942. We have you in our memory. God has you in His care.—inserted by aunt, uncle, and cousin Avis. MOORE - A tribute to the memory of my comrade. Sam, who died Oct 25. 1942. He sleeps in a soldier’s grave, honoured among Australia's brave.—Pte. A. H. Munchenberg.
Advertiser), Wednesday 25 October 1944, MOORE.—In loving memory of our dear son, Sam. L-Cpl, 11130. 2/48 S.B. killed in action. El Alamein. Oct. 25. 1942. A tender chord of memory is softly touched today: a silent thought brings many a tear.—Mother and father. MOORE.—In loving memory of Sam, killed at El Alamein Oct. 25. 1942. One of the best.—Always remembered by gran, Jim. Milly. MOORE.—In loving memory of my brother, Sam, killed in action, El Alamein, Oct. 25. 1942. He gave his life on the battle field tending the wounded that they may be healed.—lnserted by Aub, Reta, and family. MOORE, Sammy, 2/48tn Bn. killed in action, El Alamein.- Oct. 25. 1942.—Forever remembered by his pals. Jack, Ken, Bobby and Edna Kendle. MOORE, Sam, 2/48th Bn., killed in action. El Alamein, Oct. 25. 1942. A good friend sadly missed.—inserted by Pop and Mrs Kendle MOORE.—In loving memory of Sam, killed in action on Oct. 25. 1942. Not just today, but every day. in silence we remember.—Ever remembered by Ron. Hilda. Ken. MOORE.—Tribute of loving memory of our dear nephew, Sam, killed at EI Alamein. Oct. 25. 1942.—Always remembered by his aunt, uncle. Avis Berg. MOORE. Private E. W. (Sam), killed In action. El Alamein Oct. 25 1942. A nature you could not help loving, a heart that was purer than gold: to all who knew and loved, his memory fadeth never. Sadly missed by uncle, aunt, cousins. Broadview; Clyde. R.A.A.F. MOORE.—A tribute to the memory of my cousin. Sam. killed in action. Tel El Isa, on October 25. 1942. One of the bravest and best.—Always remembered by Shirley. MOORE.—In loving memory of dear Sam. killed in action Oct. 25. 1942. Not a day do we forget you. in our hearts you are always near.—Uncle Harold and Auntie Lill.
Advertiser Thursday 25 October 1945, MOORE. L-Cpl, 11103. 2/28 Batt.—ln loving memory of our dear son Sam. Killed El Alamein, October 25. 1942. A cluster of beautiful memories, the fondest our hearts can frame, we weave them into a garland and twine them around your name.—Loving mum and dad. MOORE, E. W. S (Sam) killed In action El Alamein October 25. 1942. Treasured memories never fade. —Inserted by his loving brother and family. MOORE. —In loving memory of Sam killed at El Alamein, October 25. 1942.— . Ever remembered by gran. Jim and Milly. MOORE, Trezise.—Tribute In loving , memory of our two dear nephews, Sam, killed in action at El Alamein, October 25, 1942; also our dear nephew Arnold, killed in action in New Guinea, September 14. 1943. In God's care. Their duty nobly done. —Always remembered by their loving aunt and uncle, cousin Avis, A. L P. Berg. MOORE.—In loving memory of Sam, killed at El Alamein, October 25, 1942. 1 Always we remember.—Dorrie and Ron, MOORE In loving memory of Sam, killed at El Alamein, October 25. 1942.— Ever remembered by his uncle, auntie - and cousins. Broadview, also Clyde, Esther (RAAF).
MOORE In loving memory of Sammy, killed in action. El Alamein, on October 25, 1942. Our mate, a true cobber and pal—Ever remembered by Lorna Bob, Edna, Jack and Ken Kendle. MOORE.—In loving memory of Sam killed in action. EI Alamein. on October 25. 1942. For all of us he did his best. May God grant him eternal rest.—Always remembered by his best friends Mr. and Mrs. Kendle.
Advertiser Friday 25 October 1946, MOORE.—In loving memory of our dear nephew Sam, killed in action at El Alamein Oct. 25, 1942.—Always remembered by his loving uncle, Aunt Ida and cousin Avis. MOORE—In loving memory of Sam, killed at El Alamein. October 28. 1942. Sadly missed but never forgotten.—Ever remembered by Jim, Milly and Valerie. MOORE.—In loving memory of Sam killed El Alamein, October 25 — Ever remembered by cousin. Dorrie and Ron. MOORE.—In loving memory of Sam, killed El Alamein, October 25, 1942.— Ever remembered by Auntie Min, Uncle Bill and family (Broadview). MOORE—In loving memory of Sam, who was killed El Alamein, October 25, 1942. A thought for today a memory for ever.—Inserted by his pals, Jack, Ken, Bob, Edna Kendle. MOORE.—In loving memory of Sam, who was killed El Alamein, October 25, Mr. and Mrs. H. S. Kendle. MOORE.—In memory of my brother Sam, killed in action October 25, 1942. Treasured memories forever of happy days we spent together.—Inserted by brother Aub and family. MOORE.—Loving memories of our dear son Sam, L.-Cpl., 11130, 2/48, killed in action El Alamein October 25, 1942. A beautiful memory, full of kind deeds, A helping hand to those in need, Always sincere in heart and mind, What beautiful memories he left behind. So sadly missed by loving mother and father.
Advertiser Saturday 25 October 1947, MOORE, 2/48th, 9th Div.—ln loving memory of my brother, Sam killed in action El Alamein, October 25th, 1942. The passing years can never change our thoughts of one so dear.—Ever remembered Aub, Reta and family. MOORE. Trezise.—Loving memories of our dear son. Sam. 2/48th Bat, killed El Alamein. October 25 1342. and nephew, Arnold (Barney), 2/43rd R.T. killed Lae, 1943. Do not ask us If we miss them: there is such a vacant place. Can we ever forget their footsteps or their dear old smiling face.—Longed for by mother, father. Aunt and Uncle Moore. MOORE —In loving memory of Sam, killed in action at El Alamein Sadly missed, but never forgotten.—Ever remembered, gran, Jim, Milly. MOORE—In loving memory of Cousin Sam, killed October 25, El Alamein. Deep in our hearts a memory is kept Of one we loved and will never forget —Dorrie, Ron Tumby Bay I. MOORE.—In loving memory of Stan, killed. El Alamein. October 25, 1942. —Ever remembered by Aunt Min. Uncle Bill and cousins. MOORE, TREZISE.—A tribute of loving memory of our two dear nephews. Sam, who made the supreme sacrifice at El Alamein, September 25, 1942; also Arnold, at New Guinea. October 14. 1944. In God's care.—Remembered always by their loving uncle and aunt, cousin Avis, A and I. Berg.
Advertiser Tuesday 26 October 1948, MOORE AND TREZISE.—In loving memory of our dear nephews. Sam, killed at E Alamein. Oct. 25 1942: also Arnold, killed at New Guinea, Sept. 14. 1943. They went the second mile.—Always remembered by their uncle and Aunt Ida and Avis. MOORE.—In loving memory of Sam. killed El Alamein. 1942. Sadly missed but not forgotten.—Ever remembered, gran. Milly, Jim.
Advertiser Tuesday 25 October 1949, MOORE.—In loving memory of our dear Sam, killed El Alamein, October 25 1942. Your memory is with us forever. Always remembered by Mr and Mrs Kendle, Jack, Ken, Bob, Edna. MOORE Loving memories of our dear son Sam L-Cpl 11130 2/48. Killed in action El Alamein October 25 1942. Seven years today he passed away, But still we miss him every day. Remembered always, Mum and dad. MOORE Loving memories of our brother Sam, killed in action. October 25 1942 at El Alamein. One of the bravest, one of the best. Ever remembered Aub, Reta and family.
Advertiser, Wednesday 25 October 1950, MOORE. — Loving memory of out dear son Sam. L.-Cpl. 11130. 2/48th. killed in action El Alamein. October 25 1942. Those who loved him truly know. What we lost eight years ago. MOORE. — A token of remembrance to our pal Sam. killed El Alamein. October 25. 1942.— Ever remembered by Jack, Ken, Bob and Edna. MOORE. — To the loving memory of Sam killed in action El Alamein. October 25. 1942. Ever missed by brother Aub. Rita, and family. MOORE. — In fond remembrance of Sam. killed El Alamein. October 25. 1942. — Ever remembered by Mr. and Mrs. Kendle. MOORE. Trezise.— Cherished memories of our two dear nephews. Sam. killed El Alamein. October 25. 1942: Also Arnold, at New Guinea. Sept. 14 1943. In God's care. —Ever remembered by their loving Aunt, uncle and Avis.
Advertiser Thursday 25 October 1951, MOORE.— In loving memory of our dear son Sam. L.-Cpl. 11130, 2/48 killed El Alamein. October 25, 1942. We cherish all the memories of the days when you were here.— Loving mother and father. MOORE. — Fond memories of Sam, killed in action, El Alamein. October 25. 1942.— Inserted by brother Aub. Reta. Allan and Elsa. MOORE. — In loving memory of Sam killed El Alamein, October 25. 1942. — Ever remembered by Uncle Bill and cousins. Broadview. MOORE.— In loving memory of Sam killed in action. El Alamein, October 25. 1942.— Ever remembered. Mr. and Mrs. Kendle, Jack Ken, Rob, Edna.
Advertiser Saturday 25 October 1952, MOORE. — Loving memory of our dear son Sam. 11130 2/48 Batt., killed El Alamein. Oct 25. 1942. What would I give to see him smile, and just to talk to him awhile — Ever remembered by mother, father. MOORE, TREZISE.— Cherished memories of our loving nephews, who paid the supreme sacrifice. Sam. El Alamein. October 25. 1942; Arnold. Lae, N.G. 1943.— Always remembered by uncle Avis, aunty Ida Berg. MOORE.— In memory of Sam, killed in action El Alamein. October 25, 1942.— Ever remembered Mr and Mrs. Kendle. Jack. Ken, Bob. Edna.
Advertiser Monday 26 October 1953, MOORE.—In memory of Sam, killed in action, El Alamein, October 25, 1942.—Remembered by Mr. and Mrs. Kendle, Jack, Ken, Lorna (Bob and Edna).
Advertiser Monday 25 October 1954, MOORE. — In loving memory of our dear son and brother Sam. 2nd 48th Btn. SX11130. killed El Alamein. 1942. Always wishing you were here.— Lovingly remembered, mum dad and family MOORE.— in memory of Sam. killed at El Alamein 25th October- 1942.— Always remembered by Mr and Mrs. Kendle. Jack, Ken. Bob and Edna.
Researched and written by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133, 2/48th Battalion.