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Walter (Wally) was the seventh son in a family of eleven with his siblings being James, Daniel, Mary, Patrick, Catherine, Andrew, Michael, Alexander, Walter, Joseph and Vincent (who died in infancy).
He was born in Spalding on the 5th June 1920. Parents Daniel and Sarah Cecilia owned a farm called ‘Manawheela’ located in Washpool, between Spalding and Jamestown. Daniel was recognised as one of the pioneer landholders who did so much to develop the region. The surrounding area in the mid-north of South Australia had been claimed by earlier European settlers, the Hawkers who still farm their property Bungaree, and the Hughes family who created Bundaleer. Spalding itself had the nearby Broughton River, although this was prone to flooding until an adequate bridge was built. For the children of the early settlers, a school was soon established at Washpool which all the Shane children attended.
Typical of country young men, Wally was a regular member of the Washpool Football team which he captained, proving to be a useful player, regularly appearing in the best player list, as did his brothers James, Joseph and Patrick. In summer, Wally also played cricket. Wally’s father was heavily involved in the local community, including being chairman of the Spalding District Council.
Wally was just five years old when his 41-year-old mother, Sarah died on the 5th November ’25 in the Jamestown Hospital. Her youngest baby named Vincent Ignatius, who was just three months old pre-deceased her on the 23rd October. Both were buried in the Jamestown Cemetery with the Chronicle paying tribute that Sarah ‘was noted for her many acts of charity and kindness. She left eight sons and two daughters.’ The Southern Cross also carried a tribute. ‘SHANE.—On November 5th, at Jamestown Hospital, Sarah, beloved wife of Daniel Shane, of Spalding, aged 41 years, leaving a sorrowing husband, eight sons and two daughters to mourn their sad loss. Fortified by all the rites of the Holy Catholic Church, Most Sacred Heart of Jesus have mercy on her soul.’
With the outbreak of WWII, there was a huge push by the military with many country towns being visited in a drive to gain more enlistees. Having just turned 20 a fortnight previously, Wally, who had been farming with his father on the family property, was one of a number of young men who enlisted at a similar time, he was on the 21st January ’41 and another local, 21 year old Fred Pearce SX11268 on the 6th February. 20-year-old Keith Treagus, whose early days were also spent in the Clare Valley, enlisted to serve on the 19th February 1941. Keith became SX11350 and Wally SX11052 with these young men all allocated to the newly formed 2/48th Battalion. Their initial days were spent in camp at Terowie.
(Four other of Wally’s brothers also enlisted at different times, including older brother Patrick Joseph who enlisted in May ’42 as Private S7873. Younger brother Michael Francis, 48151 was the next to enlist on the 12th August ’42, becoming a Leading Aircraftman. He was discharged in January ’46. A further older brother Andrew Joseph enlisted in January ’43 as Private SX28041 and was discharged in November ’45. Another younger brother Joseph Thomas was the next to enlist in August ’44 as SX35418. He was discharged in May ’46.)
Back home on pre-embarkation leave, presentations were made to the Spalding enlistees, Ron and Robert Pryde, Fred Pearce and Wally Shane in the crowded local Hall. In patriotic style, the National Anthem was first sung before praise of the quality of the young men was made by various speakers from Football, 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. Conditions were in stark contrast to home; dust, flies, heat, minimal water supplies and constant bombardment provided a constant challenge to the young men. They were to become the famed Rats of Tobruk.
In January ’41 Wally attended the Australian Corps Ski School, a far cry from his experiences in the mid-north of South Australia. He then returned to his own battalion. The challenging conditions of the desert probably contributed to Wally contracting the aptly named ‘trench mouth’ which painfully affected his gums. Soon after he then contracted mumps and again was hospitalised.
Back home, Wally’s father and brother Mick were active in fundraising for the soldiers’ Comfort Funds with Mick being an accomplished Master of Ceremonies at the local dance and social in February ’42.
By June, ’42 Wally’s record indicated he sustained a sprained right shoulder, cut to his left ear and was ‘accidentally injured – concussion lacerations & abrasions. Court of Inquiry will be held.’ This was later held at Tripoli to investigate a road accident on the 29th May where Wally’s and another Army vehicle collided on the Tripoli – Lattakia Road causing Wally’s injuries. It was noted that the injuries received were ‘while on duty and not likely to cause permanent ill effects or impair future efficiency as a soldier.’ The inquiry also found that the injuries sustained ‘were not due to negligence or misconduct on the part of either Pte Shane or any other person.’
Sixteen months after enlisting, Wally (and Keith Treagus) were both killed in action on the 22nd July, 1942. Wally had just celebrated his 22nd birthday, but Keith was not to reach that milestone. Their 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.’
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 outa pocket when I saw another section cut down. Wally Shane fell and did not move. Then a little further forward, Sergeant Lin Evans was hit twice.’
The Advertiser carried a brief announcement of Wally’s death. ‘Mr. D. Shane, of Spalding, has been notified that his son. Pte. W. M. Shane. 22. was killed in action on July 42 In the Middle East. Pte. Shane went overseas in April, 1941. He served for some time in Tobruk, and afterwards in Syria. Before enlisting he worked on his father's farm at Spalding.’
The Chronicle published a list of those killed in action in August ’42. They included eight others from Wally’s battalion. SX1312 Pte. Reginald W. C. Brown 2/48th Whyalla. SX12765. Pte. Charles A. Corfield 2/48th Clare. SX7166 Pte. Arthur R. Davis 2/48th Rosewater SX13018 Pte. Colin J. Hanley 2/48th Port Augusta. SX8236 Pte. Gerald J. Hayes. 2/48th Wir. SX6297 Pte. Donald S. Ridley 2/48th Lox SX110521312. Pte. W. M. Shane. 2/48th Spalding and SX8315 Pte. Robert O. Sunman. 2/48th Port Augusta.
The Northern Argus in August ’42 also carried the distressing news of the deaths of their two local soldiers, Wally and Keith Treagus, killed on the same day. ‘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.’ It described how three other brothers were also in the A.I.F. They were Privates W. R. Treagus, W. J. Treagus, A.I.F. abroad; and 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. The newspaper continued ‘Another district soldier to be killed in action on July 22 in Egypt was Private Walter M ('Watty') Shane aged 22 years a son of Mr. Daniel Shane of Washpool, between Spalding and Jamestown. Mr. Shane, Senior was at one time chairman of Spalding District Council. Mrs Shane died some years ago leaving a family of eight sons and two daughters. Four have been on service, namely Walter Shane just killed in action, Joseph and Andrew Shane, both in the A.I.F. and Michael Shane in the R.A.A.F. Patrick Shane is a member of the V.D.C. and other brothers are Alex, James and Daniel, while there are also two sisters. The late Walter Shane was educated at the Washpool school, and he sent home several fine literary descriptions of his life abroad for the benefit of students at his old school. He was captain of the Washpool Football team and also played cricket. He enlisted in July 1940, went overseas in April 1941 and saw service at Tobruk and in Syria before being killed in the present battle for Egypt. He was a young man of genial personality and had a wide circle of friends and was a member of the Roman Catholic community. Widespread sympathy has been expressed to Mr. Shane and members of the bereaved family, who are doing so much for the Empire's cause.’
The Areas’ Express carried a similar heartfelt tribute: ‘The very sad news received by Mr. Daniel Shane of Washpool, that his son, Pte. Walter Morris Shane, had been killed in action on July 22, caused much sorrow in Spalding: and district where "Watty" as he was generally called, was very popular. He was 22 years old, enlisted in July 1940, and went overseas in April, 1941 He served in Tobruk and Syria. Pte. Shane was a footballer of merit and was captain of the Washpool team and also a keen cricketer. He was a student of high qualities as his letters home, to his friends and the children of his old school at Washpool clearly proved and showed his powers of observation. While his loss is deeply regretted, the splendid example set by this fine young man must be a great consolation to his father, sisters, brothers and friends. His father was a past Chairman of Spalding District Council, in which position he rendered good service, his mother died many years ago. Two sisters, Kitty and Mary and seven brothers survive, viz., Nick, R.A.A.F., Joe and Andy, A.M.F., Alex, Patrick, Jim and Dan on the land. Sympathy is expressed for the family in their sorrow.’
In a poignant but much appreciated gesture a letter from Wally’s platoon Lieutenant SX8325 James W. Smith wrote to Daniel. The letter was published in the Areas’ Express in February ’43.
‘Mr. D. T. Shane, Washpool, has received the following letter from Lieut. Smith, A.I.F. to express his sympathy in the loss of his son and to describe the fine qualities of the young soldier who lost his life in Libya. “I realise how completely inadequate any words of mine must be, but I do want you to know how much I feel for and with you in your loss. Every man in my platoon joins with me in extending to you and your family our sincerest sympathy. Wally has been in my platoon since he joined the battalion back in the Tobruk days. He quickly settled in with us and I soon realised I had a chap of exceptional ability, as well as one in whom I could always rely. He was most popular in our very happy little family. Only a few days before the 22nd July, I had put Wal. in charge of his section and had recommended his promotion to lance-corporal. This would have been his first step up, but there would certainly have been more. We had a very difficult task on the 22nd, and Wally came in as one of my three section leaders. The boys in his section were delighted to be going in under him and I can assure you that he did a grand job until he gave his life, and it was one of his section, Stan Gurney, who went on alone and has since been awarded the Victoria Cross. Stan died too. Needless, to say, I am intensely proud of every man. I am sorry I have taken so long to write to you, but I was rather severely wounded that morning and still in hospital. I am one of the lucky ones, but still have a long wait before I shall be able to return to my gang. They are trying now to get a busted lung working again. I do hope some of Wally's personal belongings were recovered and sent on to you. I may have a recent snap or two to send. I am proud to have known Wally. It seems all wrong that one who lived so cleanly should have to die. Very sincerely yours, J. W. Smith.’
In an era when Arbour Day was regularly celebrated, Wally’s Spalding School in August 1943, planted trees in the school yard in memory of those who lost their lives in the war. Besides Wally, others included Private Bob Pryde, Private Fred Pearce, Private Ron Phillips, Trooper Tom Bruce, Milton Trengove, Kevin Clark and Frank Sanders. The Northern Argus reported that ‘Altogether 74 trees have been planted at Spalding School during the last 2 years, of which 71 are living. The trees include Flowering Peach, Jacaranda, Flowering Gum, Tuart Gum.’ Eloquent speeches followed in praise of the local young men. In the ensuing years the current students added extra plantings before then observing a minute’s silence in honour of the fallen ex-students.
In April ’43 the remains of the soldiers were interred in the El Alamein War Cemetery in Egypt, with Wally in Plot XVI Row F Grave 12. He is with his fellow soldiers from the 2/48th who died on the same day. These included SX13018 21-year-old Private Colin Hanley, SX7979 22-year-old Corporal Lindsay Evans, SX11052 22-year-old Private Walter Shane, WX10144 19-year-old Private Albert Lang, SX7948 24-year-old L/Sgt Keith Trenorden, SX9316 28-year-old Private Arthur Phillips, SX7343 27-year-old John Miller and SX8670 26-year-old Corporal William Glennon. Eighteen from his battalion are listed as being killed on the same day and interred nearby. Wally’s father chose the inscription ‘Ever Remembered. Lady of Mount Carmel Pray for Him.’
When Wally’s older brother, Andrew Joseph enlisted in January ’43 as Private SX28041, he also received a public farewell, being the 63rd local young man to be farewelled. A special mention was made that Andrew was then the fifth of the Shane boys to have enlisted.
The boys’ father, Daniel did not live to see peace declared or his remaining sons return home. Aged 73 he died on the 20th December ’46 and was interred in the Jamestown Cemetery with his wife and youngest baby, Vincent. The Areas’ Express carried a heartfelt tribute to him. ‘The second son of Mr. and Mrs. James Shane, he was born at Pekina in 1872 when that Northern Country was first used for farming. As a young man he acquired land at Bundaleer in 1893 and ten years later married Miss Sarah Cousins, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. V. Cousins, Booborowie. His wife died in 1925. For 53 years Mr. Shane lived and worked in the Spalding District. He was one of the best known and best liked men in the North; his kindly nature, even disposition and good sense of humour assured him of a welcome at all times. His family comprised nine sons and two daughters: James, Hammond; Daniel, Adelaide; Patrick, Spalding; Andrew, A.I.F.; Michael, R.A.A.F.; Alex, Norwood; -Walter, A.I.F. (killed on active service); Joseph, A.I.F.; Vincent (died in infancy) ; Misses Mary and Katherine, Spalding. In his long career at Spalding, Mr. Shane did his full share of public duties. He was a Councillor, and Chairman of the District Council of Spalding for some years; he took a leading part in many worthwhile activities for the welfare of his community. Good old Dan Shane will be greatly missed by the Spalding, Bundaleer and Jamestown people and particularly by his neighbours.’
In January ’51 an Honor Roll was unveiled in the Spalding District Hall. It contained 94 names, twelve of whom, including Wally, made the supreme sacrifice.
By February ’53 Wally’s medals, the 1939/45 Star, the African Star, Defence Medal, War Medal and Australian Service Medal were sent to his older brother, Daniel. That same year another of Wally’s brothers, Michael Francis, named his and Nell’s first son Walter in Wally’s honour. In a cruel twist, baby Walter died in May ’53, less than a month old.
Wally’s older sister, Catherine (Kate) placed tributes to him in the ensuing years.
Advertiser Monday 23 July 1945, SHANE. L/Cpl. W. ln loving remembrance of Wally, killed in action, El Alamein. July 22. I942. Ever remembered by aunty Kate and cousins, Brompton.
Southern Cross), Friday 26 July 1946, SHANE, L/Cpl. W.—In loving memory of Wally, killed in action EI Alamein, July 22, 1942. Lord have mercy on his soul. Inserted by K. Sullivan and family, Brompton.
Researched and written by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133, 2/48th Battalion