Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Melville (Mel) was born in Murray Bridge on the 25th July 1913 to Murray and Adeline Jane Chandler Powell. He was the oldest of eight children.
Post school Mel became a colt breaker, in an era when horses were still a valuable work tool. Then, with the outbreak of WWII and aged 27, he enlisted on the 14th December 1940 as SX10726, unsuccessfully undertaking a trade test as a driver mechanic. He was briefly with the 2/43rd Battalion. A cryptic note in his war record of February ’41 claims he was in the custody of civil police and soon after, was transferred to the 2/48th Battalion and heading to the mid-north town of Terowie for pre-embarkation exercises.
With basic training completed, and the inevitability of overseas service, Mel organised Padre Perry to officiate at his marriage to 22-year-old Ivy Mary Gallas of Woodside. The ceremony was conducted in the chaplain's room, Y.M.C.A. Hut at the Woodside Army Camp, on April 1, at 3 pm. Just days later Mel embarked for the Middle East, arriving on the 14th May.
Almost immediately Mel was training at a Staging Camp at Amiriya in Egypt. Unfortunately, within a fortnight he was charged with ‘conduct to the prejudice of good order and military discipline’. This was the start of numerous incidents where he ‘pushed the boundaries’ of army discipline. Perhaps more used to acting individually and being in control of actions when breaking in colts, Melville appeared to challenge imposed authority.
Mel’s battalion soon headed to Tobruk where the dust, flies, heat, minimal water supplies and constant bombardment were quite a challenge. He was to become one of the now famed Rats of Tobruk in a battalion which was to be highly regarded and decorated. Mel and Ray Lovelock, SX7399, an older farmhand from Karoonda in the Murray Mallee cemented a close friendship, with Ray rising to the rank of Acting Corporal.
Mel contracted a fever (then called PUO) causing him to be hospitalised but when discharged, his military record began to have more red, than black entries. These soon began to include failing to appear at parade in March ’42. Just four months later, 30-year-old Ray was killed in action in Egypt on the 22nd July ’42. 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.’ Initially Ray and his fellow 2/48th soldiers were buried in the field. Mel continued to remember his friend in the ensuing years.
Advertiser Friday 23 July 1943, LOVELOCK. Corporal Ray. —A silent tribute to the memory of my pal, Ray, killed in action on 22/7/42, in EI Alamein. You sought no glory, Ray But unselfishly gave your all. —Remembered by Driver Mel Powell (A.I.F. ret.)
Advertiser Saturday 22 July 1944, LOVELOCK Cpl. Ray A tribute of honor to my pal who was killed in action El Alamein. July 22. 1942. Beneath the Cross of Sacrifice he lies among the honored brave. — Always remembered by Driver Mel Powell.
Advertiser Monday 23 July 1945, LOVELOCK (Cpl. Ray). —In loving memory of Ray, killed in action. July 22. 1942 at El Alamein. He died defending us. The highest price he paid: we trust we may be worthy of the sacrifice he made. —Always remembered by Dvr. Mel. Powell (A.I.F).
Mel again was caught making false statements and not complying with the ship’s routine while at sea and heading home to Australia in May ’43. This proved to be an expensive exercise as did his lack of discipline in June, being AWOL in September and a further disciplinary breach in December that year whilst undertaking training in Queensland. His colourful history and lack of discipline continued into ’44. Then a bout of gastro in March ’44 saw him spending time in Kapara with the unfortunate ‘probable malingerer’ comment being added to his record in June ’44. Mel had several changes to different battalions, including the 2/11, then the salvage unit then 2/25th. However, the year ended on a high note with the arrival of his daughter, Elizabeth Ann at the Lobethal Hospital. Ill health shadowed Mel’s next years in the tropical conditions of Morotai before he was finally discharged on 10th January ’46. That year also brought extreme joy and tragedy with the arrival of a precious son, Robert Melville on November 21st at the Onkaparinga District Hospital, Woodside. However, he lived for just 24 hours.
A Christmas gift on December 31st ’48 at the Lobethal Hospital was the welcome arrival of Ian Barry. Keith Wayne followed on January 18th ’52, Shirley Jean arrived on January 5th ’54 at the Tailem Bend Hospital then David completed the family.
Aged 61, Mel died on the 24th April 1975 and is interred in the Nairne Cemetery. Ivy lived to be 81, died on the 25th February 2001 and now rests with Mel.
Researched and written by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133, 2/48th Battalion