Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

James was born in the Adelaide suburb of Rose Park on the 22nd January 1903. To Chas (Charles) Henry and Agnes Mary Winch. James (known as Jim) was the oldest of four children, Dorothy, Marjorie and Ken. Conditions during Jim’s early years were challenging as Charles was frequently unemployed, leaving Agnes to struggle with the children. With Jim just six years old, in frustration Agnes unsuccessfully sought the help of the Courts.
With the outbreak of WWI, 37-year-old Charles took the opportunity to enlisted to serve in February ’15. He became 480 in the 27th Battalion, just days after James’ 12th birthday. Charles served as a driver, and was involved in fighting in France. He returned to Australia at the end of July 1919.
Unfortunately, the employment situation remained bleak for both Charles and Jim. By the end of ’27, the Returned Soldiers’ Bureau was supporting Charles though a newspaper advertisement, to help him gain employment and including that he had ‘four children, eldest 24 years (out of work); out of work for a month; in last position 3 years.’
Back in the days of requiring a licence to listen to the radio, homes were visited to ensure households had complied. Unfortunately, Jim had overlooked his second half year instalment (15/-) of his licence and was penalised in the Adelaide Police Court with an unwanted fine of £1 5/-.
Perhaps inspired by his father’s service during WWI, Jim became an active member of the Militia, joining aged 27 in October ’30 as S213266 in the 43/48 Battalion where he rose to the rank of Sergeant. To help maintain fitness, regular boxing and wrestling contests for army championships were conducted at the Keswick Barracks. Jim competed in the bantamweight category. He was also involved in a Vickers gun course at Port Adelaide and Wingfield where he obtained the best score of 190 in E Company, with Sergeant A.D. Jackson coming second with 158.
In the mid-1930’s Jim undertook Fitting and Turning studies, passing the subject in successive years. In ’37 he was involved with 90 other troops in a camp at Woodside, travelling by train from Adelaide. The objective was to maintain the wartime perspective of bringing up supplies in the field. While there, promotions were announced in the 43rd48th Battalion with Sgt. J. A. Winch (D. Coy.) being named as a Quartermaster-Sergeant.
Jim met Florence Reddy of Littlehampton, a foundation member of the local Band of Hope which frequently presented musical programs. The two married on the 28th November ’33 at the North Terrace Holy Trinity Church.
By this time, Jim was also employed. Unfortunately, he was involved in an horrific accident after work in October ‘34. He and his friend travelled together on a truck to Tweedvale (Lobethal). Each fortnight they would then cycle home on their bikes, via Balhannah, down a steep incline outside Woodside. Unfortunately, Jim’s friend collided heavily with another rider who had stopped to light his bike light and sustained fatal skull fractures. Jim was unhurt but very distressed at the loss of his friend. It was a challenging start to the weekend.
The practical skills Jim learnt in the Militia were called upon when, aged 37 he enlisted on the 11th October ’40 to serve in WWII. He then became SX1298 and was placed in the newly formed 2/48th Battalion. His previous service meant that he was quickly promoted to Acting Staff Sergeant. He had precious leave with his family before boarding the Stratheden on the 7th November and arriving in the Middle east on December 17th. A further promotion to Warrant Officer followed. With communications erratic, over Christmas ’41 national broadcasting stations recorded Christmas greetings from the overseas soldiers in the lead-up to Christmas. Newspapers advertised when they would broadcast names and on what discs the voices would be heard. Families and friends were fortunate to hear Jim’s voice recorded on Disc 527 WO James A Winch North Adelaide.
Jim was to become one of the legendary Rats of Tobruk, a term designed to be derogatory and affect morale so the men would surrender. It had the opposite effect. While the men continued to dig and live ‘underground’ like rats, the dust, heat and flies were born stoically. The term became one of pride, adding to the close bonds of those who served at Tobruk.
In Tobruk, secondary charges to use in dumped Italian mortars were non-existent. Ever resourceful, the soldiers used the cellophane wrapping from cigarette packets rolled into tubes and filled with cordite. The amount of cordite used influenced the strength of the charge and depended on the nature of the man filling it. John Glenn in Tobruk to Tarakan noted that those filled by Jock Hood SX8063 and Jimmy Winch, ‘generous in all things, had the explosive kick of an atomic bomb, and always ended up somewhere in the blue while the more frugal made the mortar observation post officer’s life a precarious and dangerous existence.’
By ’42 common mumps caused Jim to be hospitalised. Within six months he then suffered a debilitating knee injury (traumatic synovitis) again causing him to be hospitalised and affecting his ability as a soldier in the field. The decimated battalion welcomed their return to Australia at the start of February ’43, via Melbourne. As a result of his knee injury, by July ’43 Jim returned to Wayville and was granted leave. At the Adeliade Railway Station his leave pass was requested by a sergeant provost. Whilst not drunk, Jim was affected by alcohol and reacted with colourful language and lashed out. Unfortunately, that month Jim faced a Court Martial on a charge a charge relating to his conduct where he resisted being escorted while being apprehended. Jim, as part of his defence, explaining that he had been a warrant-officer since November 1940 and had 10 years militia service. A lieutenant also produced evidence that Jim had a clean record as a respected soldier. Fortunately, commonsense prevailed and whilst being found guilty, was ‘severely reprimanded’.
Jim had precious time with his mother, Agnes just prior to her death, aged 76 on September 25th Soon after, he was discharged being medically unfit. He was finally discharged on the 16th September ’43. Just five months later, Jim was riding his bicycle near the Snake Park on Frome Road at night when he was struck by a taxi. He sustained facial lacerations and concussion resulting in him being admitted to the Ryal Adeliade Hospital.
Adelaide was abuzz with the announcement of the visit of Queen Elizabeth’s visit in March ’54. Many announcements were made by the State Director of the Royal visit, Mr M.A.F. Pearce including flower protocol, public transport arrangements, illumination of buildings and dress codes. Jim had a down-to-earth letter published in the News ‘My congratulations to the Royal Tour Director for SA, Mr. M. A. F. Pearce, on the wonderful job he has done. However, I disagree with his ruling about wearing medals. They are personal. In my experience, we were told, “to win 'em, and then wear 'em." North Adelaide JAMES A. WINCH
James died on the 22nd March ’56 and was buried in the Enfield Memorial Park Cemetery. Florence lived for almost three more decades and died on the 7th August ’84.
Researched and written by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133, 2/48th Battalion.