Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Edred was born on the 7th August 1915 in the thriving coastal town of Streaky Bay on the Eyre Peninsula, an area then known for its wheat and wool production with both being exported via the local jetty. His parents were Muriel Eugene and Frank Bennett Wreford. Edred was a generational family name, but this was quickly shortened to Ted. His siblings included an older brother, Leslie Turnbull and sister, Joan Margaret.

Frank was a highly respected Manager of the Bank of Adelaide, who quickly became involved in the town’s activities including the Masonic Lodge where he was the first senior warden. The family were next transferred to Curramulka where the children attended the local school. Fundraising was a constant necessity, with activities including a Fancy Dress Frolic, held in the local Institute in November ’23. Muriel was a coordinator of the extensive supper and also helped Joan with her costume of a pierrette, Ted as a Gypsy and Les as Uncle Sam. (Dancing followed in the evening followed with a total of £27 raised.)

Five years later, Ted was again winning an award for his fancy dress costume when he paired up with Beryl Pointon as a Dutch Boy and Girl as part of a Children’s Frolic in celebration of the opening of the Curramulka District Hospital. Part of the celebrations also included a street parade of cars and bikes to the Recreation Ground. Ted again scooped the pool with his decorated bike entry. Frank was instrumental in the agreement drawn up to establish the hospital and was also one of the directors of the venture.
The following year, Ted was also actively involved in a Concert for the Wudinna A., H. & F. Society, joining a group of young men and women presenting a variety of overtures. With WWII beginning, Ted’s last community involvement was in a huge celebration for Foundation Day (now Australia Day) in 1940. A two-day Swimming Carnival was organised at both Streaky Bay and then Venus Bay, with Ted competing as part of a Wudinna group of four.

Both sons followed in their father’s footsteps, finding employment in the banking sector, Ted as a Bank Accountant and Les as a bank clerk. Leslie was the first to enlist on the 30th May ’40 in Victoria as VX21161 in the 2/3rd where he, also, experienced rapid promotion. He was farewelled at Balaklava with five other soldiers in August.

24-year-old Ted enlisted on the 24th July ’40 and was allocated the number SX9605 and placed in the newly formed 2/48th Battalion. His early days were spent in the cold of the Pavilions, now part of the Royal Adelaide Showgrounds before his battalion headed to Woodside in the Adelaide Hills for preliminary training.

During pre-embarkation leave, Ted also returned to Balaklava in November where he and Gunner Jim Duhow were farewelled in the RSL Clubrooms. Part of the proceedings included community and solo singing (accompanied by the playing of a mouth organ). A patriotic speech by Mr J. Thompson shared that “It is regrettable that we should have to assemble at functions to farewell the young men who have the courage and are prepared to fight for victory with the Allies, for the preservation of democracy and freedom. I feel we are fighting for a just and right cause, and with right on our side it must eventually, bring about the destruction of treachery. England is still supreme and unconquered; lads such as these will uphold the traditions of the British Empire and all we believe right and just in this world. Parents are to be congratulated on making the sacrifice in allowing two boys in each family to go and fight for the British Empire. We appreciate it and know their efforts will be crowned with ultimate victory. On their return we will turn out in great numbers to welcome them back. Twenty-five years ago, we were at war with the same enemy. The soldiers won that war, but the politicians lost it. This time we should see that the victory is upheld.” It was a sentiment shared by other speakers. The presentation of a Balaklava ladies' parcel and wristlet watch were presented to both young men. This was followed by supper and the playing of billiards.

Ted then boarded the Stratherden on the 17th November and arrived on the 7th December in the Middle East. With so many soldiers travelling and living so closely together, Ted contracted mumps, causing him to spend a few days in hospital. He was then able to join his fellow enlistees for several months training in Cyrenaica.
During those early days, the men settled into camp life, with regular army duties. From working in banking, which involved a high degree of trust, Ted found he and his tent mates had to quickly adapt to the locals as John Glenn describes in Tobruk to Tarakan. The ‘Arabs were notorious for thieving – one night they even stole the hessian from around the latrines. Rifles had to be chained to tent poles when not in use, their bolts removed. One morning Privates L. Watson (SX7360), Donald Carmichael (SX9999), Jack Abbott (SX9323), Edred Wreford (SX9605) and Norman Mellett (SX10164) returned to their tent to find their rifles gone, but in this case Major Bull was the “clifti wallad”, determined to give a starting example of the need for caution.’ Perhaps this was a salutary lesson for all four, as all survived the war.

By October ’41the 9th Division, led by General Moreshead had quickly become one that was professional, knowledgeable, highly regarded and respected. Resultantly, Lieut-Col Windeyer led a ten-day tour of Syria, to lecture on Tobruk to other officers and NCO’s of the 16th Brigade. John Glenn made particular mention of the preparatory work done by Privates Les Feehan and Ted Wreford, Jack Abbott and Bert Johnstone who ‘worked untiringly for days in preparing some very fine maps in readiness for this lecture tour.’

Ted’s banking background made him an ideal candidate to be targeted for Intelligence Duties, gaining Group II qualifications. By November ’41 he was promoted to Lance Corporal and began specialising in intelligence duties through the cypher pool.
Just prior to the return of his battalion to Australia, Ted was again promoted to Corporal in January ’42. After arriving in Melbourne, he was able to return home for well-deserved leave before training in the tropical conditions of Queensland followed. A further promotion to Sergeant was made while Ted was serving in New Guinea for about eight months.

Like Ted, Leslie had served in both the Middle East and New Guinea. However, in a cruel blow to the family, 30-year-old Leslie was killed in action on the 23rd February ’43 as a result of enemy aircraft action in New Guinea. Tributes were placed in the Laura Standard and Barrier Miner newspapers where Les had been a teller at both Gladstone and Broken Hill. He now rests in the Milne Bay War cemetery Grave 9, Row D, Plot C.

On his return to Brisbane, Ted’s skills were further recognised with his appointment to commissioned rank with the 2/43rd Cipher Section. He then spent some time in Lae before finally being discharged on the 22nd October ’45.

By April ‘47 the Balaklava Soldiers Welcome Home and Welfare Committee disbanded. Frank had served on the Committee since its inception. A final decision was made to present to every returned man and woman a War Savings Certificate to the face value of £6, and to forward the next of kin of fallen soldiers cheques for £5. It was a generous gesture from the community which had supported their young men and women who had enlisted.

Ted kept in contact with others with whom he had served, including being one of 300 who played in the Kooyonga A.I.F. Cup in August ’48. A highlight was that 'refreshments' were strategically placed round the course. Ted also maintained friendship with other soldiers who enlisted, including Kevin Dundon, SX28948, acting as his groomsman in November ’48.

The following year in October, Ted also announced his own engagement to Joan Hocking of Croydon. She was a highly regarded, talented vocalist with the Norwood Salvation Army Band and would visit regional areas to perform with the group. Joan’s bridesmaid organised a ‘something useful’ luncheon party at the Berkley Hotel prior to the wedding. Ted and Joan married in an Easter wedding on April 15th 1950.

Just three months later Ted’s 64-year-old father, Frank died of a stroke soon after retiring as Manager of the Bank of Adelaide Unley branch. He was buried in Centennial Park Cemetery. (Ted’s mother, Muriel lived a further five years and died in October ’75 in Streaky Bay. She now also rests in Centennial Park.)

Aged 55, Ted died on the 6th March 1971. He is buried in the Centennial Park Cemetery and is remembered in the Garden of Remembrance Wall 130 Niche B009.
Researched and written by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133, 2/48th Battalion