Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Yongala-born Theodore Emil (Ted) came from a pioneer farming family who settled at Yongala. Ted married Evelyn Churches with the two initially living in Walla Walla, New South Wales where Theodore was born on the 17th March 1920. He was the oldest son and consequently named after his father, who at the time worked as a foreman in the Stockman and Kleinig chaff mill at Walla Walla.
Theodore Jnr. quickly became known by his middle name, Lester. He was three when his family moved to Hill River, out of Clare where Ted worked on the Pink Family farm for ten years. He eventually worked cutting pine trees for Angus’ Wood Mill at Hill River. Lester’s family included siblings, Mabel, Vera, Basil, Donald and Warren who all attended the local Clare School, where Basil proved to be the talented scholar and athlete of the family. Ted
Unusual items were often shared with the community, through the local newspaper, the Northern Argus. Just prior to Christmas’30 Ted took the head of a newly hatched chicken into the Argus, considering it worthy of sharing as it had three beaks. No mention was made of how long it remained on site.
After schooling, Lester gained employment as a saw doctor but from the age of 18 was also actively involved in the local Militia in the 9/23 Light Horse Section until the outbreak of WWII when, aged 20 he then enlisted at the local Clare Recruiting Depot. He was allocated the number SX9604 and initially placed in the newly formed 2/48th Battalion, training at Woodside in the Adelaide Hills.
During pre-embarkation leave, Lester was one of eleven local soldiers who received presentations at the Clare Town Hall, attended by a large crowd of local citizens. It was a record number of young men to ever receive presentations in either WWI or II, with the cohort being praised for being splendid Clare citizens. The young men were lauded for having chosen to do their bit for King and country and admiration was expressed for their courage and sacrifice. Mr. Eric Tilbrook said he had the honor as a trustee and a member of Forestry in Clare, to be the speaker on behalf of the Ancient Order of Foresters, in praise of two members; Gunner Vivian C. Maynard; and Private- Lester Przibilla. The Mayoress presented the soldiers with four parcels of comforts each, from the Country Women's Association, the Fighting Forces Comforts Fund, the Clare Women's Branch of the Agricultural Bureau, and the function organising Committee. Each soldier thanked the speakers for their many kind references with their speeches greeted by prolonged handclapping and applause. The National Anthem and Song of Australia were sung to conclude the evening.

Lester boarded the Stratheden on the 7th November, arriving in the Middle East on the 17th December. Whilst there, he learned of the passing of his 50-year-old father who had died in the Clare Hospital in July ’41. Fitting tributes were published in the local Northern Argus and the Chronicle.
Later that year, Lester was graded as a Group II Operator. By March ’42 he returned to Adelaide, then to Clare where he and five other returned servicemen were honoured with a Welcome Home social, which included dance and musical items. With the title of Signaller Przibilla, he shared that he was very pleased to be back home. Returning to his battalion, Lester sustaining a medial meniscus tear which saw him hospitalised for almost two months, serving firstly in Queensland and then Victoria.
At the end of that year, Lester’s 17-year-old brother, Basil was called up to join the Royal Navy, heading to Melbourne on the 16th December. Both brothers were able to be home on leave together in February ’43, Lester because of his knee injury and Basil as Ordinary Seaman on regular leave. Both brothers were again briefly home on leave again in December.
Lester was soon promoted to Acting Corporal, and was aboard a troop carrying train in May 11th when a goods train crashed into their loaded stationary troop train on the Northern railway line ‘at the 366 ¼ mile point between Beltana and Copley soon after midnight. At the time, the troops were bedding down for the night, but Sergeant Shann heard the on-coming train and attempted unsuccessfully to signal it with his torch. Fearing the engine would not stop in time, men in his carriage were ordered out while the guard ran towards the back of the train, waving his lamp and blowing his whistle, when the impact occurred. Three men were killed instantly as two carriages telescoped at the rear of the train. Nurses arrived from Beltana initially then others from Copley and Telford. Lester died of his injuries in the Hawker Hospital on the 12th May ’44. In all four soldiers were killed instantly and 27 injured. Those killed with Lester were Gnr. Henry R. Caban, of N.S.W. Pte Arthur K. Hale, of N.S.W. and Pte. Gordon V. Lehman, of Broken Hill.
In his hometown of Clare, the Australian Flag on the Town Hall flew at half mast. Following negotiations with the military, Lester’s family was given permission for him to be buried in the local Clare Cemetery on the 15th. He was interred alongside his father. He was farewelled with a guard of honor of service men and returned soldiers, with the RSL President recited the Pledge of Remembrance, after which Bugler John Pargeter sounded the Last Post and Reveille. Many wreaths were placed on the grave. Initially Lester’s grave was marked by a wooden cross (dated the day of his burial on the 15th ) He rests in Grave 27 Plot YY. Nearby is R.J. Ohlmeyer from the Air Force who was killed on the 23rd November ’39.
Inevitably, a lengthy inquest was held with the final finding that "Theodore Lester Keith Przibilla, 24, came to his death on May 12 at the Great Northern War Memorial Hospital at Hawker, as a result of a compound open fracture of the ankle and lower leg, haemorrhage, and exposure, as a result of injuries received by him in the same collision, while he was a member of His Majesty's forces. "
Following the horrific accident, Lester’s fellow soldiers wrote to his mother, Evelyn at her Rocky Glen home in Clare. Written by NX45595 Sergeant Jim A. Roberts it detailed how Lester, hearing the shouts of the men as the goods train approached, was just leaving his carriage when the crash occurred and his leg becoming jammed between two carriages. Sergeant Roberts gave Lester whisky and a medical orderly administered morphia. Lester was conscious throughout, laughing and joking with those around him. After two hours when his leg was freed, Lester just assumed his leg was broken, but in reality it was almost severed at the shin. Eventually a doctor arrived and Lester was operated on in the hospital carriage before being taken to the Hawker hospital. The Sergeant and Lester shook hands, with Lester seeming in good spirits. The Sergeant shared that Lester showed wonderful courage and fortitude, and “was one man in a million; loved by all his mates for his pleasant manner, and good heart. It wasn't till the following morning that we received word of his passing, and on behalf of the boys of the Section, I convey to you our deepest sympathy. Although his soul has departed this life, he has entered one where peace and goodwill will remain for ever. Every man has a goal in life he wishes to reach; but Lester has reached the greatest goal of all, the Pearly gates of Heaven, where he will know nothing but peace forever.”
The Sergeant added that the men wished to place an artificial floral wreath on Lester’s grave, and advised that the men were holding a service in memory of their Pal, Lester who would never be forgotten.
Family, friends and Lester’s fiancée, Joan continued to remember him.
Laura Standard and Crystal Brook Courier Friday 19 May 1944, SX9604 Sig. T. L. K- PRZIBILLA A tribute of love and honour to our dear brother, Lester, who died of injuries received in accident near Copley. ‘A Soldier and a Man.' — Inserted by his loving sister and brother-in-law, nieces and nephew, Mr. and Mrs. E. T. M. Bristow, Jamestown.
Advertiser Saturday 20 May 1944, PRZIBILLA, T. L. K., Pte-— Killed in railway accident. Copley. May 11. 1944. —Ever remembered by Alf and Joyce, and Mr. and Mrs. Busbridge. Crystal Brook.
Advertiser Tuesday 6 June 1944, PRZIBILLA, Sig. T. L. K.—In loving memory ot Lester, who died from injuries, result of Copley train accident, May 11. Beautiful memories liveth always in my heart.—lnserted by loving fiancé, Joan, of Clare. Sig. T. L. K.—ln loving memory of Lester, who died from injuries, result of Copley train accident. May 11. Gone, but not forgotten.—inserted by loving cousin Ada, and boys, of Clare.
Blyth Agriculturist Friday 23 June 1944, RETURN THANKS. Mrs. Przibilla and Family, wish to thank all kind relatives and friends for telegrams, cards, and floral tributes, also the boys of Lester’s Unit, and all others that helped in any way in my tragic bereavement in the loss of my dear son Lester, in the Copley train smash
Northern Argus Thursday 10 May 1945, PRZIBILLA— SX9604, Cpl. T. L. K. (Returned) In loving memory of our dear son and brother Lester, who was killed in the Copley train smash on May 12, 1944, while on Active Service. May the sunshine he missed on life's Highway Be found in God's garden of rest. Ever remembered by Mum, Basil R.A.N., Donald and Warren. 'Roll of Honour. '~ PRZIBILLA— A tribute to the memory of Lester, accidentally killed in Copley train smash, on May 12th, 1944. A smiling face, A Heart of Gold, One of the best, This world could hold. Always remembered by Zoe of Toowoomba, Q. In memory of Lester, killed Copley rail smash May 12, 1944. Remembered by Alf and Joyce Busbridge. PRZIBILLA, Sig T. L. K.—In loving memory of our dear brother, Lester, who lost his life through train accident, Cop-ley, May 12, 1944. To live in the hearts of those we love is not to die. —Inserted by his fond sister Vera and family, Jamestown.
Blyth Agriculturist Thursday 9 May 1946, PRZIBILLA—SX9604 Cpl. T. L. K. returned. In loving memory of our dear son and brother Lester, who was killed in the Copley troop train smash on May 12, 1944, while on active service. Hearts that loved you never forget. Remembered by Mum, Basil R.A.N., Don and Warren.
Advertiser), Saturday 11 May 1946, PRZIBILLA, SX9604, Cpl. T. L. K. (returned).—ln loving memory of our dear son and brother. Lester, who was killed in Copley troop train smash on May 12, 1944. on active service. In our hearts you an fondly remembered by mom. Basil (R.A.N.). Donald and Warren. PRZIBILLA, Cpl. SX9604.—In loving memory of my dear brother Lester, killed Copley train smash. May 12. links of chain may rust and sever, but links of love last forever.—lnserted by his loving brother Basil (R.A.N)
Advertiser Monday 13 May 1946, PRZIBILLA.—In loving memory of Lester, killed Copley train smash May 12, 1944. Deep in our hearts a memory Is kept of one whom we love and shall never forget.—Always remembered by Zoe. of Toowoomba. PRZIBILLA. CPL SX9604.—In loving memory of my dear brother. Lester. killed Copley train smash. May 12, 1944. Too dearly loved to he forgotten.—lnserted by Mabel Ted. and family. PRZIBILLA.—ln loving memory of Lester, accidentally killed, Copley train accident. May 12. 1944.—From Joyce and Alf.
Northern Argus Thursday 16 May 1946 PRZIBILLA — In loving memory of Lester, killed Copley train smash 12th May, 1944. Resting where no shadows fall In perfect peace he awaits us all. God will link the golden chain As one by one we meet again. Always remembered by Zoe of Toowoomba.
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Northern Argus Thursday 8 May 1947, IN MEMORIAM. PRZIBILLA— SX9604 Cpl. T. L. K. (returned) in Loving memory of Lester, who was killed Copley troop train smash, on May 12th, 1944. We think of you always. Ever remembered by Mum, Sisters and Brothers, Clare.
Advertiser Monday 12 May 1947, PRZIBILLA, Sig. 9604 T. L.K.—In loving memory of our dear brother, Lester, lost his life May 12. in Copley train accident. Too dearly loved to be forgotten. —Ever remembered by his loving sister, Mabel, and family and Basil. R.A.N. PRZIBILLA, SX9604 T. L.K.—Re-turned, who was killed, Copley troop train smash. May 12, 1944. We miss you. Lester, dear, so much.—Mum. Basil (R.A.N.). Don and Warren.
Researched and written by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133, 2/48th Battalion.