Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Forever Young, ‘His Duty Nobly Done’

Thomas Stansfield Holmes

Thomas’ parents, Ethel and his father (also Thomas) had seven sons, Albert Ernest, James Edward John Henry, Arthur George, Lawrence Joseph, Thomas Stansfield and Harold Leslie. Ethel’s first-born was a little girl, also called Ethel who only survived a month.

Tom was born at Ethelton on the 21st March 1919, becoming a fit young man through his occupation as a sawyer. Then aged 21 he was the first of his siblings to enlist in July 1940 for service in WWII, having been with the 43rd Battalion of the Citizen Forces becoming SX9330. A fortnight later, his next oldest brother, Lawrence enlisted on the 6th August, as a field engineer with the RAAF. The third to enlist in March 1943 was James.

Being in the newly formed 2/48th, Tom was part of the large contingent to leave on the Stratheden, contracting tonsillitis in October soon after his arrival in Dimra. He was killed in action just a fortnight later in Egypt, 31 October 1942, aged 23 years in the battle at Rahman. Initially he was buried in the field, then later his remains were interred at the El Alamein Cemetery in Egypt. John Glenn in Tobruk to Tarakan described that night as “some of the bitterest and bloodiest hand to hand fighting in which members of the 2/48th had ever been engaged. Cries and shouts of the men made the night hideous… Corporal K. Albrecht, a section leader of this platoon, led Private T. Holmes, J. Gardiner, Jack Duffield, Harry Langdon, Jack Cufley and Bill Fletcher in a mad charge across the fireswept ground, only to find the post was really a dug-in German Mark III tank.”

Tom’s family, friends and fellow soldiers continued to remember this young man through tributes in the local Advertiser each year. Sadly, his mother Ethel died in December of 1943, aged 61, just over a year after Tom. Her headstone at the Cheltenham Cemetery carries a tribute to Tom, with the words ‘Duty Nobly Done’ engraved. At this stage, the youngest son, Harold was just 19 years of age and still at home. Tom’s will directed that his parents Ethel and Thomas receive all his money and that his personal property be ‘divided among his unmarried brothers.’

With the effects of the Great Depression still being felt, Thomas (snr) the family’s financial position was very tight. The process of winding up Tom’s pay and War Gratuity, including implementing his will was slow. Tom had named his mother Ethel as his next of kin but with her death Thomas (snr) had to provide his birth certificate, verification of Ethel’s death and a letter justifying his need for the money. Initially Thomas wrote in January 1943 indicating that he and Ethel “would wait until everything is settled before collecting any part of amount due to us as we are not needing anything just now.” In the years following her death, he wrote again, explaining that “My wife died four years ago and two of my sons married live with me but are not able to support me as they are in poor circumstances. My age is 66 years on 29.8.47 and I am no longer able to work like I used to and need some of the money for repairs to my home at the above address (in Harvey Street, Ethelton) and some for my own comforts. The balance would be used to reduce the mortgage of 213 pounds ($426) and so lighten the annual expense of same.” An Investigating Officer supported Thomas’s application with the compassionate observation that the “Applicant impressed me as a man of frugal disposition and habits… the money would therefore provide him with the comforts or amenities in his declining years.” In June of 1945, Tom’s oldest brother, Albert (Bert) and his wife Dorothy (Dot) named their son Raymond Stansfield in Tom’s honour.

By February 1948, Tom’s pay with interest (about 132 pounds or $264) had been approved. The small personal effects of fountain pens, foreign money, badges, personal photos, wallet and a filigree brooch were returned to the family in 1944, precious memories of a vibrant young son and brother.

Advertiser (Adelaide, SA: 1931 - 1954), Wednesday 6 January 1943, page 8 HOLMES. Tom. —Killed In Egypt. Oct. 31. 1942. He died for us: we shall never forget you. —lnserted by his loving brother. Harold.

HOLMES, Tom. —Killed in action in Egypt. Oct. 31. 1942. Just a few words, tender and true, to show we'll always remember you. —Lovingly remembered by his mother and father and brothers. HOLMES—Sincere tribute to my dear pal Tommy, killed in action. Egypt. Oct. 3L 1942. A good pal of Pte. Angas Sara, esteemed friend of Sara family. Ethelton. Fondest memories will always linger. HOLMES. Pte. T. S.—ln loving memory of a pal, Tommy, killed in action abroad Oct. 31. 1942. We will always remember —Inserted by his two pals, Bill and Jack Fahey. Ethelton.

Advertiser (Adelaide, SA: 1931 - 1954), Thursday 7 January 1943, page 6 HOLMES, Pte. Tom. —A tribute of honor and love to my cousin, killed in action in Egypt, Oct. 31. 1942. Ever remembered by Lil.

HOLMES, Pte. Tom S. —Killed in action in Egypt. Oct. 31 1942. —Ever remembered by Jack, Doreen. Margaret and Mrs. Herriman.

HOLMES, Tom. —Killed in action in Egypt. October 21. 1942. His duty nobly done. —Inserted by an old friend. Ralph Jamieson. Ethelton.

HOLMES. —In memory of our pal Tom, killed in action. We will remember. — Inserted by George Clark and Alan Madsen.

Advertiser (Adelaide, SA: 1931 - 1954), Friday 8 January 1943, page 8 HOLMES. —A tribute of honor and remembrance to Tom. His duty nobly done —Inserted by old friends, the Ellery family.

HOLMES. —In loving memory of my dear pal Tom, killed in action. Egypt, Oct 31, 1942. Some day we shall understand —Inserted by his pal. John Hendrickson. Ethelton.

HOLMES. Pte.—ln memory of dear Tom. killed in action in Egypt. —Ever remembered by Mr. and Mrs. Deslandes.

Advertiser (Adelaide, SA: 1931 - 1954), Saturday 9 January 1943, page 10 HOLMES, Tom. —Who made the supreme sacrifice in Egypt. Oct. 31, 1942. Tribute of remembrance by the boys of C. Coy. —lnserted by Merv. Blythe A.I.F., abroad.

HOLMES—Pte. Tom. killed in action in Egypt, October 31, 1942. Some day we will understand. —Always remembered by Mr. and Mrs. A. Jamieson and family, Maud street. Ethelton.

HOLMES—Pte. Tom S. killed in action. Egypt. October 31, 1942. Too far away your grave to see, but not too far to think of thee. —Ever remembered by Albert, Doris and Malcolm.

HOLMES—Pte. Tom S, killed in action in Egypt, October 31. 1942. Treasured memories. —lnserted by a pal. Betty Carter, Semaphore Park.

Advertiser (Adelaide, SA: 1931 - 1954), Monday 1 November 1943, page 8 HOLMES. —In loving memory of mv dear pal Tom. killed at El Alamein. Oct. 31, 1942. Resting in a soldier's grave, honored with Australia's brave. —Remembered by Bob Clarke A.I.F. N.G.

HOLMES. —In memory of our dear friend Tom, killed Middle East. Oct. 31. 1942. —Ever remembered by Mr. and Mrs Jim Brown and Billy.

Advertiser (Adelaide, SA: 1931 - 1954), Tuesday 31 October 1944, page 8 HOLMES, Pte. T. S.—ln loving memory of my dear son. Tommy, who gave his life at El Alamein Oct. 31. 1942. My loss is great. I'll not complain, but trust in God we'll meet again. —Always remembered by his dad.

HOLMES (Tommy) killed In action at El Alamein Oct. 31. 1942. Not Just today, but every day, we will remember you. —By his brother Jim (R-A.A.F.). Rosie and Laurie.

HOLMES, Tom. —A tribute of honor to my pal Tom. killed at El Alamein October 31. 1942.—Always remembered by Bob Clarke.

HOLMES. —Cherished memories of our dear pal and friend, Tom. who was killed at El Alamein on October 31, 1942. Resting where no shadows fall. —Ever remembered by Mrs. Reg Sara and family, Angus (AIF)

HOLMES. —In loving memory of our cousin Tom. killed in Egypt Oct. 31. 1942. Ever remembered by Lil and Harold.

HOLMES. —Memories of Tommy, killed El Alamein, Oct. 31. 1942.—Remembered by Jack, Doreen. and Margaret.

HOLMES. Pte.—Cherished memories of our dear brother and uncle Tom killed in action at El Alamein Oct. 31. 1942.  Time drifts on but memories linger. — Ever remembered by Bert, Dot and Malcolm. HOLMES. Tom. —A tribute of honor to my pal Tom, killed in action at El Alamein, October 31. 1942.—Always remembered by Bob Clarke.

HOLMES. Pte. T. T.—ln loving memory of my brother. Tommy, who gave his life at El Alamein. Oct. 31. 1942. Deep in my heart a memory is kept of a brother I loved and shall never forget. — Ever remembered by Harold.

HOLMES. —In memory of my pal Tom, killed in action. Egypt. Oct. 31. 1942.  Two little words, not hard to write, but I'll remember all my life—My pal. —Remembered always. Betty Carter.

HOLMES. —In loving memory of Tom who paid the supreme sacrifice at El Alamein, Oct. 31. 3942.—Remembered by J. and M. Brown and Billy.

Advertiser (Adelaide, SA: 1931 - 1954), Tuesday 31 October 1944, page 8 HOLMES, Pte. T. S.—ln loving memory of my dear son. Tommy, who gave his life at El Alamein Oct. 31. 1942. My loss is great. I'll not complain, but trust in God we'll meet again. —Always remembered by his dad.

HOLMES (Tommy) killed In action at El Alamein Oct. 31. 1942. Not Just today, but every day, we will remember you. —By his brother Jim (R-A.A.F.). Rosie and Laurie.

HOLMES, Tom. —A tribute of honor to my pal Tom. killed at El Alamein October 31. 1942.—Always remembered by Bob Clarke.

HOLMES. —Cherished memories of our dear pal and friend, Tom. who was killed at El Alamein on October 31, 1942. Resting where no shadows fall. —Ever remembered by Mrs. Reg Sara and family, Angus (AIF)

HOLMES. —In loving memory of our cousin Tom. killed in Egypt Oct. 31. 1942. Ever remembered by Lil and Harold.

HOLMES. —Memories of Tommy, killed El Alamein, Oct. 31. 1942.—Remembered by Jack, Doreen. and Margaret.

HOLMES. Pte.—Cherished memories of our dear brother and uncle Tom killed in action at El Alamein Oct. 31. 1942.  Time drifts on but memories linger. — Ever remembered by Bert, Dot and Malcolm. HOLMES. Tom. —A tribute of honor to my pal Tom, killed in action at El Alamein, October 31. 1942.—Always remembered by Bob Clarke.

HOLMES. Pte. T. T.—ln loving memory of my brother. Tommy, who gave his life at El Alamein. Oct. 31. 1942. Deep in my heart a memory is kept of a brother I loved and shall never forget. — Ever remembered by Harold.

HOLMES. —In memory of my pal Tom, killed in action. Egypt. Oct. 31. 1942.  Two little words, not hard to write, but I'll remember all my life—My pal. —Remembered always. Betty Carter.

HOLMES. —In loving memory of Tom who paid the supreme sacrifice at El Alamein, Oct. 31. 3942.—Remembered by J. and M. Brown and Billy.

Advertiser (Adelaide, SA: 1931 - 1954), Wednesday 31 October 1945, page 14HOLMES, T. S.—ln memory of Tom. killed in action at El Alamein. October 31. 1942.—Always remembered by dad and Harold.

HOLMES. —In loving memory of our brother, uncle, and friend, Tom, killed in action. El Alamein October 31, 1942. Ever remembered. —lnserted by Jack, Doreen. Margaret and Mrs. Herriman. HOLMES, Pte. —Cherished memories of our dear brother and uncle, Tom. killed in action at El Alamein. October 31. 1942. Time drifts on, three years have passed, but memories of you always last. —Sadly missed by Bert Dot. and nephews.

HOLMES T.S In memory of Tom, killed in action at El Alamein October 31 1942. Lest we forget – Lawrie and Theila.

HOLMES. T. S.—ln memory of Tom, killed In action at El Alamein, October 31. 1942. Lest we forget. —Lawrie

HOLMES—In memory of my pal, Tom, killed in action at El Alamein October 31, 1942. —Always remembered by Bob Clarke.

HOLMES. —In memory of Tom, who paid the supreme sacrifice. El Alamein, October 3L 1942. —Remembered by J. and M. Brown, Billy.

HOLMES. —In. loving memory of Tommy, who made the supreme sacrifice at El Alamein on October 31. —Ever remembered by Jim and Rosie.

HOLMES. Pte. Tom. —Killed to action. El Alamein, October 31. 1942. In memory of a pal so true, one I’ll remember my whole life through. —lnserted by Betty Carter. Semaphore Park.

HOLMES. —Cherished memories of dear Tom, killed El Alamein, October 31, 1942. Deep in our hearts a memory is kept of the true pal and friend we can never forget.—Ever remembered by Mrs. E. Sara and family, and pal Angus, 2/48th. returned.

 HOLMES. —In loving memory of Tommy, killed at El Alamein. October 31. 1942 There Is a road called remembrance, where thoughts and wishes meet: I take that road in thought today, to one I cannot meet —Inserted by his pal, Cpl Angus Sara, late B. Coy. 2/48th Batt.

Advertiser (Adelaide, SA: 1931 - 1954), Thursday 31 October 1946, page 14 HOLMES. 2/48th. —In loving memory of our brother Tommy, killed at El Alamein, October 31. 1942.—Remembered by Jim. Rosie, Arthur and Sally

HOLMES. —In loving memory of Tom. killed El Alamein. Oct. 31. 1942. —Ever remembered by J. and M. Brown and Billy.

HOLMES. Pte.—Cherished memories of my dear brother Tom, killed in action at El Alamein. October 31. 1942. Sunshine passes, shadows fall. But love and memories outlive all. —Always remembered by Harold.

HOLMES. —KiIIed in action. October 31. 1942. A leaf in our book of remembrance, is gently turned today. —Ever remembered by Bert, Dot, boys.

 HOLMES. —In remembrance of Tom. who paid the supreme sacrifice at El Alamein October 31. 1942.—Always remembered by Betty Carter.

HOLMES. —Cherished memories of our dear pal and friend Tommy, killed in action, October 31, at El Alamein. One of the dearest, kindest and best, beautiful memories are all we have left. —Ever remembered by Mrs. E. Sara and family.

HOLMES. —In loving memory of my dear son Tommy, killed in action. El Alamein. October 31. 1942. One of the best. —Dad.

HOLMES. —Loving memories of Tom. killed El Alamein. October 31. 1942.— Sadly missed by John. Doreen. Mrs. Herriman and Margaret.

HOLMES. —In loving memory of my dear brother Tommy, killed In action. El Alamein, October 31. 1942.—Always remembered by Laurie.

Advertiser (Adelaide, SA: 1931 - 1954), Friday 31 October 1947, page 20

HOLMES. —In loving memory of Tom. killed at E1 Alamein October 31. 1942.— Always remembered by J. and M. Brown and Billy.

HOLMES. —In fond memory of my pal Tom, made the supreme sacrifice. El Alamein. October 31 1942. As you rest in peaceful sleep your memory we win ever keep. —lnserted by Angus, Sara. HOLMES, Tommy. —Killed In action at El Alamein. October 31. 1942.—Ever remembered by Jim. Rosie, Arthur and Sally.

HOLMES, Pte.—Cherished memories of Tommy, killed in action at El Alemein October 31. 1942.—Always remembered by dad and Harold.

HOLMES. —In loving memory of my brother Tommy, killed in action, El Alamein. October 31. 1942. —Inserted by Laurie.

HOLMES. —In loving memory of our brother Tom killed in action. October 31. He lives with us in memory still. Not Just today, but always will. —Remembered always by Bert and Dot.

 HOLMES. Pte. Tom. —God's greatest gilt—remembrance——lnserted by Betty Carter. Semaphore Park.

Advertiser (Adelaide, SA: 1931 - 1954), Saturday 30 October 1948, page 14 HOLMES In loving memory of Tommy, killed in action at El Alamein, October 31. 1942.—Ever remembered by dad and Harold.

HOLMES. —In fond memory of Tom, killed El Alamein-, October 31. 1942. His memory grows not dim. — Betty. Semaphore Park.

HOLMES. —Cherished memories of dear brother Tom, killed at El Alamein. October 31, 1942. Years cannot dim the glory of his sacrifice. — Always remembered by Bert and Dot.

HOLMES—A tribute to the memory of my brother Tommy, killed in action. El Alamein, October 31. 1942.—Inserted by his loving brother Laurie.

 HOLMES. —In loving memory of our brother Tommy, killed in action at El Alamein. on October 31. 1942. Years go on, but memories stay. — Ever remembered by Jim, Rosie, Arthur, Sally.

Advertiser (Adelaide, SA: 1931 - 1954), Monday 31 October 1949, page 14Heroes Of The Empire HOLMES. —In loving memory of my dear son Tommy, killed El Alamein October 31 1942. Your memory is my dearest keepsake. Ever remembered by your dad.

HOLMES – In loving memory of my brother Tommy, 2/48th killed El Alamein, October 31 1942. Years are passing but memories are everlasting. Ever remembered by Harold.

HOLMES -Treasured thoughts for Tom, died, El Alamein, 1942. —Pal of Betty Carter.

HOLMES. —Cherished memories of our brother Tom, killed, El Alamein, October 31, 1942. Ever remembered by Bert and Dot.

HOLMES. -In loving memory of our brother Tommy, killed in action El Alamein. October 31. —Inserted by Jim, Arthur, Rosie, Sally.

Advertiser (Adelaide, SA: 1931 - 1954), Tuesday 31 October 1950, page 18HOLMES. — In memory of our brother Tom killed, El Alamein, October 31. 1942. -Time goes on, memories stay. — Remembered by Bert and Dot.

HOLMES. — In loving memory of my dear brother Tommy, killed. El Alamein. on October 31. 1912. — Always remembered by his brother Harold.

HOLMES. — In loving memory of our brother Tommy, killed in action October 31. 1942. at El Alamein. — Ever remembered by Jim, Rosie, Arthur and Sally.

HOLMES. — In loving memory of my brother Tommy killed in action October 31. 1942.— Always remembered by Laurie.

HOLMES, Tommy: Our memory is my dearest keep sake. —Betty Carter.

Advertiser (Adelaide, SA: 1931 - 1954), Wednesday 31 October 1951, page 18 HOLMES. — In memory of my brother Tom. who lost his life El Alamein. October 31. 1942.— Always remembered by Laurie.

HOLMES. T. S.— Killed -El Alamein. October 31. 1942. Memories from dad.

HOLMES. Tom. — Killed In action at El Alamein. October 31. 1942. — Remembered by Bert and Dot.

Advertiser (Adelaide, SA: 1931 - 1954), Friday 31 October 1952, page 22HOLMES. — In loving memory of Tom. killed in action El Alamein. — Ever remembered. Bert and Dot.

HOLMES. — In loving memory of Pte. T. S. Holmes, killed in action. El Alamein. October 31. 1942.— Remembered by Jim, Rosie, Arthur, and Sally.

Advertiser (Adelaide, SA: 1931 - 1954), Saturday 31 October 1953, page 28 HOLMES. — In loving memory of our dear brother Tom. killed In action El Alamein. — Always remembered by Bert and Dot.

Researched and written by Kaye Lee, Daughter of Bryan Homes SX8133, 2/48th