Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

In January 1904 Gustav Herman Riebe called for tenders to build an architect designed weatherboard villa in Burt Street, Boulder, a suburb of Kalgoorlie in Western Australia, opposite the racecourse. Gustav named the home ‘Uhlenhorst’ after a city back home in Germany. Alan was their first child, born at this home on the 7th May 1905. Proud parents, Gustav and Charlotte Antonie made sure their relatives in South Australia were also informed of his arrival. Alan was the oldest of three brothers, Camillo (Mill) born in 1907 and Ken, born in 1909.
Each year, with the running of the Boulder Cup, the local Kalgoorlie Miner featured descriptions of the elegant outfits of silk, satin, velvet and lace, worn by the fashionable women. Charlotte featured each year amongst the most stylish attendees. However, by 1908 the family decided to sell up and move to South Australia, placing all their quality household furniture and effects, including their hens, in a sale held in September 1908.
For his final years of schooling, Alan moved to Adelaide as a boarder, attending Immanuel College which at that stage was in North Adelaide, over 1920 –’22. On his return, Alan joined his father as a successful orchardist.
By the time Alan was 18, in 1922, his father, who had been residing in Tanunda, had purchased an existing Waikerie fruit block, owned by Will Francis. Of extra importance to the locals who welcomed the family, was that Gustav was a musician and ‘will receive a good reception on his arrival’. Alan also was quickly absorbed into the local community, attending parties, ‘coming of age’ celebrations and moonlight picnics on the River, the latter including playing gramophone created music.
Alan also became heavily involved in sport, as Secretary of the Kia-Ora Cricket Club in the Mid Murray Association and being the team’s wicketkeeper and opening batsman where he was described as ‘Improving every match. A steady bat, he has not had the opportunity as yet to show what he can really do.’ For the local football team, Alan was summarised as ‘Should play the same as he practices—very pretty to watch in open play.’
Alan quickly joined the Waikerie Brass Band, a feature of so many country communities, where he took on the role of librarian and also secretary as well as being an active participant in all competitions in which the band was involved. In those years the Band also opened an instrument fund so that more citizens could become part of the group. To this end, a local, Mr Rainey, opened his beautifully decorated garden for an evening concert where Alan was one of three members who gave instrumental performances. Alan was also equally involved in activities with the Methodist Church, including being the convenor of a strawberry and cream stall raising funds for the Church.
Alan made particularly close friendship with Sydney Rainey, a clerk who later enlisted in August ’42 as S110826 with the 5 A.A. Regiment. He served in Lae and New Guinea.
With WWII being declared, 35-year-old Alan was one of the early enlistees on the 20th July 1940 and was given the number SX9241, then placed in the newly formed 2/48th Battalion. His early days were spent in the exhibition halls, now part of the Royal Adelaide Showgrounds, before heading to Woodside for more intensive training. During pre-embarkation leave he returned to Waikerie to spend precious time with his parents and also to be farewelled by the Waikerie Band which held a social in his honour and made a presentation to him. Young Mervyn (‘Jack’) Westlake SX6023, also from the 2/48th Battalion, was farewelled with Alan at the local Institute. Hauntingly, their service was to be inextricably paralleled, with Jack being killed a month after Alan.
He and the other new enlistees soon boarded the Stratheden on the 7th November, arriving in the Middle East on the 17th December. The 2/48th Battalion’s first orders were to hold Tobruk for two months, however this stretched out to defending the fortress for eight months. Following initial intensive training, Alan worked as a stretcher bearer – a task so opposite to the relative tranquillity of working in an orchard. It was a role where it was challenging for the men to carry a rifle and also a wounded soldier back behind lines, so many stretcher bearers would attempt a rescue unarmed in situations where fierce fighting was underway. Their bravery was highly regarded by the soldiers.
Tobruk was typified by flies, minimal water supplies, dust and constant bombardment which provided a continuous challenge to new enlistees. Rations were very basic with bully beef, biscuits, tea, milk and sugar being standard, with extras including jam being shared sparingly. Alan was soon to become one of the famed Rats of Tobruk. Originally the term was designed by the Germans to be derogatory, intended to destroy morale as the troops were literally living like rats underground in their hand hewn, sandy dugouts. Instead, in typical Aussie style, the men proudly adopted the term, a Rat of Tobruk, as a badge of honour and camaraderie.
Concerned that his parents would be anxious about him, Alan sent a photograph home, writing on the reverse, “."To all the folks at home, with love from Alan. Don't worry, then I won't." The card arrived a month after his death.
Aged 35, Alan was killed in action at Tobruk on the 18th April ’41. He was the first war casualty from Waikerie. John G Glenn in his book ‘Tobruk to Tarakan’ described conditions that Alan faced. ‘The whole day B Company was again harassed by very accurate mortar fire. One mortar bomb made a direct hit on the pit occupied by the stretcher bearers and a B Company driver, who were waiting to go forward to tend to the wounded. Five of them were killed and two were wounded, one of them (Alan) dying later in the day.’ Eventually 209 had to be evacuated, and No 1 Section of 10 Platoon, who had stuck it out all day, withdrew.
At the time, ‘Diver’ Derrick also kept a diary that was published decades later by Mark Johnston ‘Derrick VC In His Own Words’. His brief entry for that day was ‘Jerry is at us again, has got 9 stretcher bearers from B Coy when they shelled an old building.’
The May edition of the Advertiser carried the news that “Private Alan Riebe. 35, single son of Mr and Mrs .G H Riebe. of Waikerie who has been killed in action was attached to a medical unit. He attended Immanuel College, North Adelaide in 1920. Another former student of Immanuel College, Private D R Graetz, of the Engineers, is reported missing. He formerly lived at Springton.”
The Chronicle also carried the news of Alan’s death and others from his battalion who also were killed ‘Pte. George H. Dickinson, SX7649, Peterborough; Pte. Wallace E. Dunn, SX6958, Wayville; Pte. Edward G. Hextall, SX8285, Auburn; Pte. Frederick MacNamara, SX7418, Kingston; Pte. Alan I. Riebe, SX9241, Waikerie; Pte. Colin S. Tucker, SX8578, Redfern; Pte. Lionel H. Van Den. Brink, SX7279, Richmond.’
In the Riverland, the Murray Pioneer and Australian River Record had an extensive, poignant tribute. ‘First Waikerie Casualty Private Alan Riebe, 36, single, son of Mr. and Mrs. G. H. Riebe of Waikerie, has been reported killed in action abroad. Alan left Australia on November 18, 1940, as a member of a battalion band and was killed on April 18. He was attached to a medical unit of which he was a stretcher bearer. Pte. Riebe had resided in Waikerie for approximately 17 years and had assisted his father who is an orchardist. Alan attended Immanuel College, North Adelaide. Prior to his enlisting he was an active member of the Waikerie District Brass Band. Flags were flown at half-mast on the Soldiers' Memorial Institute, the Waikerie District Council Chambers, and the Irrigation Department Office, when news of the soldier's death was received.’
At the first Band practice following the news of Alan’s death, the Waikerie Band members held a service and concert in his honour. Alan was highly praised for his fine character and that he had been an outstanding asset to the Waikerie township, both in the Band and as a church member. On the date Alan would have celebrated his 36th birthday, his parents, brothers and close friends met at the Soldiers’ Memorial at the cemetery for a quiet service in Alan’s memory. The Methodist Church also conducted a memorial service, which included the District Brass Band performing in his honour.
A fortnight later a fellow Waikerie enlistee in the 2/48th Battalion, Mervyn Westlake SX6023 also died of his wounds on the 3rd May. It was a distressing time for the close-knit community. A service was held in memory of both Alan and ‘Jack’ Westlake.
Alan now lies in the Tobruk War Cemetery, Coll grave 3 Row K Plot 1 – 13 where his parents chose the inscription ‘HIS MEMORY HALLOWED IN THE LAND HE LOVED’. Nearby lie other 2/48th Battalion members, 27-year-old Frederick Macnamara SX7418 who died the day before Alan, 23-year-old SX7279 Lionel Van Den Brink, SX8578 Colin Tucker, 26-year-old SX7882 George Havers and 20-year-old SX8285 Edward Hextall.
Over the ensuing years, Alan continued to be remembered and mourned. A headstone to his memory was erected in the local Cemetery. The inscription reads ‘Sacred to the memory of Alan… Loved son of G.H. and C.A. Riebe. Loved brother of Mill and Ken and pal of Syd Rainey. Killed on active service at Tobruk. April 18th 1941 aged 36 years. The foundation of a good life is love and greater love hath no man than He.’
Three years later in an horrific further accident, Alan’s younger brother Ken, a highly competent and experienced glider pilot, was killed in a glider crash during a soaring thermal flight. Ken had been a foundation member of the club which was established in 1937. It was reported that Ken had reached an altitude estimated at about 7,000 feet-and may have established a "fresh Australian'' record-but in doing so, had become lost to sight -across the Murray to the north when the accident occurred. It was assumed Ken had hit a severe bump which rendered him unconscious and resulted in the crash.
Tragedy again struck the family in April ’46 when 77 year old Gustav died at home Advertiser Tuesday 9 April 1946, RIEBE.—On April 6, at his residence, Waikerie, Gustav Hermann, dearly be-loved husband of L. Riebe, and loving father of Mill (Alan and Ken, deceased). Aged 77 years.

Over the ensuing years, Alan continued to be remembered by his family and close friend.
Chronicle Thursday 8 May 1941, RIEBE.—On the 18th of April, killed in action abroad, Alan, dearly loved pal of Syd Rainey, Waikerie. A pal and cobber to be proud of. RIEBE, Alan.—Army Medical Corps. Dearly loved son of Mr. and Mrs. G. H. Riebe, and dearly loved brother of Mill and Ken, Waikerie, on the 18th of April, killed in action abroad. Aged 35 years. He gave his life to save others.
Advertiser Tuesday 18 April 1944, RIEBE.—In loving and beautiful memory of our dear Alan, who gave his life at Tobruk, April 18, 1941. We shall meet thee again, with God be thy rest.— Mother, father, Mel and Ken. RIEBE.—A tribute of remembrance to my true pal Alan, who was killed at Tobruk, April 18, 1941.—Inserted by his friend Syd Rainey.
Advertiser Wednesday 18 April 1945, RIEBE.—In loving memory of our dearly loved son and brother Alan, who gave his life at Tobruk on April 18. 1941. Greater love hath no man. —Inserted by his loving mother, father and brother. RIEBE. Alan. 5X9214-—Sacred to the memory of a good old pal. killed at Tobruk. April 18. 1941. Memories cling, —inserted by his old pal Syd Rainey.
Advertiser Thursday 18 April 1946, RIEBE, Pte. A. I, 2/48th—A tribute to the memory of my true pal Alan, killed Tobruk. April 18. 1941.—Syd. Bainey.
Advertiser Friday 18 April 1947, RIEBE. A. I.— In proud remembrance of my old pal, Alan, killed at Tobruk, April 18. 1941. In my garden of memories you are very near. — Inserted by his pal. Syd Rainey.
The wider Waikerie community also commemorated Alan’s service with the planting of a tree and plaque in the local War Memorial Gardens.
Written and researched by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133 2/48th Battalion.

In January 1904 Gustav Herman Riebe called for tenders to build an architect designed weatherboard villa in Burt Street, Boulder, a suburb of Kalgoorlie in Western Australia, opposite the racecourse. Gustav named the home ‘Uhlenhorst’ after a city back home in Germany. Alan was their first child, born at this home on the 7th May 1905. Proud parents, Gustav and Charlotte Antonie made sure their relatives in South Australia were also informed of his arrival. Alan was the oldest of three brothers, Camillo (Mill) born in 1907 and Ken, born in 1909.
Each year, with the running of the Boulder Cup, the local Kalgoorlie Miner featured descriptions of the elegant outfits of silk, satin, velvet and lace, worn by the fashionable women. Charlotte featured each year amongst the most stylish attendees. However, by 1908 the family decided to sell up and move to South Australia, placing all their quality household furniture and effects, including their hens, in a sale held in September 1908.
For his final years of schooling, Alan moved to Adelaide as a boarder, attending Immanuel College which at that stage was in North Adelaide, over 1920 –’22. On his return, Alan joined his father as a successful orchardist.
By the time Alan was 18, in 1922, his father, who had been residing in Tanunda, had purchased an existing Waikerie fruit block, owned by Will Francis. Of extra importance to the locals who welcomed the family, was that Gustav was a musician and ‘will receive a good reception on his arrival’. Alan also was quickly absorbed into the local community, attending parties, ‘coming of age’ celebrations and moonlight picnics on the River, the latter including playing gramophone created music.
Alan also became heavily involved in sport, as Secretary of the Kia-Ora Cricket Club in the Mid Murray Association and being the team’s wicketkeeper and opening batsman where he was described as ‘Improving every match. A steady bat, he has not had the opportunity as yet to show what he can really do.’ For the local football team, Alan was summarised as ‘Should play the same as he practices—very pretty to watch in open play.’
Alan quickly joined the Waikerie Brass Band, a feature of so many country communities, where he took on the role of librarian and also secretary as well as being an active participant in all competitions in which the band was involved. In those years the Band also opened an instrument fund so that more citizens could become part of the group. To this end, a local, Mr Rainey, opened his beautifully decorated garden for an evening concert where Alan was one of three members who gave instrumental performances. Alan was also equally involved in activities with the Methodist Church, including being the convenor of a strawberry and cream stall raising funds for the Church.
Alan made particularly close friendship with Sydney Rainey, a clerk who later enlisted in August ’42 as S110826 with the 5 A.A. Regiment. He served in Lae and New Guinea.
With WWII being declared, 35-year-old Alan was one of the early enlistees on the 20th July 1940 and was given the number SX9241, then placed in the newly formed 2/48th Battalion. His early days were spent in the exhibition halls, now part of the Royal Adelaide Showgrounds, before heading to Woodside for more intensive training. During pre-embarkation leave he returned to Waikerie to spend precious time with his parents and also to be farewelled by the Waikerie Band which held a social in his honour and made a presentation to him. Young Mervyn (‘Jack’) Westlake SX6023, also from the 2/48th Battalion, was farewelled with Alan at the local Institute. Hauntingly, their service was to be inextricably paralleled, with Jack being killed a month after Alan.
He and the other new enlistees soon boarded the Stratheden on the 7th November, arriving in the Middle East on the 17th December. The 2/48th Battalion’s first orders were to hold Tobruk for two months, however this stretched out to defending the fortress for eight months. Following initial intensive training, Alan worked as a stretcher bearer – a task so opposite to the relative tranquillity of working in an orchard. It was a role where it was challenging for the men to carry a rifle and also a wounded soldier back behind lines, so many stretcher bearers would attempt a rescue unarmed in situations where fierce fighting was underway. Their bravery was highly regarded by the soldiers.
Tobruk was typified by flies, minimal water supplies, dust and constant bombardment which provided a continuous challenge to new enlistees. Rations were very basic with bully beef, biscuits, tea, milk and sugar being standard, with extras including jam being shared sparingly. Alan was soon to become one of the famed Rats of Tobruk. Originally the term was designed by the Germans to be derogatory, intended to destroy morale as the troops were literally living like rats underground in their hand hewn, sandy dugouts. Instead, in typical Aussie style, the men proudly adopted the term, a Rat of Tobruk, as a badge of honour and camaraderie.
Concerned that his parents would be anxious about him, Alan sent a photograph home, writing on the reverse, “."To all the folks at home, with love from Alan. Don't worry, then I won't." The card arrived a month after his death.
Aged 35, Alan was killed in action at Tobruk on the 18th April ’41. He was the first war casualty from Waikerie. John G Glenn in his book ‘Tobruk to Tarakan’ described conditions that Alan faced. ‘The whole day B Company was again harassed by very accurate mortar fire. One mortar bomb made a direct hit on the pit occupied by the stretcher bearers and a B Company driver, who were waiting to go forward to tend to the wounded. Five of them were killed and two were wounded, one of them (Alan) dying later in the day.’ Eventually 209 had to be evacuated, and No 1 Section of 10 Platoon, who had stuck it out all day, withdrew.
At the time, ‘Diver’ Derrick also kept a diary that was published decades later by Mark Johnston ‘Derrick VC In His Own Words’. His brief entry for that day was ‘Jerry is at us again, has got 9 stretcher bearers from B Coy when they shelled an old building.’
The May edition of the Advertiser carried the news that “Private Alan Riebe. 35, single son of Mr and Mrs .G H Riebe. of Waikerie who has been killed in action was attached to a medical unit. He attended Immanuel College, North Adelaide in 1920. Another former student of Immanuel College, Private D R Graetz, of the Engineers, is reported missing. He formerly lived at Springton.”
The Chronicle also carried the news of Alan’s death and others from his battalion who also were killed ‘Pte. George H. Dickinson, SX7649, Peterborough; Pte. Wallace E. Dunn, SX6958, Wayville; Pte. Edward G. Hextall, SX8285, Auburn; Pte. Frederick MacNamara, SX7418, Kingston; Pte. Alan I. Riebe, SX9241, Waikerie; Pte. Colin S. Tucker, SX8578, Redfern; Pte. Lionel H. Van Den. Brink, SX7279, Richmond.’
In the Riverland, the Murray Pioneer and Australian River Record had an extensive, poignant tribute. ‘First Waikerie Casualty Private Alan Riebe, 36, single, son of Mr. and Mrs. G. H. Riebe of Waikerie, has been reported killed in action abroad. Alan left Australia on November 18, 1940, as a member of a battalion band and was killed on April 18. He was attached to a medical unit of which he was a stretcher bearer. Pte. Riebe had resided in Waikerie for approximately 17 years and had assisted his father who is an orchardist. Alan attended Immanuel College, North Adelaide. Prior to his enlisting he was an active member of the Waikerie District Brass Band. Flags were flown at half-mast on the Soldiers' Memorial Institute, the Waikerie District Council Chambers, and the Irrigation Department Office, when news of the soldier's death was received.’
At the first Band practice following the news of Alan’s death, the Waikerie Band members held a service and concert in his honour. Alan was highly praised for his fine character and that he had been an outstanding asset to the Waikerie township, both in the Band and as a church member. On the date Alan would have celebrated his 36th birthday, his parents, brothers and close friends met at the Soldiers’ Memorial at the cemetery for a quiet service in Alan’s memory. The Methodist Church also conducted a memorial service, which included the District Brass Band performing in his honour.
A fortnight later a fellow Waikerie enlistee in the 2/48th Battalion, Mervyn Westlake SX6023 also died of his wounds on the 3rd May. It was a distressing time for the close-knit community. A service was held in memory of both Alan and ‘Jack’ Westlake.
Alan now lies in the Tobruk War Cemetery, Coll grave 3 Row K Plot 1 – 13 where his parents chose the inscription ‘HIS MEMORY HALLOWED IN THE LAND HE LOVED’. Nearby lie other 2/48th Battalion members, 27-year-old Frederick Macnamara SX7418 who died the day before Alan, 23-year-old SX7279 Lionel Van Den Brink, SX8578 Colin Tucker, 26-year-old SX7882 George Havers and 20-year-old SX8285 Edward Hextall.
Over the ensuing years, Alan continued to be remembered and mourned. A headstone to his memory was erected in the local Cemetery. The inscription reads ‘Sacred to the memory of Alan… Loved son of G.H. and C.A. Riebe. Loved brother of Mill and Ken and pal of Syd Rainey. Killed on active service at Tobruk. April 18th 1941 aged 36 years. The foundation of a good life is love and greater love hath no man than He.’
Three years later in an horrific further accident, Alan’s younger brother Ken, a highly competent and experienced glider pilot, was killed in a glider crash during a soaring thermal flight. Ken had been a foundation member of the club which was established in 1937. It was reported that Ken had reached an altitude estimated at about 7,000 feet-and may have established a "fresh Australian'' record-but in doing so, had become lost to sight -across the Murray to the north when the accident occurred. It was assumed Ken had hit a severe bump which rendered him unconscious and resulted in the crash.
Tragedy again struck the family in April ’46 when 77 year old Gustav died at home Advertiser Tuesday 9 April 1946, RIEBE.—On April 6, at his residence, Waikerie, Gustav Hermann, dearly be-loved husband of L. Riebe, and loving father of Mill (Alan and Ken, deceased). Aged 77 years.

Over the ensuing years, Alan continued to be remembered by his family and close friend.
Chronicle Thursday 8 May 1941, RIEBE.—On the 18th of April, killed in action abroad, Alan, dearly loved pal of Syd Rainey, Waikerie. A pal and cobber to be proud of. RIEBE, Alan.—Army Medical Corps. Dearly loved son of Mr. and Mrs. G. H. Riebe, and dearly loved brother of Mill and Ken, Waikerie, on the 18th of April, killed in action abroad. Aged 35 years. He gave his life to save others.
Advertiser Tuesday 18 April 1944, RIEBE.—In loving and beautiful memory of our dear Alan, who gave his life at Tobruk, April 18, 1941. We shall meet thee again, with God be thy rest.— Mother, father, Mel and Ken. RIEBE.—A tribute of remembrance to my true pal Alan, who was killed at Tobruk, April 18, 1941.—Inserted by his friend Syd Rainey.
Advertiser Wednesday 18 April 1945, RIEBE.—In loving memory of our dearly loved son and brother Alan, who gave his life at Tobruk on April 18. 1941. Greater love hath no man. —Inserted by his loving mother, father and brother. RIEBE. Alan. 5X9214-—Sacred to the memory of a good old pal. killed at Tobruk. April 18. 1941. Memories cling, —inserted by his old pal Syd Rainey.
Advertiser Thursday 18 April 1946, RIEBE, Pte. A. I, 2/48th—A tribute to the memory of my true pal Alan, killed Tobruk. April 18. 1941.—Syd. Bainey.
Advertiser Friday 18 April 1947, RIEBE. A. I.— In proud remembrance of my old pal, Alan, killed at Tobruk, April 18. 1941. In my garden of memories you are very near. — Inserted by his pal. Syd Rainey.
The wider Waikerie community also commemorated Alan’s service with the planting of a tree and plaque in the local War Memorial Gardens.
Written and researched by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133 2/48th Battalion.