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John William Norman Minocks SX8889
John’s father, Private William Minocks, was fortunate to survive WWI where he served as a member of the 32nd Battalion. John Snr was one of nine children whose mother died when he was a child, leaving the father to care for the family. Of these, four enlisted to serve in WWI; two (John and Joseph) were killed and the third, Norman was invalided back to Australia where he died of his wounds. William Minocks returned to eventually carve out his life as a successful blocker. He married Florence Page whose family were also of a strong military background in WWI with Sgt Norman Page killed in action and Trooper Albert Page, killed in South Africa in 1900. (A fountain still stands at Stirling West in his memory.) Florence’s own father, Stephen Page, was invalided home in 1919.
Born in Adelaide on the 30th November, 1919, John (Jack) was one of three children and the only son of William and Florence (nee Page). He had two younger sisters, Hilda and Florence. They were educated at Glossop Primary and Renmark High Schools. As were so many from the Riverland region, Jack was a keen sportsman, including as a rower with the BerrI Rowing Club and was also a capable amateur boxer. He was a member of the Rover Scouts where he learned many survival skills. Growing up in the Riverland town of Glossop he was a viticulturalist on the family block.
Jack had been one of the first to join the Militia at Glossop so it was inevitable that he would sign up for service when WWII broke out. He had recently turned 20 when he transferred to the AIF as a second lieutenant. Having attended officers’ training school at Seymour in Victoria, John (Jack) enlisted to become SX8889, part of the 2/43rd battalion on the 30th November 1940, becoming Lieutenant in July 1940 and rising to the rank of Captain at the end of January 1942. A meteoric rise.
Prior to his overseas placement, Jack had a week’s leave at the end of 1940 celebrating with over 200 guests both his 21st and his appointment to the 2/43rd Battalion. The Glossop Soldiers Committee organised dancing, singing and an award of the customary "key of the door" before presenting him with a very fine shaving set, a wallet and a £1 note from the Soldiers Committee. The Red Cross Circles also presented him with and a pair of socks and handkerchief. In his speech of thanks, Jack referred to the pride which the men of his unit had in the traditions of the original 43rd Battalion. He commented that they had “the honour of the unit to maintain and would do their utmost to preserve it.” He looked forward to the time of his return and the privilege of wearing the Returned Soldiers' Medal – an act he was sadly unable to fulfil. With their best wishes still fresh, Jack then travelled, via Melbourne on the Nevasa to the Middle East.
Jack was a quite prolific writer to his family. Coming from a country town, local newspaper, ‘The Murray Pioneer and Australian River Record’ regularly included letters and verse from those serving overseas. Several of Jack’s letter were published. One, written to his mother, highly praised the work of the Comforts Fund which prior to embarkation, presented him with a linen bag. Jack delightedly listed the items provided, which included a pair of shorts, 2 khaki shirts, underclothing, scarf, Balaclava helmet, socks, handkerchiefs and soap. He then added that “On the voyage they received fruit, cake. chocolates and tobacco. while in their Christmas hampers were included a tin of Christmas pudding, a tin of condensed milk, a large carton of London layers, almonds, dried pears, box of minties half dozen packets of chewing gum, 50 cigarettes, shaving soap, tooth brush and tooth paste and a packet of razor blades, plus the address of the volunteer who packed the parcel”. He added that “If any person tried to condemn the Comforts Fund people or say the comforts never reached the troops, they were creating a very false impression.”
In May 1941 in Crete, Jack received a schrapnel wound to his right arm in action but was able to return to active service within 5 months. A glimpse of his life and maturity to that point titled ‘Bond Between Forces: Tribute to Nurses and Padres’ was reported in the ‘Murray Pioneer and Australian River Record’ in October 1941.
He wrote from hospital on May 26th : “On the 13th May at the break of day I was leading a small patrol around just behind the German's front line and as soon as we were out in the open he turned machine guns on us from three sides, but we crawled low to the ground and looked like getting out safe when he turned his mortar bombs on us. These bombs created such a thick barrage of dust that we were unable to get up and run without being seen. Unfortunately, one of the bombs landed just behind me and the concussion sent me sprawling. Luckily, I wasn't hurt much just a bit of an injured arm. I lost a bit of blood, but the worst injury was to the bone and muscle; they are coming good now. I cannot bend my arm any sharper than it is when in the sling position but I can straighten it out.
It is surprising how shell fire affects different people in different ways. Men who were previously bright and intelligent and apparently full of nerve and courage are in some cases cracking up, and other men who seemed shy and backward are turning out real gems.
This Is a very quiet place we are at, so far we have had only one air raid. It was only a "tin pot" bit of a raid and we all ignored it and went on snoozing excepting one "bomb happy" chap. In this same ward there are chaps with legs and arms off and holes through their bodies and they laugh and joke all the time. The first hospital was at a hot place for dive bombers. They would sometimes keep us awake half the night with their roaring engines and screaming bombs. When a heavy bomb landed near the hospital the air pressure was very heavy, especially on the head.
The Army Nurses are living marvels they put up with heat and dust and rough conditions every day and work long hours. They are always like a ray of sunshine to look at, as they are so keen looking and pleasant. They have very few pleasures, and hardly any place to go to in their Off day.
They have a canteen of their own where they can buy a few things and have a drink of beer. One sister told me that her greatest pleasure came from the thought that she was doing a little to make the boys comfortable and happy.”
Jack then continues, telling of his evacuation on June 4th: “Today finds me on an upper deck of an Anglo-American Nile Tourists' houseboat; it is a fine river boat, and during peace time was used by wealthy American and English tourists travelling through Egypt who wanted to go for a cruise on the Nile. Since the war started it has been tied up and is now used as a convalescent hostel for Australian officers. The doctor advised me to do plenty of swimming, so naturally I am doing so, and every day spend a couple of hours at the Gezira Sporting Club Swimming Pool. Of course, I am also taking advantage of this opportunity and doing some sight-seeing. Before I leave I hope to see all the sights of major importance. The main places I have seen up to date are the Pyramids, Sphinx, and surrounding ruins. The Zoological Gardens, Kitchener’s Gardens, The Barrage of the Nile, The Nile Delta, The Museum of Models (showing for example the Assuan Dam) The Museum of Hygiene, King Farouk's palace from outside, and two best hotels in Cairo, namely Shephard's and the Continental Savoy (both in bounds to officers of His Majesty's Forces only) and the Blue Mosque. I have met some Sergeants from my battalion who are doing officers' training school here in Cairo. We spent Saturday afternoon and evening together and went to an excellent picture show at an open air theatre. Last night I had another night out; this time 1 went to an open air dance at the Gezira Sporting Club; the dancing area was lit by a myriad of hanging coloured lights. This show was open only to officers and nurses, and young ladies under special invitation.'
It was an excellent show. Army, Navy and Alf Force officers from Britain and the Dominions were all represented and a few Australian Nurses were there and dozens of English Scottish and Welsh Nurses. Two other officers and I asked three Welsh Nurses to Join us at our table and we had a very pleasant evening. Amongst the civilian ladies -present were two Australian girls one, of whom was the daughter of an A.I.F. Colonel, but he was killed In Libya. The only other social event which I. think is worth mentioning is the regular Sunday evening visit of Cairo personalities, and his Majesty's Nurses to the hostel. The. guests usually arrive about 6 p.m. and between 8 and 9 p.m. a very excellent dinner in available.”
Although not explicitly explained, the role of Jack as a leader is evident, as is his closeness to his father, John’s experience in WWI. “When I arrived at the last hospital I looked a middle-aged man, and believe me I felt it. I felt a bit better about some soldiers who were what I call "rotten let downs". I was unhappy to think that those who did their duty were getting shot up and—well, I'll forget it. Plenty of rest, clean water, good food, and no worry, only good company, have made me a new man. I am now as fit as a fiddle and building up my stamina I have now got about 75 per cent of the power of my arm back again and am getting plenty of flexibility, this swimming cure is certainly doing me good and I have put on weight and am feeling that it is good to be alive.
The heavy fighting in Libya has died down, and the position is at a dead lock. Through lack of air support our boys were driven from Greece in a heavy brisk fight. I have met officers back from Greece and it appears that although they did not have the same hardships as the boys in Libya, they certainly saw operations on a much bigger scale and had a good bashing by Jerry's Luftwaffes, as they withdrew.
The boys on Crete have certainly had a rough time. In Libya, Greece and Crete we have proved that the British and Colonel troops, small as they are, can stop and beat the German armies, well equipped and as large as they are. It is that blitzkrieg from the air that does the damage.
You know what being in heavy shell fire is like, Dad, well just imagine dive bombers coming down at you at 500 miles per hour and each letting go over a ton of' modern bombs at your post or vehicle and then the lighters screaming at you firing explosive bullets at the rate of 100 per second, and making such raids on you and your supply columns until you are out of ammunition and food. When we have aeroplanes that intercept Jerry we will be right as rain and will be able to clean him up.
Once again the British Navy has done a glorious task in the evacuation of Crete. "The Army and Navy have a wonderful admiration for each, other and we get on fine as mates. I'll never forget my own evacuation on a destroyer. There, were hundreds of us lying wounded, waiting to be evacuated. This little destroyer defied the Luftwaffe and came in and loaded us on until every bit of deck was covered with wounded and then off to sea she raced at full speed, and believe me a destroyer can move. The sailors seem to worship the Army like we admire them and they gave up their own bunks for us and waited on us like nurses. I can still picture a tar feeding the victim of a flame thrower through a tube. They gave all their cigarettes away to the boys. Two things we craved for were smokes and something to drink.”
Jack’s stoicism and drive to be back with his men is evident in his letter of June 21st; “The arm is quite all right now. The wound is completely healed and looks neat; the bone and muscle are just a trifle tender but I can use my arm real well. After I was wounded I had been a little deaf and a month later I got chronic pains in the right ear which affected my eyes, I thought it was just a bit of ear ache and as I was anxious to get back with the boys I did not mention it to the Medical Officer. At midday on Thursday the pain became terrific, but I travelled all that day and the next on a train to Palestine arriving at midday. Friday found me in another hospital instead of back at my training battalion. I had a bit of an abscess on the inner drum of my right ear. It is all right now.
I am meeting quite a number of officers who have been wounded in the Libyan campaign. Three of them are old friends of mine. Probably by now the Upper Murray will be shocked at the death of two magnificent men. I must not mention their names now.”
With his days in hospital coming to a close, Jack writes on June 28th: “It is now a few days less than seven weeks since I left the firing line. Lying around for seven weeks certainly makes one soft. In the last couple of days I have done a little walking and getting about, and believe me I get tired very quickly and I am quite stiff in my leg muscles. Mrs. Tucker's sister, S. Perry is at this hospital and she has been very good to me in lots of little ways. On Wednesday Sister Perry and I and two other nurses and patients made a visit to Jerusalem. We did some shopping for the hospital before lunch. Actually all I did was sit about most of the time. We had lunch at the King David Hotel and then another officer and I left the others and went to a tailor's shop.
We eventually mustered sufficient energy to walk up to the Church of Dormation and the room of the last supper. We also saw the place where Mary dwelt after Christ's death. Tomorrow morning I am going to church service, and later in the day I will get my discharge from hospital.”
In a repeated comment about the lack of letters received, by June 30th Jack was finally out of hospital: “Well, I am glad to announce that I am at last out of hospital and almost free from medical attention. I am at present at my Brigade Infantry, Training Battalion doing some hardening up. In the last two months I have only had one letter from home and it was dated May 4. I expect a lot of letters are following up. In a cutting from a Victorian paper I saw my name amongst the casualties. I hope Mum and Dad didn't worry. It is really amazing what a man can live through in battle, but yet it is bad luck if one does get cracked.
Yesterday at hospital I attended early morning church, the first time in over two months. It certainly does the soul good to attend worship with the fellowship of other people. The clergy over here are real men and are doing good work. In the officer’s mess the Padre is admired and respected and looked upon as a mate by all officers.
Talking of respect I do not think there is any body of women more respected by men than the Army Nurses. They are capable and energetic and have pleasant dispositions, and have a moral standard which has won them the respect of every officer and soldier in the Army. We look upon them as truly the Florence Nightingales of the modern world.”
In October 1942 Jack experienced a dislocated shoulder joint but continued to lead. Writer and later poet, Kenneth Slessor published a story about Captain John Minocks in the Advertiser in 1942. It highlights Jack’s care for those men in his charge, his compassion and quiet leadership in bringing those wounded or killed, back to Allied lines.
“Not every heroic deed in war achieves success. Now that the Australians are enjoying a temporary lull from the battlefield out here, such an incident, in which circumstances frustrated a courageous endeavor, can be told. It took place during the AIF's brilliant defence of the coastal gate to Alexandria. Before the 8th Army's "supercharged' offensive began, reconnaissance patrols were nightly the lot of our front-line troops. They gathered invaluable information otherwise unobtainable, and prepared the ground for the big attack which followed. The Afrikakorps and the Italians grew to hate and fear these bands of resolute Diggers, who went over in the dark and were swift to dispose of any opposition which was not overwhelming.
At about 3 a.m. one day, in the Tel el Eisa area, young Cpt. John Minocks, of South Australia, a Murray River fruit grower, watched such a patrol return from a reconnaissance in the enemy lines. The patrol had been fighting and one man was missing. After the Patrol's reports had been handed in the young South Australian captain drew a member of the patrol, Stretcher-Bearer Arthur ("Tiger"), Paynter. of Kalgoorlie. a goldminer. aside and enquired into the incident of the missing man. Later, during breakfast, he beckoned the stretcher-bearer aside again. "Would you like to come for a bit of a stroll after breakfast?" he asked Paynter.
Where?" asked the stretcher-bearer. Cpt. Minocks nodded towards the enemy. "Oh. just between the wire." he said. The stretcher-bearer was readily agreeable, and thus, just before noon and after the desert mirages seemed to have evaporated and were no longer likely to deceive, they went out -into no-man's land on the same compass-bearing as the night before, carrying between them the stretcher. About 800 yards out from our lines they met a working party repairing wire, who asked where they were going. "Just going to have a look round and try to find a cove we had to leave behind out here last night," they replied. As it was impossible to conceal their movements in the bright light or the almost level desert, the men walked erect, taking advantage or whatever ridges were available to emphasise the stretcher they were carrying between them. Thus they covered a further 2,000 yards, until they arrived at a position so close to the enemy that they knew they had over-reached the most forward mark of the patrol on the previous night.
As they had followed a direct compass bearing, this meant one of two things—either the enemy had taken the wounded man prisoner, or he had attempted to crawl back to his own lines. The enemy had recognised their mission—as was indicated by the fact that he was withholding his fire—so they combed the immediate ground, but to no avail. As they were on the point of returning, the captain suggested a zigzag course back in the hope of picking up the tracks of the wounded man and this was decided on.
After 400 yards or more, beside some old signal wires, they noticed fresh tracks sprawling from side to side—mute evidence of a willpower driving a broken physique. Five hundred yards further on they found their man—still clasping his tommy-gun, his face buried in the sand, fighting to the end. They carried his body back to our lines.”
By November of 1942, the family received mixed reports, the first being that Jack was reported as ‘missing’ but within a fortnight in the worst possible news for the family, told he was believed to be killed in action on 2nd November 1942, aged 22 years. He had served less than two full years of his service
Other stories of Jack’s leadership were reported by Kenneth Slessor in The Advertiser where he described Jack’s role in smashing Rommel's line. “While plans for the smashing of Rommel's positions from El Alamein to the Qattara Depression were taking shape, it became necessary to delouse a German minefield, through which Australian infantry were scheduled to advance. Capt. J. W. N. Minocks, a former Murray River fruit farmer, commanding a company of a South Australian battalion, called for volunteers to do this dangerous job. His entire company stepped forward as one man. Capt. Minocks grinned, and found it easier to make a list detailing those who had to stay behind. The minefield proved to be more than 1,800 yards in depth, and patterned like a hand, with fingers shooting off from the palm. Sgt. Howard Shepard, of Mount Gambier, took one patrol on a detour of 5,600 yards under enemy fire to delouse a finger 200 yards long. The patrol went so close to the German lines that the men were able to see the enemy's movements quite clearly. The minefield was cleared ahead of time, and the infantry went through. To keep up the morale of his men during the nights which followed, when the Germans launched one counter-attack after another. Capt. Minocks encouraged them to compete with the Bofors guns to destroying flares. These were dropped by Axis pilots preparatory to strafing, to light up the ground while they sank on parachutes. They made interesting targets for tracer bullets. The sport kept the men alert and as every rifleman takes a pride in his marksmanship competition grew keen. With distance on their side, they beat the Bofors repeatedly How Rommel's line was smashed is history now. Capt. Minocks gave his life for it. He was killed in action.”
Initially Jack was listed as missing in action, In March 1943 he was interred in the El Alamein Cemetery Grave A1 B 16.
Each year Jack was mourned by his family poignantly remembering their lost son and brother. MINOCKS, Capt. — A sacred tribute in memory of our only son Jack and all of his men who gave their lives for their country at El Alainein, November 2nd 1942. Let it not be said that these men died in vain. Inserted by his Mother and Father, Glossop. (’43). Captain Jack Minnocks. - killed in action. Nov. 2. 1942. At El Alamein aged 22 years. Weep yet a while, but soon remember how he died. His no craven heart. The price was high, he bargained not but paid it for love of all at home and Australia. —Ever in our thoughts and lovingly remembered by his sorrowing mother and father. Glossop. (‘44). ln loving memory of our only son, who fell at El Alamein on November 2. 1942. Shattered hopes and scattered dreams, and thoughts of what might have been. —lnserted by his parents, Glossop, River Murray. (‘45). Capt. Jack Minocks. In loving memory of our only son. Jack. 2nd /43rd Batt. who made the supreme Sacrifice at El Alamein on Nov. 2 1942. The old home Is lonely without you. we miss I you everywhere, and as we sit alone to night we are- thinking of the past. You were too dearly loved to be ever forgotten by us. —Mother and father. Glossop We would also like to pay a tribute of memory to the heroes of C Company who also made the great sacrifice at EI Alamein. They shall not grow old as we that are left grow old. (‘46). In loving memory of our darling brother, killed El Alamein November 2, 1942. A wonderful brother only lent. One of the best God ever sent; We loved you then, we love you still. Forget you Jack, we never will. —Inserted by his devoted sisters Hilda and Grace. (‘49)
Others also with whom he served, remembered him.: A proud and loving tribute to my pal. Capt. Jack. —lnserted by Cpl. Laurence Baily. R A.A.F. (’43). In fond memory of Captain J. W. F. Minocks, 43rd Battalion, killed in action Nov. 2, 1942. His courage and tenacity will never be forgotten by those who served with him. —Inserted by his ex-batman. Gunr. E. E. Harris. A.I.F. (‘44). Capt. Jack. —A tribute to the memory of my pal Jack, who paid the supreme sacrifice at El Alamein on November 2. Deep in my heart a memory is kept of a pal so dear I will never forget. —Ever remembered, by Arthur Osborne, ex A.IF. 2/10. (‘45). In loving memory of Capt. Jack Minnocks. 2/43rd Batt., killed in action El Alameln. November 2, 1942. Tears are passing, but memories are everlasting. —Inserted by ex-batman, E. Harris. (’49). In loving memory of Capt. J. W. Minocks killed in action El Alamein, on November 2, 1942. Years are passing but memories are lasting. —Inserted by ex-batman Eddie Harris.(’54)
The Riverland Community of Berri also perpetually honoured deceased soldiers, including Jack by naming a street Minocks after him. He is not forgotten.
Researched and written by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133, 2/48th Battalion.