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William, affectionately known as Bill, was one of eight sons and nine children born to Christopher John and Catherine Matilda Glennon on the 28th March, 1916 at Rosewater. Bill’s siblings included Alfred John, Neil, Jim, Kathleen, Frederick, Jack, Harry and Mick. They grew up at Alberton in the historic area of Port Adelaide, attending the nearby Alberton School. The township was originally named in honour of Queen Victoria’s husband, Albert. Bill proved to be a talented footballer, predominantly playing in the forward lines for Alberton Church in the Amateur League and Port Adelaide in the SANFA. He was a consistent, regular and reliable player, invariably scoring in each match and also being named in the best player list.
Post school, Bill worked as a Transport Driver. He had just turned 20 when his mother Catherine died suddenly aged 53 in April ’36. She was buried in the Cheltenham Cemetery. Her extended family, friends, husband and children all mourned this mother and grandmother. GLENNON.—In loving memory of dear mother and gran, who passed away I8th April. 1935. Sadly missed. -Inserted by Alf. Win, and Bobbie. GLENNON.—In loving memory of my dear wife, who passed away on the 18th April. 1935. Tis not the tears at the moment shed That tell of a heart that's torn; But the loneliness In after years And the sadness silently borne. —Inserted by her loving husband. GLENNON.—In loving memory of our dear mother, who passed away on the 18th April. 1935. Sad and sudden was the parting. Hard and cruel was the blow: How sadly we have missed you No one on earth will ever know. —Inserted by her loving daughter. Nell, and son-in-law. George, and grandchildren. Valma and Maureen. GLENNON.—In loving memory of our dear mother, who passed away on the 18th April. 1935. Deep In our hearts there's a picture Of one who has gone to rest, In memory's frame we will keep her. For she was one of the best. Inserted by her loving son Jim and daughter-in-law. Rose GLENNON.—In loving memory of our dear mother, who passed away on the 18th April 1935. It's Just one year ago today So anxiously we stood Beside our dear mother's bed To save her If we could. With tears we saw her sinking. We watched her fade away. No one knows the silent heartaches. Only those can tell Who have lost a loving mother Without a last farewell. —Inserted by her loving daughter and sons. Kathleen, Fred, Jack, Bill, and Chris. GLENNON.—In loving memory of our dear mother, who passed away on the 18th April A loved one from our midst has gone, A voice we loved Is still. A place Is vacant In our home Which never can be filled. —Inserted by her loving son. Harry, and daughter-in-law. Albie.
Four years later, Bill enlisted just after his 24th birthday, on the 12th July 1940 to serve in WWII. He was allocated the number SX8670 in the newly formed 2/48th Battalion. His older brother, Harry also enlisted and was in the Airforce. Younger brother, Mick was also a member of the Military Forces. Bill’s early days of training were marred by him contracting influenza, but he was able to re-join his battalion to complete training. This was initially at Wayville in what is now the Royal Adelaide Showgrounds, before moving to Woodside in the Adelaide Hills. Following pre-embarkation leave Bill left for the Middle East on the Stratherden on the 7th November 1940, arriving on the 19th December 1940. Once there, he completed a few months training in Cyrenaica. He was to become one of the now famed Rats of Tobruk in a Battalion which was to be highly regarded and decorated.
Whilst in Gaza in February ’41 Bill was hospitalised for an undiagnosed illness. That same year, June proved to be an expensive month when Bill failed to appear at a parade and was heavily fined. This occurred again in October with the same financial penalty. Just months later Bill was again hospitalised but recovered within a fortnight.
Early in ’42 despite contracting a hand infection, Bill received several promotions becoming an Acting Corporal. However, just over two years after enlisting, Bill was killed in action on the 22nd July, 1942. He was just 26 years old. The 2/48th Battalion was attempting to capture West Point in a dawn attack. In late June, ‘42 with Rommel crossing into Egypt, the 2/48th were in an offensive to capture Trig 33, which was achieved on the 10th July. In doing so, over 400 Italian prisoners were taken. The battalion then advanced south, capturing the Tel el Eisa station and repelling numerous counter attacks. However, they were eventually forced to withdraw, having suffered over 100 casualties. It was during this attack that fellow soldier, Private Stan Gurney was awarded the 2/48th Battalion’s first VC having captured two machine gun posts and bayonetted the gun crew firing on his company but was killed attempting to take a third. The 2/48th battalion suffered 215 casualties between the 7th July and 23rd October. Of that number, 64 men were killed and six, died of their wounds. 125 other men were wounded but survived.
In his book, ‘Tobruk to Tarakan’, John G. Glenn described the ferocious encounter.
‘When the troops were well forward of the start-line they came under terrific fire from shells and mortars from the front and left and suffered heavy casualties. With the slow deliberate movement of perfectly trained soldiers both companies continued the advance in perfect formation, over ground that trembled and erupted with vicious explosions. Through this, sometimes obscured by the smoke and dust, the men moved, and, as they advanced, the fire kept place with them, leaving behind the still shapes of fallen men among the camel bush and sand.’
Glenn later quotes 22-year-old Ray Bloffwitch SX7866 of D Company who was in the thick of the fighting:
‘The noise was terrific: German machine guns were spreading the fire right across our front. The continuous call for stretcher bearers told of our casualties. My section had just cleaned out a pocket when I saw another section cut down.’
Back home, the Adelaide Advertiser carried the news of Bill’s death. “Mr. C. Glennon, of Melbourne place, Alberton, has been notified that his son, A/Cpl. W. Glennon, was killed in action in Egypt on July 22. A/Cpl. Glennon, who was 26, enlisted in June 1940, and sailed for overseas in November of the same year. He served at Tobruk for eight months. Formerly a prominent footballer in the Port Adelaide district, he played for Alberton Church United in the SA Amateur League and Port Adelaide Association team in the SANFA. He has a brother in the AMF and another in the RAAF.”
Bill was initially buried at Tel El Eisa but in March ’45 was removed to the El Alamein War Cemetery in Egypt in Grave 16 Row F Plot 17. He rests with his fellow soldiers from the 2/48th who died on the same day, including SX12765 Private C.A. Corfield, SX8230 Private R.A.F. Clements, SX8636 33-year-old Private Victor Young, SX11171 27-year-old Lieutenant Lance H. Heffron, WX10416 26-year-old Corporal Harold L. Scott, WX9830 35-year-old Private Benjamin D. Parry, SX5304 Private Eric W. Coleman, SX11304 20-year-old Private Alfred G. Watts, 21-year-old SX13018 Private Colin J. Hanley, 22 year old SX7979 Corporal Lindsay R. Evans, 22 year old SX11052 Private Walter M. Shane, 27 year old SX7343 Private John E. Miller, 28 year old SX9316 Private Arthur L. Phillips, 24 year old SX7948 Lieutenant Sergeant Keith L. Trenorden, 19 year old WX10144 Private Albert B. Lang and SX8670 26-year-old Corporal William Glennon. Eighteen from his battalion are listed as being killed on the same day and interred nearby.
Bill’s father and the family chose the inscription ‘Ever Remembered by Father and His Loved Ones, Duty Nobly Done’ for his headstone.
Aged 73, Bill’s father died in November ’48 at his daughter Kath’s home. He was buried with his wife in the Cheltenham cemetery.
Each year, family friends, fellow footballers and soldiers, including Sam Starling continued to remember Bill. A selection of these tributes are included.
Chronicle Thursday 20 August 1942, GLENNON.—A tribute to the memory of A/Cpl. W. T. (Bill) Glennon, who made the supreme sacrifice in Egypt on July 22.—Always remembered by Mr. and Mrs. Parsons and family. GLENNON.—In memory of A./Cpl. W. J. Glennon, killed in action on July 22. A pal who will always be remembered by John Meredith. GLENNON.—Cpl. W. J. (BilI), killed in action, Egypt, July 22. Whenever we think of you, dear Bill, It seems that you are with us still: And memories of days we've seen Will still to us be evergreen. —Ever remembered by Laurel and Reg Chapman. GLENNON.—A tribute to the memory of Cpl. (Bill), killed in action on July 22. The passing years can never change My thoughts of one who played the game. —Inserted by (Tophole) Curtis. GLENNON.—In loving memory of my dear pal, A/Cpl. W. J. (Bill) Glennon, who was killed in action on July 22. To a pal, staunch and true, I will always remember you. —Inserted by his pal, Vic Ivett. GLENNON.—In loving memory of our dear pal, A/Cpl. W. T. (Bill) Glennon, who was killed in action on July 22 in Egypt. His duty nobly done. We are proud to call him our pal.—Kit and Roy McMillan. GLENNON.—Killed in action in Egypt on July 22, A/Cpl. W. T. Glennon. On the football field he played the game To his cobbers he was one of the best. —Inserted by his pals. Mr. and Mrs. A. Hosie, Frank, Thauza, and Fay. Ever remembered. GLENNON.—In memory of A-Cpl. W. J. (Tich) Glennon, killed in action in Egypt on July 22.—Ever remembered by his sin-cere friends, Pat and Laurie Kessell. GLENNON.—In memory of A-Cpl. Bill Glennon, killed in action in Egypt on July 22. We have you in our memory, dear Bill, But God has you in His care. —Inserted by his loving friends, Jack and Lorna Durham. GLENNON.—A tribute to the memory of Cpl. (Bill) Glennon, killed in action on July 22.—Inserted by Jim Sanders (A.I.F.). GLENNON.—In memory of A-Cpl. W. J. Glennon, killed in action in Egypt on July 22. He went with the hope of returning, Along with his comrades brave; But with many a hero he's sleeping In an honored soldier's grave. —Inserted by Mr. and Mrs. Fred Kessell. GLENNON.—In memory of A-Cpl. W. J. Glennon, killed in action in Egypt on July 22. His King and country called him. The call was not in vain; On our country's roll of honor You will find dear Bill's name. —Inserted by his loving friends. Nita and Nancy Kessell. GLENNON.—On July 22, killed in action, A-Cpl. W. T. Glennon, abroad. Deep in our hearts a memory is kept Of a dear friend we will never forget. —Inserted by Clarrie and Linda Whicker. GLENNON.—Killed in action in Egypt, on July 22, 1942, Cpl. W. J. (Bill) Glennon. Will always be remembered by Lill and Chook Woodland. GAY, George.—Who was killed in Egypt on July 27. Loved nephew of Lorna and Jim Smart, and beloved cousin of Roma and Eric. "His sunny smile was loved by all." GLENNON.—On July 22, killed in action in Egypt, A/Cpl. W. T. Glennon, dearly beloved son of Mr. C. J. Glennon and the late Mrs. C. Glennon, of Alberton, and loving brother of Harry (R.A.A.F.), Alf, Jim, Nell, Fred, Jack, Kath, Mick (A.M.F.). His duty nobly done.
Advertiser Saturday 22 July 1944, GLENNON.—In memory of dear brother Cpl. Bill Glennon, killed in Egypt July 22 1942. Across the sea in a strange land, you lay, we always remember you especially this day.—inserted by loving brother Jack and sister-in-law Joyce. GLENNON.—In proud memory or our dear Brother. Cpl. Bill, killed Tel el Eissa July 22. 1942. He never complained he wasn't that kind: he left some lovely memories behind.—Sadly missed by Sister Nell and George. GLENNON.—In loving memory of our dear Uncle Bill. To have you with us in the same old way would be our dearest wish today.—Remembered always by his little loved ones Valma Maureen and Bobbie. GLENNON.—In loving memory of our dear son and brother. Cpl Bill, killed July 22. 1942. Tel-el Eissa. Resting in a hero's grave, one of the bravest and best Sadly missed by dad and Mick A.I.F. GLENNON.—A tribute of love and honor to our dear Bill, paid the supreme sacrifice. El Alamein. July 22. 1942.—Always remembered by his loving brother Jim and sister-in-law Rose. GLENNON In loving memory of our brother Bill, killed in action July 22 1942. Memories cherished with love sincere, of a brother we miss and loved so dear.—inserted by Kathleen and Andy GLENNON. W. J.—ln memory or my pal Bill, who paid supreme sacrifice July 22. at Tel-el-Eissa.—Always remembered by his Pal "Sam" Starling. GLENNON.—In memory of our dear friend. Bill, who made the supreme sacrifice at Tobruk. July 22. 1942. For all the principles you cherished and fought and died for your spirit lives.—A, C. Woodsford and family. GLENNON—JONES.— In memory of Bill and Jimmy, who made the supreme sacrifice. Egypt. July 22. 1942.—Vera and Marty. GLENNON.—Loving memories of my dear brother. Corporal Bill Glennon. killed in action July 22. 1942. Memories are treasures no one can steal—inserted by his loving brother. GLENNON—In loving memory of our dear brother Bill, who was killed in action July 22 1942. Whatever else we fall to do we never fail to think of you.—Always remembered by Fred, Madge, and Catherine. GLENNON, Cpl. W.—ln loving memory of our dear brother and uncle, who was killed at El Alamein, July 22, 1942. He gave his life that we may enjoy peace. 'Ever remembered by Harry. R.A.A.F Darwin, Albie and Joy. GLENNON. A/Cpl. Bill.—A tribute of love and honor to the memory of our cousin Bill—Always remembered by Edna and Fred. GLENNON. —In loving memory of dear Bill, killed in action. July 22 1942 —Ever remembered by Norn and Bill GLENNON. Bill.—Killed in action El Alamein July 22. 1942. Friends I have many, pals I have few. you. dear Bill the best pal I knew.—Always remembered by Frank. A.I.F. and Fay. W.R.A.S. GLENNON, Bill.—Killed in action. El Alamein. July 22. 1942. Beautiful memories, dearer than gold, of a pal whose worth can never be told.—inserted by Alex, Thuza and Fay. GLENNON.—On July 22. killed in action. A/Cpl. W. T. Glennon, abroad. Sweetest memories linger yet. of a friend we had and shall never forget.—inserted by Linda and Clarrie. GLENNON.—In loving memory of Cpl. Bill, killed in El Alamein July 22, 1942. Beneath the cross of sacrifice he lies among the honored brave.—inserted by Mr. and Mrs. Fred Kessell and Nita. GLENNON.—A tribute of love and honor to Bill, who paid the supreme sacrifice El Alamein, July 22. 1942.—Remembered always.—Nancy. GLENNON.—In loving memory of our pal Bill Glennon killed in action Egypt July 22. 1942.—Inserted by Kit and Roy McMillan. GLENNON.—In memory of our cobber, Cpl Bill, who gave his life at El Alamein, July 22, 1942.—Ever remembered by Jim Landers and John Milbank.
Advertiser Monday 23 July 1945, GLENNON.—In memory of my pal Bill who paid the supreme sacrifice on July 22 1942. at El Alamein.—Ever remembered by his pal Sam Starling, late 2/48 Btn. GLENNON.—In memory of Bill 2/48th, killed in action. July 22. 1942. Things have changed In many ways, one thing changes never, the memory of those happy days when we were all together.— , Fay (WR.A.N). and Frank (ret.)
Advertiser Monday 22 July 1946, GLENNON.—In loving memory of my dear son Bill, killed in action El Alamein. 1943. Hearts that loved you never forget —Sadly missed, dad. GLENNON.—In-loving memory of our dear brother and uncle Bill, killed El Alamein. 1942. 2/48th. His presence my greatest pleasure. his memory now my dearest treasure.—Longed for always by his ever loving sister Nell. George, Valma Maureen. GLENNON. Cpl. W. J.—In loving memory of our dear brother and uncle, killed at El Alamein. July 22. 1942. Leaves of memory softly fall, for a loving brother who gave his all.—Ever remembered by Bobbie. GLENNON, W. J.—In loving memory of my brother Bill, killed in action July 22. 1942. Thoughts go back to bygone days, time moves on but memory stays.—Ever remembered, brother Mick. GLENNON.—In loving memory of our brother Bill killed in action at El Alamein. July 22. 1942. Thoughts go back to bygone days, time moves on but memory stays.—Ever remembered by his loving brother Jim and sister-in-law Rose GLENNON, Cpl W. J, 2/48th Batt.— A tribute to the memory of my pal Bill, who paid the supreme sacrifice on July: 22. 1942, at Tel-el-Eisa.—Ever remembered by Sam Starling. GLENNON.—In loving memory of our dear brother Bill, killed in action July 22. 1942. The years may dawn and fade away. But loving memories of you will always —Inserted led by his loving sister Kathleen and Andy. GLENNON, W. J., A.-Cpl —In loving memory of our dear brother. Bill, killed in action July 22, 1941.—Always remembered. Joyce and Jack. GLENNON.—In loving memory of our pal, Bill (Tich), killed in action, El Alamein, July 22, 1942. At the setting of the sun and in the early morning we will remember you.—Inserted by Thauza. GLENNON.—In loving memory of our dear pal. Bill (Tich) killed in action. El Alamein in July 22, 1942. We prayed for your safe return. and longed to clasp your hand, but God postponed that meeting; 'twill be in the better land. —Inserted by Fay and Frank. GLENNON—JONES-—In memory of Bill and Jimmy, who fell In Egypt. July 22. 1942.—Always remembered. Vera and Marty.
Advertiser Tuesday 22 July 1947, GLENNON—JONES—In memory ot Bill and Jimmy, paid the supreme sacrifice. El Alamein. July 22. 1942.—Vera and Marty
Advertiser Thursday 22 July 1948, GLENNON In loving memory of our dear brother Bill. 2/48th Batt. killed July 22. His smiling face and cheerful ways are pleasant to recall. —Sadly missed. Rose. Jim. GLENNON. —In loving memory of brother Bill and uncle. killed El Alamein. July 22. Time moves on but memories stay.—inserted by brother Alf. and nephew Bob. GLENNON —JONES.—In memory of Bill and Jimmy, made supreme sacrifice. July 22. 1942.—Remembered by Vera Marty.
Advertiser Friday 22 July 1949, GLENNON.—In loving memory of our dear brother and Uncle Bill, killed in action at El Alamein, July 22, 1942. To be with us in the same old way Would be our dearest wish today. —Sadly missed by his loving brother Alf and nephew Bob. GLENNON.—In loving memory of dear Bill, killed in action, El Alamein, July 22, 1942. Sweetest memories, fond and true, from those who thought the world of you.—Always remembered, Fred, Madge and family. GLENNON.—In loving memory of our dear brother Bill, killed Tel-el-Eissa, July 22, 1942. A leaf in the book of memory is gently turned today.—Inserted by his loving brother Jim and sister-in-law Rose. GLENNON.—In loving memory of my dear brother Bill, killed in action, July 22, 1942. Tears are passing, but love and memories are ever-lasting.—Still sadly missed by his brother Mick. GLENNON.—In loving memory of our dear brother Bill, who gave his life for those he loved. Many are the quiet hours when he is very near, treasured are the memories for he was such a dear.—Still sadly missed by his loving sister Nell and George. GLENNON. — In loving memory of our dear brother A/Cpl. Bill, killed in action, July 22, 1942. The years pass on, but memories linger for ever. —Sadly missed by his loving sister Kath and Andy. GLENNON.—In loving memory of our dear brother Bill, tilled on active service, July 22. 1942:—Always remembered by loving brother Jack and Joyce. GLENNON.—In loving memory of dear Bill, killed in action. El Alamein, July 22. 1942. We have you In our memories; God has you in His care. —Inserted by his loving brother Harry. Abie and Joy.' GLENNON-JONES.—In memory of Bill and Jimmy paid the supreme sacrifice. El Alamein. July 22, 1942. —Vera and Marty.
Researched and written by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133, 2/48th Battalion