Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

George was a third generation Haywood, son of George Henry and Eva Lee (nee Merrett). His grandfather, also George Haywood came to South Australia from Nottingham, England as a young child. By 1852 his settler family were living in the southern Yorke Peninsula, with his father initially working as a shepherd at Lake Sunday Station. Eventually George Haywood (Snr) became a land owner in his own right and took up farming in the Kaniva district of Victoria. His sons, including George Henry also became farmers and George Wilfred was also following in that career.
The family initially lived in Serviceton in Victoria where George’s older brother, Les was born. By the time of George’s arrival, the family had moved to the Riverland where he was born at Loxton on the 9th March, 1917. George was the third son and one of eleven children. His siblings included Grace, Ada, Gladys, Jean, Lucy, Lila, Betty, Stan and Leslie Henry.
The family moved to the Mt Compass area to farm, where George was also heavily involved in agriculture as a market gardener and had a reputation as a competent horse breaker.
With the outbreak of WWII, aged 23, George enlisted on the 12th July, 1940 and was allocated the number SX8587. Leslie, his 27-year-old married brother enlisted a fortnight later, becoming SX9752 with both placed in the newly formed 2/48th battalion. The brothers’ early training was at Wayville in the drafty pavilions which are now part of the Showgrounds. From there, training continued at Woodside in the Adelaide Hills. Following pre-embarkation leave, George and Leslie were soon on the Stratheden in November ’40, arriving in the Middle East on the 17th December. Unfortunately, both brothers and several others in their battalion contracted Mumps, causing them to be hospitalised over Christmas and into the New Year of ’41.
In April ’42 George’s brother Leslie accidentally injured his toe and was briefly hospitalised. Probably because of poor diet, this was followed by a severe digestive complaint in August, another stint in hospital before a return to his battalion and a brief reunion with George as the battle for supremacy of the region raged. Just two months later, aged 23, George was killed in action on the 26th October ‘42. Montgomery had ordered the 9th Battalion to attack northward in what was to be relentless fighting in in a massive assault to ambitiously take the strategic position of Trig 29.’
John Glenn in his book ‘Tobruk to Tarakan’ describes the situation that George and Leslie and their fellow Rats faced. He described the preceding nights where ‘an occasional burst from a machine gun disturbed the night of 24th October. Nevertheless, it was a busy time for the tired men. Little or no sleep could be had. A hot meal sent forward after dark was quickly swallowed. There was no time for yarning. Defences had to be improved, more digging and wiring done and patrols sent out.’ On that night alone 9 of the Battalion were killed and 20 wounded in action. Of these 16 were from South Australia and the remainder from Western Australia. The conditions included ‘arrangements were made for mines, wire ammunition, food, water, overhead cover, sandbags, tools, anti-tank guns, and all the rest, and holding the present position while preparing to launch another attack. And while all this was being done, the battalion was subjected to murderous fire from artillery and mortars. It says much for the battle-drill of the battalion and supporting arms that everything worked out smoothly, going off without a hitch.’
‘The attack continued, however, without pause…it was only after hard fighting, with heavy casualties on both sides, that they were able to consolidate on their objective. The troops had never been more tired.. The 2/48th had stirred up a real hornets’ nest; from first light until nine o’clock the enemy turned all their fury on the Trig area, with particularly heavy fire on 29 itself, hiding the position in a cloud of dust and smoke.’ He added:
‘Death would have reaped a rich harvest of gallant man. And of the 2/48th Battalion only forty-one weary troops would remain in the field.’ Leslie was one survivor. It was under these conditions that George received his fatal wounds.
The full extent of the losses was reported in the Chronicle in December. Killed In Action.— SX7832 Pte. Max C. Boase. 2/48th Millicent; SX6896 Pte. Lance Chapman, 2/48th North Moonta; SX5226 Pte. Charles. L. K. Cock, 2/43rd Solomontown; SX7260 Sgt. Charles Fraser. 2/48th, Norwood; SX10466 Pte. Ernest L Freeman, 2/43rd, Calca; SX8651 Sgt. Lindsay R. Goode, 2/48th., Malvern; SX13580 Pte. Ronald A. Grist. 2/48th Port Noarlunga; SX8587 Pte. George W. Haywood, 2/48th Mount Compass: SX7429 Cpl. James Hinson, 2/48th Plympton: SX310 Sgt. Alfred W G. Miller, 2/48th Ponde; SX9488 Pte. Eric L. Montgomerie, 2/48th., Edwardstown; SX7375 Sgt Charlie E. Plummer, 2/48th College Park; SX7176 A-Cpl. William C. Quinn, 2/48th Bordertown; SX8113 Pte. Michael N. Riley, 2/48th Burnside; SX7298 Cpl. Harold Sandercock, 2/48th Maitland; SX7732 Ste. Clem H. Schulz, 2/48th Yorketown; SX12924 Pte. Richard Speck, 2/48th Blanchetown; SX849J Pte. Arthur G. Wilson, 2/48th Glanville. These were the cream of Australia’s young men.
The Advertiser also announced that ‘Mr. and Mrs. G. Haywood. of Mount Compass, have been notified that their third son, Pte. George Haywood. 23, was killed in action in Egypt on October 27. Pte. Haywood was for seven and a half months In Tobruk and served in Syria and Libya. His eldest brother, Les, is serving In the Middle East.’
George was initially buried in the Tel El Eisa Military Cemetery on the 30th October ‘42 with Private George Haywood, SX8587, L/Cpl Charles Holman SX13570 and Sergeant Charles Plummer SX7375 from the 2/48th Battalion. He was later re-interred in the El Alamein War Cemetery on the 15th April 1943 in Plot XVI Row G Grave 17. He rests with 38-year-old SX7575 Sergeant Charles Plummer, 28-year-old SX13570 L/Cpl Charles Holman and 21-year-old SX12157 Eric Stagbouer all from the 2/48th Battalion as well as others from the 2/7th, 2/23rd and 2/24th Battalions. His family chose the inscription ‘His smiling face and loving ways will be with us always.’
His parents George and Eva retired to Victor Harbor where aged 64, his mother died in February 1950. George Henry died four years later in November ’54 and rests with her in the Victor Cemetery.
George’s family continued to remember him on the anniversary of his death for well over a decade:
November 1942, HAYWOOD. —A loving tribute to our brother and uncle, Pte. George Haywood, killed in action in Egypt, Oct. 27. One of the world's bravest and best. —Remembered by his sorrowing sister Grace, Max and boys. HAYWOOD. —In loving memory of my dear brother, George, killed in action in Egypt, on Oct. 27. Some day we will understand. —Ever remembered by his loving sister Gladys, brother-in-law Bill, and little Billle. HAYWOOD. —In loving memory of our darling brother, George, who was killed in action In Egypt on Oct. 27.—Ever remembered by his loving sisters, Jean and Lucy. HAYWOOD. —In loving tribute to our nearly beloved son and brother. George, killed in action in Egypt on October 27. Someday we'll understand. —inserted by his loving mother, father, sisters and brothers. HAYWOOD. — in sad but loving memory of my dear brother George, killed In action in Egypt. Oct. 1942. Ever remembered by his brother, Les (A.I.F. abroad) and sister-in-law Gwen. and kiddies.
Advertiser Monday 18 October 1943, HAYWOOD. —In loving memory of our dear brother George, killed in action at El Alamein, October 27. 1942. A silent thought brings many a tear of one we loved so dear.—Sadly missed by loving sister Lila, Henry and family.
Advertiser Thursday 26 October 1944, HAYWOOD. —In loving memory of our brother, George, killed in action October 26, 1942 Deep in our hearts sweet memories are kept of a brother we loved and will never forget. —Inserted by Betty and Stan HAYWOOD. —In sad but loving memory of our son, George, killed in action on October 26, 1942. Time drifts on, two years have passed, but memories of you will always last. —Inserted by mum and dad HAYWOOD. —In loving memory of our brother, George, killed in action Oct 26, 1942 Not just today but every day in silence we remember.—Inserted by Gladys, Bill, and nephews Billie and Peter HAYWOOD.—Treasured memories of our darling brother and uncle, George, killed October 26 1942. Dearest memories, loving and true, remain in our hearts, dear George, of you.—Remembered by Grace and Max, nephews and little niece Jennifer. HAYWOOD. —In loving memory of our dear brother, George, killed in action Oct. 26, 1942 Evening stars are shining on a grave so far away, where they laid our dearest brother just two years ago today —Sadly missed by his loving sisters Jean and Lucy HAYWOOD.—In proud and loving memory of dear brother George, who paid supreme sacrifice, El Alamein, 1942. He gave his life that we might live; we will always remember him. —Lil Henry, and family. HAYWOOD. —In loving memory of my dear brother, killed in action, El Alamein, Oct 26, 1942. Always in our thoughts— Ever remembered by Les, Gwen and children. HAYWOOD. —In memory of dear George, gave his life in Egypt Oct 26, 1942. You will never be forgotten by Auntie Ada and family, Lancaster. HAYWOOD. —In memory of my dear cousin, George, killed in action, Egypt, Oct 26, 1942.—Always remembered.— Doreen, Sam.
Advertiser Friday 26 October 1945, HAYWOOD —In fond and loving memory of dear George, 2/48 Btn. was killed at El Alamein. Oct. 26. 1942. His King and country called him, the call was not in vain; on the nation's roll of honor you will find our dear George's name.—inserted by his loving mum and dad. HAYWOOD. —In loving memory of our loved brother. George, killed in action at El Alamein on October 26. 1942. Deep in our hearts a memory is kept, we who loved you dear George, will never forget you. —Always remembered by Grace and Max nephews and little niece Jennifer. HAYWOOD. —In sad but loving memory of our dear brother George killed at El Alamein. October 26, 1942. Deep in our hearts is a picture worth more than silver and gold; It's picture of our dear brother. Whose memories will never grow old. Sadly missed by Lucy. Betty, and Stan. HAYWOOD. —In loving memory of George, killed in action at El Alamein on October 26 1942. - Time drifts on, three years have passed, But memories of you brother dear, will always last. Remembered by Les ex-2/48th Btn. and sister-in-law. Gwen, nieces and nephews. HAYWOOD. —In loving memory of our dear brother, George, killed In action at El Alamein. October 26. 1942. No one knows the heartache, only those can tell who have lost a brother without a last farewell. —Ever remembered by Jean and Bill. HAYWOOD. —In loving memory of our brother. George, killed in action October 26, 1942. We who love you sadly, miss you as it dawns another year.—Remembered by Gladys and Bill HAYWOOD. —In fond memory of dear George who gave his life at EI Alamein. October 26. 1942.—Always remembered by auntie Ada and family, Lancaster.
Advertiser Saturday 26 October 1946, HAYWOOD. —In sad but loving memory of our brother. k.i.a.. Oct. 26. 1942. Just a token, true and tender, to show, dear George, we still remember. —Inserted by sister and brother-in-law Betty and Cyril. HAYWOOD. —In loving memory of George, killed at El Alamein. Oct. 26, 1942. Things have changed In many ways, but one thing changes never; the memory of those happy days when we were all together. —Remembered always by his sisters Jean and Lucy. HAYWOOD. —In memory of dear George, killed El Alamein. Oct. 26. 1942. —Sadly missed, but never forgotten by Auntie Ada and Doreen. HAYWOOD. —In loving memory of my brother, killed at El Alamein on October 26. 1942. It does not take a special day to bring you back to mind. The days we do not think of you are very hard to find. —Remembered by Les, Gwen and children. HAYWOOD. —In loving memory of dear brother George, killed in action El-Alamein. October 26. 1942. A little white cross so far from here, marks the resting place of a brother so dear.— Sadly missed by Lil, Henry and family. HAYWOOD. —In loving memory of my dear pal George, killed in action at El Alamein on October 26. 1942. Beautiful memories true and tender. To show, dear George. I still remember. —Ever remembered by his pal Hurtle. HAYWOOD. —In loving memory of George, killed at El Alamein, October 28, 1942. There's a face that is always with us. there's a voice we would love to hear: there's a smile we will always remember, and a memory so precious and dear. —inserted by Les, Gwen and children. HAYWOOD. —In memory of our son George, KIA- October 26, 1942. at El Alamein. Though his smile has gone forever, and his hand we cannot touch; we will never lose sweet memories, of the son we loved so much. —inserted by mother and father. HAYWOOD. —In loving memory of George, killed in action at El Alamein. October 26. 1942. You left behind some aching hearts that loved you sincere, we never have and never will forget you brother dear. —Sadly missed by sisters Gladys, Jean. HAYWOOD. —In loving memory of George, who gave his life at El Alamein. October 26. 1942.—Always remembered by Auntie Ada, Doreen and family. HAYWOOD. —Cherished memories of our brother and uncle George, killed at El Alamein. October 26. 1942. A loving brother, kind and true, we will always remember you. —Ever remembered by sister Betty, brother-in-law Cyril and little Trevor.
Advertiser Tuesday 26 October 1948, HAYWOOD In loving memory of, George. killed at El Alamein. Oct. 26. 1942. Memories of you, dear brother, will always last. —inserted by Grace and family. HAYWOOD. —In loving memory of George, who gave his life at El Alamein, October 26. one of the best. — Always remembered by Auntie Ada, Doreen. HAYWOOD. —In loving memory of dear brother George, killed El Alamein. Oct. 26. 1942. Your memory is our dearest keepsake. Sadly missed by Lil, Henry and family. HAYWOOD. —To the memory of my dear brother George, killed at El Alamein on October 26, 1942. You walk beside us through the passing year.—Always remembered by Lea, Gwen and children. HAYWOOD. —a tribute of love and honor to our brother and Uncle George, killed in action. October 26. 1942. Resting where no shadows fall. —Ever remembered by Betty, Cyril and kiddies. HAYWOOD. —Treasured memories of our son George, killed at El Alamein. October 26. 1942. Too dearly remembered by mother and father.
Advertiser Thursday 26 October 1950, HAYWOOD. — In loving memory of our dear brother George, killed in action at El Alamein. on October 26. 1942. We who loved you, sadly miss you. As it dawns another year. — Remembered by sister Gladys, Jean and Betty and brother Stan. HAYWOOD. — In loving memory of dear George killed at El Alamein on October 26. 1942. As you rest in peaceful sleep. Your memory we will always keep — Always remembered by Les, Gwen and children.
Advertiser Friday 26 October 1951, HAYWOOD. — Loving memory of dear brother George, killed in action. El Alamein. October 26. He left loving memories; a sorrow too great to be told. — Longed for always by sister Lil and family. HAYWOOD. — In loving memory of our brother George killed in action at El Alamein, October 26. 1942. The years are quickly passing. But memories arc everlasting —Ever remembered by Les, Gwen and children.
Advertiser Saturday 25 October 1952, HAYWOOD. — In loving memory of George, killed at El Alamein. October 26. 1942. Deep in our hearts your memory is kept To cherish, to love and never for forget remembered by Les, Gwen and children. HAYWOOD. — In loving memory of dear brother George, killed in action, El Alamein. October 26. 1942. Dear brother, we will never forget the sacrifice you made, loving memories silently kept. — Always remembered by Lil and family.
Advertiser Monday 26 October 1953, HAYWOOD.— In loving memory of George, killed in action at El Alamein, October 26, 1942. A memory silently kept of the one we'll never forget. —Ever remembered by Les, Gwen and children. HAYWOOD. — In loving memory of dear George, killed El Alamein, October 26, 1942. Never do we forget you brother dear. — Always remembered by Lil and family.
Researched and written by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133, 2/48th Battalion