Colin Stanley TUCKER

TUCKER, Colin Stanley

Service Number: SX8578
Enlisted: 12 July 1940, Adelaide, South Australia
Last Rank: Private
Last Unit: 2nd/48th Infantry Battalion
Born: Kensington, South Australia, 14 September 1919
Home Town: Adelaide, South Australia
Schooling: Not yet discovered
Occupation: Dry cleaner
Died: Killed in Action, Libya, 18 April 1941, aged 21 years
Cemetery: Tobruk War Cemetery, Tobruk, Libya
Coll. grave 3. K. 1-13
Memorials: Adelaide WW2 Wall of Remembrance, Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour
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World War 2 Service

12 Jul 1940: Enlisted AIF WW1, Private, SX8578, Adelaide, South Australia
12 Jul 1940: Enlisted Australian Military Forces (Army WW2), Private, SX8578, 2nd/48th Infantry Battalion
18 Apr 1941: Involvement Private, SX8578, 2nd/48th Infantry Battalion, Siege of Tobruk
Date unknown: Involvement
Date unknown: Involvement 2nd/48th Infantry Battalion

‘And God Shall Wipe Away All Tears From Their Eyes’

Colin Stanley TUCKER SX8578
Richard Harry and Grace Etta Tucker had seven children, three boys, Ray, Keith (Jack) and Colin and four girls, Aileen. Nellie, Margaret and Pat. Colin Stanley was born in the Adelaide suburb of Kensington on the 14th September, 1921. As a youngster, eight-year-old Colin enjoyed being part of the Mail Newspaper’s Possum Pages, as did so many children who submitted stories, drawings puzzles and the like.
Post school, Colin worked as a drycleaner and with a little spare money, had a bet at Victoria Park in June ’40. Unfortunately, being 18 and a minor, he was caught and was fined £4 with 7/6 costs in the Adelaide Police Court. However, with the outbreak of WWII there was a big drive to get local youths and men to sign up. Consequently, just over a month later, Colin enlisted on the 12th July, 1940 in Adelaide. He was still a minor but added two years, giving his birth date as the 14th September 1919 suggesting he was ’20 9/12 years’ old. In reality he enlisted three months prior to his 19th birthday.
He arrived at Wayville, where he was allocated the number SX8578 and was soon assigned to the newly formed 2/48th Battalion. Initial days were spent in the cold of the Pavilions, now part of the Royal Adelaide Showgrounds, before he and other new enlistees headed to Woodside for their preliminary training.
After brief leave spent home with his family, the large contingent then embarked on the Stratheden for the Middle East, on the 7th November 1940 and disembarked on the 17th December. His 2/48th Battalion completed a few months training in Cyrenaica before going to Tobruk at the start of April 1941 where the dust, flies, heat, minimal water supplies and constant bombardment were quite a challenge to these fresh new enlistees.
Having been in the Middle East for just four months as a stretcher bearer, Colin was killed in action on the 18th April 1941 believed to be aged just 21 but in reality, was just 19. John G Glenn in his book ‘Tobruk to Tarakan’ describes conditions that Colin 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 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. Privates Bob Christie and George Dickinson made a run for it, after being pinned down for hours, and managed to make company headquarters just as it was hit by a mortar. George Dickinson was killed outright; Bob Christie was so seriously wounded that he later died of wounds.’ This was in attempts to retain Hill 209 which was subjected to intense mortar, machine gun, and artillery fire forcing B company to keep undercover.’
His record indicates that he was buried by his fellow comrades in Grave Number 170 in the Tobruk War Cemetery the following day. The inscription on his headstone now reads ‘And God Shall Wipe Away All Tears From Their Eyes’
Back home, The Chronicle carried the news of his death and others who also were killed that day. They were; Pte. George 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.’ Colin rests with these fellow members of the 2/48th Battalion who died on the 18th April 1941 are together with Colin in Plot III, Row K.

In a further blow to the Tucker family in November ‘53, their 29-year-old son, Keith (Jack), a taxi driver, was involved in an horrific accident when he crashed over a hill out of Tea Tree Gully and the car rolled more than a dozen times. He sustained severe head injuries including a fractured skill and concussion. He was admitted to the Royal Adelaide Hospital but did not regain consciousness, dying four days later. He was laid to rest at Centennial Park.
The precious medals Harry earned as a member of the 2/48th were finally sent to his family in April ’56, a poignant reminder of the sacrifice this young man made for his country.
His parents died within a month of each other in 1960, Grace in October and Richard in November. Both are buried at Centennial Park where Colin and his brother Keith (Jack) are also remembered.
The extended Tucker family, continued to remember Colin each year.
Advertiser Saturday 3 May 1941, TUCKER. Colin Stanley—Killed in action on the 18th of April, aged 19 years. Peacefully sleeping. TUCKER. Private. 2nd A.I.F.—On the 18th of April, killed in action. Colin, dear beloved son of Mr and Mrs. R. H. Tucker, of Goodwood Road, Colonel Light Gardens, and brother of Ray, Aileen, Jack, Nellie, Margaret, and Patty. Aged 19 years. Peacefully sleeping. TUCKER. Private. —On the 18th of April, killed in action. Colin, loving brother of Ray and brother-in-law of Ethel. Peacefully sleeping. Age 19 years.
Advertiser Saturday 18 April 1942, TUCKER, In fond memories of Colin, killed at Tobruk on April 18 1941. Always remembered by Mr and Mrs Pike and family and Beryl. TUCKER Private Colin. In loving memory of our dear brother and brother-in-law (2/48th) killed in action at Tobruk on April 18 1941. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember him. Inserted by Ray and Ethel. TUCKER A tribute to the memory of dear Colin 2/48th killed in action, Tobruk on April 18 1941 Inserted by his Aunty Gwen. TUCKER A loving tribute to Colin, killed in action at Tobruk, April 18 1941. Memories live forever. Aileen. TUCKER In loving memory of our son and brother, Colin, SX8578, 2/48th (Stretcher bearer) killed in action at Tobruk April 18 1941. He loved his country’s good, With a respect more tender and profound Than his own life. To live in the hearts of those we leave behind, Is not to die. Ever remembered by his loved ones. TUCKER In loving memory of my nephew Colin, who was killed on April 18 1941 at Tobruk, aged 19 years. Just when your hopes were brightest, dear, Just when your years were best. Remembered by Auntie Tops.
Advertiser Saturday 17 April 1943, TUCKER. —A loving tribute to Colin - killed in action. Tobruk. April 18. 1941 Ever remembered by Aileen. TUCKER In loving memory of Pte Colin. killed in action. Tobruk. April 18 1941. aged 19 years. We shall remember: him. —inserted by Ray and Ethel. TUCKER In loving memory of our son and brother, Colin Stanley killed in action at Tobruk. April 18 1941. In our garden of memories we meet every day. -. Inserted by his mother, father. sisters and brothers. TUCKER. Colin. —ln loving memory of Colin, killed Tobruk. April I8. 1941.— Ever remembered by Sgt. Pike and family, Mitcham.
Advertiser Tuesday 18 April 1944, TUCKER. —A loving tribute to Colin, killed in action Tobruk, April 18, 1941. —Always remembered by Aileen. TUCKER. —Tribute to the memory of our son, Private Colin Stanley, 2/48th Battalion Hearts that love you never forget, in memory you are with us yet. —Ever remembered, mother and dad. TUCKER. —In sad but loving memory of our brother, Private Colin Stanley, 2/48th Batt., killed in action, April 18, 1941. He shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old. —Ever remembered by his brothers and sisters. TUCKER. —In fond memory of Colin, killed in action, April 18, 1941. —Always remembered by the Pike family, Mitcham TUCKER. —In loving memory of my dear nephew Colin, who was killed at Tobruk on April 18, 1941. —Always remembered by Aunty Tops. TUCKER, Colin (A.I.F.). —In fond memory of Colin, killed in action, April 18, 1941. —Ever remembered by Bob, Joan, Mrs. Smith, also Mr. and Mrs. Jones and Keith. TUCKER, Pte. Colin. —In loving memory of our dear brother and brother-in-law, killed in action at Tobruk, April 18, 1941. —Inserted by Ray and Ethel.
Advertiser Wednesday 19 April 1944, TUCKER. —A loving tribute to Colin, killed in action, Tobruk, April 18, 1941. For ever we'll remember. —Inserted by Mr. and Mrs. Passey and family.
Advertiser Wednesday 18 April 1945, TUCKER. —A loving tribute to the memory of Colin, killed in action at Tobruk. April 18. 1941. We who love you can never forget. —Inserted by mother, father, sisters and brothers. TUCKER, Pte Colin. —ln loving mem of our dear brother and brother-in-law, who was killed in action at Tobruk on April 18. 1941. —Ever remembered by Ray and Ethel. TUCKER. —In loving memory of Colin, killed at Tobruk. April 18. 1941. A tender chord of memory is softly touched today. —Ever remembered by Auntie Tops. TUCKER.—In fond memory of Colin, killed. Tobruk. April 18. 1841.—Remembered always by Mr. and Mrs. Pike and family.
Advertiser Thursday 18 April 1946, TUCKER. —A loving tribute in memory ot Colin. 2/48th. killed in action at Tobruk, April I8 1941. Age shall not weary him or the years condemn. —inserted by his mother, dad, brothers and sisters. TUCKER. —A loving tribute to Colin, 2/48th Btn killed in action at Tobruk, April 18, I941—Ever remembered by Aileen and Ken. TUCKER, Pte. Colin. —ln loving memory of our dear brother and brother-in-law, killed in action at Tobruk. April 18, 1941. —Inserted by Ray and Ethel.
Advertiser Friday 18 April 1947, TUCKER. — A loving tribute to the memory of Colin, of the 2nd 48th. who made the supreme sacrifice at Tobruk, on April 18 1941. In love he walks beside us. —Inserted by his mother, father, brothers and sisters. TUCKER. — In loving memory of Colin, killed at Tobruk April 18. 1941.— Always remembered by Aileen and Ken.
Advertiser Monday 19 April 1948, TUCKER. —A loving memory to our son Colin. killed in action at Tobruk. In memory he is with us still. —inserted by mother, dad. sisters and brothers. TUCKER. —In memory of our brother Colin, 2/48. killed at Tobruk April 18. —Always remembered by his brothers and sisters Jack, Margaret and Pat. TUCKER. —To the memory of our brother Colin. 2/48. killed at Tobruk April 18. —Ever remembered by Aileen and Ken.
Advertiser Monday 18 April 1949, TUCKER. —In loving memory of our dear brother and brother-in-law Colin, killed in action, Tobruk, April 18, 1941. —Always remembered by Ray and Ethel. TUCKER. In loving memory of Colin, killed in action, Tobruk, April 18, 1941. —Aileen and Ken. TUCKER. —A tribute to the memory of Colin, 2/48th, killed at Tobruk, April 18, 1941. A memory for ever. —Inserted by mother, father, sister and brothers. TUCKER. —In memory of Colin, 2/48th, killed in action, April 18, 1941. —Remembered always, Nell and Pat.
Advertiser Tuesday 18 April 1950, TUCKER. —A loving tribute to the memory of Colin, killed in action at Tobruk, April 18, 1941. To live in our hearts is not to die. —Mother, father, brothers, sisters. TUCKER. Pte. C. S.—In loving memory of Colin, killed in action, Tobruk, April 18, 1941. —Always remembered by his sister Margaret. TUCKER. —Memories of Colin, killed at Tobruk, April 18, 1941. — Always remembered, Aileen and Ken. TUCKER. —In loving memory of our dear brother and brother-in-law Colin, killed in action at Tobruk, April 18, 1941. —Always remembered by Ray and Ethel.
Advertiser Wednesday 18 April 1951, TUCKER. — In loving memory of Colin, 2/48th. He lives in our memory. — Inserted by mother, father, sisters, brothers. TUCKER. — In loving memory of Colin, 2/48th, killed in action at Tobruk. — Always remembered by his sister Patty. TUCKER. — In memory of Colin, killed at Tobruk, 1941. Remembered by Aileen and Ken.
Advertiser Friday 18 April 1952, TUCKER. — In loving memory of Colin, killed at Tobruk. April 18. 1941. Ours to remember always. — By mother, father, sisters and brothers. TUCKER, Pte. Colin. — In loving memory of our dear brother, tilled in action. Tobruk. April 18. 1941.— Ever remembered by Ethel and Ray. TUCKER. — Loving memory of Colin, killed Tobruk. April 18. 1941.— Aileen and Ken. TUCKER. — In memory of Colin. killed in action. April 18. 1941.— Remembered Nellie.
Advertiser Saturday 18 April 1953, TUCKER. — A tribute to the memory of Colin. 2/48. killed in action at Tobruk. Ours to remember. — Inserted by mother, father, sisters and brothers. TUCKER. — In fond memory of Colin. killed in action, Tobruk, April 18. 1941.— Remembered as always. Jack. TUCKER. — A loving tribute to the memory of Colin, killed at Tobruk. April 18. 1941.— Remembered always by Aileen and Ken. TUCKER. — In loving memory of my dear brother. Colin. killed in action. Tobruk, April 18, 1941. — Always remembered by Ray and Ethel.

Researched and written by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133, 2/48th Battalion.

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Biography contributed by Faithe Jones

Mr. and Mrs. R.H. Tucker, of Goodwood Road, Colonel Light Gardens, have been officially informed that their son, Pte. Colin S. Tucker, has been killed in action.  Pte. Tucker enlisted with the A.I.F. last June at the age of 18, and left Australia last November.