Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Arthur (Alex) was born in Quorn on the 25th July 1916 to Joseph John and Marie Margaret Harding. He came from a large family which included Paddy, Hugo, Bill, Thelma, Gladys, George, Phyllis, Eric Dora and Edie. The family moved to living in the thriving railway town of Peterborough where Alex continued his Primary and Secondary Education at the local schools and quickly became involved in a wide range of outdoor activities including the First Peterborough Wolf Pack as a 12-year-old. For the next two years both Alex and Bryan Holmes attended the Peterborough Woodwork Centre as part of their studies, thus gaining their woodwork certificate.
Post school neither used these skills for their employment as Alex became a hairdresser with Mr Taylor and Bryan joined Goldsborough Mort. Alex proved to be an exceptional sportsman in cricket, football and baseball, the latter with the Wanderers. He was invariably named in the best players for playing ‘brilliant ball’ and being part of four successive Premierships during the 30’s. Life was also enjoyable with social activities, including 21st birthday celebrations where Alex and his baseball mate, Viv Garwood and Keith Rogers presented amusing skits called ‘Gran and Grandpa’ and at another, Alex won a dancing competition with Daphne Lang.
With the outbreak of WWII intensive recruiting campaigns were focussed on country regions, including Peterborough during the first week of July ’40, aimed at fit, single young country men. It was a rich picking for the Infantry, Airforce and Navy, with many passing their first fitness test before travelling to Adelaide for their second. Alex was amongst this first group of volunteers who enlisted just prior to his 24th birthday on the 9th July 1940. He became SX8454 with the newly formed 2/48th battalion. He and Colin Jones who enlisted on the same day and became SX8422, left Peterborough on the 12th July to begin their training at Military Camps. For the new soldiers, their initial days were spent in the cold of the Pavilions, now part of the Royal Adelaide Showgrounds. Unfortunately, Alex contracted scabies but was able to re-join his battalion which headed to Woodside in the Adelaide Hills for their preliminary training.
Alex had a brief return to Peterborough enabling local sporting bodies and friends to farewell him at the Lodge Room in August. His exceptional sporting and business qualities were a focus, as he had played baseball, cricket and football as well as being highly respected in the business field for the previous six years. The owner, Mr Taylor “spoke of his many qualities and attention to business, and although he regretted losing his services, he knew the big job that Alex, was now contemplating, made him very proud of him.” The baseball Association presented Alex with a Gold Wristlet Watch, expressing the hope that it would not be long before a welcome home would be extended to Alex, at the victorious conclusion of the war.
The baseball season was truncated, with Alex able to play in the finals for Collegians. However, as Peterborough was designated to host the annual baseball carnival in October against Broken Hill, Whyalla and Port Augusta, a new secretary had to be elected to replace Alex who had previously filled this role. Inevitably for the 1940 carnival, the talented Peterborough team was decimated with key representatives enlisting, including Alex.
Alex then had precious pre-embarkation leave back in Peterborough with his parents in October. The Mayor held a large gathering to farewell ten members of the second AIF in the magnificent Town Hall. Following the singing of the National Anthem, the much-vaunted Orchestra playing tunes popular at the time. Locals also provided delightful solos. The Mayor gave an eulogistic speech, which was reported in the Times and Northern Advertiser, of October ’40.
"Ladies and gentlemen, as you are well aware, we are again gathered tonight to pay honor and tribute to the fine array of young Australian Soldiers we have with us. We are all extremely proud of the fact that they are here to-night, proud of the step they have taken, and feel sure that they will play their part, having answered the call of the Empire, and their country. That they are going to honor Australia by their actions is certain, and we hope they will if possible exceed the deeds of valor accomplished by the men of the first A.I.F. These young men will probably be sailing away from our shores, and I know it is the hope and desire of everyone that they will have God Speed and a safe return. If that, is accomplished we will have no fear that these young men will come back after victory has been won, crowned with deeds of valor, and I trust we will have the honor of assembling here again to welcome them back.” Five of those honoured were with the 2/48th Battalion with Bill. They included Alex. Harding 2/48th SX8454 William Snider 2/48th SX8178, John Dolan 2/48th SX7675, George H. Dickinson 2/48th SX7649, Walter Faulkner 2/48th SX5150, and Eric Smith 2/48th SX4472.
Wally Bills, a returned WWI veteran also spoke in praise of the enlistees. “They are fine looking men, and I am sure they will do well and that they will be a credit to the Town from which they have enlisted, and on behalf of the Returned Soldiers' Association I wish them the best of Good Luck. I feel sure that we have as much faith in them as anybody could have, and that they will make good, and we only hope that they will all be spared to come back." Of those with the 2/48th Battalion, George Dickinson was killed on the 18th April ’41 and Alex Harding on the 22nd July ’42.
The Ladies' Farewell Parcels Fund presented each man with a parcel and best wishes. Fittingly Alex responded on behalf of his fellow soldiers. , "Mr. Mayor, Mr. Bills, ladies and gentlemen, you can imagine how we all feel and will understand our position, but we all sincerely thank you for coming along tonight and making this such an enjoyable evening. We appreciate it very much. We would like to thank Mr. Bowden for arranging the evening, and also to thank Mr. McDonald and his band, and those who have given items. Our thanks are also due to the Ladies of the Parcels Committee, and I would like to say that their gifts have been much appreciated." Patriotic singing of the Song of Australia was then followed by dancing until midnight. Certainly a memorable send-off.
Returning to the 2/48th Battalion the contingent then embarked on the Stratheden for the Middle East, on the 7th November 1940. He had a ‘forgetful moment’ in not promptly attending a parade attracting a 6-day punishment. However, he arrived in the Middle East on the 19th December 1940 completing a few months training in Cyrenaica preceded the 2/48th Battalion 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. They were to become the famed Rats of Tobruk.By September Alex’s leadership skills were recognised with a promotion to Acting Corporal.
By the end of that year, Alex was promoted to Corporal. He wrote home to Mr. Prigent, with his letter published in the local Times and Northern Advertiser in January ’41. “written after Christmas and received by Air Mail last week, Alex Harding sends greetings and best wishes for a Happy New Year to all his friends at Peterborough. He says they had an uneventful trip abroad, warm days and beautiful cool nights; their camp, which is the spot where the 3rd Light Horse Regiment were installed during the last war, has every modern convenience even to the hot and cold showers. Christmas Day was spent In a very special manner, after Church parade Dinner consisted of turkey, ham, pudding and ale during which the usual toasts were honored, interspersed with stories as only the Aussies can tell them. During the afternoon all the troops received their hampers consisting of tin pudding, preserved fruit, cream, Minties, cigarettes, tooth paste and brush, soap, nuts and chewing: gum, for which they are very grateful to the Comforts Fund. Sports, donkey races and a football match terminated the festivities on Boxing Day. Alex, was very pleased to meet two local boys, Don Martin (SX4009 2/27th) and Lloyd Smith. (SX1377).”
Alex continued to write back home with the Times and Northern Advertiser publishing another of his letters in June that year, containing two patriotic poems, the first of which came to be quite prophetic for Alex and the second reflective of the camaraderie of his 2/48th Battalion.
‘Out of the East comes a letter from Alex Harding and with it he sent the following verses. They express thoughts that are ever present in our minds and we, like them, are also proud of the Australian tradition:
"STANDING BY."
There's a row of wooden crosses in a hollow near—
O'er a row of shallow graves hard there by the town,
And we, their comrades, say a charitable prayer
For those brave lads who never let us down.
When the storm of battle's over, the guns have ceased their roar,
And 'the gentle breezes blow from in across the sea,
We'll still hear their cheery voices in the waves along the shore,
And take solace in the thought, "It had to be."
They heard the "Fall-in" sounded, and knew that they must go,
Though on parade they soon would stand again;
Lined up for inspection by the heavenly C.O.,
Whose Battalion can't be filled with mortal men.
There Jerry can't bomb you, or pelt you with H.E.
And you're marching with the army of the -brave, the proud and free.
We'll meet you over yonder, till "Good shooting Mates,"
You've founded a tradition for the 2nd 48th.
—"The Wandering Bar'."
"THE FIGHTING FORTY EIGHTH."
Where the boys were the boys, That wear blue and white
Our motto "Never Beaten'' Leads us into every fight.
Uphold the good old flag boys,
Traditions keep in mind, Our courage will be needed
If victory we would find. Fight boys, fight boys,
And keep our honour high,
The Forty Eighth, the Forty Eighth Will never cease to try.
Hit Musso, and all the rest, Here's the reason why
The Forty Eighth, the Forty Eighth Will never say die.’
By September ’41, Roy Grubb SX6059, also in the 2/48th Battalion, had written to the local Times and Northern Advertiser expressing his appreciation for the handknitted pullover he had received from a Mrs Kahle. He added “What added considerably to my pleasure at receiving the pullover, was the fact that it had come from Peterborough, for that town was my home for five years prior to my enlistment. Since embarkation however I understand that my parents have been transferred to Adelaide. I hope however through my work always to have an interest in Peterborough. I suppose you know of Alex Harding and Bill Snider. They are both in this battalion and I see them quite frequently. They are both doing good jobs. (Alex has recently been promoted to the rank of Corporal).”
Within a year, the news was less welcome. Aged 25, Alex died of his wounds in Egypt on the 22nd July ’42 just three days prior to his birthday. The Advertiser in August carried his photo and a summary of his life and the sad news. ‘Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Harding, of Railway terrace, Peterborough have been notified that their son. Cpl. Alex. A. Harding. died of wounds in Egypt on July 22. Cpl Harding was 25. He enlisted in June 1940, and sailed from Australia in November of that year. Before enlistment he was employed as a hairdresser by Mr. H. G Taylor. Peterborough. He was secretary of the Peterborough Baseball Association and the Cricket Association. He was born at Quorn.’ Similarly, the Chronicle carried the news of Corporal Alex Harding’s death and the wounding of Private William Schnieder. The same article listed ten from the 2/48th Battalion who died at the same time. SX13121 Pte. R. W. C. Brown. 2/48th, Whyalla. SX12765. Pte. C. A. Corfield. 2/48th Clare. SX7166 Pte. A. R. Davis. 2/48th Rosewater SX5823 Cpl. G. E. Gay, Int., Wood SX13018 Pte. C. J. Hanley. 2/48th Port Augusta. SX8236 Pte. G. J. Hayes. 2/48th Wir SX6297 Pte. D. S. Ridley. 2/48th Loxton SX11052. Pte. W. M. Shane. 2/48th Spalding. SX8315 Pte. R O. Sunman. 2/48th Port Augusta. SX1102. Died Of Wounds SX8087 Cpl. F. W. Fletcher, 2/48th, Aldgate SX8454 Cpl. A. A. A. Harding. 2/48th Peterborough.
Peterborough, the town that knew him best, through the Times and Northern Advertiser, carried a wonderfully personal, heartfelt tribute.
“One of the town's finest lads has paid the supreme sacrifice and we feel very proud to have the opportunity of publishing this epitaph of one of our own local lads—or men— who was well known, very popular, liked and respected by all for his charming personally and high integrity of purpose. For a good number of years. Alex was one of the best-known figures in the baseball section of the community and his many teammates and other who knew him in that sphere will, we feel sure, join with us in this expression of our sorrow at his untimely passing.
“Nevertheless, we feel very proud of his record in the fighting service of this country and we honour and respect him for sacrifice. He has paid for us all. In the words of the R.S.A. creed we pay our tribute to him and many others who have gone before: "They shall grow not old, As we who are left grow old; Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn; At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, We will remember them."
“Mr and Mrs J. J. Harding were notified on Monday that their son, Cpl. A. A. A. Harding, had died of wounds in Egypt on July 22nd. He was within three days of his 26th birthday. Alex enlisted in June 1940 and sailed from Australia in November of that year and spent 8 months at Tobruk. Before his enlistment he was employed as a hairdresser by Mr H. G. Taylor and was very popular member of all sporting bodies. He held, capably, the position of secretary to both the Peterborough Baseball Association and Cricket Associations. Alex was born at Quorn and was educated at the Primary School. When the family removed to Peterborough, he completed his education at the Primary and High Schools here. The news of his death cast a gloom over the town, as he was well and widely known. Most of his teammates are at fighting stations and we feel sure that we can offer their sympathy with ours to the bereaved relatives. VALE! NOBLY DONE, ALEX.” It was sobering times for those in Peterborough.
Sympathy was also expressed by the local Methodist Minister but also unexpectedly by Sergeant Max Thomas from Tanunda, to Alex’s family. "This short letter is my tribute to dear Alex, and I would like you to read it to his mother and father, sisters and brothers. What I am going to write may make you all very sad, but it is intended as a tribute so please draw what little solace you may from it.
"I am broken-hearted and I know that you all must be, but let us reconcile each other with the knowledge that he died a hero, the sacrifice he gave was made willingly, without thought of redress; his cheerful loyalty and devotion to his duty will be sadly missed by all his comrades. It hurts me deeply when I think of Alex and the experiences that we had together and I feel so very unworthy of my own good fortune— however at the end of 12 months I am scheduled to re-join my unit— just like going home and finding nobody to greet you.
"I was profoundly moved when I saw his photo in the paper, I remembered all the little things he used to do and say, particularly how when we were crouching in our dug-out at Tobruk with shells bursting about us, I used to sing sentimental songs for him. The plans for the future that we had made, and how we used to talk about you all at home, and mail days we would read our letters to each other. He had no enemies, he loved you all deeply, respectfully and tenderly, let us all feel proud of him and all that he has done.
"The day I left the unit to come home I went to see him, he was on special duty with his section away from our barracks. We talked a while about nothing in particular and then we parted—no "Goodbyes" —friends like Alex and I don't say "Goodbye". It was just "Good luck, Kid," to each other and he turned and walked back along the track to his tent. I watched him go, he did not look back. I feel that one day I will find his grave with his little wooden cross, I will know then that I have reached my "Journey's End." — Now I wish I had not left him. Dear folks I must close now— perhaps one day I will come to Peterborough and see you all, and I will be able to tell you things about our beloved Alex. Yours sincerely, Max."
A further tribute appeared in the Times and Northern Advertiser the following month from another close friend. ‘A TRIBUTE TO ALEX HARDING VIV. GARWOOD WRITES FROM WHYALLA Dear Editor—I would like to ask the favour of a few lines of space in your old reliable to pass a tribute to a mutual friend of all the fellows from Peterborough, Port Augusta, Broken Hill and my present home town, as baseballers, to the late Alex. Harding. I feel that even though most of the original players from Peterborough may have long since left, they would certainly like to be associated with this letter from us all.
“Although we are inclined to think of the war in a remote manner, from the comfort of our homeland, such incidents as this bring a greater realization of the terrible business of war, and jolt us out of ourselves with painful suddenness. If I were able to find words for my thoughts and feelings for Alex, they would fall far short of anything that I would wish to say, and when written would seem totally inadequate for the job. Alex grew up with me at home, and as long as 1 knew him. he never had an enemy in the world, and rightly so for lie was one of the greatest pals a fellow could have. His heart was in tie original Baseball Association, and he made innumerable pals from the various towns around the country were represented at the Baseball Carnival at home. He was very popular with every one, and Ron Sharpe once paid tribute to his ability as a baseballer saying that Alex would have little bother making League standard in the city. We knew that and were all proud of him anyway. His personality was such that to know him was to like him.
“There are some times when words are hard to find, this is one for "Amateur"', but I felt that on behalf of all we chaps of the baseball world who knew and liked Alex, some tribute from us all was not only necessary, but our bounden duty. If I have failed to mention any particular persons, it is because I felt that we should all be included as a group, for we each and every one of us knew Alex personally. To his family we all express our heartfelt sympathies, and who knows — one dlay we may all meet again. Yours very sincerely, VIV GARWOOD for Northern Districts Country Baseball Carnival Ass'n.”
The family were overwhelmed by the response of locals, placing a ‘thank you in the local paper, “their many kind friends and relatives for letters, cards, telegrams, and personal expressions of sympathy in the recent sad loss of their beloved son and brother, Alex. Will all please accept this as a personal expression of sincere gratitude?”
It appears that in the constant, bitter fighting at Tel el Eisa, strategic points continued to change hands. On the 16th July The 2/48th had control of East 24 but the shelling then turned to their A Company. John Glenn in Tobruk to Tarakan describes the great concentrations blotting out the whole company. ‘Towards dusk the next day nine carriers commanded by Roger Jacka, charged across the railway line and raced to the Tel el Eisa ridge. They churned up thick clouds of dust as they ploughed among the German posts, shooting up the whole area. It was a daring charge, right into the fire of anti-tank guns and machine guns. Only the elements of surprise and speed enabled it to come off. The enemy suffered heavy casualties from our fire. One of our men was slightly wounded during the fighting and then, as the carriers swung down the slopes on the way home and entered the last stretch, three carriers ploughed into our own minefield and were blown up, killing Sergeant Lester Johnson and Corporal J.K. Stone.’
Mark Johnston in his recently published book Derrick VC in his own words gives Derrick’s diary entry for the 17th July. ‘Shelling is still our major source of annoyance & would certainly like to get the crews responsible. Our carriers were operating on our right front last night but do not know their intentions or objectives. They were to return past A Coys front and in on the left of C Coy. All lost direction and resulted in one being destroyed on C Coys mine field with Sgt Johnson killed another was stopped on my sections mine flied with Cpl Stopp receiving some minor wounds and shock, driver Stone was also killed at C. Coy.’
Following Alex’s death, his sister, Phillis Jean enlisted in May ’43 as part of the W.A.A.A.F. becoming an aircraftwoman, 107663. Their brother, George also enlisted in June that year becoming a leading aircraftsman 140542.
Alex was initially buried in Box Cemetery El Alamein. He was re-interred in the El Alamein War Cemetery on the 26th March ‘45 in Plot A IV, Row B Grave 2 with his parents chosing the wording ‘At the going down of the sun we will remember him’ for his headstone. He now rests with SX8213 Lester H Johnson from the 2/48th Battalion and others who died of wounds from the 2/13th, 2/23rd,2/32nd and 2/43rd Battalions.
His awards, the 1939/45 Star, African Star, Defence medal, War Medal and Australian Service Medal were all posthumously posted to his family in February 1953.
Alex’s family and friends continued to mourn the loss of this vibrant young man. Those with whom he served in the 2/48th also remembered him, including Eddie King SX7785, Don Gordon SX7711, Sgt. Max Thomas SX8032, Len Batty SX7605, Hedley Pratt SX7721, William Foster SX7263 and Slugger Sutherland.
Advertiser, Tuesday 25 August 1942, Harding. Alex (Cpl.).—A tribute to a good pal Cpl Alex Harding, killed In action. In Egypt on July 22. His duty nobly done.—Remembered by Eddie King and Don Gordon (returned 2nd AIF.). HARDING. —On July 22, Cpl. A. A. Harding, died of wounds in Egypt. We, who loved you, love you still. Forget you, Alex? We never will. —Inserted by his aunt and uncle, E. and B. Waterton, cousins, Valda and Norman. HARDING. —Cpl. Alex Harding, on July 22, in Egypt. Sadly missed and remembered by Muriel, Bill and children. HARDING. —On July 22, Cpl. A. A. Harding, died of wounds in Egypt. You will always be remembered. As the years may come and go. —Inserted by his aunt and uncle. F. and B. Holmes, Prospect. HARDING. —On July 22, Cpl. A. A. A. Harding, died of wounds In Egypt (three days before his 26th birthday). He could not have paid a higher price For the preservation of freedom. God grant him eternal rest. —Inserted by his most devoted brother. Paddy, sister-in-law. Linda, and little nieces, Margaret and Judith. HARDING. -On July 22, Cpl. A. A. A. Harding, died at wounds in Egypt, age Without fear he gave his life for us all. Darling, we will never forget you, And pray for you always. —Inserted by his loving mother and father, brothers and sisters, Hugo, Bill, Thelma. Gladys, George. Phyllis, and Eric HARDING. —On July 22, Col A. A. A. Harding, died of wounds In Egypt, aged 26. Deep in our hearts a memory is kept of a dear smiling face we will never forget. —Inserted by his devoted sisters. Dora and Edie, brothers-in-law. Ernie, Jack, and nephew Reggie. HARDING. —On July 22, In Egypt. Alex, devoted friend of Sgt. Max Thomas (AIF- returned). —Ever remembered by Max, Nita and Maxine.
Times and Northern Advertiser, Peterborough, South Australia 23 July 1943, HARDING—A tribute of love and honour to the memory of our beloved brother, Cpl. Alex, who paid the supreme sacrifice at EI Alamein, July 22, 1942. "His Duty Nobly Done." Inserted by his brother Paddy, sister-in-law Linda, and little nieces Margaret and Judith. Advertiser HARDING. Corporal A. A, 2nd AIF.— Loving memory Alex, a great friend and pal. passed away July 22, 1942, at El Alamein. A duty nobly done.—Ever remembered by his pal, Don.
Times and Northern Advertiser, Peterborough, South Australia Friday 21 July 1944, HARDING, Cpl. Alex. 2/48th In memory of our brother, who gave his all, El Alamein, July 22, 1942. "Lest we forget." Inserted by Paddy, Linda, nieces, Margaret and Judith. Advertiser FLETCHER, Cpl.: HARDING, Cpl.—A tribute to my pals, Bill and Alex, died of wounds, Egypt, July 22. 1942.—Ever remembered by Len Batty. HARDING, Cpl.—Memories our beloved son Alex, died of wounds. El Alamein July 22. 1942. You will always be remembered, come whatever will: loved, lost, you are with us still'.—inserted by mother, father and grandma' Rehm. HARDING. Cpl.—Memories dear brother Alex, died of wounds. El Alamein July 22, 1942. His happy face and cheerful ways will linger with us all our days. Inserted by his brothers and sisters. Hugo. Bill. George (R.A.A.F). Gladys, Phillis (W.A.A.A.F.). and Eric. HARDING, Cpl.—Memories of dear brother Alex died of wounds. El Alamein, July 22 1942. We have lost but heaven has gained, one of the best this world contained. —Always remembered by his sister Dora, Ernie and Zandra. HARDING Cpl. A. A. In memory of a pal, Alex, died of wounds received July 22. 1942 - Always remembered by his pal Hedley Pratt. HARDING Cpl—Memories of mv dear brother Alex died of wounds, El Alamein. July 22. 1942. As time goes on but memories stay, as near and dear as yesterday. Sadly missed by sister Thelma and Charlie. HARDING. Cpl —Memories of my beloved brother Alex, died of wounds El I Alamein. July 22. 1942. Beautiful memories, dearer than gold, of a brother whose worth can never be told.—Sadly missed by sister Edie. brother-in-law Jack and Reg. HARDING. Cpl. Alex. 2/48th. — In memory of our brother, who gave his all. El Alamein July 22. 1942. Lest we forget. —Inserted by Paddy, Linda nieces Margaret and Judith HARDING. —In memory of Cpl. Mex. died of wounds El Alamein July 22 1942. A thought for today, a memory always. One of the best. —Ever remembered by Aunt Mary, Jim. Doris and family. HARDING—A tribute to the memory of Alex, who was killed in action at El Alamein. July 22. 1942.—Ever remembered by Mr. and Mrs. Harold G. Taylor. HARDING, Cpl. A.—ln memory of dear Alex, died of wounds in Egypt July 22 1942.—Always remembered by his aunt and uncle. F. and B. Holmes, and cousin Muriel. Bill and children HARDING. A. A.. Cpl. 2nd A.I.F.— In memory of Alex who died of wounds at. El Alamein. 1942. a friend never to be forgotten by his pal. Don South.
Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1931 - 1954), Monday 23 July 1945, page 10 HARDING, A A. A. Cpl. 2/48th In loving memory of our dear son Alex, died of wounds July 22. 1942. A light from our old home gone. A voice we loved is still, A place is vacant In our old home Which never can be filled —Always remembered by his loving mother, father and grandma Rehm HARDING, A. A A. (Cpl. 2/48th In loving memory of our dear brother, Alex, died of wounds at Alamein. July 22 1942. His love was great, his heart was Kind: A better brother no one could find. —Always remembered by his sisters and brothers. Hugo. Bill, Gladys. George (R.A-A.F.) Phillis. (W.A.A.A-F.) and Eric. HARDING. A. A. A (Cpl. 2/48th In loving memory of my dear brother, Alex died of wounds. El Alamein. July 22. 1942 Deep in my heart a memory is kept of one I loved and will never forget. —Always remembered by his sister Edith, Jack and Reg. HARDING. Alex.—Passed away at El Alamein, result of wounds.—Ever remembered and never to be forgotten by his cobber Dan South. A tribute to the memory of my pals, Jack Spavin. M.M. Lester Johnson, Keith Stone, Bill Fletcher and Alex Harding, who made the supreme sacrifice in Egypt. July. 1942. —Ever remembered by Len Batty.
Advertiser Monday 22 July 1946, HARDING, Cpl. A. A. 2nd/48th —In loving memory of our dear son Alex, died of wounds at El Alamein July 22, 1942, We think of you in silence. And we often speak your name. But all we have to answer is your photo in a frame. —Longed for always by mother and father. HARDING, Cpl. A. A. 2nd/48th In loving memory of our dear brother Alex, died of wounds at El Alamein, July 22, 1942. What happy days we once enjoyed When we were all together; But it is hard to think, dear Alex, Those days are gone for ever. —Sadly missed by his loving brothers and sisters, Hugo, Bill, Thelma, Gladys, George (R A A F.), Phillis. HARDING, Cpl. A. A. 2nd/48th —In loving memory of our dear brother Alex died of wounds at El Alamein. July 22. 1942. He is not lost, his spirit lives in every principle for which be fought.— Ever remembered by his sister Edie, Jack, and Reg. HARDING. Cpl.—Memories of dear Alex, died of wounds. El Alamein. July 22. 1942. We prayed for your safe return and longed to clasp your hands, but God has postponed that meeting, 'twill be in the better land.—Always remembered by sister Dora, Ern and Sandra. HARDING.—A tribute of honor to Alex, killed at El Alamein. July 22. 1942. Years go by but memories cling.—Ever remembered by Norm. Pursche and friends. A tribute to my pals Jack Spavin, M.M., Keith Stone, Lester Johnson, Bill Fletcher, Alex Harding, 2nd 48th Batt., A.I.F. who gave their lives In Egypt July. 1942.—Ever remembered Len Batty.
Advertiser Tuesday 22 July 1947, HARDING. —On July 22, 1942, Cpl. Alex Harding, died of wounds in Egypt. Beautiful memories linger yet. Loved too much to ever forget. —Inserted by sister Thelma, brother-in-law Charlie. HARDING. —In loving memory of dear Alex, died of wounds at El Alamein July 22. 1942. Just to show that we remember, how could we forget.—Always remembered by his loving sister Dora, brother-in-law Ern, and children. HARDING, Cpl. A. A. A.—Treasured memories of our dear brother Alex, died of wounds at El Alamein. July 22. 1942. God help us for the sacrifice he made. HARDING, Cpl. A.A.A.—A tribute of love to the memory of my dear brother Alex, who made the supreme sacrifice at El Alamein, July 22, 1942.—Ever remembered by his loving sister Edie, Jack and Reg. HARDING, Cpl. A.A.A.—In loving memory of our dear son Alex, died of wounds at El Alamein, July 22, 1942. Your memory love to you dearly Lovingly remembered by mother and dad. 2/48th —In memory of my mates, who made the supreme sacrifice at El Alamein, July 22, 1942. —Ever remembered by Curly Foster. 2/48th BATT.—In memory of the boys who fell at El Alamein, July-November, 1942.—"Blue," ex B Coy.
Advertiser Thursday 22 July 1948, HARDING. A. A. A.. Cpl. 2nd/48th —In loving remembrance of our dear son, died of wounds July 22. 1942. El Alamein. His memory is our dearest keepsake, to treasure all our lives.— Always remembered, mum, dad, gran. HARDING. A. A. A.. Cpl 2nd/48th brother, died of wounds. July 22, 1942. at El Alamein.—Loved and remembered always by Hugo, Bill, George, Gladys, Phillis and Eric. HARDING. A. A. A.. Cpl.. 2nd/48th. —In loving memory of our dear brother, died of wounds, July 22. 1942. El Alamein. For ever in our thoughts. —Edie, Jack and Reg. HARDING. A. A. A.. CPl. 2nd/48th —Memories of dear brother Alex, died of wounds. El Alamein July 22 1942. We who loved you sadly miss you as it dawns another year. —Always remembered by Thelma, Charlie, Peter. HARDING. Cpl.—Memories of dear Alex died of wounds at El Alamein. A thought for today, a memory for ever. —Loved and remembered by his loving sister Dora, Em. Sandra and John. In memory of my late cobbers in "B" Company 2/48th Battalion. At the rising and setting of the sun we will remember. —Inserted by Slogger Sutherland.
Advertiser Friday 22 July 1949, HARDING. Cpl. A. died or wounds July 22 1942, at El Alamein. Time cannot dim memories of a loved one gone to rest. —Always remembered by Thelma, Charlie, Peter. HARDING, Cpl.—Loving memories of my dear brother, died of wounds. El Alamein, July 22, 1942. A leaf in the book of memory is gently turned today. —Remembered always by Dora, Em, family. HARDING. Cpl. A. A. A.—ln memory of our dear son Alex, died of wounds. El Alamein, July 22. 1942. We have you in our memories. God has you in His care. —Always remembered by mother and father. HARDING, Cpl. A. A. A.—ln memory of our-dear brother Alex, died of wounds El Alamein, July 22. 1942. Tears are passing, but love and memory are everlasting. —Ever remembered by Hugo. Bill, Gladys, George, Phillis and Eric. HARDING, Cpl. A. A. A.—ln mem of my dear brother Alex, died of wounds. El Alamein, July 22 1942. The years pass on but memories stay. —Sadly missed by Edie, Jack, Reg and Vicki. 2/48 Bn.—-in memory of the boys who fell at El Alamein. July. Nov.. 1942.—Blue, ex B. Coy.
Written and researched by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133, 2/48th Battalion.