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Born in Crystal Brook on the 20th May 1914, Ron, his older brother Basil Vivian Charles (Vivian) and sisters Gwenyth and Valerie initially attended the local Higher Primary School. The family then moved to live in Naracoorte where their parents Herbert (Bert) and Ethel Maud Ide lived on a property called ‘Wayside’ farming sheep and growing cereal crops. With the aim of gaining practical knowledge and experience in wool production and learning more about sheep farming, Ron worked as a station hand in the region.
A useful footballer, Ron was selected to play in the Inter-Association Pinnaroo Representative team to play against Nurrung in September ’34 and again in ’36 to play against the Lameroo Representative team, as was his brother, Vivian. Besides providing the locals with a quality spectacle, the proceeds from the match were divided on an equal basis between the Lameroo Hospital and Pinnaroo Institute. Ron, playing for United, was described in the Pinnaroo and Border Times as a ‘most consistent player who took some towering marks and his ground play was effective’. In another match against Ngallo, Ron was described as giving ‘a splendid display for United. His vigorous and go-through tactics led many United attacks’.
With the outbreak of WWII a huge drive ensued with country towns, including Naracoorte, targeted to encourage fit young men to enlist. It was here that 26-year-old Ron enlisted on the 24th June 1940 becoming SX8344. Other locals including 22-year-old Clem Billing and Clarrie Baldwin also enlisted becoming SX6829 and SX7108 respectively. (Ron’s older brother, Vivian, a farm hand, later enlisted on the 31st March ’42 the year of Ron’s death. He became a leading Aircraftman 47874.)
All three of the local young men were allocated to the 2/48th Battalion. Their first days were spent in the cold of the Pavilions, now part of the Royal Adelaide Showgrounds before the battalion headed to Woodside in the Adelaide Hills for preliminary training. During precious pre-embarkation leave, Ron married Yvonne Lydia Polkinghorne also a Geranium local, at the Pirie Street Methodist Church on Saturday, the 31st of August, in an evening ceremony. Yvonne’s uncle Rev. Crossley conducted the ceremony. Ron chose fellow enlistee, Pte Clem Billing, A.I.F. as his best man. Members of the A.I.F. formed a guard of honor as the bridal party left the church. Clem also took the opportunity to marry whilst on pre-embarkation leave on the 19th October at the Black Forest Baptist Church. Just days prior to Ron’s wedding, on Wednesday 28th his older brother Vivian also married to Gwenyth Aileen Pierson, from a neighbouring Pinnaroo farm, "Tyrone".
All too soon, Ron and his fellow members of the 2/48th Battalion then embarked on the Stratheden for the Middle East, on the 7th November 1940, arriving on the 19th December 1940 where the Battalion completed a few months training in Cyrenaica. During those early days in the Middle East, the battalion settled into camps, but besides regular army duties was the need to quickly adapt to the locals. The new soldiers were soon involved in intense conflicts where the reputation of the 2/48th Battalion for being the most highly decorated but decimated battalion was earned.
By September ’41 Ron was promoted to Corporal. Back home, the local Pinnaroo and Border Times encouraged letters to be published from those serving abroad. These gave a very personal picture of conditions the young country enlistees were experiencing. In a letter home in October ’41 Clem Billing wrote in part: “We were camping in an old Italian hospital or convalescent home, and it was quite a good place and not knocked about much! The tile floor was a bit hard to sleep on but we are used to that now. It was great to sleep with a roof over my head after six months. Ron Ide (SX8344) was there one night. Eric Westphalen (SX9359) has been in here, playing cards with Beau (Jones SX6856) and myself all day. I saw some fowls yesterday. We were camped near the town and some of the boys must have kept them since the civilians left. When the rooster crowed in the morning I wondered for a while where I was, but it did not take me long to realize. Norm had a feed of figs and prickly pears today, but I wasn’t lucky enough to go with him.”
Many of the soldiers had, until the war, not been overseas, so when not at the front grabbed any opportunity to see a world they had only read about in books or heard about at church or school. In a letter published in January ’42 then Corporal Ron Ide, described how he and Beau Jones went on a three-day tour of Palestine visiting Haifa, Nazareth, Tiberias and Jerusalem. It is obvious that the farmer in him was taking particular note of the land and produce.
“On the way we passed through beautiful orange groves laden with fruit which is just becoming ripe. Vast plains of fertile land were seen with here and there a progressive farmer with a tractor. Farming is mostly done with a wooden plough drawn by a camel or mule. Before reaching Haifa we made a detour to inspect some ruins built about eleven centuries ago. The walls were about six feet thick, and it is amazing how they managed to get the walls up so high. The stones are very large, being about three feet by two feet and the walls are easily forty feet high. We met some airmen and they gave us a piece of fish each which they had caught that morning. We then proceeded to Haifa for a late lunch. We stayed in Haifa until 5.30 during which time I visited Mount Carmel, which is of great historical interest. It is possible to get a marvellous view from the harbour and town. By the time we had enjoyed tea the time was up and we mounted buses again. We bivouacked for the night not far from Haifa, had an Army breakfast and were on the road bright and early for Nazareth.
“At Nazareth I visited the Church of Annunciation. It is very beautiful inside and there are three groups who worship twice a day—the Catholics, Greeks and Armenians. St. Mary’s well is inside and I sampled the water from it. Whilst in Nazareth some of the boys went into a place where Arab children were making cigarette packets. They were very fast and I was amazed at their craftsmanship. I guess we had plenty of cheek when we walked into a school for boys. One class was unattended by a teacher so we proceeded to put them through their paces which caused a deal of fun, especially for the kids. The teacher came on the scene and stopped the riot. He was very nice and explained all the standards of education to us and wanted to show us all over the school. However, time would not permit, and so to the buses again.
“Jack Lucas and one of the Morcom boys, also W. Page (Wilkawatt) were at the hospital here, but I found out too late. Approaching Tiberias, situated on the Sea of Galilee, we were able to get some marvellous views of this historical sea from the hills. The sea shining in the sun appeared like a big opal. We arrived at lunch time and after lunch Beau Jones and myself hired a bike each for an hour (50 mils—A 1/8) and proceeded to explore the town which is not very big but is rather pretty. It is noted for its hot springs which are supposed to be a good cure for all kind of ailments. I bought my camera here. Everything is frightfully dear. It cost us 220 mils for lunch which is approximately 5/6 in Australian money. It was just an ordinary meal. In the evening we went to the picture to see “Lucky Cisco Kid”. Then home to bed. It is the first time I have slept between sheets since two days’ leave in Tel Aviv in February.
“After leaving Tiberias the country is very hilly with gardens in the valleys. I noticed they were vegetable gardens. After the hills there is beautiful fertile land with Jewish settlements. They seem to farm on very modem lines. Nearing Jerusalem this country is very hilly and some of the winding roads are marvellous. There is nothing in the Adelaide hills to compare with them, not even the Devil’s Elbow. After lunch we hired a taxi and went out to Bethlehem see the Church of the Nativity where Jesus was born. I saw the manger in which He was laid, and the cradle in which He was placed. All these places are in a marvellous state of preservation. It was a very interesting trip and I enjoyed it very much. I am gaining in weight since being here. I have seen all the Pinnaroo boys quite recently, and they look well.“
Training with the Australian Artillery Regiment ensued in December ’41 before Ron re-joined the 2/48th Battalion. By August ’42 he had been promoted to A/Sergeant, a role he held for just two months before he was killed in action in Egypt on the 31st October ’42. Clem Billing was wounded the same day in the fierce fighting to take Trig 29. Also injured in the fighting by a sniper’s bullet was a good friend, Bill Ziesing SX3917. At the end of the night, the 2/48th Battalion had just 41 men still standing some of whom were wounded, this was all that remained of these proud Rats of Tobruk.
Aged 28, Sergeant Ronald Ide was killed in action on the 31st October, 1942 in the same vicious fighting where Sergeant Bill Kibby, SX7089 from his 2/48th Battlion earned his Victoria Cross, but also lost his life with Ron. In total 48 men from the 2/48th lost their lives in this battle. John Glenn describes that time “which was to be the most bitter and bloody fighting of the war. When next the sun drove away those shadows from the desert, death would have reaped a rich harvest of gallant men. And of the 2/48th Battalion only forty-one weary troops would remain in the field.” He continued: “At zero hour, 1 a.m. 31st October, the artillery opened up with a receding barrage – one that creeps back on itself. The attack was towards the guns themselves, the enemy being between the troops and the guns… Added to this, the troops came under heavy shell fire as they were forming up, and suffered casualties before they commenced their attack… One gun was landing shells right amongst the men. As soon as the main road was reached the two leading companies came under murderous fire, and from then until they reached their objective, 2,250 yards from the start line, the whole advance was fought in fierce hand-to-hand fighting.” His final summing up was ‘Truly it can be said of these men, “They fought themselves and their enemy to a standstill until flesh and blood could stand no more, then they went on fighting.” In added high praise about those who tended the wounded and collected those killed in action “It says much for them that not one man was missing in their search over the four thousand yards from Trig 29 to the Blockhouse, or in the attack of 3,600 yards to Ring Contour 25.” An horrific battle for the proud and very brave 2/48th Battalion.
Back home, the shocked locals read the December report in the Pinnaroo and Border Times “A wave of regret passed through Pinnaroo when it became known that Sergeant Ron Ide had been killed in action. The late Sgt. Ide was a son of Mr. and Mrs. H. Ide of Geranium, and formerly of Pinnaroo. He was reported killed in action on October 31 and was 28 years of age. His wife is a member of the Australian Women’s Army. During his life in the Pinnaroo district Ron took an active part in sporting circles, playing football for the Parilla Wells Club. Sympathy is keenly felt for his young wife and family.” The Narracoorte Herald similarly reported his death. “Mrs. Ron Ide has been notified that her husband, Sgt.R. M Ide, was killed in action in Egypt on October 31. Sgt Ide, who was the younger son of Mr. and Mrs. H. Ide, of Geranium, served in Tobruk, Syria, and Libya. His brother is serving with the RAAF. In the official casualty list (South Australia) it was notified as follows: SX8344, CpL R. M. Ide, Infantry, Narracoorte, killed in action. It would appear from this that Cpl. R. M. Ide enlisted at Narracoorte.”
It was not until early January ’43 that the Mail reported that ‘Mrs. R. M. Ide, of Geranium, has been advised of the death of her husband, Sergeant R. M. Ide. He was born in Crystal Brook, where he attended the higher primary school. He was gaining experience in wool production in the South-East before enlisting, and served in Syria, Palestine, and Tobruk. Before going overseas in November, 1940, he married Miss Yvonne Polkinghorne, of Geranium.’
More details emerged later and were reported in both the Adelaide Advertiser and the Pinnaroo and Border Times of March ’43. ‘There appeared in “The Advertiser” last week an account of the action in which Sgt. W. Kibby won the Victoria Cross. A soldier, describing the action to a war correspondent, mentioned the names of several soldiers who took part, many of whom were killed. The name of Sgt. Ron Ide, formerly of Pinnaroo, appeared among those mentioned, and we publish brief extracts from the article. The soldier stated: “On the night of October 30-31 our job was to cut west across Thompson’s Post, take the railway, straddle the coast road, and then work back cleaning up enemy pockets and strongposts. We straddled the road all right, and then started to work east, D Company cleaning up between the road and the sea. It was easy at first, but then we ran into real opposition. We saw a couple of lights shoot up from a there were two humps, one on the left and one on the right, with a saddle between. We got within 50 yards and then they opened fire—and how! “A burst from a Spandau killed Captain Robbins and another got his batman, ‘Chuck’ Fowler, of Port Pirie. Another got Doug. Whyte, from St. Peters. Arthur Wilson, of Granville, was killed, and Sgt. Ron Ide, of Lameroo, and Eric Montgomery, from the West Coast. “It wasn’t until two days later that we had an opportunity to go out and look for our dead. When we got to the place they had disappeared. We spent ten days searching before we found them. They were all lying together in one grave. We took them out and did the job properly, burying them in a row—Bill Kibby, Peter Robbins, Ron Ide, Doug. Whyte, Chuck Fowler, with Eric Montgomery just behind. We couldn’t say much, but I guess we all knew, every man of us, that if it hadn’t been for Bill Kibby we might have been lying there with them.”
Darren Paech, writing in Adelaide to Alamein also explained the care the battalion took to find each of their fallen comrades and give them a proper burial. “Private Cliff Thompson of D Company was part of a small group who went looking for the bodies of Captain Peter Robbins, Sergeant Bill Kibby and the other members of D Company who had been killed in the final stages during the attack on Ring Contour 25. They retraced their steps and ‘we guessed that Jerry had dropped them in a shallow trench and covered them over, so we started searching below every freshly turned patch of sand.”
Initially Ron and those killed with him were buried in the field on the 4th November, Ron was re-buried in the El Alamein War Cemetery in March ‘43 and now lies in Plot XVI, Row C Grave 21. He rests with 23-year-old Corporal Eric L. Montgomerie SX948830, 31-year-old Private George S.R. Fowler SX8385 and 22-year-old Captain Peter Robbins, all from the 2/48th Battalion who died in the same battle, and others from the 2/2nd 2/15th 2/24th and 2/43rd Battalions. Ron’s family chose the inscription ‘Greater Love Hath No Man Than This’ for his headstone.
As the 2/48th Battalion left the Middle East, Beau Jones summarised the farewell given to their fellow soldiers who would not return home. In a final, poignant and very emotional published letter to his parents, Beau wrote “I am enclosing a pamphlet that I want you to keep for me. It is the dedication service of the War Cemetery held last night, an impressive and solemn rite. The band marched at slow tempo, and the guards reversed arms. The prayers, and the thousands of troops in array presented a beautiful but sad sight. The captain, reading the names of fallen comrades, broke down and wept. You can imagine the atmosphere which prevailed. I wish that the parents of those lads could have been present. I hope to be on my way home very soon.”
Because of his father’s age and ill health, older brother Vivian was discharged in May ’44 to return home to help on the farm with cropping and managing the sheep. Ron’s Father died in 1959 and his mother in ’61. Both are commemorated in Centennial Park Cemetery with their headstone also paying tribute to Ron and his death in Egypt.
Ron’s service is commemorated on the Geranium Roll of Honour as well as the Australian War Memorial. Each year Ron, his and wife Yvonne’s family remembered him as did Clem Billing from the 2/48th Battalion.
Advertiser Friday 11 December 1942, IDE.—Tribute to the memory of our dear brother and brother-in-law, Sgt. Ronald Ide, who paid the supreme sacrifice in Egypt on October 31 - Ever remembered by Vivian (RAAF) and Gwenyth. IDE.—A tribute of honor to Sgt. Ron Ide, killed in action, Egypt, October 31. He gave his all.—Always remembered by Viv, Evie, and family, Parrakie. IDE.—Killed in action, Egypt, Oct. 31, Sgt. Ron Ide, dearly loved younger son of H. and E. M. Ide, Geranium, aged 28 years. Greater love hath no man. IDE—Killed In action. Egypt. Oct. 31, Sgt. Ron Ide. darling husband of Von. "Greater love hath no man." IDE.—A tribute to Sgt. Ron Ide. who paid the supreme sacrifice. Egypt. Oct. 31. Loved son-in-law of Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Polkinghorne. Geranium. "Called to higher service." IDE.—Tribute to the memory of dear brother and uncle Ron. killed In action, Egypt, on Oct. 31 —Will always be remembered by loving sister Val. Reg and children. IDE.—Loving memory of our dear nephew and cousin. Sgt. Ron Ide. killed in action in Egypt. Oct. 31.—Will always be remembered by Uncle Jim. Auntie Mvrtle and cousins. IDE. —Tribute to memory of brother ln-law and uncle. Sgt. Ron Ide. killed in action Oct. 30. His duty nobly done. —Bert. Phyllis, and family.
Pinnaroo and Border Times, Chronicle Thursday 4 November 1943, IDE,-Sgt R. M.—ln. proud and loving memory of our dear Ron who gave his life for others at El. Alamein, October 1942. We have you in our memory, God has you in His care. —Sadly missed by loving relatives. IDE, Sgt. R. M.—ln loving memory of our dearly loved son-in-law and brother in-law. Ron killed in action El Alamein. Oct. 31. 1942.—Always remembered by Mr. and Mrs. Polkinghorne and Arthur IDE.—A tribute of fond remembrance to Sgt. Ron Ide, killed at El Alamein Oct. 31. —Always remembered by Phyl, Bert, and family. IDE. Sgt. R. M.—A token of remembrance to Ron, killed in action at El Alamein, Oct. 31, 1942.—Always remembered by Madge and Clem Billing (late 2nd. A.I.F.). ZIESING. In memory of the boys who fell at El Alamein. October. 1942.—Ever remembered by Ray Dolan, Clem Billing.
IDE.—In loving memory of Sgt. Ron, killed in action in Egypt, October 31, 1942. We have you in our memory, God has you in His care.—Always remembered by Viv, Enie. and children, Parrakie. IDE.—In loving memory of Sgt. Ron., killed in action El Alamein, October 31, 1942. Beneath the Cross of Sacrifice, within a silent grave, his comrades laid, him down to rest among the honored brave.—Sadly missed by loving parents.
Chronicle Thursday 2 November 1944, IDE.— In memory of Sgt. Ron, killed in action at El Alamein October 31, 1942. You live with us in memory still, not just today but always will. Ever remembered by Mr and Mrs. Viv Polkinghorne and family, Geranium.
Advertiser Thursday 1 November 1945, IDE, Sgt. R. M.—In memory of Ron, killed in action El Alamein, Oct. 31, 1942. Lest we forget.—Ever remembered by Gwenyth and Vivian.
Advertiser Thursday 31 October 1946, IDE. Sgt. R. M.—ln proud and loving memory of our dear son and brother, who made the supreme sacrifice at El Alamein on October 31. 1942. We meet each day in the garden of memory.—lnserted by his loving parents. H. and E M. Ide, Geranium, and family. IDE.—In loving memory of Sgt. Ron Ide. killed. El Alamein. October 31, 1942. —Ever remembered, Polkinghorne family.
Advertiser Friday 31 October 1947, IDE, Sgt. R.M.—ln loving memory of our dear son killed In action, El Alamein, October 31, 1942. Until the day break and the shadows flee —Sadly missed by mother and father. IDE, R. M. —A tribute to the memory of our dear brother and uncle Ron.—Sister Val. Reg and children. IDE, Sgt R. M. 2/48th. 9th Div.—ln loving memory of Ron, who made the supreme sacrifice at El Alamein, October 31, 1942.—Inserted by Gwen, Viv and Wynston. IDE, Sgt. Ron.—ln loving memory of Ron, who was killed El Alamein, October 31, 1942.—Lovingly remembered by Polkinghorne family.
Advertiser Saturday 30 October 1948, IDE.—In loving memory of Sgt. Ron Ide who paid the supreme sacrifice at El Alamein on Oct 31. 1942. Resting where no shadows fall. —Inserted by Polkinghorne family. IDE. Sergeant Ronald M. In loving memory of our dear son. who gave his life October 31. 1942. Always so thoughtful, loving and kind, a beautiful memory to leave behind. —Remembered always by mum and dad IDE. R. M. —A tribute to the memory of our dear brother and Uncle Ron. Remembered always. VaL Reg and children. IDE.—In loving memory of our dear brother, who paid the supreme sacrifice at El Alamein. October 31. 1942. —Inserted by Gwenyth and Vivian.
Advertiser Monday 31 October 1949, IDE Sgt R.M. .—ln loving memory of Ron who paid the supreme sacrifice at El Alamein October 31 1942. —Sadly missed by father and mother. IDE R M _ A tribute to the memory of our dear brother and uncle Ron Inserted by sister Val. Reg and children. . IDE.—In loving memory of Sgt. Ron Ide. who was killed in action at El Alamein on October 31. 1942. ' Years are passing, but memories are everlasting.—inserted by Polkinghorne family. IDE. Sgt. R. M.—ln loving memory of Ron who paid the supreme sacrifice at El Alamein. October 31. 1942. —Always remembered by Vivian, sister-ln-law Gwenyth and Wynston.
Advertiser Tuesday 31 October 1950, IDE. Sgt. R. M.— In loving memory of dear Ron who paid the supreme sacrifice, at El Alamein. October 31. 1942.— Ever remembered by father and mother. IDE. Sgt. R. M.— A tribute to the memory of our dear brother and uncle Ron who gave his life at El Alamein October 31. 1942.— Sister Val. Reg and family. IDE.— In loving memory of Sergeant Ron Ide who gave his life. El Alamein. October 31. 1942.— Lovingly remembered by Polkinghorne family.
Advertiser Wednesday 31 October 1951, IDE.— In loving memory of our dear son Ron, killed In action El Alamein. October 31 1943. Those we love are never lost. For always they will be. Forever near, forever dear In hallowed memory. —Lovingly remembered by mother and father. IDE. R. M.— A tribute to the memory of our dear brother and uncle. Ron. Lovingly remembered by sister Val. Reg and family. IDE.— A tribute to our brother Ron killed at El Alamein. Time alters many things, but memories never fade. Remembered by Owen. Viv and Wynston. IDE. — In loving memory of Sgt. R. M. Ide, who died at El Alamein on October 31. 1942.— Inserted by the Polkinghorne family.
Advertiser Friday 31 October 1952, IDE. Sgt. R. M.— In loving memory of our dear son who paid the supreme sacrifice at El Alamein. October 31. 1942.— Longed for always by mother and father. IDE. R. M.— A tribute to the memory of our dear uncle Ron.— Always remembered by sister Val. Reg and family. IDE. — In loving memory of Sgt. R. M. Ide, who died at El Alamein on October 31. 1942.— Inserted by the Polkinghorne family.
Advertiser Saturday 31 October 1953, IDE.— A tribute to the memory dear son Ron who gave his life October 31. 1942. at El Alamein. A thought for today, a memory for ever. Mother and father. IDE.— A tribute to the memory of our dear brother and Uncle Ron. — Always remembered. Val, Reg and family. IDE. Sergeant Ron. — In loving: memory of Sgt. Ron Ide killed at El Alamein. October 31. 1942. Ever remembered. — Inserted by Polkinghorne family.
Advertiser Saturday 30 October 1954, IDE, Sgt. R. M.—In loving memory of Ron, who paid the supreme sacrifice at El Alamein on October 31, 1942. A leaf in our book of memories is gently turned today; his absence a lasting sorrow, his smile a beautiful memory.—Sadly missed by mum, dad and family. IDE.—In loving memory of Sgt. Ron Ide, killed in action, October 31, 1942 at El Alamein. In silence we remember. —Inserted by the Polkinghorne family.
Researched and written by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133, 2/48th Battalion.