Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Henry Binns Slater
Henry married Margaret Brown and the young couple welcomed their first son, Henry Leon on May 23rd 1941 before Henry enlisted in July, 1940 and was posted overseas. Being discharged on the 9th October 1945, Henry was able to enjoy and finally get to know his five-year-old little boy before welcoming the birth of his second son, Allan on the 19th November the following year and his third son, Geoffrey on the 10th April 1948.
In a typical Aussie action of ‘bending the rules’, Henry He took many black and white small envelope sized, photos while they were trapped in Tobruk. These included an image of a small German
plane, still in the air, one wing smoking, falling into Tobruk. Today, these photos provide a unique perspective of the conditions under which the men fought. They are now in the Australian War Memorial and some are published in the reprinted book ‘Tobruk to Tarakan’ written by John H. Glenn.
As the troops withdrew from Tobruk, being an innovative mechanic, Henry was often in the last truck to fix the inevitable breakdowns. As often happened, Henry also was with the 2/42 RAME (engineers) for about two years, acquiring many skills that were also later useful back in civilian life.
On one occasion, the retreating convoy heading towards Cairo, stopped in the desert and set up the camouflage near an oasis; Henry and his friend believing they were in Allied held land went for a walk towards the oasis water without their guns or other weapons with them. As they drew closer, the distinctive smell of cigarette smoke drifted towards them. With typical bravado and belief in the power of loud, confident commands, ordered a directive; “Come on out you BASTARDS” ... To their surprise 25 Italians emerged from a dugout waving white flags and handkerchiefs surrendering to the two unarmed Australians.
Henry quickly learnt about vehicle motors and refrigeration when he was away. He also wrote an extensive letter to his father in law, comparing the advantages and disadvantages of the two different types of trucks in use and their motors and drive equipment. In the three base camps on the Kokoda Trail Henry built, or assisted to build, each of the fridges.
Back in Adelaide as a civilian, Henry used this skill when poisonous gases leaked from the women’s wing of the Royal Adelaide Hospital, infiltrating through the entire hospital. Patients and nurses were evacuated, before Henry went in alone to secure the safety of all. He wore the old-style fire brigade smoke mask equipment and was eventually able to rectify the dangerous leak, making it safe for all to eventually return. The poisonous gasses attacked his eyes sending him blind for three days and medics warning he may never regain his sight. Fortuitously, after three days he was again able to see.
Henry, Margaret and the family initially lived in the small country town of Mulpata before moving to Rosewater Gardens, with Henry joining the Fire Brigade post war. Henry was very successful in his studies for this new occupation, coming 2nd in the World Fire Engineers' Exams. Later, in 1963, with his promotion to fourth in charge of the SA Fire Brigade, the family lived in a flat above the fire engines, in Wakefield Street, Adelaide.
Henry enjoyed, most of all, the re-unions with his returned 2/48th compatriots under the Grand Stand at the Adelaide Oval and also the Morphettville races. On ANZAC Day he always marched on the outside of a line so that he could see his family, Margaret, Henry, Allan and Geoffrey as he marched. Typical of many returned soldiers, Henry rarely spoke of his war years until around 20 years after his return. Even then it was more to recount humorous situations.
In retirement Henry and Margaret moved to Fullham. In a strange twist, two of his grandchildren were born nine months after ANZAC Day. He passed on the 20th July 1988 and rests in peace in the 2/48th Memorial wall at Centennial Park Cemetery.
Tribute collated and contributed by his sons, Allan, Leon and Henry Slater, edited by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133, 2/48th Battalion.