Prime William WILLMOTT

WILLMOTT, Prime William

Service Number: SX8183
Enlisted: 6 July 1940, Adelaide, SA
Last Rank: Lance Sergeant
Last Unit: 2nd/48th Infantry Battalion
Born: Adelaide, South Australia, 22 June 1920
Home Town: Adelaide, South Australia
Schooling: Not yet discovered
Occupation: Not yet discovered
Died: Killed in Action, Egypt, 15 July 1942, aged 22 years
Cemetery: El Alamein War Cemetery
A IV C 5,
Memorials: Adelaide WW2 Wall of Remembrance, Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour
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World War 2 Service

6 Jul 1940: Involvement Lance Sergeant, SX8183, 2nd/48th Infantry Battalion
6 Jul 1940: Enlisted Adelaide, SA
6 Jul 1940: Enlisted Australian Military Forces (Army WW2), Lance Sergeant, SX8183, 2nd/48th Infantry Battalion
15 Jul 1942: Involvement Lance Sergeant, SX8183, 2nd/48th Infantry Battalion

In His Father’s Footsteps

Prime William WILLMOTT SX8183
Prime and his family lived in Hazelwood Park, a suburb of Adelaide where he was born on 22 June 1920 to Herbert George Robert and Amelia Willmott. He was their only son and had a sister, Barbara. Prime and William Hales (Max) shared a birthday and were to become life-long friends. Prime’s father, Private Herbert Willmott, number 606 had enlisted as an 18-year-old to serve in WWI in the 43rd Battalion but had contracted recurring pleurisy and also sustained a severe gunshot wound to his left leg in France in May 1917, both of these contributing to his discharge.
With the outbreak of WWII and just after his 20th birthday, Prime followed his father’s footsteps and enlisted on the 22nd June 1940, being subsequently allocated the number SX8183 in the newly formed 2/48th Battalion. Close friend Max Hales enlisted soon after on the 6th July, becoming SX8166 and also being allocated to the 2/48th Battalion. Initial days were spent in the cold of the Pavilions, now part of the Royal Adelaide Showgrounds, before the new enlistees headed to Woodside for their preliminary training. The large contingent embarked on the Stratheden for the Middle East, on the 7th November 1940, arriving on the 19th December 1940.
Their 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. Within weeks of arriving, Prime’s ‘twin’ Max Hales died of wounds on the 22nd of April 1941, devastating Prime and both families.
Fifteen months later, Prime also was killed in action in Egypt, on the 15th July 1942 two years after he enlisted and aged just 22. In his book, ‘Tobruk to Tarakan’, John Glenn describes that day which was marked by a fierce battle where 15 German transports had been destroyed but a sharp fight followed with a number of Germans killed before 32 surrendered. “Away to the left the sharp crack of small arms fire was heard; C Company was engaged. Two camouflaged trucks had broken off from the A Company attack and come to a halt out from C Company. A strong patrol under Lieutenant J.J. Wilson was ordered to investigate, and were moving in close when an enemy machine-gun opened up on them. Lieutenant Jack Wilson and Sergeant Prime Willmott who were well in the lead, were killed.”
His fellow soldiers in the 2/48th initially buried him in a desert grave and marked this with a simple cross embedded in a mound of white rocks. Lieutenant John Wilson SX10269, aged 27 was also killed on the same day. Both men were later buried in the El Alamein War Cemetery plot A IV C 5. Prime’s parents chose to just have a simple cross marking his grave but there is no writing on the headstone. John Wilson’s bears the inscription ‘He gave his life for Us. A Memory That Will Last forever’
The local Chronicle carried the news of those who had died: SX12415 Pte. George A. Arthur, 2/43rd Norwood; SX6267 Pte. Colin J. Butler, 2/43rd Southward; SX7121 Pte. Gordon H. Francis, 2/43rd St. Peters; SX8213 Sgt. Lester H. Johnson, 2/48th Renmark; SX7844-Pte. Donald W. Macdonald, 2/48th Adelaide; SX5410 L/Cpl. Frederick Q. Matthews, 2/43rd Cherry Gardens; SX9295 Cpl. Angus B. McAulay, 2/24th Port Adelaide; SX11084 Cpl. George U. Quinn, 2/24th Birkenhead; SX5053 L/Cpl. Lester R. Sutton, 2/43rd Balaklava; SX8183 L/Sgt. Prime W. Willmott, 2/48th Adelaide.
Back home, Prime was also commemorated at the North Road Church of England Cemetery at Nailsworth on the gravesite of his close friend, Private William Maxwell (Max) Hales SX8166 who was also killed in action at Tobruk. These two young men now rest together. The Hales family and Private Peter M. Anderson SX7067 MM and Clarrie Bannister SX11792 continued to remember Prime in the ensuing years.
Prime’s father, George died the day after the 11th anniversary of Prime’s death on the 16th July 1963. (There is a memorial plaque to his service at Centennial Park.) Each year, the family continued to remember Prime on the anniversary of his death.
Advertiser 1942, WILLMOTT. —Killed in action, Egypt, Sgt Prime William, only beloved son of Dot and Jack Willmott, 35 Herbert Street, Plympton, late 245 Angas Street, City, and Fullarton Estate, and loved brother of Barbara, aged 22 years. He gave his all. WILLMOTT. Sgt. Prime William. — Killed in action, Egypt, July 15, —Ever remembered by his loving friend Betty Ladd.
Advertiser Thursday 15 July 1943, WILLMOTT. -In memory of Prime killed in action July I5. 1942. Born of the sun they travelled a short while towards the sun, and left the vivid air signed with their honor. —inserted by his grandparents, aunties, and uncles. WILLMOTT. —In loving memory of Sgt. Prime. who gave his all for our freedom. Egypt. July I5. 1942. esteemed friend of the late Pte. Max Hales. —Ever remembered by Mr. and Mrs. Hales and family. WILLMOTT In loving memory of Prime, killed in action July 15. 1942. "To be with us in the same old way would be our greatest wish today. Mr and Mrs King, Charlie and Edna. WILLMOTT. Sgt Prime. In loving memory of our pal. He made the supreme sacrifice July 15, 1942. —Inserted by Bob and Dawn WILLMOTT. —In loving memory of my pal, Prime, killed in action July 15. 1942. "Thoughts drift back to bygone days, life moves on but memory stays."—Max. WILLMOTT. —In loving memory of our nephew and cousin. Sgt. Prime Willmott. died Egypt July 15 1942. Always remembered. Inserted by auntie Hilda, uncle Bert. Edna, and Marjorie. WILLMOTT —In loving memory of Sgt. Prime William, killed Egypt July I5. 1942. Sunshine passes, shadows fall but memories of you dear, outlast them all— Remembered by his loving auntie, uncle. and cousin Clifford Matthews (AIF.). WILLMOTT Sgt A tribute of memory to Prime, killed at El Alamein July 15 1942. He gave his life for our freedom —Inserted by auntie, Bert and family. WILLMOTT In loving memory of cousin Sgt Prime, killed on July I5. 1942.—Ever remembered by Tom and Ivy Coon. WILSON-WILLMOTT. —To the everlasting memory of Lt. Jack Wilson and Sgt. Prime Willmott. who fell at Tel El Eisa (Egypt) on July 15. 1942. Grand fellows sadly missed. —inserted by Pte P M. Anderson, MM
Advertiser Saturday 15 July 1944, WILLMOTT. —In loving memory of Prime, killed in action. El Alamein. Thoughts return to days gone past; life goes on but memories last. —Max and Lola. WILLMOTT. —In fondest memory of Prime, who made the supreme sacrifice at El Alamein. A thought for today a memory for ever. —Mr. and Mrs. P. King and family. WILLMOTT. —Loving memory of Prime, killed In action. July 15. 1942. "God's greatest gift: Remembrance."—Aunty Ivy. Uncle Tom. cousin Gwenda (W.A.A.A.F) WILLMOTT. -A tribute of loving remembrance to Prime, who made the supreme sacrifice. July 15. 1942. Esteemed friend of the late Pte Max Hales. For ever we will remember him. —Inserted by Mr. and Mrs. Hales and family. WILLMOTT. —In loving memory of Sgt. Prime W. Willmott. killed in action. July 15. 1942.—Ever remembered by his grandmother, aunties and uncle. WILLMOTT. —In proud memory of mv beloved brother Prime, who gave his life July 15. 1942. that we may live. One crowded hour of glorious life is worth an age without a name. —By his sister Barbara WILLMOTT. —Our only dear son Prime, who made the supreme sacrifice July I5, 1942. El Alamein. The gift of understanding knows no separation, infinite love supreme and undying unites us still. —His loving mother and dad WILLMOTT. —in loving memory of Sgt. Prime William, killed Egypt, July I5. 1942. A thought for today, a memory forever. —Uncle Cliff, cousin Clifford (A.I.F ret.) WILLMOTT. —In fond remembrance of our dear pal Prime, who made the supreme sacrifice. —Inserted by Dawn and Bob.
Advertiser 1945, WILLMOTT. —A tribute to the honour of Prime, our dear friend killed in action July 15. 1942. -. We have you in our memories God has you in His care. Mr. and Mrs. King and family WILLMOTT. —In loving memory of Prime, our friend, killed in action. July 15. 1942. To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die. —Max and Lola. WILLMOTT.—In sacred memory of our beloved son, Prime, who made the supreme sacrifice at El Alamein on July 15, 1942: also his comrades. They forever liveth in the hearts of all whom with courage would not share their lot; knowing the valiant never die, but dwelleth in the secret place of the most high. —By mother and dad. WILLMOTT. —In loving memory of Sgt. Prime, killed in action. July 15. 1942.— Ever remembered by grandma, aunties and uncles. WILLMOTT. —In loving memory of dear Prime, killed in Egypt. July 15 2942. Time drifts on, but memories stay. —Fondly remembered by auntie Lydia uncle Cliff and cousin Clifford ex-A.I.F. WILLMOTT. —In proud and loving memory of my dear brother. Prime killed in action. El Alamein, July 15. 1942 One crowded hour of glorious life is worth an age without a name. —Proudly remembered by his sister. Barbara. WILLMOTT. —A proud and treasurer, memory of Sgt. Prime Willmott, killed it action at El Alamein. July 15 1942 esteemed friend of the late Max Hales Time softly turns another page of hallowed memories. —Mr. and Mrs. R. Hale: and family. WILSON—WILLMOTT. In memory of Jack and Prime, killed in action, July 15, 1942. Only those who knew then realise the greatness of their sacrifice. — Always remembered by their pal Clarrie Bannister 2nd 48th AI.F. In honored memory of our men who fell in the Tobruk and El Alamein campaigns. —2/43rd Bn. Women’s’ Club.
Advertiser Monday 15 July 1946, WILLMOTT. —In fond memory Prime, killed in action July 15. 1942.— Ever remembered by Lola and Max. WILLMOTT. —In fond memory of Prime, killed July 15. 1942. Esteemed friend of the late Max Hales. Memories of Prime will always be treasured ones— Ever remembered by Mr. and Mrs. Hales and family. WILLMOTT—In loving memory of Prime killed in action at El Alamein on July 15 1942. Ever remembered by his grandma, aunties and uncles. WILLMOTT, P. W. —In fond remembrance of our old pal Prime. He made the supreme sacrifice at El Alamein July 15, 1942. —Inserted by Dawn and Bob. WILLMOTT. —In loving memory of dear Prime, killed at Egypt July 15 1942 Leaves of memory softly fall for a loving hero who gave his all. Remembered by auntie Lydia, uncle Cliff and cousin Clifford ex A.I.F. WILLMOTT In loving memory of our friend Prime, who made the supreme sacrifice July 15 1942. Inserted by the King family. WILLMOTT. —In proud and loving memory of our beloved son, killed in action July 15 1942. He has reached the pinnacle of fame in this life of mortal breath, only to find that death is but a transition from the trivial to a greater life in vastness of the Divine Principal. Inserted by his loving parents. WILLMOTT. —IN proud memory of my dear brother Prime, killed El Alamein 1942. He is not lost, his spirit lives in every principle for which he fought. Lovingly remembered by his sister Barbara.
Advertiser Tuesday 15 July 1947, WILLMOTT. —In loving memory of dear Prime, killed in Egypt, July 15, 1942. We treasure your memories with love sincere. —Remembered by Aunty Lydia and cousin Cliff. WILLMOTT. —In fond and affectionate remembrance of my beloved brother, who made the supreme sacrifice at El Alamein, July 15, 1942. With infinite love you are with me always, your spirit my guidance. —Loving sister Barbara. WILLMOTT. —In proud and loving memory of our beloved son Prime, who made the supreme sacrifice at El Alamein, July, 1942. He nobly passed on to a higher plane of his immortal life, meeting each step courageously to finish his course with joy. With our endless love. —Mother and dad. WILLMOTT. —A tribute to the memory of Prime, esteemed friend of the late Max Hales, 2nd/48th Batt. killed 1942, at El Alamein. One of God’s many heroes. —Mr. and Mrs. Hales and family. WILLMOTT. —In loving memory of our dear friend Prime, who gave his life at El Alamein, July 15, 1942. Things have changed in many ways. but one thing changes never, the memory of those happy days when we were all together —The King family.
Advertiser Thursday 15 July 1948, WILLMOTT. —In loving memory of dear Prime, killed July I5 1942. at El Alamein. Hearts that love you never forget. —Remembered by Aunty Lydia, cousin Cliff. WILMOTT. Sgt. Prime. 2nd/48th Btn. —in fond remembrance of our much-missed pal, Prime, killed in action. July 15. 1942. El Alamein. — Remembered by Dawn and Bob. WILLMOTT. —In proud memory of our beloved son Prince and comrades, made the supreme sacrifice, El Alamein. Courage knows not death, only entrance into the secret of the Most High. —Mother, dad. WILLMOTT. —In sacred memory of my darling brother Prince, made the supreme sacrifice at El Alamein July 15. 1942. Your courage my inspiration. —Barbara. WILLMOTT. —In loving memory of Prime, killed in action. July 15. 1942, pal of the late Max Hales. Memories will always remain. —Mr. and Mrs. Hales and family.
Advertiser Friday 15 July 1949, WILLMOTT Sacred to the memory of our beloved son, brother Prime, passed on El Alamein 15 July 1942 He Passed from the shadow substance: death is unknown divine principle. Infinite love. —Lovingly mother, dad. Barbara. WILLMOTT Loving memories of dear Prime, killed July 15 1842 at El Alamein. Always in our thoughts. Remembered by aunt Lydia and Cliff. WILLMOTT. In fond memory of Prime who paid supreme sacrifice El Alamein July 15, 1942. pal of late Max Hales. Memories golden—Hales family
Advertiser Saturday 15 July 1950, WILLMOTT. —In fond memory of Prime, killed in action at El Alamein, July 15, 1942, pal of the late Max Hales. The passing time will never age. —Fond memories, Hales family. WILLMOTT. —In loving memory of Prime, killed July 15, 1942, at El Alamein. —Remembered by Auntie Lydia and Cliff
Advertiser Saturday 14 July 1951, WILLMOTT. — In fond memory of Prime, killed at Tobruk. July I5 pal of the late Max Hales. Memories are golden. — Always re membered by the Hales family.

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

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Biography contributed by Elizabeth Allen

Prime William WILLMOTT was born in Adelaide, South Australia on 22nd June 1920

His parents were Herbert George Robert WILLMOTT & Amelia CURGENVEN

He enlisted in Adelaide on 6th July, 1940 - his last rank was Lance Sergeant with the 2nd/48th Infantry Battalin

Prime was Killed in Action in Egypt on 15th July, 1942 and is buried in the El Alamein War Cemetery - his name is memorialised on the Australian War Memorial

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"Thoughts drift back to byone days - life moves on, but memory stays"

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