Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Max and his family lived in Walkerville, a suburb of Adelaide where he was born on 22 June 1920 to Edgar Roy and Florence Edith Hales, being one of four children. He was their eldest son and had siblings Malcolm, Murray and Blanche. Max and Prime Willmott shared a birthday and were to become life-long friends.
Max’s schooling was at the local Walkerville Public School before he then attended Adelaide High School. Post school he worked for merchants Goode, Durrant & Murray. Ltd., in their Adelaide warehouse until the outbreak of WWII. Max was also a talented musician and as such was involved in several radio broadcasts.
Just after his 20th birthday, Max enlisted on the 6th July 1940, being subsequently allocated the number SX8166 in the newly formed 2/48th Battalion. Close friend Prime Willmott had enlisted a few days earlier on the 22nd June, becoming SX8183 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, and still only 20 years old, Max died of wounds on the 22nd of April 1941, devastating Prime and both families. He had been part of the frenetic fight for Carrier Hill, where two men were killed, Max and Private Alfred Albert Tanner SX7368, and seven wounded. John Glenn in ‘Tobruk to Tarakan’ records how ‘our carriers next moved out to attend to the wounded and to pick up the discarded equipment.’ Of the wounded, one was Teddy Boxer, SX7528 who lost his leg in the fighting but by his quick thinking and a huge dose of good luck, survived.
The Advertiser and News both carried the distressing news of Max’s wounding and subsequent death with the News headlining ‘Talented Pianist Dies of Battle Wounds’ . At the end of the 1941 academic year, the Advertiser carried a report that ‘While students and teachers of the Adelaide High School stood in silence in the Price Assembly Hall during the Upper School break-up ceremony yesterday morning, a bugler outside played "last Post" and "Reveille" in memory of old scholars who had paid the supreme sacrifice in the present war. The headmaster (Mr. F. A. West) read a list of their names, and also paid a tribute to other old boys who had distinguished themselves and been decorated since the war began… All present had been deeply moved by the tribute paid to old scholars, and everyone was proud of the part which they were playing in this titanic struggle. They were willingly giving up their lives that this country, its women and its children might be saved.’ At the conclusion of his speech Max’s name was one of thirteen old scholars who had died overseas and whose names were read out ‘with sorrow at the remembrance and with sympathy for their relatives.’
Max was eventually buried in the Tobruk War Cemetery in Libya in grave 3. M. 6. His parents chose the inscription ‘He Sacrificed himself for all that was dear to him in life’. He is interred alongside others from the 2/48th Battalion; Alfred Tanner SX7368, also killed on the 22nd and Herbert H. Jennings SX6929 who died on the 23rd April. At home on the family plot at Nailsworth Church of England Cemetery an elegant cross of remembrance honours Max with the inscription ‘To him that overcometh a crown of life shall be. His Duty Nobly Done.’ In an exceptional gesture, the Hales family also erected a memorial stone to Max’s ‘twin’ Prime Willmott, Sgt Tass Scutt and Private Doug Whyte, both killed in action in Egypt on 31 October 1942, with the inscription ‘Their Duty Nobly Done’.
Max’s two younger brothers enlisted in following years. Malcolm Roy, who had married Dorothy, enlisted on the 23rd June 1942 and rose to become Sergeant Hales SX23830, surviving the war. Similarly, Vernon Murray who had married Patricia, enlisted on the 13th August 1943 and similarly rose to become Sergeant Hales SX39635, also surviving the war. Their father, Edgar Roy Hales lived to see his two younger boys return and enjoy peace back in Australia. However, he had been unwell for some time and died on July 18th 1951.
Max’s grieving family and that of Prime Willmott, his ‘twin’ friends continued to remember Max on the anniversary of his death each year.
Advertiser Thursday 22 April 1943, HALES. —In loving memory of Max, died of wounds at Tobruk April 22, 1941. Esteemed friend of the late Prime Willmott. Reunited. —Inserted by Mr. And Mrs. Willmott and Barbara. HALES. —A tribute of honor to my friend Max who died of wounds received in action. His duty nobly done. —Ever remembered by his friend Jack Funnell, RANR. HALES. —In loving memory of my dear grandson Max. died of wounds at Tobruk April 22, 1941. A tender chord of memory is softly touched today. —Fondly remembered by Grandma Smith. HALES. —In loving memory of our dear brother Max who made the supreme sacrifice on April 22, 1941. His memory hallowed in the land he loved. —Inserted by brother Malcolm (A.I.F) and sister-in-law Dorothy. I HALES. —In fond remembrance of our dear brother. Max. who died or wounds April 22. 1941. His presence was our greatest pleasure, but memory now our dearest treasure. —Inserted by loving brother and sister. Murray and Blanche. HALES. —Cherished memories of our dear son Max, who made the supreme sacrifice at Tobruk on April 22. 1941. In a hero's grave he is sleeping; one of God's bravest and best. —Sadly missed by his loving mother and Father.
April 1944, HALES. — A tribute of honor to my pal Max, who died of wounds received in action. His duty nobly done. Ever remembered by his friend Jack Funnell, R.A.N.R. HALES. —In treasured memories of our dear son Max, who died of wounds, April 22. 1941. Unknown to the world he stands by our sides and whispers, dear ones, death only divides. —Missed by mother and father. HALES In loving memory of my dear brother Max. who died of wounds April 22, 1941. Deep in my heart a memory is kept, of one I loved and will never forget. —Remembered by his loving sister Blanche. HALES. —In loving memory of my brother Max, died of wounds, April 22. 1941. His manly form rests in a foreign grave, but his name will live with Australia's brave. —Remembered by his brother Murray (AIF.). HALES—In loving memory of my dear grandson. Max, died of wounds, April 22, 1941. Loving memories keep you near. —Ever remembered by Grandma Smith. HALES, Max.—Killed in action. Tobruk, April 22. 1941. Today our thoughts are with you. —Dorothy and Malcolm. HALES. —In loving memory of my dear pal Max, who gave his life April 22. 1941. Deep in my heart a memory is kept. — Max King. HALES. —Loving tribute to Max, died of wounds. Tobruk. April 22. 1941, esteemed friend late Prime Willmott Forever remembered by Mr. and Mrs. Willmott and Barbara.
April 1945, HALES. —In loving memory of Max, late Second 48th Batt., died of wounds at Tobruk, April 22, 1941. "Gone but not forgotten."— Ever remembered by Pat and Murray (A.I.F., ret.).
HALES. —Tribute of love to the memory of Max died of wounds. April 22 1941, at Tobruk: esteemed friend of late Prime Willmott. Every day in reverence we remember you. Max. and cherish your memory as something great and fine. — Mr. and Mrs. Willmott and Barbara. HALES. —In loving memory of our dear brother Max died of wounds. Tobruk. April 22. 1941. He save his life for those he loved. —Ever remembered by brother Malcolm (A.I.F.) and sister-in -law Dorothy. HALES. —In fond remembrance of my brother. Max died of wounds, Tobruk. April 22. 1941. The passing years can never dim the memories of a brother I love so dear. —Always remembered by his loving sister Blanche. HALES—Treasured memories of our dear son Max, died of wounds, Tobruk. April 22. 1941. We hoped for his safe return and longed to clasp his hand; but God has postponed that meeting; it will be in a better land. —Fondly remembered by mother and father.
Advertiser Monday 22 April 1946, HALES. —Tribute of loving memory to dear Max. killed Tobruk. April 22. 1941. sincere friend of the late Prime Willmott. Your courage and sacrifice will be a memory for ever to us. —Mr. and Mrs. Willmott and Barbara. HALES. —In memory of Max (late 2/48th Batt.). who gave his life at Tobruk. April 22. 1941.—Ever remembered by Pat and Murray. HALES. —In loving memory of my dear brother Max. died of wounds Tobruk April 22, 1941. Within my store of memories, you hold a place apart. No one else could ever be So cherished in my heart. —Ever remembered by sister Blanche. HALES. —Fondest memories of our dear son Max, died of wounds. Tobruk, April 32. 1941. Yon were not snared to see the peace. In the country you helped to save. But our thoughts go out to you, dear. Where you lie in a hero's grave. —Always remembered by mum and dad.
Advertiser Thursday 22 April 1948, HALES. —In fond remembrance of our dear son Max. died of wounds at Tobruk, April 22, 1941. —Sadly missed by mother and father. HALES. —Cherished memories of our dear brother Max, died of wounds at Tobruk, April 22, 1941. —Always remembered by Blanche, Malcolm and Murray. HALES. —Sacred to the memory of Max, killed Tobruk, April 22, 1941. Your memory to us will never fade, or our gratitude to one so brave. — Mr, and Mrs. Willmott and Barbara.
Advertiser Friday 22 April 1949, HALES. —In fond remembrance of our dear son Max, killed at Tobruk, April 22, 1941. He marched away so bravely; His young head proudly held; His footsteps never faltered and his courage never failed. —Sadly, missed by mum and dad. HALES. —Cherished memories of my dear brother Max, killed at Tobruk, April 22, 1941. A distant grave, a touching thing, Where loving hands no flowers can bring, But God alone, in His loving care, Will guard my dear brother resting there. —Missed by his loving sister Blanche. HALES. —Sacred to the memory of dear Max, made the supreme sacrifice at Tobruk, April 22, 1941. His courage our liberty. —Mr. and Mrs. Willmott and Barbara.
Advertiser Saturday 22 April 1950, HALES. —In fond memory of our son Max, died of wounds received in action, at Tobruk, April 22, 1941. A brave and beautiful young life given for his country. Sadly missed by mum and dad. HALES. —In memory of Max, late 2/48th Btn., who gave his life at Tobruk, April 22, 1941. —Ever remembered by Pat and Murray. HALES. —In loving memory of my dear brother Max, died of wounds at Tobruk, April 22, 1941. Beautiful memories never fade, of one I loved, but could not save. —Always remembered by his sister Blanche. HALES. —In fond memory of Max, killed Tobruk, April 22, 1941. —Re-membered by Malcolm and Dorothy.
Advertiser Saturday 21 April 1951, HALES. — In loving memory of our dear son and brother, Max, killed in action, Tobruk, April 22, 1941. In our hearts cherished memories are kept. —Sadly, missed by mum, dad and family. HALES. — In loving memory of my dear brother Max, killed in action, Tobruk, April 22, 1941. Sweetest of memories linger yet, too dearly loved to ever forget. — Always remembered by Blanche.
Advertiser Tuesday 22 April 1952, HALES. — In loving memory of Max died of wounds Tobruk April 22. 1941. Memories are golden. — Always remembered by mum and Blanche.
Advertiser Wednesday 22 April 1953, HALES. —In loving memory of my dear son and brother, Max. died of wounds on April 22, 1941. Cherished memories are our everlasting keepsake. Always remembered by his mother and brothers Malcolm and Murray. HALES. —In loving memory of my brother Max, died of wounds Time passes but memories stay —Ever remembered by his sister Blanche.
Advertiser Thursday 22 April 1954, HALES, Pte. W. M. SX8166. 2/48th Bn.— Died of wounds, Tobruk, 1941. — Ever remembered by his mother, sister and brothers. HALES. — In loving memory of my brother Max, died of wounds at Tobruk, April 22, 1941. Memories are golden.— Always re-membered by his sister Blanche.

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