Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Edward (Ted) was the eldest son born in Magill to Joseph James and Esther Emma (Hettie) Smith on the 5th July 1901. He was one of five sons, Joseph Maxwell, Arthur Donald, Thomas Gordon and James Bruce and a daughter, Elizabeth Constance. Ted was 16 when his 44-year-old mother died on March ’18 at their home at Wirah Siding, a railway town in the southern Mallee, on what was then the Peebinga line. Ted’s father later remarried Mary Campbell with further sons, Leonard Joseph, John and Max plus a daughter, Hettie Elizabeth being part of the new family.
Post school Edward became a pipe moulder with the large company called Glanville Pipe Works which was created to cast iron pipes for water reticulation. The plant was designed to cater for the entire construction of pipes from pouring the raw material to the pouring, casting and baking of the product. The pipes were used for water supply, drainage, phone conduits and culverts. At the time of WWII starting, the Morgan to Whyalla pipeline was being considered, so Ted’s employment seemed assured.
Ted had married Mavis Lillian with the couple having three children, Betty, Bruce and Malcolm when WWII erupted. However, on his 39th birthday, Ted enlisted to serve on the 4th July ‘40, being given the number SX7810 and allocated to the newly formed 2/48th Battalion. (His younger brother Tom, also enlisted in the navy.) Ted’s initial days were spent in the cold of the Pavilions, now part of the Royal Adelaide Showgrounds, before he and other new enlistees headed to Woodside for their preliminary training.
Following pre-embarkation leave Ted and his fellow 2/48th Battalion, boarded the Stratheden for the Middle East, on the 7th November 1940 and disembarked on the 17th December. His 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. Once there, they completed a few months training in Cyrenaica. Ted was to become one of the now famed Rats of Tobruk in a battalion which was to be highly regarded and decorated.
By ’42 Ted’s leadership skills were recognised with his promotion to Lance/ Corporal, but just days after his 41st birthday he was killed in action in Egypt on the 22nd July ’42. At that stage, orders had been received to capture West Point of Tel el Eisa in a dawn attack. In late June ‘42 with Rommel crossing into Egypt, the 2/48th were in an offensive to capture Trig 33, which was achieved on the 10th July. In doing so, over 400 Italian prisoners were taken. The 2/48th battalion then advanced south, capturing the Tel el Eisa station and repelling numerous counter attacks. However, they were eventually forced to withdraw, having suffered over 100 casualties. It was during this attack that Private Stan Gurney was awarded the 2/48th Battalion’s first VC having captured two machine gun posts and bayonetting the gun crew firing on his company but was killed attempting to take a third. The 2/48th battalion suffered 215 casualties between the 7th July and 23rd October. Of that number, 64 men were killed and six, died of their wounds, including Art. 125 other men were wounded but survived.
In his book, ‘Tobruk to Tarakan’, John G. Glenn described the ferocious encounter;
‘When the troops were well forward of the start-line they came under terrific fire from shells and mortars from the front and left and suffered heavy casualties. With the slow deliberate movement of perfectly trained soldiers both companies continued the advance in perfect formation, over ground that trembled and erupted with vicious explosions. Through this, sometimes obscured by the smoke and dust, the men moved, and, as they advanced, the fire kept place with them, leaving behind the still shapes of fallen men among the camel bush and sand.’

Mavis received the news of Ted’s death, which was also reported in the August issue of the Advertiser. ‘Mrs. E. S. Smith, of William street, York, has been notified that her husband, L-Cpl E. S. Smith, was killed in action in the Middle East on July 22. L-Cpl Smith enlisted in July 1940, and sailed for overseas in November. He served for eight months in Tobruk. He was formerly employed at Glanville Pipe Works for 17 years. He leaves a daughter and two sons.’
A further Army casualty list gave the names of those from South Australia of whom 17 were reported killed in action and 73 wounded in action. In Ray’s list were the men with whom he had fought in the 2/48th Battalion and who had died with him. They were Killed in Action.-Lce.-CpI. Ray B. Lovelock, Karoonda SX7399; Ptes. Ronald A. F. Clemens. Eden SX8230; Ivan C. Hanel. Norwood SX7483; H. J. Hill, Stirling West; G. C. Jury, Torrensville; Ebenezer N. Kilsby. New Hindmarsh SX13621; A. L. Phillips, Murray Bridge SX9316; Carle A. R. Sims, Norwood SX8290; H. R. Stocker, Birdwood; E. S. Smith, York; John K. Stone. Willowie SX7740; Wilfred R. Wear, Birkenhead SX7156; Victor L. J. Young. Adelaide SX8636.
A highly respected fellow soldier from the 2/48th Battalion immediately paid tribute to Ted. He was Edward ‘Teddy’ Boxer SX7528 who in April ’41 lost a leg when hit by an anti-tank shell and was fortunate to survive, returning to South Australia. ‘SMITH.—Killed in action on July 22, L-Cpl. Ted Smith. He went with the hope of returning, Along with his comrades brave; But with many a hero he's sleeping In an honored soldier's grave. —Inserted by one of his tent mates, returned from active service, ex-Pte, Ted Boxer.’ Ted’s family also placed the first of many tributes to him. ‘SMITH, Lance-Cpl. E. S.—Killed in action on July 22, Ted, devoted son of Mr. J. J. Smith, Glanville Blocks, and dearly loved brother of Jim, Bessie, Max, Don, and Tom (R.A.N.). Loving memories.’
Edward was initially buried in the field before he was finally interred in the El Alamein War cemetery in Plot XVI, Row B Grave 24. He now rests with his fellow soldiers from the 2/48th who died on the same day, nearby. These included 27-year-old SX8315 Private Robert Sunman, 24-year-old SX8259 Private Lindsay Earle, 27-year-old SX12765 Charles Corfield, 32-year-old SX127 Lieutenant Frank Threadgold and 23-year-old SX8230 Private Ronald Clemens as well as others from the 2/2nd and 2/23rd Battalions. Mavis chose the inscription ‘Ever remembered by his loving wife Mavis and children’.

By October 1950, Edward’s medals were forwarded to his family. They included the 1939/45 Star, African Star, Defence Medal, War Medal and Australian Service Medal. His 82-year-old father died the following month and was buried in the Cheltenham Cemetery.
Each year family and friends continued to remember their husband, father, son, brother and uncle - Ted, Smithy. A selection of the many tributes follow. They include one from fellow 2/48th Battalion Wally (Walter) Everett SX7261, a brilliant soccer player in peacetime and a highly respected leader during the conflict. Wally was wounded in action with a gunshot wound to his left hand and bruising to his left leg in October ’42. He was later Mentioned in Despatches and survived the War with the rank of Corporal
Advertiser Thursday 22 July 1943, SMITH.—In loving memory of our dear friend Pte. E. S. Smith (Ted), killed in action. Egypt. July 22. 1842. His smiling face and happy ways will linger with us all our days.—Remembered by Sam and May Rogers. SMITH.—Loving memory of Pte. E. S. Smith (Smithy), killed In action. Egypt. July 22. 1942. A beautiful life came to an end: he died as he lived, everyone's friend.—lnserted by his loving friend. Grace. SMITH—In loving memory of our brother and uncle. Ted, who gave his life July 22. 1942. In our home you are fondly remembered, loving thoughts cling round your name.—Sadly missed by Jim, Doreen. June and Val SMITH. —-In loving memories of our brother and uncle, Ted who died on active service July 22. 1942. To be with us in the same old way would be our dearest wish today.—Ever remembered by Max. Marion. Fay and Kev. SMITH. —In loving memory of our dear brother Ted. killed in action July 22. 1942. Not Just today, but every day, we will remember him. —Inserted by his loving brother Don, sister-in-law Connie, and children, of Whyalla. SMITH.—Treasured memories of my eldest son, Ted. killed In Egypt, July 22. 1942.—Honored and remembered by dad of Glanville Blocks, Glanville. SMITH. —In memory of our dear daddy, L-Cpl. E. S. Smith, killed July 22, Egypt. Memories are treasures no one can steal.—inserted by Betty. Bruce and Malcolm. SMITH.—Memory of L-Cpl. E. S. Smith, killed July 22, Egypt. Time goes on, but memories stay. As near and dear as yesterday.—inserted by his loving wife. Mavis. SMITH.—In loving memory of our dear brother and brother-in-law, Ted, who was killed In Egypt, July 22. 1942.—Ever remembered by loving sister and husband, Bess and Bill. Newcastle, also brother Tom (R.A.N.) SMITH. —In loving memory of our dear friend Ted, who fell at El Alamein, July 22. 1942. To be with us In the same old way. Would be our dearest wish today.—Ever remembered by his pal Frank and friend Maud Botten. SMITH, L-Cpl. Ted.—Killed In action in Egypt, July 22, 1942. In memory of my soldier pal I loved so dear. —Remembered by Shirley Boundy. SMITH, L-Cpl. Ted.—Killed In action in Egypt. July 22, 1942. A cheerful smile, a happy face, A broken link only memories can replace.—Always remembered by Mable and Jig. SMITH. —A tribute of love to the memory of Ted. Safe in God's care; his duty nobly done.—inserted by Minnie, Charlie. SMITH.—In memory of Ted, killed on July 22. 1942.—Inserted by Mr. and Mrs. Sawford and family. SMITH, L-Cpl. Ted. —Paid the supreme sacrifice, July 22, 1942. Dearly loved.— Sadly missed by Lyall, Dudley. Edna, Marj and families. SMITH, L-Cpl. Ted.—Killed in action, July 22, 1942, in Egypt. For ever in our thoughts.—Fred, Alice Braddock, Tom, Eulalie, Harold, Elna.
Advertiser Saturday 22 July 1944, In memory of Lt. Heffron, Gordon Jury, Herbie Jones. Arthur Davis, Bob Zunman, Ted Smith. B Coy. 2 48th Batt., who made the supreme sacrifice El Alamein, July 22. 1942.—Always remembered by their pal Willy Everett, A.I.F., ret. SMITH.—In loving memory of Smithy. killed In Egypt July 22. 1942. As long as life and memory last I will remember you.—inserted by Shirley. SMITH. L.-Cpl. Ted. killed Egypt July 22, 1942. Sunshine passes, shadows fall, love, remembrance outlasts all.—Inserted by loving wife Mavis. SMITH. L.-Cpl. Ted.—Killed Egypt. July 22. 1942. Deep in our hearts a memory is kept, of our daddy we loved and will never forget.—Betty. Bruce, and Malcolm. SMITH (Ted).—Sweetest memories of my dear pal Ted, who sacrificed his life for others to live. Tel-el-Isa. 22/7/42.— Inserted by his pal Frank, and family SMITH A tribute of love and honour to Ted, killed two years ago today. In the garden of remembrance we meet yon today.—Dad, stepmother and children. SMITH.—Memory of our brother Ted killed two years ago today. Twas out on the battlefield God walked among his flowers. He picked the rarest one of all - our brother.—Bess and Bill, Newcastle.
Advertiser Monday 21 and 23 July 1945, SMITH - ln loving memory of our dear brother and uncle Ted, who gave his life at El Alamein July 22. 1945.—Ever re membered by Max, Marion, Fav and Kev. SMITH. L/Cpl. E. S.—ln loving memory of my husband, killed In action, Egypt, July 22. 1342. Treasured memories linger forever, of happy days we spent together. —Inserted by his wife Mavis. SMITH.—Treasured memories of my dear son Ted, who was killed in action July 22, at El Alamein. Memory is one thing death cannot sever, for that will last and live forever.—Dad, mother and children. SMITH. L/Cpl E. S—ln loving memory of our dear dad. killed in action. Egypt. July 22. 1942. Deep In our heart your memory is kept.—inserted by Betty. Bruce and Malcolm. SMITH.—In loving memory of Lance/ Corporal E. S. Smith (Smithy). killed ln action. El Alamein, July 22. 1942. His eyes were blue, his heart was true, be died for his country so noble and true, —inserted by his loving friend Grace. SMITH.—in loving memory of my pal. Ted, killed In action. Tel el Isa, July 22. 1942. 2/48 Battalion, done from us that welcome smile, those loving, cheerful ways, the heart that won so many friends in happy, bygone days.—lnserted by his loving pal friend, Frank and Maud.
Advertiser Monday 22 July 1946, SMITH. L-Cpl. E. S.—Killed, July 22. 1942. El Alamein. Leaves of memory softly fall, ever remembered by us all. —His wife Mavis, children Betty, Bruce and Malcolm. SMITH.—In loving memory of my son Ted who was killed in action at El Alamein, July. 1942.—Ever remembered by dad and all at home. SMITH.—In memory of Ted. killed in action. July 22. El Alamein. Memories weave the golden chain that links us till we meet again.—Ever remembered by loving brother Tom and Lorna. SMITH. Ted.—A token of memory to our dearly loved brother and uncle, who was killed in action on July 22. 1942. —Ever remembered by Jim. Doreen, June and Val. SMITH.—In loving memory of our dear brother Ted. killed El Alamein. July 22. 1942. Thoughts go back to bygone days; time moves on but memory stays.—Ever remembered by Connie, Don. children, Whyalla.
Advertiser Tuesday 22 July 1947, SMITH, E. S.—In loving memory of my husband, killed in action July 22, 1942. A tender chord of memory is softly touched today.—Forever in our hearts. wife Mavis and sons Bruce. Malcolm. SMITH, E. S.—In loving memory of dad, killed in action, July 22, 1942. Not a day do I forget you, in my heart you are always near.—Ever remembered by Betty. SMITH.—In loving memory of Ted, killed at El Alamein. July 22. 1942. Just a token, true and tender, to show, dear Ted. we still remember.—From his loving dad and all at home.
Advertiser Thursday 22 July 1948, SMITH. E. S.—ln loving memory of our dear dad. killed El Alamein. July 22. 1942.—Ever remembered, Betty, Bruce. Malcolm. SMITH—ln loving memory of Ted. killed in action July 22, 1942. Whatever else we fail to do we never fail to remember you.—inserted by his loving father and all at home. SMITH.—In loving memory of dear Ted. beloved brother of Jim (dec). brother-in-law of Doreen. loved uncle of June and Val. Ever remembered.
Advertiser Friday 22 July 1949, SMITH. E. S. —Killed In action. Egypt. July 22. 1942. Dad, we have you in our memory; God has you in His care. —Ever remembered by his loving children Betty, Bruce and Malcolm. SMITH.—In loving memory of my son Ted. killed in action. El Alamein, 1942. As you rest in peaceful sleep your memory we will always keep. —Inserted by dad and all at home. SMITH.—ln loving memory of my brother Ted. killed In action. El Alamein. July 22. 1942. We often sit and talk of you. The things you used to say and do. Times moves on. but memories stay As near and dear as yesterday. —Sister Bess and Bill and family.
Researched and written by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133, 2/48th Battalion