Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Born in Berri on the 5th March 1920, to Mary and Earnest Haupt, Dudley was the second of seven children, Marjory, Dudley, Edna, Murray, Valda, Keith, and Robert. Ernest had been previously married and had other children.
Dudley’s childhood was not without incident when as an 11-year-old in the city he fell from a tram car (the fore-runner of today’s more modern trams) as it was turning at the corner of South Terrace and King William Street, resulting in his admission to the Children's Hospital.
Fortunately, he recovered to become one of the leading bike riders in the Riverland, known as "Sprinter" Haupt. By July of 1933 he was a much-lauded cyclist, winning a 15-mile road race to Chaffey and back against a dozen other riders. The race was anticipated to conclude at the half time of the Rovers vs Barmera football match with a lap around the oval. Doug’s fast time of 9 minutes and 15 seconds meant that he arrived while the match was still in progress. In August he then won a 10-mile Road race conducted along the Loxton Road and return showing a much-improved form. Despite starting at the 9-minute mark, he had taken the lead at Paringa, eventually winning by a length. Within a few years, Dudley was excelling at longer, 30-mile events, with a 10 ½ minute handicap position, coming second by 3 lengths to Rex Mosel who rode from the 9-minute mark in a well handicapped race. In that race, Dudley also showcased his sprinting ability in a mid-race competition for the special sprint trophy (and 5/-) at the half way mark.
The following year in 1939 Doug was invited to establishing the Renmark Amateur Club's ¼ mile track record with the help of tandem pacing. Despite particularly challenging weather conditions of heavy winds, and the offer to postpone the record attempt, Dudley declined and made the ride, thus establishing the Club’s first track record. This was done with the help of the two Nattrass brothers who rode a special Super Elliott competition tandem cycle, nick-named "The Double Header," being always a winner. In perfect conditions the aiding time for the quarter mile was anticipated to be 28 seconds or less. Doug and his two colleagues had been in strict training for the event, and had weather conditions on the day been suitable, they were predicted to have a good chance of living up to those expectations. Given the blustery conditions, Dudley’s time of 30.4 seconds was a fitting first record for the Club and equalled the State record. All three riders were awarded a Certificate of Merit by Elliott Brothers, for this performance.
Doug continued his success in the mile handicap that year also. In a fitting tribute at the conclusion of that year, the Club Vice President reiterated the objects of the club were to fostering the spirit of competition between the amateur riders of the district in a clean and healthy way, was being achieved and special mention was made of the promise Doug showed in the sport.
By April ’40 Doug, still a junior rider, decided to turn professional and was Renmark’s only representative in the large field. He was lauded as being the brother of Clarrie Haupt, a noted -rider of previous years. His father, Earnest had been in hospital at Karoonda when he died on the 21st June, 1940 leaving Mary a widow. Despite the death and also to provide a more regular income, having just turn 20 Dudley, the gifted rider, then enlisted on July 3rd 1940 to become SX7682. He was already serving in the Militia as well as working for a number of WWI Riverland settlers and was also a very reliable fruit picker.
A huge number of the young men of the Riverland areas enlisted almost en-masse. After preliminary training, Dudley was able to return home on one week’s leave early in October that year, with others from the area including several of the 2/48th Battalion. Typically, the Renmark Institute hosted more than 500 well-wishers who attended a dance held in honour of over 20 members of the A.I.F. who were home on leave. Presentations were made to the soldiers by the War Funds and the Comforts Fund committees. The speeches made and the nature of the gathering left no doubt as to the place the men occupy in the hearts of their community. Making presentations of propelling pencils and cigarettes to the soldiers on behalf of the people of Renmark, the Mayor (Mr. S. A. James) was reported in the local ‘Murray Pioneer and Australian River Record’ as saying that said he felt the huge crowd present was more expressive than anything he could say of the regard in which they were held. He felt that the lads they had met to honour were brimful of the true British spirit. Right through history, England had fought for tolerance, freedom, and honour, so was it any wonder that the men of Australia had answered the call as they had? Socks from the Comforts Fund Committee were also presented to the men by the Mayoress.
The news soon started to be shared that several of the Riverland ‘boys’ had been wounded in action. Doug was included in the list in May 1941 as were so many who were highly respected sportsmen of the area.
Despite being overseas Dudley and his older sister Marjorie placed an In Memorium notice on the anniversary of their father, Earnest’s death. Advertiser Saturday 21 June 1941, HAUPT.—In loving memory of my dear father, who passed away on the 21st of June, 1940. For ever in our memories. —Inserted by his daughter Marjory and son Dudley, A.I.F., abroad.
Dudley was finally discharged on the 23rd August, 1945. His service is commemorated on the Renmark District Roll of Honour.
Researched and written by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133 2/48th Battalion.