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Australia

Robert was born in a suburb called Davington (since renamed Semaphore), an historic seaside to the west of Adelaide on the 29th October 1917. He was the sixth of seven children born to Mary Elizabeth and Stuart Galway Ranford. His siblings included Ernest, Phil, Allan, Mavis, Lionel, Clem and Bill.
Robert attended the local Lefevre Peninsula Central School, where he gained his Qualifying Certificate. As a talented sportsman, he used similar skills to excel in both cricket and baseball for the local Port Adelaide Clubs. Being on the seaside, he was inevitably involved in aquatic activities including yachting and was also a confident swimmer, a skill he unexpectedly utilised as an 11-year-old in March ’29. Newspaper reports tell of Robert risking his life to save a mother and her daughter, Sybil Martin from drowning in the Port River. For his quick actions in preventing a tragedy, Robert was invited to Government House where he awarded a Bronze Medal from the Royal Humane Society. This attracted much attention in many newspapers, including a photo of other recipients in the September issue of the News.
Post school Robert (‘Snowy’, because of his complexion) began working for the Holden Car factory before deciding to head to the mid-north as a station hand at the Anama Station. This was originally part of the huge Bungaree Station holding begun by George Hawker. The holding was subsequently divided amongst the sons and their heirs with John Hawker becoming famous for his merino sheep and new cropping methods. It was possibly here in the country that Robert’s nickname of ‘Snowy’ became a permanent, affectionate fixture.
With the outbreak of WWII a huge drive was undertaken to encourage fit and healthy young country men to enlist, which Robert did at Clare on the 20th March ‘40. He was formally enlisted in Adelaide on the 1st July ’40 becoming SX7410 and allocated to the newly formed 2/48th battalion. His younger brother, Lionel also later enlisted on the 22nd April ’41 as S24460, serving with the 58th/59th Infantry Battalion.
For Snowy and the new soldiers, initial days were spent in the cold of the Pavilions, now part of the Royal Adelaide Showgrounds before they headed to Woodside in the Adelaide Hills for their preliminary training. Robert had brief pre-embarkation leave before returning to the 2/48th Battalion which then embarked on the Stratheden for the Middle East, on the 7th November 1940, arriving on the 19th December 1940 where they completed a few months training in Cyrenaica.
The battalion was soon involved in intense conflicts where the reputation for being the most highly decorated but decimated battalion was earned. They were also to become famously part of the respected Rats f Tobruk. By July ’41 Robert was promoted to Corporal, rising to become a Sergeant the following year in September. He was also Mentioned in Despatches that year, the first recognition of his bravery and leadership, qualities that would become synonymous with his service.
Robert was fortunate to survive being wounded in action in November ’42, receiving gunshot wounds to his head, abdomen and leg. An extended stint in hospital followed before he was able to embark for Australia, arriving in Melbourne in February and thence to Adelaide.
By January ’43 news of the Distinguished Conduct Medal awards was made with, not unsurprisingly, the 2/48th Battalion being well recognised. They included SX7410 Sergeant Robert Frank Gordon Ranford, of Bartley terrace, Davington, SX7410 2/48th Corporal Kingsley George Albrecht, of Kingston-on-Murray, Corporal Robert Francis Kennedy, SX7092 of Halbury. Additionally, Private William Charles Dunn, of Ellen street, Prospect also from the 2/48th was awarded the Military Medal. The decorations were for gallantry in the attack made by the 9th Australian Division on Rommel's forces, which led to the defeat of the enemy in Egypt.
Local papers were justifiably proud of their home-grown heroes and especially of the new 2/48th Battalion. On return to Adelaide In March ’43 the News carried a superb ‘word picture’ of the troops’ arrival.
‘With 2½ years of history-making fighting behind it, the 9th Division A.I.F. received a warm welcome on its return to Australia. One of its South Australian battalions has won three Victoria Crosses and 60 other decorations and awards-more than any other A.I.F. unit.’’ As the men drew close handkerchiefs fluttered, but hearts were too full for cheering. Damp eyes searched for familiar faces. One or two of the men broke their ranks to hurry forward and embrace dear ones, before they moved off to check in equipment and get precious leave passes.’ ‘They had stories which amazed the people at home. Corporal Ogden of Adelaide recalled a truce at Tobruk. where the Germans helped load our wounded on ambulances to be taken to one of our hospitals. Many of them had missed death by a whisker.’
‘Others had won decorations. Sergeant R. F. G. "Snow" Ranford, of Davington, had won the Distinguished Conduct Medal at El Alamein. A 3-in. German gun, firing point-blank over open sights, was holding up the advance. Sgt. Ranford's platoon charged it from 30 yards. The sergeant was knocked over by the blast after covering 10 yards. "I did my block then," he said. "I got up and just went straight in with my Bren-gun. I beat the others to the pit, jumped in, and 11 Huns put up their hands." Ten minutes later he was wounded by mortar fire. The originals of the Battalion arrived in the Middle East when Jerry was rolling back the garrison in Libya after most of the troops had been transferred to Greece.’
The official version of his actions in being awarded the DCM added extra detail and was published in the April edition of the Advertiser. ‘During a night attack south-east of Sidi Abd El Rahmen. when several thousand yards behind the enemy lines, Sgt. R F. G. Ranford who won the DCM. took command of his platoon when the commander was wounded and silenced an enemy post which was holding up the company's advance. The platoon was then subjected to intense fire from a nearby 88 mm. gun and machine-guns. With great initiative and dash Ranford organised his platoon and stormed the enemy post, killing 14 and destroying the 88 mm. gun and two machine-guns. Ranford was badly wounded during this attack, but gallantly continued to lead his platoon, which was reduced to seven men. Later his company was again held up, and Ranford immediately went forward to clear the opposition to allow his company to continue. He was again badly wounded and was evacuated.’
Darren Paech in Adelaide to Alamein retold the same incident, adding that Robert’s ‘platoon was reduced to seven men. He carried on and refused to be evacuated until he was hit a second time and had no choice. He was later awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his leadership and courage.’
The official citation also concluded with ‘Sgt RANFORD throughout the whole operation showed great personal courage and initiative. His determined leadership in the face of heavy opposition destroyed the enemy in several posts and allowed his Coy to continue the advance. The qualities were a great inspiration to his men and despite their small numbers they fought successfully, almost yard by yard, against a well dug in and larger enemy force.’ High praise indeed.
Following this leave, Robert attended a Leadership Course with the 2/48th Battalion then moving to Queensland to undertake training in preparation for the tropical conditions of New Guinea where they were to face an entirely different enemy and under challenging conditions.
Aged 26 years, Robert was killed in action in New Guinea on the 20th November 1943. Murray Farquhar in Derrick VC and more recently Mark Johnston in Derrick VC In His Own Words both mention the fighting at Fougasse Corner, Satleberg Road, New Guinea. It was an area thickly covered with bamboo and difficult to traverse. This was where Robert was killed. Derrick’s note of 20th November describes a major tragedy. ‘Fighting was hard and bitter with casualties mounting up – Sgt Snow Radford being killed while doing a glorious lone assault on Jap bunker positions. The end of a dashing, courageous and fearless soldier, easily the battalion’s best. This may be gathered from the ceremony which took place at his burial the next day. 50 per cent of his company attended to pay their last tribute to a great man.’ They had been great mates; the eulogy was richly deserved. In addition to his DCM, Ranford had been mentioned in despatches twice and, in civilian life had been the recipient of no fewer that three Royal Humane Awards for saving lives.’ Mark Johnson adds an extra note that Robert was ‘killed later in the day by a sniper hidden in a tree. The War Diary says the 2/48th lost two killed and 15 wounded on this day, compared to 100 Japanese casualties.’ Many of the men believed Snowy was worth 100 others. He was posthumously Mentioned in Despatches in March ’45, a further sign of respect for this heroic young leader.
Robert was initially buried in the field at Satelberg before being reburied in April ’44. He now rests in the Lae War Cemetery, Papua New Guinea Plot BB Row C Grave 13. His parents chose the inscription ‘Safe in God’s care.. His duty nobly done’ for his headstone. Snowy lies with 26-year-old SX7643 Private Irvine Ogilvie and 23-year-old VX81080 Lieutenant Frederick Norman who both died three days earlier, 23-year-old SX18365 Private Walter Millard, killed the same day as Robert.
Those at Anama Station remembered Robert as did many of the men with whom he served. These included SX11802 Corporal Alan ‘Kid’ Harradine, SX1015 Len Burgoyne, SX7654 Bill Barker, SX7093 Norman Badman, SX7567 Charles Lampre, the latter three including an In Memorium over several years. His immediate and extended family plus family friends continued to place memorial notices for well over a decade after his death. The following are a selection of tributes.

Advertiser Friday 17 December 1943, RANFORD, Sgt. R. F. G. D.C.M.—Our dear brother Gordon, killed in N.G. Nov. 20. To be with us in the same old way would be our greatest wish today. His duty nobly done. —Ever remembered. Ern, Nancy, nephews David, Richard. RANFORD. Sgt. R. F.G. (D.C.M. AIF ret. M.E. In fondest memory of Gordon, who paid the supreme sacrifice Nov. 20, N.G.—Ever remembered by his cousin Cliff and Mary. RANFORD, Sgt. R. F. G. D.C.M., AIF ret., M.E. In loving memory of our dear brother and Uncle Gordon, killed in action Nov. 20. Cherished memories we all shall keep. —Ever remembered Phil, Ted, Helen and Gordon. RANFORD. —In loving memory of our brother and uncle, Sgt. H. F. G. Ranford. D.C.M. (AIF, ret, M.E.) killed. N.G, Nov. 20 1943. Whatever else we fail to do we will never fail to think of you. — Allan, Alice, and children. RANFORD, Sgt. R. F. G., D.C.M. AIF, ret, M.E.—A tribute to our dear brother and Uncle Gordon, killed. N.G, Nov 20. We have you in our memory, God has you In His care. —Ever remembered. Mavis, Roy, family. RANFORD. Sgt. R. F. G, D.C.M. (AIF ret M.E.)—Our son and brother Gordon, killed in action. N.G Nov. 20. aged 26. In proud and loving memory. In God's care. —Ever remembered by mother, father and Lionel. RANFORD. Sgt. R. F. G. D.C.M. (AIF ret M.E.)—In sacred tribute to our dear nephew Gordon, killed In action Nov. 20. In memory's garden God keeps you in His care. —Ever remembered. Uncle Bert and Aunt Helen. RANFORD, Sgt. R. F. G, D.C.M. (AIF ret M.E.)—In loving memory of Gordon, killed in action, N.G, Nov. 20. His smiling face and happy ways shall linger with us always. —Ever remembered by Borgkvist family. RANFORD, Sgt. R.F.G, (AIF ret M.E.)— Tribute to Snow, killed N.G. Nov. 20. May we be always worthy of his sacrifice, for he died that we may live—Inserted by Clements, Anama Station. RANFORD, Sgt. R. F. G., D.C.M., A.I.F., M.E., ret.—Killed in action, N.G., Nov. 20. Loving memory of our brother and uncle. His loving ways and smiling face no one else can take his place. —Ever remembered by Clem, Bill, Bruse. RANFORD Sgt. R.G. DCM. A.I.F. ret., Middle east. Tribute to Gordon, killed in action, N.G. Nov 20. Hero called to highest service. Remembered always by Fisher family.
Monday 20 November 1944, RANFORD. Sgt. R. F. G.. D.C.M.-A tribute to Gordon. killed in New Guinea. November 20. 1943.-Remembered by K. and M. Brune Charles and Melva. RANFORD. Sgt. Gordon, D.C.M.—In memory of my brother. Gordon, killed in action. N.G., one year ago today. Twas out on the battlefield. God walked among his flowers: He picked the rarest one of all, my brother: always in mv thoughts..—Ever remembered by Lionel (on service). RANFORD. Sgt. Gordon. D.C.M.—In proud and loving memory of our Uncle Gordon, killed in action, N.G., 20/11/43 Not Just today, but every day in silence we remember.—By Dawn, Peter and Margaret. RANFORD. —A tribute to the memory of Sgt. R. F. G. (Snowy) Ranford. D.C.M -killed in action Satelberg. November 20, 1943.—Always remembered by Kid Harradine and Len Burgoyne. 2/48th Bn. RANFORD. —A tribute to the memory of Sgt. Gordon Ranford killed in action New Guinea November 20. 1943.—Remembered by Leslie and Adeline Thiele. RANFORD. R. F. G. D.C.M. 2/48th Btn A.I.F. Ofttimes in the silent night, when the world about is still, we think of you and bygone days: we miss you Snow, and always will.—lnserted by Jack and Val.
Advertiser Tuesday 20 November 1945 RANFORD.—In fond memory of my pal Snow, killed in action Satelberg, 1943. —Ever remembered by Bill Barker, SX7654 ex 48th Batt. RANFORD. Sgt. R. F. G. (D.C.M.). A.I.F., ret. M.E, killed- N.G. November 20 1943. He was always whistling and singing, so happy and full of fun, only God knows how we miss Him, our bright and happy one. Gone from us his smiling face, those loving, cheerful ways, the heart that won so many friends, in happy bygone days.—Ever remembered by Jack and Val.
Advertiser Wednesday 20 November 1946 RANFORD.—A token of respect to that great soldier, Sgt R F G (Snow) Ranford 2/48th Battalion killed Satelberg 1943. Inserted by his pals. Norm Badman, Chas. Lampre.
Advertiser Friday 21 November 1947, RANFORD. Snow.—Ever remembered by his pal Bill Barker.
Advertiser Saturday 20 November 1948 RANFORD.—Treasured memories of our great pal Gordon (Snow) Ranford, killed Satelberg 1943. No greater friend or soldier ever was. Inserted by Norm Badman and Chas.
Advertiser Saturday 19 November 1949, RANFORD. Sgt. Snowy, D.C.M. A tribute of love to our son and brother. Killed Satelberg. N.G., November 20. 1943. He will walk beside us through the passing years, in God's care. —Ever remembered by father, mother and sisters, brothers. RANFORD. Sgt. Gordon (Snow). D.C.M.—K.I.A. N.G., November 20. 1943. Beautiful memories of one we loved, we treasure still with love sincere. — [Ever remembered by Borgkvirst family.
Advertiser, Monday 20 November 1950, RANFORD. Sgt D.C.M.—A tribute of love to our dear son and brother Gordon. K.I.A. N.G. November 2 1943. No distance can divide for today. In memory's garden We still walk side by side in God's care. —Sadly missed by mother, father sisters and brothers. RANFORD. Sgt., D.C.M.— K.I.A. N.G. November 20. 1943. Time passes, but memory lingers, dear (Snowy).— For ever remembered by Borgkvist family.
Advertiser Tuesday 20 November 1951, RANFORD. Sgt. Gordon. D.C.M —Cherished memories of our dear son and brother, k.i.a., N.G., November 20, 1943. In God's garden of perfect peace he awaits us all in God's care—Sadly missed by mother, father, sister and brothers.
Advertiser, Friday 20 November 1953, RANFORD. Sgt. Gordon. D.C.M. —A tribute of love to our son and brother, Gordon, killed in action. N.G. November 20. 1943. Cherished memories of one so dearly loved. In God’s care. — Sadly missed by father, mother, sisters and brothers. RANFORD. Sgt. Gordon. D.C.M. -Killed in action, N.G.. November 20. 1943. — Ever remembered by Borgkvist family.
Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1931 - 1954), Saturday 20 November 1954, page 30 RANFORD. Sgt. Gordon. D.C.M. — A tribute of love to our dear son and brother. K.I.A N.G. November 20 1943. He will walk beside us through the passing years in God's care — Ever remembered by father, mother and sisters and brothers. RANFORD. Sgt. Snowy.— K.I.A. N.G. November 20 1943. — Ever remembered by Borgvkist family. RANFORD. Gordon. — Always remembered, Alice, Allan, and family.

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