Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Raymond (Ray’s) parents, Edgar James and Alice Haysmer (nee Streeter) married in January 1905 in Albany, Western Australia in the Wesley Manse. With Alice being from Plympton, the young couple returned to South Australia where Ray was born in the mid-north town of Clare on the 11th September 1911. He was one of eight children with siblings William Edgar, Sylvia, Gwen, Lorna, Lionel, Claude and Mabel.
The family moved to Karoonda, a farming area in the Murray Mallee area of South Australia. During WWI the area became a junction stop for the railway line to the east and north, thus providing not only a reliable route for produce but also employment. By 1932, the Murray Pioneer and Australian River Record was reporting that ‘Fifteen years ago the Karoonda district was the home of the dingo, and little land had been cleared. Today, the town and district must rank as the most important in the Murray Lands away from the river. There is a population of 1,800, and the farmers have between them about 30,000 sheep, 1,200 head of cattle, 750 of which are dairy cows, 2,500 head of horses, and over 1,500 pigs. There are eight schools, at which 200 children attend. In no district have side lines been more extensively cultivated. The railway Junction is the busiest in the whole of the Murray Lands division, and during a busy season up to 25 trains daily pass through the yard. ■ To-day hundreds of tons of firewood are being railed to the city through the busy yards, in which, there has never, been an accident. The town- has- grown rapidly from a few shacks and tents, into a live, centre, with shops, churches, an institute, and a Masonic hall.’
A hard-working young man, Ray was employed as both a farm hand and Railway Labourer. He also enjoyed being part of the Loxton Band. Aged 28, Ray enlisted on the 1st July ’40 and was allocated to the newly formed 2/48th Battalion. Ray’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 Ray 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. Ray was to become one of the now famed Rats of Tobruk in a battalion which was to be highly regarded and decorated.
By May ’41 the Chronicle listed Ray as being wounded in action. John Glenn in Tobruk to Tarakan described the conditions of how, on the 15th April a patrol had charged, with fixed bayonets, Italian soldiers, all seventy-five surrendered. The following day the 2/48th patrols went out to gather abandoned war material, encountering another Italian battalion. ‘A section of our carriers under Lieutenant Isaksson raced out and worked into the enemy flanks, herding them together and directing them to the gap in the wire. When about one hundred had passed through, three mobile German anti-tank guns opened fire on the carriers and members of B Company, who had come out to assist. Two Italians were killed and several wounded. Private Ken Barry was badly wounded by a shell splinter and died shortly after. Private Barry was the Battalion’s first “Killed in Action”. Private Lovelock was slightly wounded at the same time.’ ‘The unit’s total prisoners taken for the day was twenty-six officers and 777 other ranks.’
Ray rose to the rank of Acting Corporal before, aged 30, and two years after enlisting, 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. 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.’ Initially the men were buried in the field but they were eventually re-buried in the El Alamein War Cemetery in April ’43. Ray now rests in Plot XVI Row B Grave 14. He lies with others from the 2/48th Battalion including 33-year-old SX7354 Private H.C.P. Jones, 32-year-old Private WX10297 C.L. Liebelt, 26-year-old SX7200 Private G.J. Jury, 22-year-old SX6297 Private D.S. Ridley, 22-year-old SX8881 Private J. McA Sutherland, 23 year old Private Gerald Hayes SX8236 and 27-year-old SX7166 Private A.R. Davis. All were killed on the 22nd July ’42. His mother chose the inscription ‘Ever remembered, he died that we might live’ for his headstone.
At the September ‘42 meeting of the Loxton District Council, the chairman and councillors stood for a minute in silent homage to those soldiers who had offered their services from the district, and by doing so had paid the supreme sacrifice in battle. The men were Ray Lovelock, George Noble SX10542 2/10th, Don Ridley SX6297 also 2/48th and Fred H. Rathjen RAF 416283.
A plaque in memory of Ray’s service was placed on the Lovelock family plot at the Aldinga Uniting Church Cemetery in the Old, West Section 2, Plot 179. Ray’s brother, Lionel also rests there. Ray is also remembered on his mother, Alice’s grave in the North Brighton Cemetery. She died 30 years after Raymond, on the 10th June ‘72 and was 90 years old.
Ray’s family, friends and fellow soldiers including Melville Powell SX10726, Sid Becker, Wallace Durdin SX5839 from the 2/43rd who was killed the following year in October ’43, all continued to remember Ray.
Chronicle Thursday 13 August 1942, LOVELOCK. — On July 22, in the Middle East, Ray, son of Alice A. Lovelock, Plympton, and beloved brother of Sylvia, Mabel and Erik. Lest we forget. LOVELOCK, Cpl. Ray.— On July 22, killed in action in Middle East. — Ever remembered by Merle and Lionel. LOVELOCK, Cpl. Ray.— Killed In action on July 22, in Middle East. — Sadly missed by Nell and Bill. LOVELOCK, Cpl. Ray.— Killed In action on July 22 in Middle East. — Loved and remembered by Dot and Claude. LOVELOCK, Cpl. Ray.-On July 22, killed in action in Middle East. — Dearly loved by Gwen and Norm. (R.A.A.F.).
Advertiser Friday 23 July 1943, LOVELOCK.—In fond memory of a friend and pal who paid the supreme sacrifice at El Alamein on July 22, 1942. -—Ever remembered by Mavis, Fay and Joan. LOVELOCK, Cpl—ls memory at our friend Ray who died as he lived, everybody's friend.—Ever remembered by Mr. and Mrs. A. R. Becker. Sid (A.I.F.) Phyllis (WAAF) and Melva, Loxton. LOVELOCK. Corporal Ray.—A silent tribute to the memory of my pal, Ray, killed in action on 22/7/42, in EI Alamein. You sought no glory, Ray But unselfishly gave your all.—Remembered by Driver Mel Powell (A.I.F. ret.)
Advertiser Saturday 22 July 1944, LOVELOCK —In loving memory of Ray, killed in action El Alamein. July 22. 1942.—Ever remembered by his mother and Mabel. LOVELOCK.— In memory of Ray killed in action July 22, 1942.—Inserted by his brother-in-law, sister and children. Victoria. Sleep on ye brave. LOVELOCK. —In loving memory of our pal Cpl. Ray. killed El Alamein July 22, 1942 Ever remembered by Mavis Fay and Joan. LOVELOCK.-In loving memory of Ray, killed in action. M.E. July 22. 1942. Loved pal of Wallace (reunited) and Murray (A.I.F.). -Remembered always by his friends. the Durdin family. LOVELOCK Cpl. Ray A tribute of honor to my pal who was killed in action El Alamein. July 22. 1942. Beneath the Cross of Sacrifice he lies among the honored brave. — Always remembered by Driver Mel. Powell. LOVELOCK. Ray.—Killed In action El Alamein. July 22. 1942. Not just today but every day. in silence we'll remember. —Ever remembered by Mr. and Mrs. A. R. Becker and family. Loxton. LOVELOCK. Cpl. Ray.—ln loving memory or our brother, killed in action in the Middle East on July 22. 1942. Memories are far better than tears, for memories live for years and years. — Ever remembered by Nell and Bill. LOVELOCK. Cpl. Ray.—In loving memory of our brother, killed in action in the Middle East on July 22. 1942. Time drifts on. but memories last for ever. —Ever remembered by Merle and Lionel. LOVELOCK. Cpl. Ray.—in loving memory of our brother, killed in action in the Middle East on July 22. 1942. A silent thought brings many a tear, of one we loved and miss so dear.—Ever remembered by Gwen and Norman (R.A.A.F.. N.G). LOVELOCK. Cpl. Ray—In loving memory of our dear son and brother killed in action in the Middle East on July 22. 1942. Always so thoughtful, loving and kind: a beautiful memory left behind.—Ever remembered by mother and Mabel. LOVELOCK. Cpl. Ray—ln loving memory of' our dear brother, killed in action in the Middle East on July 22 1942. Fond memory is the golden chain that links us till we meet again.—Ever remembered by Sylvia and Erik. LOVELOCK, Corporal.—In fond memory of Ray, killed El Alamein, July 22, 1942.—Ever remembered by Dot and Claude.
Advertiser Monday 23 July 1945, LOVELOCK (Cpl. Ray).—In loving memory of Ray, killed in action. July 22. 1942 at El Alamein. He died defending us. The highest price he paid: we trust we may be worthy of the sacrifice he made.—Always remembered by Dvr. Mel. Powell (A.I.F). LOVELOCK. Ray.—Killed in action, El-Alamein on July 22, 1942. Sleeping in a soldier's grave, honored one of Australia's brave.—Ever remembered by Mr. and Mrs. Becker. Sid (A.I.F.). Phyllis (W.A.A.A.F.) and Melva (Loxton).
Advertiser Tuesday 23 July 1946, LOVELOCK— In loving memory of Ray, killed at El Alamein July 22 1942 Leaves of memory softly fall for a loving hero who gave his all. A little white cross, so far from here, Marks the last resting place of a son and brother so dear. —Ever remembered by mother. Mabel, Bill and Nell, Gwen and Norman. Sylvia and Erik. LOVELOCK. Cpl. Ray.—Killed in action. July 22. 1942. at El Alamein. The years may dawn and fade away, but loving memories always stay. Always re-membered by Mr. and Mrs. A. R. Becker Sid (ex-AIF), Phyllis (ex-WAAAF), and Melva, of Loxton.
Advertiser Thursday 24 July 1947, LOVELOCK. —In loving memory of our dear son and brother, Ray. who paid the supreme sacrifice July 24, 1942. Deep in our hearts a memory is kept Of a loved one we will never forget. —Ever remembered by mother, brothers and sisters.
Advertiser Friday 23 July 1948, LOVELOCK. Cpl. Ray.—Loving memory of our dear son and brother, killed in action at EL Alamein. July 22, 1942. The passing years can never change our thoughts. —Remembered by his mother, Lorna, Harry. LOVELOCK.—A tribute to the memory of Ray. who paid the supreme sacrifice. July 22. 1942. at El Alamein. Always remembered by Mr. and Mrs. Ansell and family.
Researched and written by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133, 2/48th Battalion