Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

He was Just 21

Alfred Albert (Alby) Tanner 

Born in Yatala, on the 24th October, 1919, Albert was the second son of Christopher and Clara Tanner who grew up in the Port Adelaide district of Enfield. His father was a hard-working fish hawker who worked from the Basin in Pt Adelaide. Alfred’s schooling was at Port Adelaide but he was also an active, talented sportsman and keen rugby player, associated with the Woodville team.

As an 18-year-old youth, Albert had a brief encounter with the law, having ridden a push bike without a light; panicking and giving a false name and address. He was suitably fined a total of £4 with 10/ costs ($9) – a hefty amount for those times. Soon after, he left the Port area to work in the West Australian gold mines for two years, before coming home to enlist in July of 1941, giving his occupation as a machinist. This was just prior to his 21st birthday.

He became Private SX7368 leaving Adelaide on the Stratheden in the newly formed 2/48th Battalion, the members of which acquitted themselves so brilliantly in the Siege of Tobruk. He was in the early group which became the basis of the now famous Rats of Tobruk. Under the command of Captain W. Forbes a huge attack was planned for Robert’s C Company early on the morning of the 22nd April at Tobruk. In the book ‘Tobruk to Tarakan’ John Glenn describes the success C company had in clearing the dead ground behind Carrier Hill, capturing 16 officers and 353 other ranks. In military terms, the attack was a huge success. For C Company there were ‘just’ two deaths and seven wounded.

Teddy Boxer, one of the seven survivors of the C Company attack was severely injured and had fallen next to Albert Tanner and Robert Easton. Teddy’s right leg was lost through a hit by an anti-tank shell and his left received a bullet wound. He recounted how he could see his foot, boot and all, lying about six feet away. He used two scarves he had been carrying to stop the bleeding.

In the midst of the action, Teddy saw a Bren carrier heading towards his position, signalling it when it was just 6 ft away, causing it to swerve and miss him by inches on the return. They hooked up an out of petrol utility, placing Teddy in the back as no stretcher bearers were around. All Teddy could see was enemy soldiers ostensibly coming after them. In reality they were captured Italian prisoners who had surrendered in all directions, several more came charging after the rest, being anxious not to be left behind.

For his personal leading of the attack, Capt Forbes was awarded the Distinguished Service Order, and Sgt Bob McGee the military medal for his personal example and bravery in the face of the enemy. Albert Tanner and Bob Easton contributed to this success. However, for their families, the two young Privates killed in the attack, the date 22 April 1941 was seared in their lives.. Both young men were aged just 21 years, their birthdays just a few days apart.

Alfred’s parents, brothers, sisters and extended family continued to remember this young man, taken too early. - See Family Notices link to the left of this page

Advertiser (Adelaide, SA: 1931 - 1954), Wednesday 30 July 1941, TANNER. —KiIIed in action on the 22nd of April. Pte. Albert Alfred Tanner aged 21. dearly beloved second son of Mr. and Mrs. C. Tanner, of Russell St, Yatala. Memories are treasures no one can steal. Death leaves a wound no one can heal; A dear loving son has gone to rest. —Deeply mourned by his father, mother, sisters and brothers.

RETURN THANKS Mr. and Mrs. C. Tanner and family, of Yatala, wish to thank friends and relatives for letters, cards, telegrams and personal expressions of sympathy in the loss of their dear son. Albert, and brother, who was killed in action abroad on the 22nd of April. 1941. 

Advertiser (Adelaide, SA: 1931 - 1954), Wednesday 22 April 1942, TANNER. —In loving memory of our brother. Albert, killed in action at Tobruk on April 22, 1941. His Job was one big sacrifice. His heart was true and tender. He gave his life for those he loved. Then left us to remember. —Inserted by his loving sister and brother-in-law, Edna and Tom.

TANNER In loving memory of our loving son and brother. Alby (2nd/48th). killed in action at Tobruk. April 22. 1941, aged 21 years. I think of you in silence, Albert, with grief that Is deep and true; There is always, that sad longing. Could I only speak to you. What would I give your hand to clasp, Your dear, loving face to see, And hear you call, "Where are you Mum? -As you did in days that used to be. —Inserted by his loving mother, father, sisters and brothers.

TANNER. —In loving memory of Albert. 2/48th Batt. Killed In action at Tobruk on April 22. 1941. Too far away your grave to see. But not too far to think of thee. His duty nobly done. —Ever remembered by his loving friend. Sue Smart.

TANNER. —In memory of Pte. Alby Tanner, killed In action April 22. 1941. He shall not grow old as we who are left grow old. —Inserted by friends, Mona, Thora and Alan.

TANNER. —Fondest memories of Alby. killed in action April 22. 1941. loved friend of the Edwards family. Port Vincent. In our garden of memories, we will always be together.

TANNER. —In fond memory of Alby. killed in action April 22. 1941.—Ever remembered by the Murch family, Peterhead. 

Advertiser (Adelaide, SA: 1931 - 1954), Thursday 22 April 1943, TANNER. —In memory of our loving son and brother, Albert, killed in action at Tobruk April 22. 1941, aged 21 years. A beautiful memory is all we have left. — Inserted by his loving mother, father, sisters and brothers.

TANNER. —In loving memory of Albert, killed at Tobruk April 22. 1941. Deep in my heart a memory Is kept of one I loved and will never forget. —Al ways remembered by Sue Smart.

TANNER. Alby. —a tribute to a true pal, who made the supreme sacrifice at Tobruk April 22. 1941 Deep in our hearts a memory is kept or a pal we will never forget: —Inserted by Jack (AIF-. ret.) and Mrs. Fletcher.

TANNER-—A tribute of loving remembrance to Alby. who made the supreme sacrifice April 22, 1941. —Always remembered by the Murch family. Peterhead.

TANNER. —A tribute of love to Alby, loved friend of the Edwards family. Port Vincent. We live in the memories of days that have been.

TANNER. —In loving memory of our dear brother, Albert, killed in action April 22. 1941. To be with us in the same old way would be our dearest wish today. — Ever remembered by Edna and Tom. 

Advertiser (Adelaide, SA: 1931 - 1954), Saturday 22 April 1944, TANNER. —In loving memory of our dear son and brother, Albert, killed at Tobruk. April 22. 1941. I cannot believe It is true: there are tears shed in silence when I always think of you. — Ever remembered by mother, father, sisters, brothers.

TANNER. —In memory of my pal, Alby, who paid the supreme sacrifice. April 22, 1941. Sadly missed. —Jack and Mrs. Fletcher.

TANNER. —In loving memory of our brother, Albert, killed at Tobruk. A thought for today, a memory forever. — Inserted by Edna and Tom.

TANNER. —In loving memory of Alby. killed at Tobruk, April 22, 1941. —Remembered always by the Murch family, Peterhead.

TANNER. —In loving memory of Alby, killed at Tobruk. April 22. 1941.—Ever remembered by Gwen and Keith.

TANNER. —In fond memory of Alby, loved friend of the Edwards family. Pt. Vincent, killed at Tobruk. April 22. 1941. Dear old pal how we miss you. 

Advertiser (Adelaide, SA: 1931 - 1954), Monday 23 April 1945, TANNER. —In memory of our loving . son and brother, Albert, killed in action at Tobruk, April 22, 1941, aged 21 years. No one you loved was by your side To bear your last faint sigh Or whisper Just a loving word Before you closed your eyes When last I saw your smiling face You looked so bright and well; Little did I think That was our last farewell —Inserted. by his loving mother, father sisters and brothers.

TANNER. —Sacred to the memory of dear Albert, killed at Tobruk. April 22 194 L—Proudly and lovingly remembered by his sister and brother-in-law Edna and Tom. 

Advertiser (Adelaide, SA: 1931 - 1954), Monday 22 April 1946, TANNER. —In loving memory of Alby, killed in action. April 32, 1944 May the sunshine missed on life's highway, be found in God's haven of rest. —lnserted by the Edwards family. Port Vincent.

TANNER. —Cherished memories of Alby, who paid the supreme sacrifice April 23. 1941.—Remembered always by the Murch family, Largs.

TANNER. —In memory of our loving son and brother Alby. 2nd 48th. killed In action at Tobruk, April 22. 1941. Five long sad years of thinking of a loved one whom we lost; only God Is heaven knows what that parting cost; today we are thinking of someone who was loving, gentle and true, whose face was as sweet as sunshine. Albert daring we are thinking of you.—Inserted by his loving mother and father, sisters and brothers. 

Advertiser (Adelaide, SA: 1931 - 1954), Wednesday 23 April 1947, TANNER.—In loving memory of our dear brother, Alby, killed at Tobruk, April 22, 1941. Six years have passed since that sad day our dearest brother was called away; it's only those who have lost can tell the sorrow of parting without farewell. —Always remembered by Tom and Edna. 

Advertiser (Adelaide, SA: 1931 - 1954), Thursday 22 April 1948, TANNER. —In loving memory of our son and brother Albert, killed in action at Tobruk, April 22, 1941, who paid the supreme sacrifice. Thought for today, a memory for ever. —Inserted by his mother, father, sisters and brothers. TANNER, Alby, 2/48. —In fond memory of my pal Alby. A leaf from my book of memories is gently turned today. —Your pal Jack and Mrs. Fletcher.

TANNER. —In memory of our loved friend Alby, killed in action, April 22. For ever in our thoughts. —Inserted by the Edwards family, Pt. Vincent.

TANNER. —In memory of Alby, killed in action Tobruk, April 22, 1941. —You are always in my memory Sue.

Advertiser (Adelaide, SA: 1931 - 1954), Friday 22 April 1949, TANNER. —In loving memory of our son and brother Albert, killed in action at Tobruk, April 22, 1941. He always lent a willing hand To those who needed help, And never spoke of what he did, But kept it to himself. His heart was always in his home, He toiled and did his best, He bore his pain and bore it well; How he suffered none can say. 'Tis sweet to know we shall meet Again at the dawn of a beautiful day. —Inserted by his loving mother, father, sisters and brothers.

TANNER. —In loving memory of Alby, loved friend of the Edward's family, Port Vincent. One short name, not much to write, but we'll remember all our life, Alby.

TANNER. —In loving memory of Alby, loved friend of Jack and Mrs. Fletcher. Time moves on but memory stays as near, as dear as yesterday. 

Advertiser (Adelaide, SA: 1931 - 1954), Saturday 22 April 1950, TANNER. —Fond memories of Alby, loved friend of the Edwards family, Pt. Vincent. In memory, we see him just the same. As long as we live, we will treasure his name.

TANNER, Alby. —The years that pass never dim a pal's memory. — Inserted by Mrs. Fletcher and Jack.

TANNER. —In loving memory of our son and brother Albert, killed in action at Tobruk, April 22, 1941. This is a sad day to remember, Sad and bitter to recall, When the one we loved was taken By a short and sudden call. But his grave we cannot visit, In a cemetery so far away, Where they laid our darling Albert Just nine years ago today. —Inserted by his loving mother, father, sisters and brothers. 

Albert (Alby) is buried in the Knightsbridge War Cemetery, Acroma, LIBYA.

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

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