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'Jack was born on the 2nd September 1912, in Parkside, Sturt Football Club territory. His parents were Francis Hallet (Frank) and Adelaide Lavinia Golding. He was the elder son with a brother, Maxwell George, was also later to enlist as SX23618 Corporal Corps of Electrical and Mechanic Engineers. He also had a sister, Doris.
Their father, Frank was a highly regarded footballer, playing initially in Perth, Western Australia before returning to South Australia and Captaining Sturt several times over his nineteen years and 207 games of playing for the Club over 1909 – 1915, then 1919 -1927. Frank was also selected to play for South Australia in an illustrious career over 40 games, captaining the team. Resultantly, Frank was made a life member at West Peth, Sturt and the SANFL
Jack attended the local Unley Central School, then Adelaide High where he proved to have inherited his father’s sporting ability, excelling in football, cricket and tennis. Almost inevitably, he followed his father in playing for the Double Blues (Sturt) football team.
Jack was also a thoughtful boy, well able to put his opinion coherently. The Mail Club offered a competition for young people to voice their opinions on ‘Should We Have Fathers’ Day?’ Jack argued “I suggest that we should wear a red rose, because it is nearly always our father who keeps us from danger. Is it not father who brings home the money and keeps the place going?” He added that “Father deserves a day, as he has kept you all through your childish days and has helped you to grow up to. good men and women.”
As a fourteen-year-old, Jack was selected to play football in the South Australian Public Schools Sports Association team in a Commonwealth carnival held in Hobart in August ‘27. All the team was billeted out, but the S.A. Football League paid their expenses and provided their uniforms, but the players had to provide their own boots and ‘ordinary’ clothes. Particular mention was made of Jack ‘from the Unley Central School, a son of the well-known Sturt skipper, Frank Golding. He will probably play centre half-forward. Another from the Unley Central School is Ken Foreman, a strapping lad of more than 10 st. in weight, who will play centre half-back.’ (Ken was also to enlist later as SX38033 in the Land Headquarters SWPA.) The team went through undefeated with Jack praised for his performance. Back home after their success, the team then played in a curtain raiser to the League Match on Adelaide Oval against the Western Australian rep team.
Prior to the League finals the following month, the Unley team, Premiers of the Central District, played Hindmarsh, Premiers of the Western District. That game was described as ‘one of the best games between schools played in this State’. Jack and Ken Foreman were both selected in the State Team. (Jack played at centre half forward.). Later in the year at a school assembly, Jack was also handed the League Shield and Cup for Football. That year the school was also awarded the Soccer Cup, a rare feat to win both codes. In a closing remark, the secretary of the Football League (Sir Thomas Marlowe) suggested that “the boys should realize that the Australian game was intended for Australian boys. and they should. jealously guard its interests.”
Speculation was also building about Jack’s potential. In ’26 a News reporter wrote ‘Jack Golding, a son of the Sturt captain. has taken to football at an early age. Sturt supporters are wondering if he will follow in the footsteps of his famous father on the football field. Jack is 13 years of age and was a. member of the interstate schoolboy eighteen which visited Melbourne recently. He attends Unley Public School. where he has figured in the eighteen for two seasons. Jack has had the advantage of coaching from his father, with the result that he is an excellent pass and can stab and Iong kick with either foot. He is a utility lad, having played for the school and State teams as rover, wingman, and forward.”
By ’28 the Adelaide newspapers were predicting a stellar career for Jack. The News wrote that “Jack Golding, a. son of Frank Golding, trained with Sturt B on Monday night. - -Although still a boy Golding impressed spectators with the way in which he marked and handled the ball. -He is tall and reachy, and it is predicted that eventually he will be a much bigger man than his father. It is possible that Golding will be given a trial with Sturt B before the end of the season.” Within a week, the scribe’s prediction was a reality with the News excitedly reporting “Jack Frederick Golding, son of Frank H. Golding (former Sturt and interstate champion) is making an auspicious entry into the realms of football, and bids fair to emulate his father. Although not yet 16 years of age he played his first game with Sturt B on Saturday and performed creditably. He is athletic looking and is already 5 ft. 9 in. high. He weighs 9 st. 2 lb. Golding still attends Unley Central School and is captain of the football team there. The side is top of the Central Schools' Association, having won every match this season. At Unley. Golding usually plays at centre but he has occupied many other positions. He was at centre half-forward in the South Australian team which won the schoolboys' carnival last year.”
Jack went on to train as a teacher, a career he was eminently suited for, with his calm demeanour and ability to encourage others. He taught in country regions, predominantly on the West Coast. During the ’35 Christmas School holidays, January began with Jack being best man for Colin Chant. The following week, on January 19th 1935, Jack followed with his own wedding, marrying Catherine Dora Cornell, of Kelmscott, in the St. Paul's Church at Port Adelaide in an evening ceremony. His sister, Doris Golding was one of the three bridesmaids.
That year featured a huge celebration as the Colton School where Jack was teaching, was celebrating its 50th Birthday. Jack was the coordinator with over 400 attendees, many of whom dressed in historical attire for the occasion, whilst others readily became involved in a rooster race and wheelbarrow race, topped by an evening dance to complete a hugely successful day.
Three years later, Jack was elected inaugural Vice President of the newly formed local South Australian Teachers' Union which covered other West Coast School as well as Colton. That year had brought heartache for Jack and Catherine as their first child, a son, Brooke, was born prematurely in January ’38 but lived for just 17 days. ‘Only lent’ was the poignant tribute they placed in newspapers.
WWII intervened. Aged 28, Jack enlisted on the 1st July 1940, spending his first days in the Pavilions of what is now the Royal Adelaide Showgrounds at Wayville. He was given the number SX7331 and placed in the newly formed 2/48th Battalion. Recognizing his obvious authority and leadership from his years of teaching, Jack was quickly appointed as Acting Lance Corporal and within days as Acting Corporal. The new enlistees were soon enjoying precious pre-embarkation leave before boarding the Stratheden on the 7th November and arriving in the Middle East on the 17th December.
Intensive training began whist the men tried to adapt to the heat, flies, dust and unpredictability of being at War. However, there were highlights. By April ’41, the 2/48th Battalion were proudly proclaiming bragging rights for winning the Brigade Premiership. Jack and fellow Sturt player, Gerry Hayes were part of the successful team with other SAFL players also contributing to the high level of skill.
In September that year, a Cowell friend, SX6963 Ron Jackson wrote to his cousin describing the quite different conditions the 2/48th were facing.
“We are still in Africa in those glamorous parts of the east, where the golden sun sets on the horizon, showing up the beauties of the desert, and a cool breeze blows across the shifting sand as a handsome Arab sheik rides past on his beautiful white horse. That's the sort of stuff you read about in books; but when you come to see them with your own eyes they change somewhat. The country here is not fit to live in. The white horse is as skinny as a rake, and the Arabs are about the dirtiest people I've ever seen.
“We have just come out of the front lines for a spell so hope they dump us down by the beach for a while so that we can get a good, wash and clean up. I have been transferred from the infantry (I was the machine gunner there), to the Trench Mortar platoon, so that my address is changed. He added "I have Frank Munday here with me now in Jack Golding's section. Its great having a Mangalo lad with me as we can talk over old times at home, matter of fact one thinks he is home for a while.” (Ron was killed on the 31st October ’42.)
Aged 29, Jack was killed in action on the 10th July ’42. That month, his battalion faced the full force of a Rommel led attack at Tel El Eisa. In a night counter-attack on enemy tanks, John Glenn in Tobruk to Tarakan described how “The shadowy forms of the men moved closer and closer to the dark shapes of the tanks that stood silhouetted against the lighter sky. The order had been to creep onto the tanks until somebody was forced to open fire. When the troops were almost on the tanks a startled German let go with a burst from his Spandau. Then A Company, yelling like a mob of mad dervishes, charged the tanks, firing everything they had. The charge from the silence of the night to the hideous yelling of the men charging in from all sides was too much for the tank crews. They pulled out as quickly as they could, grinding away in the darkness. (First to fall in this charge had been Jack Golding, hit by a machine gun burst when he stopped to attend to his jammed Bren gun.)”
‘Diver’ Derrick, whose diaries have been meticulously reproduced and documented by Mark Johnston in ‘Derrick VC In His Own Words’ wrote on the 11th July 1942. “First information concerning the remainder of the Coy, our 9 PL had run into a spot of bother in the attack, Sgt Jack Golding and L/Cpl Lear were killed, three others were taken out wounded, Duck Caldow being the only one of them that received any injury.” In an explanatory note Johnston adds that “according to his best mate, Wally Clegg, who was next to Golding at the time, they both had Tommy Guns. Clegg believes that light glinting off a captured pair of binoculars gave away Golding’s position and suggested to the enemy that he was an officer.’ This came from an interview in 2015 with Clegg by Paul Oaten.
Back home, the loss of Jack was felt widely. The Advertiser reported that ‘Mrs. Golding, of Coromandel Valley, has received advice that her husband, Sgt. Jack Golding, has been killed in action in Egypt. He enlisted in June, 1940, and left for overseas in November of the same year, and was eight months in Tobruk. Before enlisting he was a school teacher at Colton, West Coast. Sgt. Golding was the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Golding, North Unley.’
Country communities who had grown to admire Jack, were also devastated. The Elliston C.W.A. observed a minute’s silence in Jack’s memory, with the West Coast Recorder observing that ‘Mr. and Mrs. Golding resided in the district for a number of years and Mrs. Golding was an active member of the branch. Members extend their deepest sympathy to her.’ Similarly, the Bramfield Red Cross also mourned Jack’s death. ‘Deep regret was felt throughout the Bramfield district when it was learned that Sgt. Jack Golding had paid the supreme sacrifice while serving with the A.I.F. overseas. The sympathy of Bramfield residents is extended to his wife and relatives.’
The News also carried a tribute at the end of July. ‘TEAMS' TRIBUTE TO PLAYER League football teams will observe a minute's silence before the start of the game at Adelaide Oval on Saturday out of respect to the memory of Sgt. Jack Golding. a former Sturt player. The elder son of Mr. Frank Golding, former State and Sturt footballer, Sgt. Golding played for the double-blues in the 1932 season. He received a broken collarbone that year and retired from the game. He captained the South Australian schoolboys' team which played in the carnival at Hobart in 1927. Sgt. Golding enlisted in June, 1940, and left for overseas later that year. His parents were advised this week that he had been killed in action In Egypt. His younger brother, Max. is serving with the A.I.F. Educated at Unley School, Adelaide High School. and the Teachers' Training College, Sgt. Golding was a schoolteacher at the time of his enlistment.’
The newspaper added a further tribute in August. ‘WEST COAST TEACHER KILLED IN ACTION The many friends of Sgt Jack F Golding were deeply grieved to learn of his death in action in the Middle East. Sgt Golding . was a well-known and popular teacher on the West Coast. He taught in Ceduna district and at Colton where he and his wife resided for five and a half years. He was gifted with a cheerful personality which endeared him to all who knew him, especially the children whose good fortune it was to be under his care. It was in May. 1940 that Sgt Golding obtained leave from the Education Department to join the A.I.F. He sailed later in the year to the Middle East where he saw service in Libya in 1941 being one of the celebrated Tobruk "Rats." Sgt Golding was well known in football and cricket teams on the Coast and at Unley where he played League football for Sturt. Much sympathy is felt for his wife and parents.’
The News also reported that ‘When the opposing teams lined up in V formation before the patriotic game at the Adelaide Oval this afternoon, a minute's silence was observed in memory of Sgt. Jack Golding. a former Sturt player, who has been killed in action in Egypt. He was a son of Frank Golding, who once played for Sturt and South Australia. The chairman of the South Australian National Football League (Maj. Eric Millhouse) recited the Oath of Remembrance, and the "Last Post"' was sounded. Players also wore black armbands.’
Initially Jack was buried at Tel El Eisa, but in January ’44 was reburied in the El Alamein War Cemetery Plot 16, Row A Grave 5. He now rests with others from the 2/48th Battalion 32-year-old SX9529 Lance Corporal Alfred F. Lear, 27-year-old SX7272 Private Jack Spavin and 38-year-old SX9301 Private Alfred W Tait.
A further sad chapter for the family was 40-year-old Catherine’s death on November 7th 1949 at the Repatriation Hospital, Springbank 1949. She was buried with her parents at Centennial Park Cemetery with her headstone also paying tribute to Jack.
In the ensuing years, family and friends continued to mourn this highly respected soldier.
Advertiser Thursday 30 July 1942, GOLDING. —On July 10, in Egypt, Sgt. Jack Golding, killed in action, loving nephew of Mrs. J. J. Rickard and family, Medindie. GOLDING. —On July 10 in Egypt, Sgt. Jack Golding, killed in action, dearly loved husband of Cath, Coromandel Valley. GOLDING. —Killed in action on July 10, dearly loved son-in-law and brother in-law of Mr. and Mrs. Cornell, Joyce, Dulcie, Coromandel Valley, and Tom, Kelmscott. His duty nobly done. GOLDING. —On July 10. In Egypt, Sgt. Jack Golding, killed in action, dearly loved elder son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Golding of North Unley, and loving brother of Doris and Max.
Advertiser Saturday 10 July 1943, GOLDING.—In proud and loving memory of my dear husband, Sgt. Jack Golding, 2/48th A.I.F., killed in action at El Alamein July 10, 1942.—Ever remembered by his loving wife, Cath. GOLDING.—In memory of our son and brother. Sgt. J. F. Golding, killed July 10, 1942. Memories are treasures no one can steal, death leaves a heartache no one can heal.—By his loving parents. Doris and Max. GOLDING.—In memory of our grandson and nephew. Sgt. Jack Golding. killed in action July 10, 1942. He gave his all for others. Too dearly loved to ever be forgotten.—Nan, Auntie Doe. Uncle Bill and Dawn. GOLDING. —In loving memory of our dear son and brother-in-law. Sgt. Jack Golding. killed at El Alamein, July 10, 1942.—Ever remembered by Mr. and Mrs. Cornell. Tom. Joyce, and Dulcie. GOLDING.—In loving memory of Sgt. Jack, killed in action at El Alamein. July 10, 1942. His duty nobly done.—Inserted by Auntie Min, Mona, Edna, Era and Don. GOLDING.—In loving memory of our nephew. Sgt. Jack, killed in action on July 10, 1942.—Uncle Gordon and Aunty Jean. GOLDING. —A tribute to Jack, killed in action. His duty nobly done.—Inserted by Mrs. Giles, Iris, Ron. GOLDING.—In loving memory of our cousin, Jack, killed in action, July 10, 1942.—Ever remembered by Doris and Ron. GOLDING, Sgt J. F. (A.I.F.).—In loving memory of our friend; Jack, killed at El Alamein. July 10, 1942.—Ever remembered by Cliff and Nell.
Advertiser Monday 10 July 1944, GOLDIN'G. Sgt. 2/48th.—In proud and loving memory of my dear husband. Jack, killed In action. Egypt. July 10. 1942. —Ever remembered by Cath. GOLDING.—In loving memory of our dear son and brother-in-law, killed in action July 10. 1942.—Remembered by Mr. and Mrs. Cornell Joyce, and Dulce. GOLDING. Sgt. J. F. (A.I.F.)—In loving memory of our friend Jack, killed El Alamein, July 10 ,1942. Ever remembered by Cliff and Neil. GOLDING - In loving memory our cousin Jack, killed in action, July 10. 1942.—Ever remembered by Doris and Ron GOLDING. Sgt. Jack-He died that we might live. —lnserted by Mrs. Giles. GOLDING.-Memory of Jack, died of wounds. El Alamein. July 10. 1942. There's a road called remembrance, where our thoughts and wishes meet: we sadly take that road today to one we cannot meet. -Claude Hay, late A Coy 2/48th Btn.. A.I-F. GOLDING.-In loving memory our nephew Jack, killed in action July 10. 1942—Inserted by aunty Jean and uncle Gordon. GOLDING. - In memory of our son and brother. Sgt. Jack Golding killed July —By his loving parents, Doris and Max. A. I. F. GOLDING.—In memory of our grand-son and nephew. Sgt. Jack Golding. killed July 10. 1942. at El Alamein. Not only today, but every day, in silence we remember. Nan, aunty Doe, uncle Bill, and Dawn.
Advertiser Tuesday 10 July 1945, GOLDING, Sgt. (2/48th).—A tribute of love to the memory of my dear husband, Jack, killed in action. El Alamein, July 10 1942. Precious memories I will always treasure, of the happy days we spent together.—Sadly missed by his loving wife, Cath. GOLDING.—In loving memory of our dear son and brother-in-law, Sgt. Jack Golding, killed in action, El Alamein, July 10, 1942.—Lovingly remembered by Mr. and Mrs. Cornell, Tom, Joyce and Dulcie. GOLDING.—In memory of our son and brother Sgt. Jack Golding, killed July 10, 1942, at El Alamein. We think of you in silence, we love to speak your name: in life we loved you dearly. In death we do the same.—By his loving parents, Doris and Max (A.1.F.). GOLDING.—In memory of our grandson and nephew. Sgt. Jack Golding. killed July 10. 1942. Not only today do we think of the one we loved, but every day.—Nan. Aunty Doe, Uncle Bill and Dawn. GOLDING.—In proud memory of our Cousin Jack, killed in action July 10. 1942.—Always remembered by Doris and Son. GOLDING.—In loving memory of our nephew. Sgt. Jack Golding. killed in action on July 10, 1942.—Inserted by Auntie Jean and Uncle Gordon. GOLDING.—A tribute to Jack. He wore no shining medals, nor signed his name V.C, but was every Inch a Digger, and died to keep Australia free.—Mrs. Giles. Iris. Ron. GOLDING, J. —In loving memory of dear brother-in-law Jack, killed in action. El Alamein. July 10. 1942. May we always be worthy of the sacrifice he made. —Remembered by Tom. Essie and children.
Advertiser Thursday 11 July 1946, GOLDING.—In memory of our friend Jack, killed at El Alamein. July 10, 1942.—Ever remembered by Cliff and Nell.
Advertiser Thursday 10 July 1947, GOLDING, Sgt. 2/48th.—In proud and loving memory of my dear husband Jack, killed in action. El Alamein. July 10, 1942. —Ever remembered by his loving wife, Cath. GOLDING.—In loving memory of our nephew Jack, killed in action on July 10 1942. Remembered by his aunty Jean and uncle Gordon. , GOLDING.—In memory of our cousin Jack, killed in action. July 10. 1942. —Remembered by Doris and Ron. GOLDING.—In honor of Jack.—Ever remembered by Iris. Ron and t. Giles. GOLDING.—In loving memory of our dear son and brother. Sgt. Jack 2/48th. killed at El Alamein, July 10. 1942. loved and remembered today as the hour he passed away.—Sadly missed by mum, Dad. Doris and Max. GOLDING.—In loving memory of our dear son. and brother-in-law. Sgt. Jack 2/48th Battalion, killed in action, at El Alamein. July 10. 1942.—Ever remembered by Mr. and Mrs. Cornell, Tom, Joyce and Dulcie. GOLDING.—In loving memory of our dear nephew Sgt. Jack 2/48th killed at El Alamein. July 10. 1942. His life, a beautiful memory; his absence, a silent sorrow.— . Aunty Doe, Uncle Bill and Dawn. GOLDING, Sgt. Jack F AIF.—In loving memory of our friend Jack, killed is action. El Alamein. July 10. 1942. Remembered by Cliff and Nell.
Advertiser Saturday 10 July 1948, GOLDING. —In loving memory of our son and brother Sgt. Jack Golding, killed in action July 10, 1942, at El Alamein. Treasured memories will live forever, of one we loved so dear. —By his loving parents, Doris and Max. GOLDING, J. F. —In loving memory of our friend Jack, killed July 10, 1942. —Ever remembered by Cliff and Nell. GOLDING. —In loving memory of our nephew Jack, killed in action on July 10, 1942. —Inserted by aunty Jean and uncle Gordon. GOLDING, Sgt.—In loving memory of our dear son and brother-in-law Jack, killed in action July 10, 1942. —Ever remembered by Mr. and Mrs. Cornell, Joyce and Dulcie. GOLDING, Sgt.—In proud and loving memory of my dear husband Jack, K.I.A., El Alamein, July 10, 1942. Time goes on but memories linger for ever.—Cath. GOLDING.—In loving memory of our dear nephew, Sgt. Jack Golding, killed July 10, 1942, at El Alamein. Those who loved never forget.-Auntie Doe, Uncle Bill and Dawn.
Advertiser Saturday 9 July 1949, GOLDING.—in loving memory of our son and brother. Sgt. Jack Golding. killed in action July 10. 1942. at 1 El Alamein. Treasured memories will live tor ever Of one we loved so dear. By his loving parents, Doris and Max. GOLDING.—In loving memory of our nephew, Sgt. Jack Golding. killed .in action July 10, 1942. at El Alamein. Too dearly loved to be forgotten. Sadly missed by his loving Auntie Doe. Uncle Bill and Dawn. GOLDING. Sgt- 2/48th.—In loving memory of my dear husband Jack. - killed in action. El Alamein, July 10. 1942. Tears are passing but love and memories are everlasting.—Cath. GOLDING—In loving memory of our dear son and brother-in-law. Sgt. Jack Golding, killed in action at El Alamein, July 10. 1942. —Inserted by Mr. and Mrs. Cornell, Tom, Joyce and Dulce.
Advertiser Monday 10 July 1950, GOLDING.— In Loving memory of. our dear son and brother Sgt. Jack Golding, killed in action July 10. 1942. at El Alamein., His life a beautiful memory. His absence a silent sorrow. —Sadly missed by mum, dad. Doris and Max. GOLDING. — In loving memory of our dear nephew. Sgt. Jack Golding killed in action. 2/48th. on July 10. 1942 at El Alamein. He is ours to remember When others forget. —Auntie Doe uncle Bill and Dawn, GOLDING. — In loving memory of Sgt. Jack Golding, killed El Alamein July 10 1942. dearly loved husband of the late Cath. Golding. Years are quickly passing, but memories always stay. Ever remembered by his father in-law Mr. J. Connell and family.
Advertiser Tuesday 10 July 1951, Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1931 - 1954), Tuesday 10 July 1951, page 16 GOLDING.— In loving memory of our nephew Jack, killed in action July 10, 1942.— Inserted by uncle Gordon and aunty Jean. GOLDING.— In loving memory of Sgt. Jack Golding husband of the late Cath Golding. killed in action July 10, 1942. Too dearly loved to be forgotten. —Ever remembered by his father in-law (Mr. Cornell) and family. GOLDING.— In loving memoir of our dear son and brother, killed July 10 at El Alamein.- You are always with us.— Sadly missed, mum, dad, Doris, Joan and Max. GOLDING.— In loving memory of our dear nephew. Sgt. Jack Golding killed in action at El Alamein. — Always to be remembered by Auntie Doe, Uncle Bill, Dawn and Howard.
Advertiser Thursday 10 July 1952, GOLDING, Sgt., 2/48.—In loving memory of our dear son and brother Jack, killed at El Alamein, July 10, 1942. No morning dawns or evening sets without a thought of you.— Sadly missed, mum, dad, Doris, Joan and Max. GOLDING. — In memory of our nephew. Sgt. Jack, killed July 10, at El Alamein. No lapse of years, no space of time can dim the memory of the one we loved so dear. —Aunty Doe, Uncle Bill, Dawn and Soward. GOLDING.—In loving memory of Jack, husband of the late Cath Golding.—Ever remembered by his father-in-law (Mr. Cornell) and family.
Advertiser Friday 10 July 1953, GOLDING. Sgt. 2/48th.— In loving memory of our dear son, brother and nephew, killed in action. July 10 1942. In silence we all grieve for the boy we loved so dear. Mum. dad and us all. GOLDING.— In loving memory of Jack.— Always remembered by his father-in-law (Mr Cornell) and family.
Advertiser Saturday 10 July 1954, GOLDING. — In loving memory of Jack. Always remembered by the Cornell family.
Researched and written by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133, 2/48th Battalion.