Harold SANDERCOCK

SANDERCOCK, Harold

Service Number: SX7298
Enlisted: 1 July 1940, Wayville, SA
Last Rank: Corporal
Last Unit: 2nd/48th Infantry Battalion
Born: Renmark, South Australia, 21 August 1909
Home Town: Maitland, Yorke Peninsula, South Australia
Schooling: Not yet discovered
Occupation: Worked for Doctor Wells in Maitland.
Died: Killed in Action, Egypt, 31 October 1942, aged 33 years
Cemetery: El Alamein War Cemetery
Plot A2 Row D, Grave 3. , El Alamein War Cemetery, El Alamein, Marsa Matruh, Egypt
Memorials: Adelaide WW2 Wall of Remembrance, Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour
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World War 2 Service

1 Jul 1940: Enlisted Wayville, SA
1 Jul 1940: Enlisted Australian Military Forces (Army WW2), Corporal, SX7298, 2nd/48th Infantry Battalion
2 Jul 1940: Involvement Corporal, SX7298, 2nd/48th Infantry Battalion
Date unknown: Involvement

'His Duty Nobly Done.'

The name, Harold was handed down from one generation to the next. Born in Renmark on the 21st August, 1909 to Harold Edward John and Isabelle Alice Sandercock. He was their third son, and had a sister, May. His father was secretary of the local branch of the United Labor Union until he retired to Colonel Light Gardens.
Christmas 1932 was a special time for Harold as he announced his engagement to Muriel Florence Ellis of Springbank. While living with his parents, Harold Jnr. acquired a motor bike but on a weekend in June ’35 the head of the machine broke, catapulting Harold onto the road and causing him to be hospitalised with concussion. He recovered and was able to continue captaining the newly formed Garna Tennis team in the local competition. By 4th March, ’39 Harold married Muriel and the young couple then lived in the agricultural town of Maitland on Yorke Peninsula where he worked for Doctor Wells. Unfortunately, two months later, 61-year-old Harold Snr was also injured riding a bicycle which collided with a car and he similarly, was hospitalised.
Harold enlisted just prior to his 31st birthday on the 1st July, 1940 at Maitland where he and Muriel were living. He was allocated the number SX7298. Early days were spent in the cold of the Pavilions, now part of the Royal Adelaide Showgrounds before he and other enlistees continued their training at Woodside in the Adelaide Hills. There he joined the newly formed 2/48th Battalion. Pre-embarkation leave gave precious time to spend with his wife and family. Following a parade in Adelaide of the new enlistees, the local Advertiser carried the proud story of the Sandercocks. ‘Three generations of one family, to serve their King and country, and all of the same name, is a unique distinction. Mr. Harold Sandercock (62), of Colonel Light Gardens, was in the 32nd Battalion, A.I.F. in the last war. His son, Harold (27) is in the 2/48th Battalion, and was in the big parade on Monday. A grandson, Harold Sandercock (20), of the Parade, Norwood, is a signaller In the Royal Australian Navy.’
The joyous send-off then saw the new enlistees embark for overseas on the Stratheden for the Middle East, on the 7th November 1940, arriving on the 19th December 1940. Harold’s Battalion then completed a few months training in Cyrenaica. From there, Harold was soon on his way to serve in Tobruk, Syria and Egypt. By the start of April 1941, the 2/48th were in Tobruk where the dust, flies, heat, minimal water supplies and constant bombardment were quite a challenge to new enlistees. They were to become the famed Rats of Tobruk.
Conditions were ever-changing and the fighting relentless, but Harold’s leadership skills were evident and he was soon promoted to Corporal. Just a month after his 33rd birthday, Harold was killed in action on the 31st October, 1942. In his book ‘Tobruk to Tarakan’ John Glenn describes that time “which was to be the most bitter and bloody fighting of the war. When next the sun drove away those shadows from the desert, death would have reaped a rich harvest of gallant men. And of the 2/48th Battalion only forty-one weary troops would remain in the field.” He continued: “At zero hour, 1 a.m. 31st October, the artillery opened up with a receding barrage – one that creeps back on itself. The attack was towards the guns themselves, the enemy being between the troops and the guns… Added to this, the troops came under heavy shell fire as they were forming up, and suffered casualties before they commenced their attack… One gun was landing shells right amongst the men. As soon as the main road was reached the two leading companies came under murderous fire, and from then until they reached their objective, 2,250 yards from the start line, the whole advance was fought in fierce hand-to-hand fighting.”
His final summing up was ‘Truly it can be said of these men, “They fought themselves and their enemy to a standstill until flesh and blood could stand no more, then they went on fighting.” In added high praise about those who tended the wounded and collected those killed in action “It says much for them that not one man was missing in their search over the four thousand yards from Trig 29 to the Blockhouse, or in the attack of 3,600 yards to Ring Contour 25.” An horrific battle for the proud and very brave 2/48th Battalion.
Harold was initially buried in the field on the 4th November and his grave marked with a simple wooden cross. Almost a month later back home, his death was officially reported in the Chronicle in December included a list of the other men, predominantly from the 2/48th Battalion, killed in action with him. They included SX7832 Pte. Max C. Boase, 2/48th Millicent; SX6896 Pte. Lance Chapman, 2/48th North Moonta; SX5226 Pte. Charlie L. K. Cock, 2/43rd Solomontown; SX7260 Sgt. Charles Fraser, 2/48th Norwood; SX10466 Pte. E. L Freeman, 2/43rd, Calca; SX8651 Sgt. Lindsay R. Goode, 2/48th Malvern; SX13580 Pte. Ronald A. Grist. Inf., Port Noarlunga; SX8587 Pte. George W. Haywood, 2/48th Mount Compass: SX7249 Cpl. J. Hinson, 2/43rd, Plympton: SX310 Sgt. Alfred W G. Miller, 2/48th Ponde; SX9488 Pte. Eric L. Montgomerie, 2/48th, Edwardstown; SX7375 Sgt Charles E. Plummer, 2/48th College Park; SX7176 A-Cpl. William C. Quinn, 2/48th Bordertown; SX8113 Pte. Michael N. Riley, 2/48th Burnside; SX7298 Cpl. Harold Sandercock, 2/48th Maitland; SX7732 Ste. Clem H. Schulz, 2/48th Yorketown; SX12924 Pte. Richard Speck, 48th Blanchetown; SX8491 Pte. Arthur G. Wilson, 2/48th Glanville. These were some of South Australia’s finest young men, all sadly grieved, so many families’ lives changed forever.
Back home, the Advertiser in November ’42 informed of Harold’s death ‘Mr. and Mrs. H. E. J. Sandercock, of Corunna Avenue, Colonel Light Gardens, have received advice that their son. Corporal H. E. Sandercock, was killed in action in Egypt on October 31. Cpl. Sandercock enlisted at Maitland, and saw active service at Tobruk during the siege. He was a keen tennis player, and at one time was captain of Gana Tennis Club.’ An acknowledgement of his wife’s loss also appeared just days later: ‘Mrs. Muriel Sandercock, of Maitland, has received advice that her husband, Cpl Harold Sandercock, was killed in action in Egypt on October 31. He enlisted in June, 1940, and left for overseas in November of the same year. At the time of his enlistment, he was employed by Dr. C. G. Wells, of Maitland.’
Initially Harold was reburied in January ’44, then in March ’45 moved to his final resting place at the El Alamein War Cemetery, Plot A2 Row D, Grave 3. His family chose the inscription ‘His Duty Nobly Done’. He is surrounded by others from his 2/48th Battalion, Privates Ron H. Jackson SX6963, Corp John T. Hamilton WX 10432, Private Thomas V. McMullin SX13102, L.Sgt Frank W. Hale SX7700, M.N. Riley SX8113 and Andrew W. Warner, WX14061, Michael Riley SX8113, Lindsay Goode SX8651, Andrew Warner WX14061, William Ridley WX9913, Frank Cornelius WX9930, Lance Chapman SX6896; L/Cpl Ronald Templeton WX9832, Cpl Paul Cashen SX7000, Privates Vincent McGahan SX6775, Edward Edwards SX12876, John Cox SX10362 and Thomas Holmes SX9330, all of whom were killed on the 31st October ’42.
His father, Harold Snr was proud of the service he, his son and grandson had both given to the war effort. The News reported that ‘Colonel Light Gardens branch of the Returned Soldiers' League is proud of the record of the Sandercock family. The club secretary (Mr. Fathers) tells me that Mr. E. J. Sandercock and his sailor grandson, Harold, jun., are members, while Mr. E. J. Sandercock's son, Harold, has his name on the honor roll. He was killed at El Alamein. Harold, jun., is at present home on leave, and he and his grandfather were at a club gathering on Monday night. Mr. Fathers hasn't heard of any other sub-branch that has a father, son, and grandson on their rolls.’ Family, friends and fellow soldiers also continued to remember Harold in the ensuing years.
Advertiser November 1942, SANDERCOCK. —KiIIed in Egypt. Oct. 31. Sgt. Harold Sandercock, dearly beloved husband of Muriel, loving son-in law Mr.-Mrs. J. Ellis. Springbank. brother-in-law Albert. Gwen (Mrs. D. O'Connor), Len, Mona, Howard RAN. SANDERCOCK. —In loving memory of my husband. Cpl. Harold Sandercock. who was killed In action Oct. 31, aged 33 yrs His duty nobly done. —inserted by his loving wife, Muriel, Maitland.
Advertiser Saturday 30 October 1943 SANDERCOCK – In memory of my husband, Cpl Harold killed in action at El Alamein Oct 31 1942. Far away from his homeland his comrades laid him to rest. Inserted by his wife, Muriel. SANDERCOCK – In memory of our brother-in-law and uncle, Cpl Harold. Killed in action at El Alamein, Oct 31 1942. Resting in a soldier’s grave, honoured with Australia’s brave. Inserted by Albert, Avis nephews Brian, Trevor. SANDERCOCK- Cpl, Loving memory of dear son Harold, killed at El Alamein Oct 31 1942. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember him. Inserted by mother and father. SANDERCOCK- Tribute to Harold 2/48. Killed Oct 31 1942. He sleeps in a soldier’s grave, honoured amongst Australia’s brave. Ever remembered by Joy and Gordon. SANDERCOCK- In loving memory of my brother-in-law, Cpl Harold, killed Oct 31 1942. Always remembered by Gwen, Dudley O’Connor. SANDERCOCK- In memory of our son-in-law and brother-in-law Cpl Harold, killed in action El Alamein Oct 31 1942. We shall always remember him. Inserted by Mr and Mrs Ellis, Mona, Howard R.A.N. SANDERCOCK – In memory of uncle Harold killed El Alamein Oct 31 1942. Beneath the cross of sacrifice within a silent grave, his comrades laid him down to rest among the honoured brave. Irene, Jean, Ray Laurie. SANDERCOCK – In memory of Harold, killed in action El Alamein Oct 31 1942. A silent thought brings many a tear of one we loved so dear. Ever remembered by his loving sister, May, Bill. SANDERCOCK – In memory of Harold killed in action Oct 31 1942. He sleeps in a soldier’s grave honoured amongst Australia’s brave. Ever remembered by brother Jack, Beryl, family. SANDERCOCK – In memory of Harold killed El Alamein Oct 31 1942. Somewhere in Egypt he is lying. He answered his country’s call. He died an Australian hero, fighting t save us all. Remembered Ruth, Fred, Gwen (A.W.A.S.) Bruce. SANDERCOCK – In memory of Harold killed in action, Egypt Oct 31 1942. He sleeps in a soldier’s grave honoured amongst Australia’s brave. Ever remembered by Mr and Mrs Dunstan and family. SANDERCOCK – In loving memory of Harold killed in action El Alamein Oct 31 1942. Ever remembered by aunty Olie, uncle Perce, Ron (A.I.F. ret).
Advertiser Tuesday 31 October 1944, SANDERCOCK, Cpl. Harold. —ln memory of mv dear husband, killed in action. El Alamein, October 31. 1942. When last I saw him. he looked so fit and well, little did I think it would be his last farewell. —inserted by his wife. Muriel. SANDERCOCK, Cpl.—ln loving memory of Harold, killed at El Alamein. October 31. 1942. —Ever remembered by mother and father. SANDERCOCK. —In loving memory of mv brother Harold, killed in action. El Alamein. October 31. 1942. Deep in our hearts a memory is kept of a brother and uncle we loved and shall never forget, —Always remembered by May, Bill and family. SANDERCOCK. —In memory of Harold, killed El Alamein October 31. 1942. Far away from his homeland his cobbers laid him to rest. Remembered always. —Jack, Beryl and. family. SANDERCOCK. —In memory of Harold. killed El Alamein. October 31. 1842. If we could only see his smiling face, how much brighter this world would be. — Ever remembered by Ruth, Fred, Gwen (A.W.A.S.). Bruce. SANDERCOCK- —In loving memory of our brother-in-law Harold, and uncle. Killed in action El Alamein. October 31. 1942.—Always remembered by Albert, Avis and nephews Brian and Trevor. SANDERCOCK. —A token of remembrance to Harold, who gave his life at El Alamein. October 31. 1942 Always I remembered by Walter and Hilda SANDERCOCK. —In loving memory of Harold killed El Alamein. October 31. 1942.—Ever remembered by Joy and Gordon. SANDERCOCK. —In loving memory of our son-in-law. Cpl. Harold, killed El Alamein October 31. One or the bravest and best —Remembered by Mr. and Mrs. Ellis and Howard R.A.N. SANDERCOCK. —In loving memory of our brother-in-law. Cpl. Harold, killed EI Alamein. October 31. Always remembered by Gwen, Dudley O'Connor.
Advertiser Wednesday 31 October 1945, SANDERCOCK. Cpl Harold. SX7298 — In memory of my dear husband, killed El Alamein, October 31. 1942. For all of us he did his best, may God grant him eternal rest Inserted by his wife Muriel. SANDERCOCK. —In loving memory of our brother-in-law. Cpl Harold, killed El Alamein, October 31. 1942.—Ever remembered by Gwen and Dudley O’Connor. SANDERCOCK. —In memory of my brother, Harold, killed October 31, 1942. at El Alamein. There is a road called remembrance, where thoughts and wishes meet; I take that road in thought today, to one I cannot greet. —Always remembered, May, Bill, family. SANDERCOCK. —In memory of Harold, killed El Alamein. October 31. 1942. Far away from his homeland, his cobbers laid him to rest. —Remembered always. Jack, Beryl, and family. SANDERCOCK. Cpl.—ln loving memory of Harold killed El Alamein. October 31. 1942.—Always remembered by Gordon. Joy and family. SANDERCOCK. —In memory or Harold, killed. El Alamein October 31. 1942. If we could only see his smiling face, how much brighter this world would be.— Ever remembered by Ruth, Fred, Gwen. Bruce R.A.N. SANDERCOCK. Cpl.—ln fond memory of Harold, killed El Alamein. October 31. 1942.—Ever remembered by mother and father. SANDERCOCK. Cpl. Harold. SX7298 — In memory of our dear son-in-law. killed El Alamein. October 31. 1942. A loving thought for today, a memory forever.— Ever remembered by Mr. Mrs. L Ellis, Howard (R.A.N.)
Advertiser Thursday 31 October 1946, SANDERCOCK, H., Cpl.—ln loving memory of Harold. 2/48th Battalion, killed in action, El Alamein. Oct. 31. 1942. —Always remembered by mother and father. SANDERCOCK. —In loving memory of my brother Harold, killed in action El Alamein. October 31. 1942. 'Till memories fade, life departs, you'll be for ever in our hearts. —Always remembered by May, Bill, family. SANDERCOCK. —In loving memory of Harold, killed El Alamein. Oct. 31. 1942. —Ever remembered by Gwen. Dudley O'Connor. SANDERCOCK. —In loving memory of Harold, killed El Alamein, Oct. 31, 1942. Alone and unseen he stands by our side. —Always remembered by Jack. Beryl and family SANDERCOCK. —In loving memory of Harold, killed El Alamein. Oct. 31. 1942. To live in the hearts we leave behind us is not to die. —Ever remembered by Ruth, Fred, Bruce (R.A.N), and Gwen. SANDERCOCK, Cpl. Harold. —In loving memory of my husband. Cpl. Harold, killed in action at El Alamein October 31. 1942.—Inserted by his wife Muriel.
Advertiser Friday 31 October 1947, SANDERCOCK, Cpl.—Fond memories of Harold, killed El Alamein. October 31 1942. —Inserted by Mr. and Mrs. I Ellis and Howard. SANDERCOCK, Cpl. —In loving remembrance of Harold, killed El Alamein. October 31.1942.—Always remembered by mother and father. SANDERCOCK. —In loving memory of Harold, killed at El Alamein. Dearest memories are all we have left of a brother we loved and will never forget— May. Bill. SANDERCOCK. —In loving memory of Harold (Tawny). 2/48th Batt., killed in action. El Alamein. October 31. 1942. —Always remembered by Joy, Gordon and family. SANDERCOCK - In loving memory of Harold, killed in action. El Alamein. October 31, 1942.—Always remembered by Gwen and Dudley O'Connor.

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

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