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‘Our Darling, God Be With You Till We Meet Again’

Lionel Henry VAN DEN BRINK SX7279

Born in the mid north town of Peterborough on 11th June 1917, Lionel was the son of Hilda Mayde and Antonius Van den Brink. He had three sisters, Olga, Flora and Joyce and an older brother, Claude.

The family initially moved to Port Pirie where Lionel was educated at Solomon Town before the family then moved to the city where Lionel continued his education firstly at North Adelaide and then finally at Nailsworth Technical School. Eventually the family then moved to Richmond, a western town of Adelaide. Lionel worked for a chemist in the city and it was while travelling there that he accrued an untimely traffic fine for speeding with a pillion passenger and was fined the princely sum of £1 10/. with 10/ costs; quite a hefty sum for those days.

Just after his 23rd birthday on the 29th June, 1940 Lionel (also known as ‘Skeet’) enlisted in Adelaide. Frederick Macnamara SX7417 enlisted on July 1st 1940 and the two became inseparable friends who had enlisted at a similar time.

 By July Lionel was ensconced at Wayville, where he was allocated the number SX7279 and was soon assigned to the newly formed 2/48th Battalion. 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 at the end of October Lionel and his fellow 2/48th Battalion, embarked on 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.

Lionel was not to celebrate his next birthday. Instead, still aged 23, he was killed in action on the 17th April, 1941. John Glenn, in his book ‘Tobruk to Tarakan’ describes the conditions experienced while Lionel’s B Company was in the midst of a ferocious fight to retain Hill 209. It was subjected to ‘intense mortar, machine gun and artillery fire, necessitation the evacuation of the observation post and forcing B Company to keep under cover. “All through this attack B Company was subjected to accurate mortar fire. Privates L.H. Van den Brink and F. McNamara were killed instantly when a mortar bomb made a direct hit.’ Lionel was buried in the Tobruk War Cemetery, Grave 3 Row K with his friend Frederick MacNamara SX7418, and other fellow soldiers from the 2/48th Battalion; Colin Tucker, SX8578, George Havers SX7882, Edward Hextall SX8285 and Alan Riebe SX9241. The inscription on Lionel’s grave now reads ‘Our Darling, God Be With You Till We Meet Again’.

Both the News and Advertiser published the sad news of his death in May and recounted the poignant news that in a letter home to his family, written on April 13th “he had been in a ‘bit of excitement’ during which an unposted letter had dropped from his bag and was lost.’ That last letter was so precious to his family.

With Frederick and Lionel killed in the same mortar bomb blast, the MacNamara and Van Den Brink families were united in their grief with each placing a memorial to the other family’s lost son on the anniversary of their deaths. These two, known to their fellow soldiers as ‘Maccy’ and ‘Vandy’ also continued to be remembered by their friends in the 2/48th Battalion. In a sad twist, John Miller, SX7343 was killed the following year on the 22nd July 1942. He and Lieutenant Wally Pryor SX7338 both remembered Maccy and Vandy on the anniversary of their deaths. Similarly, Sergeant Ron Bristow, SX7094 each year continued to remember those young men who had served with him and whose lives were so cruelly cut short.

Lionel’s parents lived into their 80’s with his father being 84 and mother 85. Both are buried in the Centennial Park Cemetery, Antonius on December 6th 1965 and Hilda on August 10th 1977.

Each year Lionel was remembered by his family and Ron Britow.

Advertiser Friday 17 April 1942, MacNAMARA—VAN DEN BRINK. —In memory of our pals. Maccy and Vandy, killed in action at Tobruk, on April 17 1941. —Always remembered by their pals, Wally Pryor and Johnnie Miller. A.I.F. abroad. VAN DEN BRINK. —In loving memory of dear Lionel, killed in action at Tobruk April 17. 194 There's a row of wooden crosses In a hollow near Tobruk, O'er a row of shallow graves, Hard by the town. That's where my darling brother is laid to rest. One of those brave lads who Never let us down. —Always remembered by his sister Olga, Murray, and little Jan. VAN DEN BRINK. —In loving memory of my dear brother. Lionel, who was killed in action at Tobruk on April 17. 1341. We cannot forget you, Lionel dear Our hearts are broken and sore-But we hope to meet again, Beyond that beautiful shore —Inserted by his loving brother Claude, sister-in-law- Lola, and niece Judith. VAN DEN BRINK—In loving memory of my caring brother Lionel. 2/48th Bat-, killed In action at Tobruk. April 17 1941 Not a day do we forget you. In our thoughts you are always near; We. who love you, sadly miss you. As it dawns one long year —Ever remembered by his loving sister Joyce and friend Mick. VAN DEN BRINK. —In loving memory of our beloved son Lionel, who was killed In action on April 17, 1841. at Tobruk. At the setting of the sun. and in the morning. I will remember you. Rest in peace. —Inserted by his loving father VAN DEN BRINK. —In loving memory of my dearly loved son. Lionel. 2/48th Bat., who was killed in action at Tobruk. April 17. 1941 I think of you In silence. Lionel, 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. As you did In days that used to be. —Ever loved and remembered by his loving mother, sister Flora, and grandpa.

Advertiser Saturday 17 April 1943, MacNAMARA—VAN DEN BRINK—In memory of two pals, killed in action April 17. 1941, fighting for King and country Time passes, but memory clings —Inserted by their pal, Wally Pryor returned. VAN DEN BRINK. —In memory of L. A. (Skeet). who was killed in Middle East April 17 1941. A true pal to the end of his days. —lnserted by his pal. Galvin. 2nd AIF. VAN DEN BRINK. —In loving memory of our dear brother Lionel, killed action April 17. 1941, Tobruk. Sweet memories weave a golden chain that links us till we meet again. —Ever remembered by. Joyce and Mick. VAN DEN BRINK. —In loving memory of Lionel, who gave his life on April 17. 1941. for us all. —Ever remembered by his cousins. Rita. Claude, and family. VAN DEN BRINK. —In memory of my darling brother. Lionel killed in action, Tobruk. April 17. 1941. A smiling face a heart of gold, the dearest brother this world could hold. —Remembered by sister Olga. Murray, little Jan. a VAN DEN BRlNK. —Loving memory of son and brother Lionel, killed in action. Tobruk. April 17. 1941. Sweet memories of one we loved dearly. —Remembered by loving parents, brother Claude, sisters Olga. Flora. Joyce. VAN DEN BRINK. —A tribute to the a memory of Lionel soldier comrade of our son Freddie. —inserted by Mr. and Mrs. P. J. MacNamara. VAN DEN' BRINK. —In loving memory of my pal Skeet. killed in action. April I, - 17. 1941. A pal who has gone but is never forgotten. —Ever remembered by Maine, Ron Brine A.I.F. 

Advertiser Monday 17 April 1944, VAN DEN BRINK. —In loving memory of our dear son and brother Lionel, killed at Tobruk. April 17. 1941. We loved you too much. dear, to ever forget. —inserted by his loving mother, father, brother and sisters. VAN DEN BRINK. —In memory of my darling brother Lionel killed at Tobruk. April 17. 1941. Not Just today, but every day. we remember. —inserted by his sister Olga, Murray. Jan. VAN DEN BRINK. —Loving memory of dear brother Lionel, killed in action. Tobruk. April 17. 1941.A smiling face, a heart of gold, the dearest brother this world could hold. —Always remembered by Claude and family. VAN DEN BRINK. L. H. — In loving memory of our dear brother Lionel, killed in action April 17. 1941. Sunshine passes, shadows fall. but our memories of you dear, outlast them all. —Ever remembered by Joyce and Mick. VAN DEN BRINK. —A tribute to the memory of Lionel. killed in action at Tobruk. April 17. 1941. Comrade In arms of our son Fred. —inserted by Mr. Mrs.-. P. J. MacNamara VAN DEN BRINK. —In memory of Lionel (Skeet). killed in action at Tobruk April 17. 1941. "One of the best "—Ever remembered by Gabie (AIF)

Advertiser Thursday 20 April 1944, VAN DEN BRINK. In loving tribute to Lionel, killed In action, April 17. 1941.— A true friend never forgotten by Ron Bristow

Advertiser Tuesday 17 April 1945, VAN DEN BRINK. —In loving memory of our dear son and brother killed in action Tobruk. April 17.' 1941. We are lonely here without you. Home has never been the same; We. who loved you sadly miss you. But hope someday to meet again. —Always remembered by mother, father, brother and sisters. VAN DEN BRINK. —In loving memory of my darling brother. Lionel, killed in action. Tobruk. April 17, 1941. Hearts that loved you never forget. —Always remembered by loving sister Olga. Murray and Jan. VAN DEN BRINK. —In loving memory of our dear brother and uncle Lionel. - who was killed in action at Tobruk. April, 17. 1941. A nature you could not help loving. A heart better than gold; To all that loved him His memory will never grow old. Always remembered by Claude. Lola, Judith and Robert. Quorn. VAN DEN BRINK. —In loving memory of our dear brother Lionel, killed Tobruk. 1941. "A tender chord of memory is softly touched today. “Ever remembered by Joyce and Mick. VAN DEN BRINK. —In memory of Lionel (Skeet), who gave his life at Tobruk on April 17, 1941. "A true Digger. never forgotten." —By his pal. Gabe. 9th Div. A.I.F. VAN DEN BRINK. —A tribute of honor to memory of Lionel, comrade in arms of our beloved son. Freddie. —inserted by Mr. and Mrs. P. J. MacNamara. VAN DEN BRINK—In loving memory if my pal. Skeet. who was killed in action in April 17 1941. A.I.F. A true pal never forgotten. —Ron Bristow.

Advertiser Wednesday 17 April 1946, VAN DEN BRINK. —A tribute to the memory of Lionel, comrade in arms of our beloved son, Fred. —Inserted by Mr. and Mrs. P. MacNamara. VAN DEN BRINK. —In loving memory of my brother, Lionel, killed in action at Tobruk, April 17, 1941. Cherished memories. — Always remembered by Claude, Lola and children. VAN DEN BRINK. —In loving memory of our darling son and brother, Lionel (Skeet), who was killed in action at Tobruk, April 17, 1941, 2nd 48th Batt. In our home you are dearly remembered. Hearts that held you in deepest affection Still love you in death just the same. —Sadly missed by his loving mother, father, sisters and brother. VAN DEN BRINK In loving memory of our brother and uncle Lionel, killed in action April 17 1941 Ever remembered by Joyce, Mark and Peter

Advertiser Thursday 18 April 1946, VAN DEN BRINK. —In loving memory of my pal. "Skeet" killed in action April 17. 1941. A true pal, never forgotten. — Ron Brlstow. 

Advertiser Thursday 17 April 1947, VAN DEN BRINK —In memory of my pal Skeet, killed In action. April 17. 1941. A true pal never forgotten. — Ron Bristow. VAN DEN BRINK. — A tribute to the memory of Lionel killed at Tobruk. April 17. 1941. Comrade in arms of our be-loved son Fred. — Inserted by Mr. and Mrs. P. J. MacNamara. VAN DEN BRINK In loving memory of our brother Lionel killed Tobruk April 17 1941. Unseen you walk beside us. Always dearly loved and forever remembered. Joyce, Mick and little Peter. VAN DEN BRINK Loving memories of our dear son and brother, Lionel killed in action Tobruk April 17 1941 2/48th Batt. We have you in our memory, God has you in His care, Dearly remembered by Mum and dad brother and sisters.

Advertiser Saturday 17 April 1948, VAN DEN BRINK. —In memory of my pal Skeet, killed in action on April 17. A true pal never forgot ten. —Ron Bristow. VAN DEN BRINK. —Loving memory of our darling son and brother Lionel, killed Tobruk. April 17, 1941. -Death cannot rob us of happy days we've known. —Mother. father Claude, Olga, Flora, Joyce. VAN DEN BRINK, L. H. —In loving memory ot my darling; brother Lionel. Killed Tobruk. I94I. —Always remembered by sister Joyce. Mick. Peter and Sharron. 

Advertiser Saturday 16 April 1949, VAN DEN BRINK, L. H.—In loving memory of my dear brother, killed Tobruk, April 17, 1941. In our hearts cherished memories are kept. —Always remembered by sister Joyce, brother-in-law Mick. VAN DEN BRINK. —Memory of my darling brother, killed, Tobruk, April 17, 1941. In life he was so dear to us, In death he's still the same. —Ever remembered by his sister Olga. VAN-DEN-BRINK. —Loving memory of our darling son and brother Lionel, killed in action, Tobruk, 1941. You are always ours to remember. — Dearly loved and sadly missed by mother, father, brother and sisters. 

Advertiser Monday 17 April 1950, VAN-DEN-BRINK. L. H.— In loving memory, of my brother Lionel killed Tobruk. 1941. To live forever In our hearts is not to die. — Always remembered by sister Joyce and Mick. VAN-DEN-BRINK. — In loving memory of our darling son and brother Lionel killed in action Tobruk. 1941. Deep in our hearts a memory is kept Of you. dear Lionel, we will never forget. — Mother, father, sisters, brother, 

Advertiser Tuesday 17 April 1951, VAN-DEN-BRINK. — Loving memory of our darling son and brother Lionel killed in action Tobruk. April 17. 1941. We often look at your photo. You seem to smile and say Don't grieve. I'm only sleeping We'll meet again someday. — Inserted by mother and father, sisters and brother. VAN-DEN-BRINK. L. H.— In loving memory of my brother Lionel, killed Tobruk. April 17. 1941. Years pass by. but memories stay as near and dear as yesterday. —Ever remembered by his sister Joyce 

Advertiser Saturday 14 April 1951, VAN DEN BRINK. — In memory of my pal Skeet. killed in action. A true pal gone but not forgotten - Ron Bristow.

Advertiser Thursday 17 April 1952, VAN DEN BRINK. — Loving memory of our dear son and brother. Lionel, killed in action. Tobruk, April 17. 1941. Though silent you are ever near. Still loved, still missed as ever -Always remembered by his loving parents, brother and sisters. VAN DEN BRINK. L. H. -In loving memory of my dear brother killed Tobruk. 1941.— Ever remembered by sister Joyce VAN DEN BRINK. — In memory of my pal Skeet. killed to action. A true pal. never forgotten. — Ron Bristow. 

Advertiser Friday 17 April 1953, VAN-DEN-BRINK. — Loving memory of our loved son and brother Lionel, killed in action at Tobruk Too dearly loved to be forgotten —By loving parents, brother and sisters. VAN-DEN-BRINK. — Cherished memories of my brother Lionel killed Tobruk. Time will never take away the love and thoughts we hold today. — Joyce. VAN DEN BRINK. — In memory of my pal Skeet. killed in action April 17. 1941. A true pal never forgotten. — Ron Bristow. 

Advertiser Saturday 17 April 1954, VAN DEN BRINK. — In loving memory of our loving son and -brother Lionel killed in action, Tobruk. April 17. 1941. 2nd/48th Battalion. — Always remembered -by his loving parents and brother and sisters.

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