Virtual
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Australia

George was one of eleven children of James and Sarah Ann Gully. He was born at Kadina on the 7th May 1908, the fifth of seven sons including: Robert, Gilbert Stanley, Claude, Stan, Archie William and Mervyn Stanley and four daughters Evelyn, Lucy, Miriam and Maisie.
The family lived in Tickera, a coastal town on the Yorke Peninsula near Wallaroo. The town of Kadina was central to the copper mining industry and part of the historic “Little Cornwall” towns which included Moonta and Wallaroo and was also an important farming area. The Gully children initially attended the Tickera School then Kadina School (now extended to become the Kadina Memorial School, following a move after WWI to establish a memorial to those who had served and for the establishment of a secondary school in Kadina.)
George was just seven when his older brother, Robert, a 17-year-old farm hand, enlisted at Kadina in February ’16, to serve in the ‘War to end all Wars’. His father, James had given written permission for Robert to enlist. He was initially with the ‘43rd Battalion which sailed for Marseilles in France in June that year. Following training in England, Robert then was shipped to France in October, joining the 32nd battalion. There it was discovered that he was underage, and he was returned to England until July ’17 when he returned to the fighting in France and was part of the Water Supply Corps. He contracted influenza in February ’18, returning to duty in March. Aged 19 he was killed in action near Messines just three weeks later, on the 16th. Robert’s wallet and photos were returned to Sarah in May that year.
The local Kadina and Wallaroo Times carried a tribute to the young man. ‘On Sunday last, April 7th, quite a gloom was cast over Tickera when the news came to hand, that Pvte. Robert T. Gully had been killed in action, in France. He was the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Gully, of Tickera. The late soldier was but a youth, not having reached his twentieth year, was a bright and well-liked lad, with every promise for a useful and respected future. He enlisted on the 29th of February 1916, with the 43rd Battalion, and left for the front with the good wishes and respect of his many friends. Pvte. Gully was also a member of the Methodist Church and Sunday School, Much sympathy is felt for Mr and Mrs Gully and family.’
As a young man, George was a useful cricket and tennis player. He was handy with the bat and frequently amongst the top scorers, as were his brothers, playing for Tickera.
George’s 60-year-old mother, Sarah Ann died on the 24th January ’39 and was buried in the Kadina Cemetery. The following year, aged 32, George enlisted at Wallaroo on the 18th June before travelling to Adelaide to be formally enlisted on the 29th June ’40. He was assigned the number SX7264, then allocated to the 2/48th Battalion. A friend from Kadina, Thomas Bell, enlisted at a similar time in July as SX8265 with the two delighted at being in the same battalion. Their early days were spent in the cold of the Pavilions, now part of the Royal Adelaide Showgrounds, before the new enlistees headed to Woodside for their preliminary training.
Pre-embarkation leave was spent back home where a farewell was organised on the 21st October, when a huge gathering of locals filled the Kadina Town Hall to wish good luck and Godspeed to their seven young enlistees. Of these, five were allocated to the 2/48th Battalion and besides George, were Clarrie Stewart SX7508, Tom Bell SX8265, Len Loveridge SX7743, and Louis Samuel SX7367. The others were to survive and return home at the conclusion of the war.
Organised by the Kadina District Council, The Kadina and Wallaroo Times reported that the meeting opened with the National Anthem before the chairman, Cr Pedler gave an emotive speech outlining that the Community was seeking “to do honor to the men who were going to serve their King, the Empire and their Country in this hour of stress and trial. The men were shouldering a great responsibility, and we could not do too much for them. He was delighted with the fine attendance, which thus showed its appreciation of the noble decision made by the young men, who were in every way worthy of all commendation.” Mayor Measday spoke in a similar vein saying that “he regretted conscription had been introduced in England, for the men would have offered themselves without it. And this is what our boys had done and were doing. On behalf of the town, and in all sincerity, I say that we are proud of you, we thank you, and when you come back again we will welcome you even more heartily and do whatever we possibly can for you, and all that is in our power; I wish you all Godspeed and a safe return."
Other speeches followed before the Fighting Forces Comforts Fund presented each man with the customary parcel of comforts. Each soldier responded briefly and in characteristic style. “It was one thing to join up, and another, and harder thing to say goodbye to good friends, said one of them, while another, with a touch of humour, said they were like the man with the wheelbarrow, with their job in front of them." Parents or their representatives then spoke before the final singing of Auld Langsyne and personal farewells to each of the seven men.
Following pre-embarkation leave, the 2/48th contingent embarked on the Stratheden for the Middle East, on the 7th November 1940, arriving on the 19th December 1940. Their 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. They were to become the famed Rats of Tobruk.

Less than a year after enlisting, aged 32, George died of wounds in Egypt on the 2nd May ’41. His fellow soldier, Private Walter Mitchell, SX7316 also died of wounds the same day. John Glenn in his book, ‘Tobruk to Tarakan’ described conditions at Dimra at that time: “At 3:50 am on 1st May the men of the 2/48th stood-to to await the outcome of the battle which had raged all through the night. In thick mist, darkness, and bitter cold they snatched a quick breakfast of bully beef and hard biscuits.”
The remainder of that day was chaotic, information scant, the men weary and under heavy fire and a sandstorm raged. The 2/48th Battalion suffered huge casualties. The next morning there was a terrific dust storm but a foot patrol set out to find their soldiers who had not returned. For a few of those missing men it was some time before their fate was confirmed.’
Mark Johnson in his recent book, ‘Derrick In His Own Words’ explained that ‘On 1 May the 2/48th suffered 51 casualties, including 16 killed. These included Herbert Neumann SX8014 from Aldgate, Robert Carey SX7943 from Portland, John Christerson SX7791 from Yorketown, John Marshall SX7759 from Hawthorn, William Gates SX6867 from Brompton and Allan Glanville Porter SX7315 all from the 2/48th Battalion. A tragic day. Johnston also quotes from Derrick’s diary written on the 5th May “Took some waking this morning, had a look see at new position, & its not the best. Jerry very close now. Two of our boys Gulley and Mitchell died from injuries received on 1st May.” George’s death was 23 years after Robert’s in France.



George’s (and Mervyn John Westlake SX6023) were buried next to each other in the Tobruk War Cemetery on the 2nd identified by their identity discs. George in grave number 268.
Accurate news took time to reach Australia. In May, the Chronicle published the names of the men killed in action including from the 2/48th Battalion Pte. Robert J. Easton. SX7585, Unley; Pte. K. A. Gleeson, SX6764, Med., Penola. Died of Wounds.2/48th Battalion: Pte. G. R. Gully, SX7264, Kadina and Pte. David H. W Howard, SX6228, Bowden (previously reported killed in action). More detail was included in the Kadina and Wallaroo Times. ‘First Kadina Casualty.—News has been received by the relatives that Pvte. George Richard Gully, of the 2nd A.I.F., who was living with a sister in Norwood at the time he enlisted, had died of wounds on May 2. Pvte. Gully, a son of Mr Jas, Gully and the late Mrs S. Gully, was born at Tickera 33 years ago, but subsequently the family came to Kadina, where the late soldier was well known in cricket and tennis circles. Mrs Len Phillips, of Waring street, Kadina, is a sister. Robert Gully, a brother, was killed in the last war while serving with the 32nd Battalion. Pathos is given the sad event, in that Mrs F. Bartlett, of Wallaroo Mines, quite recently received a letter of thanks from Pvt. Gully for a pair of socks made by that lady and giving details of a trip to the holy places in Jerusalem. The relatives are assured of the sympathy of all Kadina residents.’
George now rests in the Tobruk Cemetery in Libya In Plot 5 Row B Grave 4. He lies with 23-year-old Private Mervyn Westlake SX6023 and 30-year-old Captain Harrold Woods SX10311 from the 2/48th Battalion and others from the 2/12th 2/14th 2/15th 2/17th 2/23rd Australian Medical Corp and Australian Tank Company. For his headstone, George’s family chose the inscription ‘He Gave His Life For His friends; Greater Love Has No Man’.
Four months after George’s death, his younger brother, 19-year-old Mervyn Clyde enlisted in September as 47057 in the RAAF, rising to become a Corporal. He was eventually discharged in December ’45.
A year after George’s death, his father, James died on May 14th ’42 and was buried in Kadina with Sarah. An obituary appeared in the Kadina and Wallaroo Times. ‘Mr James Gully, whose sudden death occurred at his daughter's residence, 34 Waring Street, Kadina, on May 13, came as a shock to those many friends who knew him as "Jim." He attended the local pictures in the evening apparently quite well, had supper, and collapsed at 11.35 p.m. He was born at the Burra 64 years ago, went to Broken Hill and worked in the mines, at which town he married Miss Sarah Thurston (who predeceased him three years ago). Eventually the couple made their way to Tickera, where they resided for 40 years. His main livelihood was as a fisherman until about 2J years ago, when owing to ill-health, he had to forego his calling, and lived with his daughter until his untimely end. He leaves five sons: Gill, Claude, Stan, Archie and Mervyn (R.A.A.F.). Two sons, Bob (in the last war) and George (at Tobruk), made the supreme sacrifice. There are four daughters: Evelyn, Lucy, Miriam and Maisie.’
Tom Bell, a local who enlisted at a similar time to George and served alongside him, continued to remember his fellow 2/48th mate, as did George’s family.
Kadina and Wallaroo Times Saturday 17 May 1941, GULLY.—On May 2, 1941, Private George Richard Gully (died result of wounds while serving with the 2nd. A.I.F. abroad), loving son of James and the late Sarah Gully (late of Tickera), and beloved brother of Evelyn (Mrs Len Phillips), 28 Waring Street, Kadina. Some time we will understand. Advertiser Tuesday 13 May 1941, GULLY.—Died of wounds abroad on the 2nd of May, George Richard, beloved son of James and the late Sarah Gully, of Tickera, and the loving brother of Gilbert, Lucy, Evelyn, Miriam, Claude, Stan, Maisie, Archie and Merv. aged 33 years. How can we forget?
Kadina and Wallaroo Times Friday 8 May 1942, GULLY—In loving memory of my dear brother, George, died of wounds at Tobruk; 2nd May, 1941. One sad year has passed Since that great sorrow fell, You left some aching hearts, That loved you most sincere. Sadly missed by his loving sister, Evelyn, nephew, Stan. GULLY—In sad but loving memory of my dear son and uncle, who died of wounds at Tobruk, May 2nd, 1941. A thought today, a memory forever. Ever remembered by dad, niece, Mavis Phillips.
Advertiser Saturday 2 May 1942, GULLY.—In sad but loving memory of Pte. G. R. Gully, who died of wounds on May 2 1941. Although your grave is far away In our memories you are always near. Inserted by his brother Claude, sister-in-law Laurel, and niece Joan. GULLY.—In the loving memory of my beloved brother George, who died of wounds on May 2. 1941. at Tobruk. A thought for today, a memory forever. —Ever remembered by his loving sister. Mirry. GULLY.—In loving memory of Pte. George R Gully. SX7264. 2/48th Battalion, died of wounds at Tobruk May 2. 1941 One year has passed since that sad day. When the one I loved was called away. The end was sudden, the shock severe: We little knew the end was near. Loved in life, honored In death. A beautiful memory is all I have left. Always remembered by Thelma. GULLY.—In loving memory of Pte. George R Gully, who was killed at Tobruk. on May 2. 1941. What would we give to clasp your hand. Your dear face to see; And be together once again. Just as we used to be. —Inserted by his loving sister, Lucy, brother. Arch, sister-in-law. Joyce, and niece Judith.
Advertiser Tuesday 4 May 1943, GULLY.—In loving memory of George, died of wounds. May 2, 1941. A thought for today, a memory for ever.—lnserted by brother Archie, Joyce and Judith. GULLY. —In loving memory of my dear brother. George, who died of wounds at Tobruk. May 2, 1941.—Inserted by his loving sister Miriam. GULLY.—In loving memory of George, died of wounds. May 2 1941.—Inserted by Claude. Laurel and Joan. Kadina and Wallaroo Times Friday 7 May 1943, GULLY, Pvte. G. R, SX7264.—In loving memory of our dear uncle George, died of wounds at Tobruk, May 2nd, 1941. The midnight stars are shining, On dear George's grave, Where sleeping without dreaming, Is the one they couldn't save. Ever remembered by his niece, Mavis Phillips, and brother Merv.
Advertiser Tuesday 2 May 1944, GULLY.—In remembrance of my friend, George, who died of wounds at Tobruk, May 2, 1941.—Inserted by Tom Bell. GULLY.—In loving memory of George, died of wounds. May 2, 1941. God has you in His care, we have you in our hearts for ever.—lnserted by loving brother Arch, sister-in-law Joyce, and niece Judith.
Advertiser Wednesday 2 May 1945, GULLY.—In loving memory of my dear brother George, who died of wounds at Tobruk. May 2. 1941. Ever in my memory. —Inserted by his sister Miriam. GULLY,—In memory of George, who died of wounds at Tobruk. four years ago today.—Tom. Bell.

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