Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Born in Brisbane, Queensland on the 16th November, 1919 William an only son, was named after his father, William Snr who worked for the Railways and was based in Darwin.
Nicknamed ‘Willie’ in his early years, William was particularly proud of his father, even dressing as an engine driver for a fancy dress children’s ball in June ‘17th ’27. The following early morning young William was just 6 years old when his train engine driver father left the Darwin Jetty at 2:00am, drawing six trucks. He clearly saw a pyjama clad man walking towards him, but clear of the engine. As William Snr approached, the man appeared to fall across the track. A horrified William reversed the engine, ordering his fireman to apply the brakes, managing to pull up within 5 metres. Horrifically the man was caught underneath the engine. Quick-thinking William sent his shunter to run back to the Jetty to notify both the police and doctor, but there was little that could be done for the hapless man.
The following year, Willie was a participant in the Darwin Convent Grand Bazaar in September. He was announced winner in the clock sample stall and for his hand made tray. Just months later in November Willie was facing the loss of one of his childhood friends whose father also worked in the Loco Department 2 ½ mile. Despite being fit, active and health, young James Fitzgerald appeared to just have a case of fever but instead contracted meningitis and died suddenly. Willie and his parents both sent a wreath for the public funeral.
Willie attended the local Parap School, also called the 2 ½ Mile School where he was an active participant at the end of year break-up, including recitation ‘My Doggie’ followed by singing an appropriately named song called ‘Summer’ Dec ’27. His teacher was highly respected for the high level of success she had achieved with her students.
William Snr continued to work with the railways in Darwin whilst William Jnr worked as a labourer in South Australia. He and Kathleen Shirley Lyons of Prospect announced their engagement in March ’40. Then, as a 20-year-old he enlisted on the 29th June 1940. His early training was at Wayville, now the Adelaide Showgrounds where he contracted an illness, earning himself four days’ sick leave.
Just prior to embarking, on the 19th October William and Kathleen decided to marry, at an evening service in the Rosary Church. It was perhaps predictable or inevitable that Will was absent without leave at the end of October and beginning of November, perhaps wanting to spend more time with his new wife. He was fined three then two day’s pay for a total of five days pay.
William and his fellow 2/48th Battalion boarded 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. Soon after, William was accidentally injured, having to be evacuated to hospital for some months before being able to re-join his 2/48th Battalion.
Less than two years after enlisting William was injured, almost losing his life. In the fierce fighting on 22nd July’42, the 2/48th Battalion was attempting to capture West Point in a dawn attack. In late June, ‘42 with Rommel crossing into Egypt, the 2/48th were in an offensive to capture Trig 33, which was achieved on the 10th July. In doing so, over 400 Italian prisoners were taken. The battalion then advanced south, capturing the Tel el Eisa station and repelling numerous counter attacks. However, they were eventually forced to withdraw, having suffered over 100 casualties. The 2/48th battalion suffered 215 casualties between the 7th July and 23rd October. Of that number, 64 men were killed and six, died of their wounds. 125 other men were wounded but survived. William was one who was severely wounded during that fighting, sustaining a gun shot wound to his head and placed on the dangerously ill list.
Lieutenant Lance Heffron SX11171, highly respected by William, was killed in that action. In his book, ‘Tobruk to Tarakan’, John G. Glenn described the ferocious encounter.
‘When the troops were well forward of the start-line they came under terrific fire from shells and mortars from the front and left and suffered heavy casualties. With the slow deliberate movement of perfectly trained soldiers both companies continued the advance in perfect formation, over ground that trembled and erupted with vicious explosions. Through this, sometimes obscured by the smoke and dust, the men moved, and, as they advanced, the fire kept place with them, leaving behind the still shapes of fallen men among the camel bush and sand.’
John Glenn added that despite the men being surrounded, they planned to fight their way out. ‘for fourteen hours these men had been lying out in terribly exposed positions, pinned down, with the fearful heat adding to their difficulties.’ He added ‘Lieutenant Lance Heffron had been killed in a lone attack.’ Lance was still committed to taking the hill, asking his men to press on until support arrived. When the firing died down Lance gave the word. “We got to our feet and started a slow run towards the enemy. Clarrie Brown was hit and fell, then I copped one. Lieutenant Heffron and Bill Morgan went to ground besides us. Lance asked where we had been hit then calmly said “I’ll go on alone, cover me if you can.” As he went to rise, he was shot through the head. Thus died a splendid soldier.’
Back home, The October 9th ’42 News carried a detailed account. ‘Having helped stem the German and Italian drive into Egypt at El Alamein, South Australian soldiers invalided home today summed up confidence in the Western Desert campaign with: "Jerry's got it coming to him." To many who had withstood daily bombings while garrisoning beleaguered Tobruk, the most heartening change was in the Allies' aerial superiority in Egypt. Long-range planning for the desert fighting was now showing in favorable light, they said. Those who first went to Egypt over a year ago found on departure a mass of equipment and material, improved transport facilities, new buildings, and all preparations proceeding rapidly. TOLD OF ADVANCE "The Huns are good soldiers, but our lads have got a little on them." said Lce.-Cpl. Martin Meredith, of Rosewater Gardens. He told of a 1,000-yard advance by two companies on a German position at El Alamein, during which the Nazis put down a terrific artillery and mortar barrage. Meredith was put out of action early with a bullet through a leg. but he said that the Germans, although numerically stronger, got the shock of their lives to see our boys going through the barrage. This, he said, upset the morale of the Germans and they turned tail. STRUCK IN HEAD Pte. William Foster, of Prospect. reached the objective through the barrage before he was struck in the head by a piece of shrapnel. South Australians had shown great bravery at El Alamein, and received a big share of the awards granted, declared Pte. R. W. Manhood, of Millicent. who was wounded in the right shoulder.’
William continued to be re-assessed and was soon classified as being on the seriously ill list as a result of the injury to his right hemiplegia. Ultimately this type of injury can cause paralysis on the right side of the body plus impairment to cognition and language. Over the ensuing months reports were that William was ‘improving’ to the point where he could be safely evacuated to Australia via Melbourne. He remained paralysed on his right side and was transported to SA, spending December at Kapara Convalescent Home before being evacuated to hospital for further treatment in January ‘43
William was finally discharged in April ’43, being assessed as medically unfit as he had been only at 50 % working capacity for the past 6 months. He was recommended for return to civilian employment and was entitled to be issued with a civilian suit. However, his thoughts frequently returned to those of his Battalion who had not survived that pivotal battle. He and fellow soldiers from the 2/48th continued to remember Lance Heffron and other close friends who lost their lives, Gordon Jury SX7200, Herbie Jones SX7354, Tom Elliott SX7254 and Robert (Tom) Simmond, all killed at the same time.
Advertiser Thursday 22 July 1943 HEFFRON. JURY. ELLIOTT. SIMMOND.—A tribute to the memory of my pals. Lance. Gordon. Tom. Bob, who made supreme sacrifice. El Alamein July 22. 1942.—Always remembered by "Curly" Foster.
Advertiser Saturday 22 July 1944, HEFFRON. JURY, ELLIOTT, SIMMOND.—A tribute to the memory of my pals. Lance, Gordon. Tom. Bob, and the boys of 2/48th Btn. who made supreme sacrifice. El Alamein. July 22. 1942.—Always remembered by Curly Foster.
The arrival of their son, Barry William was a much-anticipated gift in November ’43.
William and Kathleen lived in Seaton until, aged 54, William died on the 2nd May ’74 in hospital. He was buried in the rose garden of the Centennial Park Cemetery at Pasadena in Peace Court with a sandstone memorial in Rose Bed 8 Position 26. In April ’97 79-year-old Kathleen was buried in the plot next to him.
Researched and written by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133, 2/48th Battalion.