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Australia

Laurence was born on the 14th August 1915 in the eastern suburb of Payneham to Lilian Catherine and Algernon Sydney Smith. Soon after his birth, 37-year-old Algernon, died in the Kapunda Hospital within eight months of Laurence’s birth in March the following year. Besides Laurence, he left four other children, the oldest being eight-year-old Charles, and three daughters Barbara Lilian, Emily and Ruth Ethel. The Advertiser in April 1916 reported that ‘Mr Algernon Smith, of Payneham, whose death was reported recently, was formerly a resident of Parkside. He was in the employ of Messrs. D. & J. Fowler for 16 years, and lately had been with Messrs. Henry Berry & Co. He left a widow and five young children.’
Lilian moved to the Riverland where Laurence’s name frequently appeared in the Renmark School notes published in the Murray Pioneer and Australian River Record as having distinguished himself in each grade. He also was a handy football player, having been chosen to represent his school in a match against Mildura in ’34.
Post school he had been working as a farm labourer in the Karoonda area, which had become an important railway town in a strong sheep and wheat area of South Australia in what was known as the mallee district of the Murray. Lilian had remarried to George Brinkworth of Goolwa but was divorced in June ‘42, initially moving to Rose Park, then Blackwood.
In the meantime, Laurence was one of the early young men to respond to the call to enlist to serve in WWII just prior to his 25th birthday on the 29th June 1940. He was unfortunate to have a period of hospitalisation before his pre-embarkation leave. As a recruit, his 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. Laurence embarked on the Stratheden for the Middle East, on the 7th November 1940, arriving on the 19th December 1940. By this time, he had officially joined the newly formed 2/48th Battalion. Unfortunately, he contracted a bout of influenza causing him to have time in the ship’s hospital, then the New Zealand medical area. Several bouts of ill health followed including an inner ear infection, dysentery, enteritis and an infected ingrown toenail. Conditions were exceptionally harsh for one used to being in the country, as Laurence found when he first failed to attend parade and later wandering outside a designated area when on leave. The financial penalty was severe. He was, though, to become one of the highly respected Rats of Tobruk and part of the legendary 2/48th Battalion.
Laurence had just re-joined his Battalion at the beginning of September ’42 but less than two months later, aged 27 Lawrence was involved in fierce fighting in the Western Desert. Definitive news slowly drifted back about that horrific battle where the 2/48th lost 199 men killed or wounded of their 292 involved in that night’s conflict – over 68 percent of their men. John Glenn in his book, ‘Tobruk to Tarakan’ describes the conditions: ‘Battalion headquarters, continuing to move forward, passed through the gap between B and C Companies, only to find themselves four hundred yards in advance of the leading companies and meeting heavy enemy resistance close to the final objective. Casualties were mounting among the headquarter personnel.’ He continued:
‘Battalion headquarters was out of communication with D Company, the reason which was not then known, being that all members of D Company headquarters had been either killed or wounded. In fact, 16 of their men had been killed on the objective, leaving a company of six to carry on. Just as the company was nearing its objective, the men had approached two mounds with a saddle in between. Fifty yards from these they were met by a murderous fire from the mounds. D Company immediately went to ground, but the Germans swept the area where they lay in the open. The remnants of the Company were being cut to pieces.”
The Official-War Correspondent, Kenneth Slessor in a lengthy newspaper article published in March ’43 described the conditions at the time, including how Private Percy Gratwick and Sergeant Bill Kibby won individual Victoria Crosses for their exceptional bravery.
‘Then came the night of October 30/31, "Our job was to cut west across Thompson's Post take the railway, straddle the coast road and then work back cleaning up enemy pockets and strong posts," said Martin. "We straddled the road all right and then started to work back east. D Company cleaning up between the road and the sea. It was easy at first, but then we ran into real opposition. We saw a couple of lights shoot up from a ridge—actually there were two humps, one on the left and one on the right, with a saddle between. We got within 50 yards and then they opened fire-and how!
"Three Spandau's started shooting from the hump on the left and two more and a couple of three inch mortars from the right. At first it came waist-high, but when we went down like wet sacks they, sent the stuff skimming just over the top of the ground. We got most of our casualties there… We were all over the show and badly cut up. Unless we could be got together to wipe those Jerries off the ridge they were certain to wipe us out. That's when Kibby got going, yelling orders and reorganising, and, in no time we were ready for a crack at that ridge. We split into two sections. There were a few from Company Headquarters with us and they were in section with myself and Len Steike, detailed to clean up the Jerries on the left. Kibby was with the others. Well, we cleaned up the Jerries on the left, but that didn't help. Kibby's section had been driven to earth scarcely 20 yards in front of a Spandau which was ripping them to pieces. We seemed to be in a worse position than before, being nearer and more exposed. Kibby saved the bunch of us. We saw him run forward with a grenade in his hand and throw it. Then he disappeared, but after that grenade exploded there wasn't any more firing from that quarter. We stayed quiet for a while, and then looked at the shambles around us There were dead and wounded everywhere. On the way east we had captured a German Regimental Aid Post and we set about getting our wounded back there. We collected a couple of Jerry prisoners, found an iron bedstead, put Norman, Learney aboard and told them to carry him. We were dogtired by daylight when we retired a couple of hundred, yards and dug in. It wasn't until two days, later that we had an opportunity to go out and look for our dead. When we got to the place they had disappeared. We guessed that Jerry had dropped them in a shallow trench and covered them over, so we started searching below every freshly turned patch of sand. We spent ten days searching before we found them. They were all lying together in one grave. We took them out and did the job properly, burying them in a row —Bill Kibby, Peter Robbins, Rod Ide, Doug Whyte, Chuck Fowler, with Eric Montgomerie just behind. We couldn't say much, but I guess we all knew, every man of us, that if it hadn't been for Bill Kibby we might have been lying there with them."
Back home the Chronicle of December ’42 listed two of the men killed in action. They were 28-year-old SX10464 Pte. William D. C. Cockshell. 2/48th from Jabuk and SX7252 Pte. l-. A. Smith, 2/48th Karoonda. The Advertiser in November also carried a brief summary that: ‘Mrs L. Brinkworth of Kensington Road, Rose Park has been notified that her son, Pte L.A. Smith was killed in action in the Middle East on October 31st. He enlisted in Karoonda and previously farmed at Yurgo. He served in Tobruk and Syria.’ So many died with Laurence including Jack Minocks, Murray Nicholson, Ted Cosgrove, Harry Searle, Gordon Bowden, Eric Lipson, Bill Quinn, Clem Schulz, Edward Middleborough. The cream of Australia’s young men.
Initially Laurence and others killed at a similar time, were buried in the field before later being
reburied in the El Alamein War Cemetery on 13th April ‘43 in Plot 16 Row D Grave 10. His mother chose the inscription ‘Greater love hath no man than this’ for his headstone. Others from the 2/48th Battalion rest near him. Alongside is 30-year-old L/Cpl Phillip Pearce SX7239 and others from the 2/13th and 2/24th from the AIF all of whom were killed in the ferocious fighting over October 1942.
By January ’43 Lilian had married Edward Cyril Tilly, eventually moving to Blackwood in the Adelaide Hills. She, Laurence’s siblings and friends continued to remember Laurence each year. With the death of Lilian in 1964, his sister Emily Mickan responded to an appeal in the News of ’64 highlighting that a number of war medals earned during the war remained uncollected and encouraging relatives or descendants to apply for these, which she duly did. The order of entitlement meant that these were to go to Charles as the oldest sibling. Consequently the 1939 Star, African Star with 8th Army clasp, Defence Medal, War Medal and Australian service Medal were finally with Laurence’s family that year.
Laurence is remembered on his parents’ grave stone, where Lilian was laid to rest with his father.
Advertiser Saturday 21 November 1942, SMITH. —In loving memory Laurence A. (Bill), dearly loved brother of Em and Mick, uncle of Laurie and Val Mickan, Pyap. He died that we might live. SMITH. —In loving memory of Laurence A. (Bill). loved brother of Ruth and Gordon Mugford, uncle of Gordon, Clark, and Garth, killed in action, Middle East. October 31. He gave all he had, his life. SMITH. Laurie A-—In fond and loving memory of Bill, killed in action. Middle East. Oct. 31 1942, dearly loved brother of Charles (A.I.F.) and Daphne, and uncle of Bruce and Junette. He gave his all. SMITH, Laurence A.—ln loving memory of Bill, killed in action. Middle East. Oct. 31. Dearly loved brother of Barbara and John Delean and loving uncle of Enid, Averil, and Iola. Greater love hath no man than this. SMITH. —In loving memory of our loved one, Laurie A. (Bill), younger son of Lily Brinkworth (late Kulkami) and the late A. Smith, killed in action. Middle East. Oct. 31. aged 27 years. He gave his all.
Advertiser Saturday 30 October 1943, SMITH IN sad but proud and loving memory of my son, Laurie (Bill) killed in action at El Alamein, Oct 31 1942. He lies beneath a little wooden cross besides his comrades. His sorrowing mother. SMITH - In loving memory of Bill, killed in action El Alamein Oct 31 1942. To be with us in the same old way would be our greatest wish today. Charles, Daphne, children. SMITH- In memory of Laurie killed at El Alamein Oct 31 1942 Comrades laid him down to rest, one of God’s brightest and the best. Always remembered by Mr and Mrs Cook, Dorrie, Win, Ron. SMITH L.A. In proud and loving memory of our brother who, with so many of his comrades gave his life at El Alamein Oct 31 1942. Heroes all. Inserted by Ruth and Gordon. SMITH- In fond remembrance of L.A. (Bill) Smith killed in action El Alamein Oct 31 1942. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them. Cpl and Mrs Mackenzie and family, Mitcham. SMITH – In fond remembrance of our dear pal Laurie (Bill) fell at El Alamein Oct 31 1942. Gone? Nay, just waiting on God’s wide shoreline the coming of life’s vessel, yours and mine. Remembered by Arch (AIF Ret) and Muriel.
Advertiser Tuesday 31 October 1944, SMITH. —In ever loving memory of my dear son Laurie (Bill). 2/48th Batt. killed. El Alamein. October 31. 1942. Oh laddie, we will never forget you died for us. —His sorrowing mother, Blackwood. SMITH. —In loving memory of our brother and Uncle Laurie, killed in action at El Alamein on October 31. 1942. He died that we might live. —Barbara, John Delean family, SMITH. —In loving memory of Bill, killed October 31. 1942. at El Alamein. —Sadly missed by his brother Charles, sister-in-law Daphne, and children. SMITH. —In loving memory of our dear brother and Uncle Laurie, killed in action, El Alamein, October 31, 1942. He giveth his beloved sleep. —inserted by Em. Mick and boys. SMITH. L A. A Coy, 2/48th In loving memory of Bill, killed in action. El Alamein. October 31, 1942. —Ever remembered by Ruth, Gordon and family. SMITH. —A proud tribute to our pal Laurie (Bill), who gave his life at El Alamein October 31. 1942. He wore no shining medals, could not sign his name V.C. but he died a dinkum hero, Just to keep Australia free.—Remembered always by Arch (A.IF ret.) and Muriel.
Advertiser Wednesday 31 October 1945, SMITH. Laurie. —ln loving memory of our dear one, killed El Alamein, October 31. 1942. 2/48th Batt. Oh. Laddie, when I look at the picture of you, I think oh. can it be true. you will never, come home? — Mother, Blackwood. SMITH, L. A, SX7252.—In fond memory of our brother Laurie (Bill), who paid the supreme sacrifice at El Alamein on October 31, 1942. Sleep in heavenly peace. —Always remembered by Ruth, Gorton and family. Gawler River. SMITH. —In loving memory of our brother, Laurie (BiII), late 2/48th Bat who was killed in action. October 31. 1942. at El Alamein. —Charles, Daphne, family. SMITH. —In loving memory of our dear brother and Uncle Laurie (Bill). killed at El Alamein, October 31. Buried in a soldier's grave, honored with Australia's brave. Ever remembered. —Barb. John and family. SMITH. —In loving memory of our dear brother and uncle Laurie, killed in action. El Alamein. October 31 1942. Not now. but in the coming year It may be in the better land: We’ll learn the meaning of our tears. And then sometime well understand, —from Em. Mick, and boys. SMITH. —A tribute to our pal Laurie, died El Alamein. Tranquil you lie your knightly virtue proved, your memory hallowed In the land you loved. —Remembered always by Muriel and Arch.
Advertiser Thursday 31 October 1946, SMITH. L. A. 2/48th Bat. In loving memory of our dear brother Bill, killed El Alamein. —Always loved and remembered by Charles, Daphne, family. SMITH. -In ever precious memory of Laurie (Bill), 2/48th, killed at El Alamein. October 31. 1942. You wanted to live, laddie, but you died that we might live Oh. what a sacrifice, may it not have been in vain. Lovingly remembered, mother, Blackwood. SMITH. —A tribute to Laurie (Bill), who died for his country, at El Alamein. — Remembered always by Arch and Muriel. SMITH. L. A. SX7252. —In loving memory of Laurie, killed in action at El Alamein. on October 31. 1942.—Ever remembered by Ruth and Gordon. Gawler River SMITH. —In memory of our brother Laurie, killed In action October 31. 1942 (2/48th). God grant that we may give and just as free as those who gave so freely on the field, and may we cursed be if we neglect the sacred trust their blood has sealed. —Em. Mick, and boys. Pyap.
Advertiser Friday 31 October 1947, SMITH. —In ever precious memory of my loved son Laurie (Bill), 2/48th killed in action, October 31. 1942. Strange we never prize the music till the sweet voiced bird is flown. Mother, Blackwood. SMITH. —In memory of Lawrie, killed in action. El Alamein, October 31. 1942.— Always remembered by Beth and Gordon. SMITH. —In loving memory of Laurie, killed in Alamein. October 31, 1942. Dearest memories are all we have left of our dear uncle Bill whom well never forget. - Sister Barbara and family. SMITH—DELEAN. -In memory of our dear ones. Laurie, killed in action El Alamein, October 31. 1942. also John, brother-in-law of above, died suddenly. November 5. 1946. What happy hours we once enjoyed. How sweet the memory still. —Em, Mick and boys.
Advertiser Saturday 30 October 1948, SMITH In loving memory of Lawrie (Bill) Smith killed El Alamein Oct 31 1942. Always remembered, sister Barbara and family. SMITH Laurie (Bill) In ever precious memory of my dear son 2/48th Killed in action El Alamein Oct 31 1942. How could we forget? Mother Blackwood.
Advertiser Monday 31 October 1949, SMITH. L. A. 2/48th - Killed El Alamein. October 31. 1942. Just another loving tribute to a brave laddie who did not come home. —Mother, Blackwood. SMITH. —In loving memory of Laurie, our brother killed in action. October 31. 1942.—Inserted by Em. Mick and boys. SMITH. —In loving memory of Uncle Bill, killed El Alamein. October 31. 1942.—Ever remembered, sister Barbara and family. SMITH. —In loving memory of Laurie, killed in action El Alamein. October 31. 1942.—Always remembered by Ruth, Gordon and family.
Advertiser Tuesday 31 October 1950, SMITH. — In ever precious memory of Laurie (Bill) killed at El Alamein, October 31, 1942. We, who loved you Laddie, will never forget. —Mother, Blackwood. SMITH. — In loving memory of Uncle Bill killed in action Alamein, October 31, 1942. We will remember. —Sister Barb and family. SMITH. — In loving memory of Laurie, killed in action. El Alamein October 31, 1942. Sheltered by the Rock of Ages, Anchored on the golden shore; In the perfect love of Jesus He rests for evermore. —Lovingly remembered by Ruth and Gordon. SMITH. — In loving memory of Laurie, killed In action, October 31, 1942. 2/48th Inserted by Em, Mich, and boys.
Advertiser Wednesday 31 October 1951, SMITH. — In ever precious memory of Private Laurie (Bill) 2/48th. killed at El Alamein. October 31. 1942. He gave his life that we might live. Oh, what a sacrifice. — Mother. Wayville. SMITH. — In loving memory of uncle Bill, killed El Alamein, October 31. 1942.— Always remembered. Barb and family. SMITH. Laurie. — Killed in action. El Alamein. October 31. 1942 The years roll on but memories stay as near and dear as yesterday. —Lovingly remembered, Ruth and Gordon. SMITH. — In loving memory of our brother and Uncle Laurie. K.I.A. El Alamein. October 31. 1942. Lest we forget. — Inserted by Em, Mick and boys.
Advertiser Friday 31 October 1952, SMITH. — In ever sacred memory of Laurie, killed El Alamein. October 31 1942. We will never forget. — Mother, Wayville. SMITH. — In loving memory of our brother and uncle Laurie, killed in action. Middle-East. October 31. 1042. 2/48th Btn.- Inserted by Em, Mick and boys. SMITH. — In loving memory of uncle Bill, killed El Alamein. October 31. 1942. — Sister Barbara and family.
Advertiser Saturday 31 October 1953, SMITH. L. A.— In loving memory of Laurie, killed in action El Alamein. October 31. 1942. Oh for the sound of a voice that is gone. — Mother, Wayville. SMITH. — Loving memories of Uncle Bill, gave his life El Alamein, October 31. 1942.— Sister Barb and family.

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