Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Born the second son to James and Charlotte May Jury on 30th June 1916 in the western suburb of Torrensville, Gordon grew up in that area. He had five siblings Sylvia Avis, Elvie May, Myrtle, Vera and William Murray. Having attended Thebarton School which encouraged students to take up trades, post school Gordon gained employment at General Motors Holden
Older brother William was the first to enlist in May ’40, aged 26, becoming SX4173 in the 2/7th Field regiment. On his 24th birthday, Gordon enlisted on the 29th June 1940 as SX7200 and was allocated to the 2/48th Battalion. His early days were spent not far from home, in the cold of the Pavilions, now part of the Royal Adelaide Showgrounds, before Gordon and other new enlistees headed to Woodside for their preliminary training.
Following pre-embarkation leave Gordon and his fellow 2/48th Battalion, boarded the Stratheden for the Middle East on the 7th November 1940 and disembarked on the 17th December. En route, the ship briefly called in to Freemantle in Western Australia. There Gordon chose to have one last, but unofficial celebration on Australian soil, which earned him an admonishment but fortunately no financial penalty for being AWOL for an hour.
Once in the Middle East, 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. He was to become one of the highly regarded Rats of Tobruk.
The following year in July ’42 the now highly respected 2/48th were sent to El Alamein, in Egypt. 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. It was during this attack that fellow soldier, Private Stan Gurney was awarded the 2/48th Battalion’s first VC having captured two machine gun posts and bayonetted the gun crew firing on his company but was killed attempting to take a third. 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. It was during the bitter fighting at Tel el Eisa on 22 July ‘42 26-year-old Private Gordon Jury was killed in action. He had just celebrated his 26th birthday and it was just over two years since he enlisted.
In his book, ‘Tobruk to Tarakan’, John G. Glenn described the ferocious encounter in which Gordon was killed in action, two years after he enlisted. He was 26 years old.
‘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.’
Glenn later quotes 22-year-old Ray Bloffwitch SX7866 of D Company who was in the thick of the fighting:
“The noise was terrific: German machine guns were spreading the fire right across our front. The continuous call for stretcher bearers told of our casualties. My section had just cleaned out a pocket when I saw another section cut down. Wally Shane fell and did not move. Then a little further forward, Sergeant Lin Evans was hit twice.” Gordon was also killed with these fellow soldiers who were all initially buried nearby.
The Chronicle published a list of those killed in action in August ’42. In this list, all fifteen were from his 2/48th Battalion. Killed In Action SX8230 Pte Ronald A P Clemens. 2/48th Eden. SX5304 Pte Eric W Coleman 2/48th Thebarton SX7483 Pte Ivan C Hanel, 2/48th Norwood. SX13560 Pte Herbert J Hill Inf Stirling West SX7200 Pte Gordon J Jury 2/48th Torrensville. SX13621 Pte Ebenezer N Kilsby 2/48th. New Hindmarsh SX7399 L/Cpl Ray B Lovelock 2/48th Karoonda SX9316 Pte. Arthur L Phillips 2/48th Murray BridgeSX829P SX829P Pte Carle Sims 2/48th Norwood. SX12849 Pte Hartley R Stocker. 2/48th Birdwood SX7801 Pte. Edward S. Smith. 2/48th York. SX7740 Pte John K Stone. 2/48th Willowie. 3X7156 Pte Wilfred R. Wear. 2/48th Birkenhead. SX8636 Pte Victor L J. Young. 2/48th Adelaide Died Of Wounds SX8670 L/Cpl William J. Glennon 2/48th Alberton.
Back home the Advertiser carried the news in August that ‘Mr. and Mrs. James Jury, of Jervois street. Torrensville have been notified that their younger son. Pte. Gordon James Jury aged 26, was killed in action in Egypt on July 22. Pte. Jury enlisted in June, J940. and sailed for overseas in November of that year. He served eight months in Tobruk. Before enlisting he was an employee of General Motors-Holdens.’ Soon after, the family placed a ‘Thank you’ notice in the Advertiser, acknowledging the ‘flowers, telegrams, cards, and personal expressions of sympathy In the recent sad loss of their dear son and brother. Private Gordon Jury, who was killed In action In Egypt.’
Still reeling from this loss, just two months later James and Charlotte were informed of the death of their first-born son, 29-year-old William. They had lost both young sons. ‘Mr. and Mrs. J. Jury, of Jervois street. Torrensville have been notified that their eldest son Gnr William Murray Jury 29 died of wounds in Egypt on September 12. Pte. Jury enlisted in January 1940 and sailed for overseas in November of the same year. Before enlisting he was employed at Osborn's Nursery. Richmond. His only brother. Gordon. was killed in action on July 32. also in Egypt.’ William was buried in the Alexandria Hadra War Cemetery in Egypt in Plot 3 Row G Grave 9.
The war had a final blow to the extended family. Gordon’s young cousin, Private Robert George Seymour, SX31696 with the 2/28th Battalion, died of wounds sustained in the fighting at Brunei Bay on the 6th July ’45. Gordon’s parents placed a tribute in the Advertiser ‘Seymour Pte R. George. - Died of wounds, July 6, aged 21, loved cousin and nephew of H. D. and L. Lock, J. and H. Jury, Hectorville. We will remember.’
On the 2nd April ’43, Gordon was re-buried in the El Alamein War Cemetery in Egypt in Plot XVI, Row B Grave 10. He rests with others from his 2/48th Battalion who died on the same day. These included SX7354 33-year-old Private Herbert C.P. Jones, WX10297 32-year-old Private Clarence L. Liebelt, SX6297 22-year-old Private Donald S. Ridley, SX823623 year old Private Gerald J. Hayes, SX8881 22-year-old Private James Mc A Sutherland, SX7399 30-year-old Corporal Ray B. Lovelock, SX7166 27-year-old Private Arthur R Davis and SX8315 27-year-old Private Robert O Sunman. Gordon’s parents chose the inscription ‘Greater Love Hath No Man Than This’ for his headstone.
Gordon’s father, James died on the 1st July ‘46 soon after peace was declared. He was 71 years old and was buried at the West Terrace Cemetery, where Charlotte, who lived to be 84, was also buried after her death in September ’60.
By 1957 the medals Gordon had earned, the 1939/45 Star, Africa Star, Defence Medal, War Medal, and Australia Service Medal were posted to his family.
A measure of the fine young soldier Gordon was, the closeness of those in the 2/48th Battalion and the devastation of the losses incurred in January ’42 is reflected in the tributes from fellow soldiers who survived. They included SX7261 Wally Everett, SX7003 George Hunt, SX7263 Bill (Curly) Foster, SX7257 Corporal Stanley Smith, SX7276 Corporal Stephen Lister and SX8132 Private Cyril Fleet. Childhood friends who were also serving and paid tribute to Gordon included SX7022 Reginald Poynter from the 2/23rd and SX15817 Gordon Black.
Gordon’s family continued to remember their son and brother and others their good friend.
August 1942, JURY.—Killed in action on July 22, Private Gordon, loved friend and pal of Mr. and Mrs. Carroll and Dot. JURY.—On July 22, killed in action in Egypt, Gordon James, dearly loved friend of Eileen and Gordon Black (A.I.F.), Today, and every day, in silence we remember. JURY.—On July 22, Private Gordon James Jury, killed in action in Egypt, dearly loved youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. James Jury, of Torrensville, and beloved brother of Avis, Elvy, Myrtle, Vera, and Murray (A.I.F. abroad), aged 26 years. Too dearly loved to be forgotten. JURY.—A tribute to Private Gordon Jury, killed in action on July 22. Too far away your grave to see. But not too far to think of you. —Always remembered by George Hunt (2nd A.I.F., abroad), and Jean and Vera. JURY.—Killed in action on July 22, Private Gordon, loved friend and pal of Mr. and Mrs. Carroll and Dot. WEAR—JORY. —A tribute to Privates Soy Wear and Gordon Jury, killed In action in Egypt, on July 22. Greater love hath no man.—inserted by Reg (AIF, abroad), and Joan Poynter. JURY.—On July 22, killed in action In Egypt. Gordon James, dearly loved friend of Eileen and Gordon Black (A.I.F.). Today, and every day, in silence we remember. JURY. Pte. Gordon.—Killed in action on July 22, loved friend and boyhood pal of Charles Carroll, of Sydney. In silence I'll remember.
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.—Al ways remembered by Curly Foster. JURY. —In loving memory of our dear brother. Gordon, killed in action at El Alamein. July 22. 1942. His life a beautiful memory, his absence a silent sorrow. —Sadly missed by his loving sister and brother-in-law. Vera and Ken. JURY.—In loving memory or our dear brother Gordon, killed in action at El Alamein. July 22 1942. Time rolls on but memory stays as near and dear as yesterday-—inserted by his loving sister and brother-in-law. Myrtle and Clem. JURY.—In loving memory of our dear brother, Gordon, killed in action. El Alamein. July 22 1942. Not just today, but every day in silence we remember. —Inserted by his loving sister and brother in-law. Avis and Len. Whyalla. JURY.—ln loving memory or our dear brother Gordon, killed El Alamein July 22 1942. Evening stars are shining on a grave so far away, where they laid our dear brother just two years ago today.— Inserted by Elvy, Derrick and family. JURY. —In loving memory of our dear son Gordon, killed in action at El Alamein July 22 1942. Loved in life, treasured in death, beautiful memories are all we have left.—inserted by his loving mother and father. JURY. —In memory of mv pal, Gordon, killed in action. El Alamein July 22 1942. Thoughts return to days gone past, life goes on but memories last.— Inserted by Laurie. JURY. SX7200 Pte. G. J.—ln memory of my best mate Gordon, killed in action July 22. 1942. Not just today, but even day in silence I remember you.—inserted by SX7257 Cpl. S. J. B. Smith. A.I.F. JURY.—A tribute to the memory of Gordon, killed in action July 22 1942: also Murray, died of wounds. September 12. 1942. Among Australia's honored brave, their duty nobly done.—inserted by Mr. and Mrs. B. Smith. In memory of Lt. Heffron, Gordon Jury, Herbie Jones. Arthur Davis. Bob Zunman, Ted Smith. B Coy. 2/48th Batt., who made the supreme sacrifice El Alamein July 22. 1942.—Always remembered by their pal Wally Everett. A.I.F, ret. A proud tribute to comrades B Coy., 2/48th Btn . fell in action July 22. 1942. I Their memory will never fade. Remembered by Cpl. Steve Lister. B coy., 2/48th Batt. A tribute of remembrance to G. Jury. T. Elliot, R. Sunman. and Lieut. L. Hefferon and the boys of 11 PI, 2/48t Bn.. killed in action. July 22, 1942. —Inserted by your mate. Bob Smith. A.I.F. In memory of Lt. Heffron, Gordon Jury, Herbie Jones. Arthur Davis, Bob Zunman, Ted Smith. B Coy. 2/48th Batt., who made the supreme sacrifice El Alamein, July 22. 1942.—Always remembered by their pal Wally Everett, A.I.F., ret. In memory of the men of D Coy. 2/48th Batt. killed. El Alamein. July 22. 1942. —C. H. Fleet (A.1.F., ret. On this day we pay a tribute to the memory of the officers N.C.O.'s. and men who fell on July 22 at El Alamein.—inserted by the 2/48th Batt. R.S. Social club. 2/48th BATTALION—A tribute to my pals, who fell in Egypt, July, October 1942.—Blue, ex B. Coy.
Advertiser Monday 22 July 1946, JURY.—In loving memory of my dear son Gordon, killed in action. El Alamein. on July 22. 1942. The silent grief that's in the soul no human eye can trace, but many an aching heart will hid behind a smiling face.—Inserted by his loving mother. JURY—In loving memory of my dear brother Gordon, who was killed in action at El Alamein. July 22. 1942. We think of you in silence, we often speak your name, but all we have in answer is your photo in its frame.—Inserted by his loving sister and brother-in-law. Avis and Len Kalleske. Whyalla. JURY.—In loving memory of my dear brother Gordon, killed in action July 22 1942. at El Alamein. There's a path called remembrance, where thoughts and wishes meet, we travel down the path today to a brother we cannot meet.— Inserted by his loving sister and brother-in-law. Vera and Ken. JURY.—In memory of my pal Gordon, killed in action at El Alamein. July 22, 1942.—Ever remembered by Laurie. JURY.—In loved memory of my dear brother Gordon killed in action El Alamein. July 22. 1942. Many a lonely heartache often a silent tear, but always a beautiful memory of a brother we loved so dear.—Ever remembered by sister Myrtle and brother-in-law Clem. JURY.—In loving memory of our dear brother Gordon, killed in action. El Alamein. July 22. 1942. Years move on but memories stay as near and dear as yesterday. —Always remembered by sister Elvy and brother-in-law Derrick and family.
Advertiser Tuesday 22 July 1947, JURY.—In loving memory of our dear brother Gordon, killed in action, El Alamein, July 22, 1942. You left behind some aching hearts that loved you most sincere. We never have, and never will, forget you brother dear. —Inserted by his loving sisters, Avis, Elvy, Myrtle and Vera, and brothers-in-law. JURY.—In loving memory of my dear son Gordon, killed in action, El Alamein, July 22, 1942. A beautiful memory is all I have left —Always remembered by his loving mother. JURY.—In memory of my pal Gordon, who was killed in action at El Alamein on July 22. 1942.—Ever remembered by Lawrie.
Advertiser Thursday 22 July 1948, JURY. —In loving memory of my dear son Gordon, killed In action. July 22 1942. at El Alamein. Your memory is my dearest keepsake. — Always remembered by his loving mother JURY.— In loving memory of our dear brother Gordon. killed In action July 22, 1942, at El Alamein. Passing years can never change our thoughts of one so dear.—Always remembered by his loving sisters Avis. Elvy, Myrtle and Vera.
Advertiser Friday 22 July 1949, JURY.—In loving memory of my dear son Gordon, killed In action July 72. 1942. at El Alamein. In a soldier's grave In a foreign land, Lies a smiling lace that did not come home When they sounded the last all clear. —Ever remembered by his loving mother. JURY.—In loving memory of our dear brother Gordon, killed in action July 22 1942 at El Alamein. He lives with us in memory still, Not Just today, but always will. —Always remembered by his loving sisters and brothers-in-law.
Researched and written by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133, 2/48th Battalion.