Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

David Hugh Hanna, born in Gawler on the 8th December 1901, was generally known as Hugh. He became a very successful tailor, entering the trade in his teen years. He married Ida Kathleen and initially worked in Eudunda where their first son was born.
However, by ’34 the family moved to Angaston, with Hugh taking over from the previous tailor who had served in the town since the turn of the century. Hugh’s 16 years’ experience in the industry, was the focus of an interview Hugh gave and was published in the local Leader newspaper of May ’34. Hugh very comprehensively summarised the latest fashion in the modern man’s suit. His insights included that welted coat pockets had replaced the flap style and he announced the demise of double-breaster suits plus the single-breasted waistcoat which was now buttoned up higher. Hugh also gave advice on trouser length and stylish overcoats, advertising his business as being ‘The Up-to-Date Tailor’. By ’39 Hugh had expanded his business, buying a Dry-Cleaning Plant as an adjunct to his tailoring business. Hugh and Ida’s next two sons were all born in the district over the ensuing years.
Hugh quickly became a regular player in the local Angaston Bowls Club, playing against surrounding towns. However, with the outbreak of WWII, a huge drive was conducted, especially in country areas, to attract enlistees. Aged 38, Hugh enlisted on the 29th June 1940. His initial application was to serve in the tailoring section of the forces, but his age was cause for him to be rejected in that field. Undeterred he undertook a final physical examination and was allocated the number SX7164 in the regular army and the newly formed 2/48th Battalion.
With so many young men enlisting, the Angaston War Service Social Committee attempted to farewell each person. Some were hurriedly arranged as results of fitness tests came through, but other young men had already departed before a farewell could be arranged. Hugh was one such enlistee, but the Committee sent their farewell gifts of a gold pencil, parcel of comforts and expression of goodwill to be forwarded to the enlistees.
Following pre-embarkation leave, Hugh sailed on the Stratheden on the 7th November, arriving in the Middle East on the 17th December. The following month he was promoted to Acting Corporal but by April had reverted to the rank of Private. While he attracted one fine for being outside the Army’s limit, he was also assessed as being fit for duties other than active service with field formations. During this time, he was involved in the extremely challenging Siege of Tobruk. He was to become one of the highly regarded and respected Rats of Tobruk. Originally designed as a derogatory term to encourage the soldiers to surrender, instead it became a badge of honour, worn with pride by the men involved. Not unexpectedly, the contrast between civilian work and army demands was significant for his age group.
Hugh was soon attached to the Depot Battalion, then Officers’ Shop before returning to Australia in April ’42 where he was awarded almost a month’s leave before being discharged on the 6th July that year.
By the end of December ’44, Hugh was employed as the Manager of Whyalla Ladies' Costumiers and Gent's Tailors in Patterson Street. He continued to offer superior clothing, advertising A perfect fit, and high quality workmanship for both men and women. Advertisements for his tailoring skills appeared each week in the local Whyalla News over the ensuing years.
Just prior to his 91st birthday, Hugh died on the 25th August ’92.
Researched and written by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133, 2/48th Battalion.