Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

 ‘He sacrificed all for those he loved. Someday we’ll understand’

Wilfred (Wilf) was born to Francis Edward Roy and Violet Tresa Wear at Birkenhead on the 19th January 1918. He was the second of three boys including Frances Louis Alfred and Allan Edward who all grew up in the Port Adelaide area sister Mavis

Post school Wilf worked for A. and E. Hall and Company which supplied milk products including butter and cheese as well as eggs, honey, almonds, live poultry including hens, drakes, ducks and turkeys. However, with the outbreak of WWII, 22-year-old Wilf enlisted on the 29th June 1940. (His older brother, Frances enlisted two months later in August as S15958 and younger brother, Allan also later enlisted in November ’44, just after turning 18 and was allocated to the 13/33 battalion as SX33899 eventually being discharged in December ’46).

Wilf’s initial days were spent in the cold of the Pavilions, now part of the Royal Adelaide Showgrounds, before he and other new enlistees headed to Woodside for their preliminary training.

Following pre-embarkation leave Wilf 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. Once there, they completed a few months training in Cyrenaica. Wilf was to become one of the now famed Rats of Tobruk in a battalion which was to be highly regarded and decorated.

Wilf was wounded in action in Egypt and died on the 22nd July ’42. He was 24 years old. At that stage, orders had been received to capture West Point of Tel el Eisa 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 2/48th 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 Private Stan Gurney was awarded the 2/48th Battalion’s first VC having captured two machine gun posts and bayonetting 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, including Art. 125 other men were wounded but survived.

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.’

The Advertiser in the August edition reported the news of Wilf’s death, ‘Mr. and Mrs. Roy Wear, of Wills street, Birkenhead, have been notified that their son, Pte. Wilfred Roy Wear, 24, was killed in action on July 22 in Egypt. Pte. Wear was employed by A. E. Hall and Co. for three years before his enlistment in June 1940. He went overseas in November of that year and served in Tobruk for eight months. A brother is serving in Egypt.’ 

A further Army casualty list gave the names of those from South Australia of whom 17 were reported killed in action and 73 wounded in action. In Wilf’s list were the men with whom he had fought in the 2/48th Battalion and who had died with him. They were Killed in Action.-Lce.-CpI. Ray B. Lovelock, Karoonda SX7399; Ptes. Ronald A. F. Clemens. Eden SX8230; Ivan C. Hanel. Norwood SX7483; H. J. Hill, Stirling West; G. C. Jury, Torrensville; Ebenezer N. Kilsby. New Hindmarsh SX13621; A. L. Phillips, Murray Bridge SX9316; Ray Lovelock Karoonda SX7399; Carle A. R. Sims, Norwood SX8290; H. R. Stocker, Birdwood; E. S. Smith, York; John K. Stone. Willowie SX7740; Wilfred R. Wear, Birkenhead SX7156; Victor L. J. Young. Adelaide SX8636.

Wilf was eventually reinterred in the El Alamein War Cemetery on the 12th March 45 in Grave AI, Row F Plot 19. Other young men, all in their twenties lie with him. They are from the 2/7th, 2/24th 2/28th 2/43rd and the 3 Australian Anti-Tank regiment. His parents chose the inscription ‘He sacrificed all for those he loved. Someday we’ll understand’ for his headstone.

In the ensuing years fellow soldiers remembered those with whom they had served and who had paid the ultimate price. They included those from the 2/48th Battalion, ‘Flogger’ Sutherland SX7195 ‘Blue’ ex-B Company, Private Cyril Henry Fleet SX8132, Lance Sergeant Stephen Lister SX7279 who was wounded November ’42 and John Hossack SX7011 from 2/43rd and Reginald Poynter SX7022 in 2/23rd. Wilf’s family members also continued to remember Wilf.

Advertiser Friday 14 August 1942, WEAR.—On July 22 killed in action Egypt. Deep in our hearts a memory is kept Of a dear smiling face we will never forget. —Inserted by auntie Hilda, uncle John, cousins Thelma, Fay and Sylvia. WEAR.—On July 22 killed in action Egypt. Not just today, but every day in silence we will remember him. —Inserted by his auntie Rose, uncle Dick, Myrtle, and Malcolm. WEAR.—ln loving memory of our dear brother, Wilfred Roy, who was killed in action in Egypt on July 22, 1942. When last I saw your smiling face You looked so bright and well. Little did I think that day It would be my last farewell. WEAR.—On July 22 1942, Wilfred Roy Wear, killed in action In Egypt. He was always whistling and singing And so happy and full of fun; Oh God, why was he taken, Our bright and happy son? When alone in sorrow the sad tears now. Deep in our hearts a memory is kept Of one we loved and will never forget. —Ever remembered by his loving mother, father, brothers Eddy (AIF abroad) and Frank, sisters-in-law Elsie and Kath. WEAR.—Killed in action in Egypt, Roy, dear pal of Jack (A.I.F., abroad). —Always remembered by Mr. and Mrs. Hossack and family. WEAR, Pte. Wilf.—Killed in action in Egypt. Deep in our hearts a memory is kept Of a smiling face we will never forget. —Inserted by Daph. and Joyce. WEAR—JURY. —A tribute to Privates Roy 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.

Advertiser Saturday 22 July 1944, WEAR ln loving memory of Wilf killed in action July 22 1942. Always remembered by Mr. and Mrs. Hossack and family. WEAR.—In loving memory of our dear brother Wilf killed July 22. 1942. Loved in life, cherished in death: a beautiful memory is all we have left.—Sadly missed by his sister Mavis, brother in-law Ray. WEAR. W.—Loving memories of Wilf killed in action 1942. Resting where no shadows fall.—inserted by Auntie Hilda and cousins. WEAR ln memory of our dear cousin Wilf, killed in action. July 22. 1942 As long as life and memory last, we will remember you.--inserted by Alice, Ted and family. WEAR.—Always remembered. Inserted by Daph and Joyce. A proud tribute to comrades B Coy., 2/48th Batt. fell in action July 22 1942. Their memory will never fade. Remembered by Cpl. Steve Lister. B Coy., 2/48th Batt. In memory of the men of D Coy. 2/48th Batt. killed El Alamein July 22. 1942. —C. H. Fleet (A.I.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 Saturday 21 July 1945, WEAR.—A tribute to the memory or our dear nephew Wilf, died July 22. 1942. One of the brave, for ever a loving memory.—Uncle Horace, Aunt Gladys, cousin Roy. WEAR.—A token of remembrance of our cousin Wilf, killed in action July 22, 1942.—Ever remembered by Horrie, RAN, Allan, A.I.F. WEAR.—In remembrance of cousin Wilf gave his life July 22. 1942. A sad thought today, a proud memory always. —Lorna and Thelma. WEAR.—Treasured memories of our dear cousin Wilf, killed in action El Alamein. July 22. 1942.—For ever remembered by Alice, Ted and family. WEAR. —In loving memory of Wilfred, killed In action at El Alamein. July 22. 1942. He wore no shining medals, or signed his name V.C he died a dinkum Aussie, to keep Australia free.—inserted by his loving Uncle Ern, Auntie Mag and cousins WEAR.—In memory of my cousin Wilfred (Roy), who gave his life at El Alamein. July 22, 1942.—Always remembered by Oscar, ex 2nd AIF. WEAR, Wilfred Roy.—A tribute to the memory of a splendid lad who gave his life July 22. 1942.—Proudly remembered by Ida and Ted. WEAR.—In loving memory of our dear brother. Wilf killed in action July 22. 1442 Sunshine passes, shadows fall, but memories of you dear Wilf, outlast all —Ever remembered by Frank, Kath. and family. WEAR. In loving memory of our son Wilf, killed in action, El Alamein. July 22. 1942 This is a day of remembrance, the day we shall never forget, of one we shall always remember, when the rest of the world forgets.—Always remembered by his loving mother and father WEAR.—In loving memory of Wilf, killed In action. El Alamein July 22. 1942 Just a token fond and true to show dear Wilf, we think of you.—Always remembered by his loving brother Eddy, and sister-ln-law Elsie, and niece Hilda. WEAR – Memories of Wilf, killed July 22. 1942.—Remembered always by auntie Hilda and family WEAR.—In loving memory of Wilf killed at El Alamein July 22 1942. At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember.— inserted by Joyce and Daphne. WEAR.—Pte. W. Wear, killed in action July 22 1942. Forget you. never; memories we’ll keep for ever.—Mrs Wilson, May and Marjorie. WEAR.—A tribute to the memory of our dear brother. Wilf, died July 22, El Alamein. Time drifts on, three years today: but our memories of you, dear, will always last.—Sadly missed, sister Mavis, brother-in-law Ray. WEAR,—In loving memory of Wilf. killed July 22, 1942. To live in the hearts of those we love is not to die.—Remembered by Auntie Lil and Uncle Len.  

Advertiser Monday 22 July 1946, WEAR.—In loving memory of our dear son Wilf, killed at El Alamein. July 22. 1942. A face we loved is missing, a voice we loved is still, a place is vacant in our home which never can be filled. You left behind some aching hearts, that love you most sincere; we never have and never will forget you. Wilf. dear. Always remembered by his loving mother and father. WEAR.—In loving memory of dear Wilf, killed El Alamein, July 22. 1942. Thoughts drift back to bygone days, life moves on, but memories stay.—Always remembered by Eddie, Elsie and Hilda WEAR, Wilfred Roy.—In sad but honored memory of a true Australian.— Remembered always by Ida and Ted. WEAR.—In loving memory of our dear brother, killed. El Alamein, July 22, 1942. The month of July is here again, the saddest of the year, but no word could tell how much we miss you. brother, dear.— Remembered by sister Mavis brother-in-law Ray. WEAR.—In loving memory of our dear brother Wilf, killed in action July 22 1942. His happy ways and smiling face, will linger with us all our days.—Always remembered by Frank, Kath and family. WEAR.—In loving memory of Wilf. He did not live to share the peace, in the country be helped to save: but we remember him as a hero, and treasure the life he gave.—Remembered always by Uncle Horace, Auntie Gladys, and cousins Lorna, Thelma, Horrie, Roy. Allan. WEAR—In loving memory of Wilfred, killed in action El Alamein July 22. 1942. We will remember always  Inserted by Mrs. Wilson. Marjorie and May. 

Advertiser Tuesday 22 July 1947, WEAR.—A tribute of love to Wilf, dear cousin of Ida and Ted Larkins. Beautiful memories never fade. WEAR.—In loving memories of our dear brother Wilf, killed in action July 22, 1942. Remembered not only today, but every day. —Inserted by his loving brother Frank, Kath and family. WEAR.—In loving memory of Wilf, killed El Alamein, July 22, 1942. —Always remembered by Aunty Hilda and family. WEAR.—In fond memory of Wilfred, killed in action July 22, 1942.—Always remembered by Mrs. Wilson, May and Marjorie. WEAR.—In loving memory of Wilf killed in action, El Alamein, July 22, 1942. Time passed but memories linger.—Remembered always by his brother Eddie, sister-in-law Elsie, and family. WEAR.—In loving memory of Wilf, killed in action, July 22, 1942. A beautiful life full of kind deeds, a lovely smile, a heart of gold, the dearest son this world could hold.—Always missed by mum, dad. WEAR In proud and loving memory of Wilf, killed in action July 22 1942. A thought for today, A memory forever. Uncle Horace, Aunty Gladys cousins Lorna, Thelma Horrie, Roy  and Allan. WEAR.—In memory of my cousin Wilfred (Roy), 2/48th Batt., killed in action, El Alamein, July 22, 1942.—Always remembered by Oscar.

Advertiser Thursday 22 July 1948, WEAR.—in loving memory of our dear son, Wilf, killed in action El Alamein July 22. 1942. Time passes but memories linger.—Always remembered and longed for by his loving mother and father. WEAR.—Dear Wilf, peacefully resting.—Always remembered by Ida, and Ted. WEAR.—In loving memory of Wilf. K.I.A. El Alamein July 22. 1942. As the years roll by we'll never forget you.—Always remembered by his brother Eddie, Elsie and family. WEAR. —In memory of my cousin Wilfred, who gave his life at El Alamein. July 22, 1942.—Always remembered by Oscar. WEAR.—In loving memory of Wilfred, killed in action El Alamein.— Always remembered by Mrs. Wilson. May and Marjorie. WEAR.—In memory of our dear brother Wilf killed in action El- Alamein. July 22. 1942. God's garden must be beautiful, because He only takes the best. —Fondest memories, sister Mavis, brother-in-law Ray and nephew Raymond. WEAR.—Memories of our nephew and cousin Wilf. killed in action July, 1942. For ever a loving memory.— Uncle Horace, Auntie Gladys and cousins. WEAR.—in loving memory of Wilfred, killed July 22 1942. Too dearly loved to be forgotten.—inserted by Dot, Fred and family. WEAR.—In loving memory of our dear brother Wilf, killed in action El Alamein, July 22, 1942. Leaves of memory softly fall for a loving brother who gave his all.—Always remembered by Frank, Kath and family. WEAR.—In proud memories of Wilfie. killed at El Alamein. July 22. 1942. Time passes, but memories last for ever.—inserted by Auntie Mag and cousins. In memory of the boys who fell in Egypt, July-November. 1942.—Blue. ex-B Coy. Western Desert. 1942. —Always remembered by their mates Fred, Norm Headon and Fred Peters. In memory of my late cobbers in "B" Company 2/48th Battalion. At the rising and setting of the sun I will remember. —Inserted by Flogger Sutherland.

Advertiser Friday 22 July 1949, WEAR.—In loving memory of our dear son Wilf, killed El Alamein, July 22, 1942. A face we loved is missing. A voice we loved is still. A place is vacant in our hearts Which never can be filled. We think of you in silence. We often speak your name: What would we give to kiss your lips And see your face again. —Always remembered by his loving mother and father. WEAR.—Dear Wilf.—Always remembered by Ida and Ted. WEAR.—In loving memory of our dear brother Wilf. killed in action at El Alamein. July 22. 1942.—Always remembered In the hearts of his brother Frank, sister-in-law Kath and family. WEAR.—In loving memory of Wilfred, killed In action. El Alamein.— Always remembered Bin, Wilson, May, Marjorie.  2/48th Bn.—-in memory of the boys who fell at El Alamein. July. Nov.. 1942.—B1ue, ex B. Coy.  

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