Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Ron was the older son of Caroline and Henry Benjamin Jackson, born at Cowell on the west coast of SA on the 19th December, 1914. He had a younger brother, Leon William who was born on 30th October, 1918. Both boys attended the Cowell School with Ron becoming a farmhand afterwards.
The family later moved to Melrose, a small town at the base of Mount Remarkable in the Flinders Ranges, a general farming area. However, with the outbreak of WWII Ron was one of the early enlistees, nominating his mother as his next of kin. (His parents had divorced in 1934 with his father continuing to live in WA where he died, aged 48 in 1938.) Ron underwent, and successfully passed, a medical examination in Port Pirie on the 22nd June ‘40. This had become such a popular enlistment area that new depots were soon to be opened in Whyalla, Port Augusta and Jamestown to cater for the response by country based young men to become part of the fighting forces. Ron was the only enlistee from Melrose but others had come from Oodlawirra, Booleroo, Mambray Creek, Yandiah, Peterborough, Wirrabara and even one from Kalgoorlie. This was due to the proximity of the East-West railway line to the Port.
25 year old Ron was initially at Wayville for his formal enlistment on the 29th June, 1940. He was allocated to the newly formed 2/48th Battalion and given the number SX6963. The initial 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. Following this, Ron had pre-embarkation leave, returning to have time with his family before the 2/48th contingent embarked on the Stratheden for the Middle East, on the 7th November 1940 arriving in the Middle East on January 3rd, ‘41.
Soon after, his brother Leon enlisted in May ’41 and was also allocated to the 2/48th Battalion, with the two eventually meeting up in Egypt. Ron regularly wrote to his family, including his cousin, Thora Stoker who lived in Cowell. He made a wry comment about Leon’s observation of life at Woodside: ‘I had a letter from Leon at the same time as yours arrived and he doesn't seem to think much of Woodside. I know it's pretty crook up there, but he will find that he has worse to put up with if he ever gets to this place.’ This place was Africa.
In that letter, which the Eyre's Peninsula Tribune published in September ’41, Ron wrote extensively about the reality of what else he had seen:
“Just a line to let you know that I am still going strong. I am also glad to hear that Gramp is doing well. We are still in Africa in those glamorous parts of the east, where the golden sun sets on the horizon, showing up the beauties of the desert, and a cool breeze blows across the shifting sand as a handsome Arab sheik rides past on his beautiful white horse. That's the sort of stuff you read about in books; but when you come to see them with your own eyes they change somewhat. The country here is not fit to live in. The white horse is as skinny as a rake, and the Arabs are about the dirtiest people I've ever seen.
“We have just come out of the front lines for a spell so hope they dump us down by the beach for a while so that we can get a good, wash and clean up. I have been transferred from the infantry (I was the machine gunner there), to the Trench Mortar platoon, so that my address is changed to H.Q- Company instead of D Company as you can see by the top of the letter. We have had quite a lot of comforts funds lately— beer, chocolates and cigarettes mostly— very welcome too, after so much bully beef. No, I haven't seen any of the Cowell lads here at all. Mick and Jack Stening were the only two that were in this battalion and I haven't seen them for some time.
“I have had a few close shaves lately. We had a fire in our weapon pit amongst about 80 bombs, and not one went off. Another time a bomb came out of the mortar, and lobbed about three yards away. Lucky for us it didn't go off or I wouldn't be writing this (that's without what Jerries fire at us.) Pte P J Cleave wishes to thank Misses Joyce Bartel, Sheila and Jacobs and Mrs Roy Smith of the Miltalie Patriotic Circle for letters, and also a canteen order he has received from them. He also said that he would answer them when he received more paper and envelopes and also when he had more time, Pte Cleave also adds: — " I have Frank Munday here with me now in Jack Golding's section. Its great having a Mangalo lad with me as we can talk over old times at home, matter of fact one thinks he is home for a while. Max Spriggs is also here and Bill Harvey from Crettenden's.
“The weather is still very hot and the flies and fleas are rotten. The fleas don't bite me they just crawl to annoy me. I received my cake alright and it was lovely and moist and extra good. A chap's as pleased with a parcel as he is with £5 in Aussie so you can see how we appreciate them. The hottest of the weather is about over I think and this month should just about see the summer out, thank goodness. The last four days we have been able to have a swim and its extra good believe me. I think the whole show will be over by Xmas this year, or at least we hope so, Things have been very quiet here just an argument occasionally. We have seen bombs exploding. They look quite good bursting of a night time not so good if you are near though.
“We often have imaginary meals here. Hot toast with plenty of vegetables, followed by a steam pudding covered with cream and top up with a couple of pieces of blackberry jam and cream an inch thick. We are lucky being able to get bread here and it's quite good too considering the heat and dust we sometimes eat. It would be tough living on army biscuits as they are as hard as the 'hobs of hell.' One lot of bread was not so good and would have made good armour plate. The other night I saw Jack Zerna, the first of the locals I have met. Jack was only talking for about 10 minutes, but let me know where all the other boys were and how they are. I had often wondered where Gilbert Ward was. Frank is O.K. and wishes to be remembered to you all. He and I are talking of buying that Bacon Factory they are talking of building. Remember me to all and tell them I'm still good for any 10 Fritz and we are all feeling fine."
Ron’s wish for the conflict to be over by Christmas was not to be. By July ’42, he had spent time in hospital, with mouth ulcers and a respiratory tract infection, indicative of the conditions under which he was surviving, before re-joining the 2/48th in September and part of the legendary Rats of Tobruk. Conditions at the time were ever-changing and the fighting continuous. Montgomery had ordered the 9th Battalion to attack northward in what was to be relentless fighting in in a massive assault to ambitiously take the strategic position of Trig 29.
John Glenn describes the carnage.
‘The attack continued, however, without pause…it was only after hard fighting, with heavy casualties on both sides, that they were able to consolidate on their objective. The troops had never been more tired.. The 2/48th had stirred up a real hornets’ nest; from first light until nine o’clock the enemy turned all their fury on the Trig area, with particularly heavy fire on 29 itself, hiding the position in a cloud of dust and smoke.’ He added:
‘Death would have reaped a rich harvest of gallant man. And of the 2/48th Battalion only forty one weary troops would remain in the field.’ Ron was one. Then ‘at zero hour 1 a.m. 31st October, the artillery opened up with a receding barrage – one that creeps back on itself. The attack was towards the guns themselves, the enemy being between troops and the guns…one gun was landing shells right amongst the men… As soon as the main road was reached the two leading companies came under murderous fire, and, from then until they reached the objective, 2,250 yards from the start line, the whole advance was fought in fierce hand to hand fighting.’ It was under these conditions that Ron received his fatal wounds. It was challenging for the survivors of the horrific fighting to immediately retrieve their fallen men, but they eventually did. Aged 27, Ron was killed on the 31st October 1942, the day after his younger brother’s 33rd birthday.
Soon after, the Chronicle listed those who had been killed in action with Ron. They included 24 year old SX9128 Pte Jack D Clark, 2/24th, Seven Hills; 34 year old SX7246 Pte. Gordon Franklin, 2/24th Kimba; 23 year old SX12363 Pte. Harry B Irwin 2/48th Port Augusta: SX6963 Pte Ron A. Jackson, 2/48th Melrose: 26 year old SX7506 Pte. Ernest N. Parkyn, 2/48th Murray Bridge; 22 year old SX2139 Pte. Harry Pearce, 2/48th Watervale; and his brother 30 year old SX7239 Pte. Phillip Pearce. 2/48th Watervale: 21 year old SX12157 Pte. Eric K. Stagbouer, 2/48th Maitland: 29 year old SX7987 Pte. Douglas Whyte. 2/48th Joslin. These were the cream of Australia’s young men.
The Advertiser reported that Ron’s mother, who had re-married during the war received the news; ‘Mrs. E. Fry, of Melrose, has been notified that her son, Pte. Ron. Jackson, has been killed on active service overseas.’
Initially buried in the field, Ron was later re-buried at the El Alamein War Cemetery on the 14th March, 1945. He is resting in Plot A II Row C Grave 6. He is surrounded by others from the 2/48th Battalion including, 29 year old Corporal J.T Hamilton WX10432, 23 year old Private T.V.McMullin SX13102, 22 year old L.Sgt F.W.Hale SX7700, 22 year old Private M.N. Riley SX8113, 23 year old Private R.A. Grist SX13580 and 30 year old Private A.W. Warner WX14061. All of these were young men aged from 23 – 30 years old, the cream of Australia’s young men who died at a similar time on the 31st October ‘42. Ron’s mother chose the simple but poignant inscription ‘Forever we’ll remember.’
Ron’s brother Leon survived the war and died aged 65 on the 28th January 1984. He is commemorated at the Cowell cemetery. Ron continued to be remembered by his family and those with whom he fought including Sergeant Steven Fitzgerald, SX6964 from Burra who survived the war.
Advertiser December 1942, JACKSON. —In memory of my dearly beloved son, Ron, who gave his life for his country in Egypt, Oct. 31. —Sadly missed by his loving mother and brother Leon. JACKSON—A tribute to the memory of our good friend, Ron. AIF, killed in Egypt, on October 31. —Ever remembered by Mr. and Mrs. Dickson, Bob and Betty. Melrose. JACKSON. —In memory of Ron, killed in action, Egypt. Oct. 30. —Inserted by brother Leon (AIF. abroad), and Mary. For ever we'll remember. JACKSON. —In memory of Ron. killed In action, Egypt, Oct. 3L His ever welcome letters I'll sadly miss Inserted by bis pen-friend. Iris Trott.
Advertiser Saturday 30 October 1943, JACKSON – In loving memory of our dear son Ron, killed in action El Alamein on Oct 30 – 31 1942. Always remembered by his loving mother. Mrs E.L. Fry Melrose, brother Leon, Mary and E.L. Fry. JACKSON Pte Ron Killed in action Oct 31 1942. Resting in a soldier’s grave, honoured with Australia’s brave. Remembered by uncle Jack, Aunty Prissie and Ronda. JACKSON In memory of Ron (Peter) 2/48th Bat Killed in action Oct 30 -31 1942 Tel el Eisa, Egypt. Remembered ever by his brother Leon (AIF) ret and Mary. JACKSON In proud remembrance of our pal Ron, killed in action Egypt Oct 31 1942. One of the best whose cheerful face and happy ways are sadly missed. Inserted by Joe (AIF) George (AIF) and Mary. JACKSON Loving memory of our pal Pte Ron (Peter) Jackson, killed in action El Alamein Oct 31st. To be with us in the same old way would be our dearest wish today. Inserted by Cpl Steve Fitzgerald and pals.
Advertiser Tuesday 31 October 1944, JACKSON. —In loving memory of my dear son Ron, killed in action, El Alamein, October 31, 1942. He died as he lived, a soldier and a man. —inserted by his loving mother and step-father. JACKSON. —In memory or Ron (Peter) Jackson. 2/48th Battalion, killed at El Alamein. October 31. 1942.—Ever remembered by Sgt. Steve Fitzgerald and pals. JACKSON. —In loving memory of Ron, killed at El Alamein. Oct. 31. 1942. Always we will remember him. —Inserted by loving cousins Jean. Joyce. JACKSON. —In loving memory of Ron killed in action Oct. 31. 1942. The sun may shine, shadows fall, but loving memories outlast all. —Ever remembered by Auntie Prissie. Uncle Jack and Ronda. JACKSON. —In memory of Ron (Peter) ' 2/48th Batt. killed in action Tel-el-Eisa. Egypt. Oct. 31. 1942.—Always remembered by brother Leon (ex-2/48th). and sister-in-law Mary.
Advertiser October 1945, JACKSON. —In memory of Ron (Peter) Jackson, 2/48 Batt., K.I.A. Oct. 30, 1942, Tel-el-Eisa, Egypt. —Ever remembered by his brother Leon and sister-in-law Mary. JACKSON. —In memory of Ron (Peter) Jackson, killed Oct. 31, El Alamein. In memory of a pal so true, One I won't forget my whole life through. —Inserted by Sgt. Steve FitzGerald. JACKSON. —In loving memory of Rod (late of Melrose), killed in action. El Alamein. October 31. 1942. This is the day of remembrance. One we shall never forget. Of one we shall always remember When the rest of the world forgets. —Inserted by his loving mother and father. JACKSON. —In loving memory of our dear cousin Ron, killed at El Alamein. October 31. 1942.—Ever remembered by Jean and Joyce.
Advertiser Thursday 31 October 1946, JACKSON. —In memory of Ron (Peter), 2/48th Btn . killed in action. Tel-el-Eisa Egypt. Oct. 31, 1942. —Remembered always by his brother Leon. sister-ln-law Mary. JACKSON. —In loving memory of our dear son. Ronald who was killed October 31. 1942. In battle at El Alamein. Today is a day of remembrance. Of one we will never forget. Ever remembered by his mother and stepfather. JACKSON. —In memory of Ron, killed in action. El Alamein. October 31. 1942 A distant grave, a touching thing. Where loving hands no flower can bring But God alone in His great care, Will guard our friend resting there. —Ever remembered by Dickson family.
Advertiser Friday 31 October 1947, JACKSON, R. H.—ln loving memory of Ron, who was killed El Alamein, October 31. 1842. Those who loved you will never forget. —Ever remembered by his loving mother and stepfather, Melrose. JACKSON, —In memory of Ron, killed In action at El Alamein on October 31, 1942. A thought for today, A memory forever. —Ever remembered by Mr. and Mrs, Dickson, Bob and Betty, Melrose. JACKSON. R. H—ln memory of Ron (Peter). 2/48th Bat October 31, 1942. Tel-el-Eisa. Remembered, always by Mary and Leon (ex-2/48th).
Researched and written by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133, 2/48th Battalion.