Alfred Francis E'En (Alf) MEYER

MEYER, Alfred Francis E'En

Service Number: SX6848
Enlisted: 29 June 1940, Wayville, South Australia
Last Rank: Sergeant
Last Unit: 2nd/48th Infantry Battalion
Born: Clive, New Zealand, 10 September 1916
Home Town: Renmark, Renmark Paringa, South Australia
Schooling: Vigar's Tank School, Sunraysia, Victoria, Australia
Occupation: Farmer
Died: Killed in Action, Egypt, 26 October 1942, aged 26 years
Cemetery: El Alamein War Cemetery
Plot 22 Row A, Grave 8.
Memorials: Adelaide WW2 Wall of Remembrance, Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour, Renmark District Roll of Honour WW2
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World War 2 Service

3 Sep 1939: Involvement Sergeant, SX6848
29 Jun 1940: Involvement Sergeant, SX6848
29 Jun 1940: Enlisted Private, SX6848, Wayville, South Australia
26 Oct 1942: Involvement Sergeant, SX6848, 2nd/48th Infantry Battalion, El Alamein
Date unknown: Involvement

‘Greater Love Hath No Man Than This’

Alfred (Alf) was New Zealand born in Clive, a rural township near the mouth of the Ngaruroro River, on the 10th September, 1916, to Sydney Royden and Jessey Emily Meyer. The family moved to Victoria, in the Sunraysia area. There, a new school at Vigar’s Tank struggled to be supplied by the Education Department, despite the backing of parents and on-going fundraising. By 1927 the ‘Sunraysia Daily’ published an article outlining the frustrations: ‘At Vigar's Tank a very peculiar situation is alleged. There is a school, a teacher, twenty pupils, and no furniture for the school, the scholars sitting on boxes or any old thing obtainable! Incidentally, Mr. F. Crichton, who owns a motor-lorry received a request from the Education authorities to take delivery at Red Cliffs of the furniture for the Vigar's Tank School. They apparently not being aware that there was a train service to within a few miles. Mr. Crichton kindly notified them of this end has heard nothing further. The furniture had not arrived at the time the writer's informant visited Vigar's Tank. What a Billy muddle!’ This was Alf’s school, which was justifiably proud of him and in later years planted a tree in his honour.
Post school, Alf, who was living in Tarrara in Victoria, met a vibrant young Riverland woman, Eileen Clifford who for a short while worked for Gilpin’s stores, including a stint at the Melbourne branch. Back home, she was a ready participant in local fundraising, including the Renmark Queen Competition as the Queen of the Harvest in ‘36. At the same time (September) she announced her engagement to Alf. Eileen was held in high regard in the community to the extent that prior to her marriage to Alf, a gift evening was held in St. Augustine's Hall where a wide range of activities, including dancing, games, cards, songs and elocutionary items were enjoyed. Following speeches extending best wishes, numerous gifts were presented, followed by the singing of "Auld Lang Syne" and the inevitable delicious country supper.
The young couple were married at the Renmark St. Augustine's Church of England, in July ’37 just prior to Alf’s 21st birthday. Alf’s sister Crystal was one of three bridesmaids and his brother, Roydon was Alf’s best man. They initially returned to live in Yarrara in the Sunraysia region of Victoria before returning to Renmark. The following year on April 3rd the young couple welcomed a precious daughter, Marilyn born in the Renmark District Hospital. Eileen and Alf were close friends with another Riverland young man, Harry Lock, a lifelong friend.
With the outbreak of WWII, a huge exercise to particularly encourage fit young country men to enlist was underway. Resultantly, 23-year-old Alf presented and was accepted for service at the Renmark recruiting office, then travelled to Wayville on June 29th for his official enlistment. He was allocated the number SX6848. Harry also enlisted the same day and became SX6846 with both being allocated to the newly formed 2/48th Battalion. Basic training was at the Wayville Showgrounds and the nearby parklands. After three weeks of field training at Woodside Alf contracted mumps and spent time at home, then part of his pre-embarkation leave, before re-joining the battalion and embarking on November 17th on the British troopship Stratheden and sailed the next day. Prior to their departure Alf’s good friend Harry Lock became engaged in November.
The Battalion’s first orders were to hold Tobruk for two months, however this stretched out to defending the fortress for eight months. Compared to the tranquillity of the Riverland, conditions at Tobruk were in stark contrast. Tobruk was typified by dust, flies, heat, minimal water supplies and constant bombardment which provided a constant challenge to new enlistees. They were to become the famed Rats of Tobruk.
Alf’s ability to lead was evident in a series of promotions of A/Corporal in April ’41 then Corporal two months later. Rations were very basic with bully beef, biscuits, tea, milk and sugar being the basics and extras including jam being shared sparingly, but extras from home were always a welcome addition. Australians were renown for making the most of any situation. In an early book by Murray Farquhar, ‘Derrick V.C.’ an incident described, highlighted Alf’s resourcefulness. ‘Manna from heaven can come in many forms. On the eastern sector the Italians had occupied a defensive line. The 23rd May dawned like so many other days.. suddenly someone shouted, ‘There’s a camel, shoot it.’ Damn you. Dirty your own rifle.’ Alf Meyer did the honours. Then there was a commotion as two more camels came into view.’ This then meant that the company commander had huge slabs of meat to share amongst the men, although the laconic complaint was that no one stayed to help bury the carcass! This incident was also part of a letter Alf wrote home to his wife, Eileen and which was also published in the August ’41 edition of the ‘Murray Pioneer and Australian River Record’:
“I had been on bully beef for a good while and was feeling very much like a change when three camels came trotting past my post. That was 6 a.m. on the 21st. One of them was a young one, six to eight months old. So I took aim with my rifle and fired. Down he went. As all stray stock has to be destroyed, we then took the parents for a walk and fixed them up. Then the fun started. The little fellow had to be skinned. I got a snap taken of it half skinned and I will send it to you. We got him skinned; then the cook took what meat was wanted for the day and we secured a few pounds of steak to fry up for ourselves. You would be surprised how delicious it was. We had camel for two days and believe me if another camel happens our way, he will not get away again. So they are not only ships of the desert but meat of the desert if we can get them."
Alf also undertook a series of courses in which he distinguished himself. In a recent book, Derrick VC in his own words’ Mark Johnston’s meticulous compilation of Derrick’s diaries observes on the 6th July that ‘waiting further orders when four of Jerry’s planes flew over at approximately 15,000 dropping about 16 sticks, casualties 14, four of which were in our Coy, Jack Thompson being knocked badly, Mick Allen, Tom Brierly Sgt Meyer being slightly wounded. (explanation that Alf was a Sergeant at his death but a Corporal at this point.)’
By July the 2/48th had captured enemy positions around Tel-el-Eisa, holding these against counter attacks for the next three weeks. Typically, Alf was also instrumental in caring for his fellow soldiers in the Battalion. John Glenn in ‘Tobruk to Tarakan’ recounts an incident where Privates Wally Davis and Joe Evans were badly wounded on the 22nd July ’42 and brought in two days later. Wally explained that “in an offensive as they closed in on the German position their machine guns cut hell out of us, and the ground heaved as shells and mortars exploded around. Still they continued to attack.” Wally was badly wounded with a splintered leg and shattered arm plus other wounds so could not crawl out. Next morning, he heard digging and yelled out. “Norm Badman and Alf Meyers came over with a couple of stretcher bearers. Alf carried me back on his shoulders, and from there to company headquarters”. Certainly, a measure of the man Alf was.
He again experiencing rapid promotion to Acting Sergeant in August ’42 then Sergeant the following month. They then returned in preparation for the second battle of El Alamein which began on October 23rd. This talented young man was soon after killed in action. By October ‘42 conditions were ever-changing and the fighting continuous. Mongomery had ordered the 9th Battalion to attack northward. This included an all-out attack on the strategically positioned Trig 29. The evening was described by John Glenn in ‘Tobruk to Tarakan’ as ‘an occasional burst from a machine gun disturbed the night of 24th October. Nevertheless, it was a busy time for the tired men. Little or no sleep could be had. A hot meal sent forward after dark was quickly swallowed. There was no time for yarning. Defences had to be improved, more digging and wiring done and patrols sent out.’ He later added that ‘the 2/48th had stirred up a real hornets’ nest.’ On that night alone 9 of the Battalion were killed and 20 wounded in action. Of these 16 were from South Australia and the remainder from Western Australia.
Glenn explains they were ‘running into particularly stiff opposition to the west of the Trig point. It was only after hard fighting, with heavy casualties on both sides, that they were able to consolidate on their objective.
Gradually the platoon, small in number to start with, was being whittled away and those remaining were being forced to go to ground.’ Many years later, in November 2019, in an interview with Harry Lock, the ‘Murray Pioneer’ reported that ‘On the night of October 25 – 26, 7 Platoon was ordered to eliminate a German strong post and suffered heavy casualties including Harry’s best mate, Sergeant Alf Meyer of Renmark, who was killed by a burst of machine-gun fire, leaving only seven men in the platoon. ‘
Kenneth Slessor the Official War Correspondent wrote an article which was reproduced in a number of newspapers, including the Murray Pioneer in March 1943 detailing the role of several soldiers of the River districts, including Sgt. Alf Meyer (who also lost his life in the battle) and Sgt. Harry Lock, both of Renmark, were prominent in the action in which Pte. Percy Gratwick of Western Australia showed outstanding bravery and won the VC. This was the battle of El Alamein at the end of last October. Referring to the outstanding work of the 2/48th Battalion on this occasion Kenneth Slessor wrote: ‘Within one week, in the last great battle of El Alamein, two men of the 2/48th Battalion won the Victoria. Cross. Sgt. Bill Kibby, VC, and Pte. Percy Gratwick, VC, lie under the sand in soldiers’ graves today. Australia is far away over the rim of the world, and no one comes near the wooden crosses painted with their names except the wandering Bedouin and the little lizards of the desert.
‘But their battalion is rich in its pride and in its memories. They will never be forgotten. From the stories of their mates, those reluctant-tongued soldiers who fixed bayonets with them in the great offensive which drove Rommel from Egypt, come portraits of these two men in action which no other source could furnish.
‘Almost at once there were two more casualties. Meyer was killed by a burst similar to that which got Taggart. Algy Walker, from Norwood, South Australia, continued the story at this point. "Not many of us were left," he said "I remember Percy Gratwick, Harry Lock Bart Lindsey, Rob Wandenberg, from Murray Bridge; Ike Dansye and Frank here, and a few others. That machine-gun post in front had us pinned to earth, and we couldn't move. If they'd started with their mortars it would have been the end of us. Every move we made on that slope could be seen from below. Then suddenly without saying a word, Gratwick takes out a grenade, climbs on his feet and gallops forward, holding…… The attack had been in progress for about 48 hours when, on the night of October 25-26 the battalion was ordered to capture Trig 29, south-west of Tel el Isa, on Ruin Ridge. A Company got the job, and in the final phase Percy Gratwick was out in front on his own. Already on their way, and 800 yards from the starting line, they came to a rise. On the other side, a little to the south, was their objective. But once over this rise they were barred by a strongpost on slopes below from which Spandau machineguns and mortars swept all the high ground above. This strongpost had to be eliminated before Trig 29 could be reached. No. 7 platoon with 20 men under lit. Colin Taggart, was given the job. They set off in three sections, Cpl. Bart Lindsay, from South Australia, in charge of number one, on the left, Cpl. Mick Cleave, from the West Coast of South Australia, in charge of number two, on the right, Taggart between the two sections leading with Sgt. Alf Meyer, from Renmark, just behind, and Sgt. Harry Lock also from Renmark, bringing up the rear, in charge of number three section.
"The moment we crossed the skyline we got belted with everything — mortars, Spandaus and later on, grenades," said Dillon. "Bill Perce, who comes from the same place as Lindsey, was one of the first to get hit. We reached the point where we had to swing south and there Taggart was killed by a burst from a machine-gun nest about 50 yards ahead. We could see other nest further forward down the slope. They seemed to be spread everywhere. We went to ground in a hurry. Then Meyer took over the command. Lock brought his section forward, and we went on again.
‘Sgt. A. Meyer swing south and there Taggart was killed by a burst from a machine-gun nest about 50 yards ahead. We could see other nests further forward down the slope. They seemed to be spread everywhere. We went to ground in a hurry. Then Meyer took over the command, Mick brought his section forward, and we went on again: Almost at once there were two more casualties. Meyer was killed by a burst similar to that which got Taggart.
The Advertiser announced Alf’s death in November ’42: ‘Sgt. Alfred Francis E'en Meyer of Renmark, has been reported killed in action in the Middle East. He served in Tobruk, Syria, Palestine, and Egypt. His wife and daughter live at Renmark. Sydney Meyer, a younger brother, has been reported wounded for the second time.’ The Chronicle also listed those killed with him, including SX8468 Pte. Patrick H. Hoare. 2/48th North Broken Hill (NSW); SX13570 Pte. Charles Holman, 2/48th Broken Hill; SX7771 Pte. Henry O. Lohmann, 2/48th Murray Bridge; SX6848 Cpt. Alfred F. Meyer. 2/48th Renmark: SX3149 Col. Arthur H. Peters. 2/48th Macclesfield; . SX11768 Pte. John R. Smith, 2/48th Wardang Island; SX13535 Pte. Allan L. Thessinger, 2/48th Jamestown.
Initially his fellow soldiers buried Alf in the field at Tel El Eisa on the 27th October, before he was then placed in the El Alamein Military War Cemetery in January ’43 into his final resting place in Plot 22 Row A, Grave 8. He rests with others from the 2/48th Battalion including 40-year-old VC winner, WX10426 Private Percy Gratwick from Perth, 36-year-old SX13573 Corporal Henry Winn from Burnside, 40-year-old SX12924 Richard Speck from Blanchetown and 22-year-old Pte Harold Pearce SX2139. Others from the 2/13th who were killed at a similar time also rest with him. Alf’s family chose the inscription ‘Greater love hath no man than this’ for his headstone.
The support of the Renmark and Murray community for Eileen was huge to the extent she used the December edition of the ‘Murray Pioneer’ to place a thank you stating that: ‘MRS. EILEEN MEYER wishes to THANK all kind friends for letters, cards and expressions of sympathy in the loss of her husband Alfred (killed in action). Will all-please accept this as a personal expression of gratitude.’
The ‘Murray Pioneer’ of December ’42 carried an unexpected letter in its children’s section. ‘Dear "Mopoke"— We were to start our exams today, but Miss Winduss was sick so wo all had to go home again. Dad is busy with the harvest; he has nearly finished, with the hay. I helped with a few of the loads when I was home. I saw a photo of Alf Meyer in the last "Pioneer". Did you know he went to Vigar's Tank School which I go to. We flew the flag at half-mast and had two minutes' silence in honour of the fallen soldier. Mother's pig is quite big now, we had to lock him up because he used to push open the gate and come to the house. It seems to me as If we might have a rabbit plague, as they are about in thousands. How many points have I? Yours sincerely, Yarrara, Vic. DONALD BUDICH ' (No, I was not aware that Sgt. Meyer attended your school, Donald. It was nice that the school should honour him. This letter brings your total points to 13. Cheerio. —"Mopoke".)
In an interview published in the Riverland ‘Pioneer’ paper as part of a tribute to Harry Lock prior to his funeral in September 2019, Harry recalled ‘the two “worst things” that happened to him during his service.’ The first was the loss of his number two on the Bren gun and ‘The other was in the Battle of El Alamein. There were 22 in our platoon and on the night of the 26th of October when we went into attack… we copped the worst of it. We lost 15 men killed or wounded.’
Close friend of Alf, Sergeant Harry Lock returned to Renmark from the Middle East and in March ’43 married Audrey Tape at the Evangelical Lutheran Church. Harry had chosen two soldiers Gunner Russon Lill (SX8527) and Sgt. Ken Tape (SX24923) as his best man and groomsman. In a lovely gesture, Audrey chose Alf’s daughter, Marilyn as a flower girl. After the wedding, young Marilyn hung a horseshoe on Audrey’s arm. When their first child, a son was born in ‘44 Audrey and Harry named him E’en in a lasting tribute to his friend, Alfred Francis E’en. The bond between the two families remained strong in the ensuing years.
Alf’s young daughter, Marilyn later attended the Renmark School where she was named in the ‘best workers’ list. She also did well in sporting competitions as well as attending Legacy Camps where she met other children whose fathers had also paid the ultimate price
Harry Lock and his family and Matthew Dolan’s (also from the 2/48th Battalion) continued to remember Alf as did his young daughter, Marilyn and the family.
Advertiser Monday 30 November 1942, MEYER. —A tribute of honor to Alfred, dearly beloved husband of Eileen, and dearest daddy of Marilyn, killed in action. Egypt. Oct. 26. It is not death. It is eternal life.
Murray Pioneer Thursday 28 October 1943, MEYER, Sgt. A. F. E. — In loving memory of my dearly loved husband and loving Daddy, of Marilyn, killed in Action, October 26th, Egypt, 1942. A beautiful nature, full of kind deeds, A helping hand, to all in need Sincere and true, in heart and Mind What beautiful memories to leave behind. —Inserted by his loving wife Eileen, daughter Marilyn. MEYER—Sacred to the memory of my dear friend, Sgt. Alf Meyer, killed at El Alamein, October 26th, 1942. Beneath a little white cross of sacrifice, They laid him in a soldier's grave. Ever remembered by his old pal, Sgt. Harry Lock and wife, Audrey. MEYER — A tribute to the memory of our friend Sgt. A. Meyer, who made the Supreme Sacrifice at El Alamein on October 26th, 1942. "One of the best." —Inserted by E. and H. A Dolan and family.
Murray Pioneer 1944, MEYER, Sgt. A. F. E., SX6848 2/48th Batt. -In loving memory of my dearly loved husband and daddy of Marilyn, killed in Action October 26th, Egypt, 1942. There are men who walk with heroes, though their voice and step be gone, and their spirit tarries with us and it bids us "Carry on". -Inserted by his loving wife and daughter. MEYER, Sgt. A. F. E. - In memory of Alf, killed in action October 26, 1942. -Inserted by Mr and Mrs. H. G. Clifford. Advertiser 1944, MEYER, A. F. E., Sgt., SX6848, 2/48 Battalion. —In loving memory of our dearly loved husband and daddy, killed in action Egypt, October 26, 1942. God's will is best. Some day we will understand. —Inserted by his loving wife Eileen and daughter Marilyn. MEYER, Sgt. A. F. E.—In memory of Alf, killed in action, October 26, 1942. — Inserted by Mr. and Mrs. H. G. Clifford. MEYER, Sgt. A. F. E.—In ever loving memory of our dearest friend Alf, killed in action El Alamein, October 26, 1942. The road we call remembrance, where thoughts and wishes meet; we take that road in thought today to one we cannot meet. —Forever remembered by Harry and Audrey.
Murray Pioneer 1945, MEYER-Sgt. A. F. E. 2/48th Batt. -In loving memory of dear Alf and darling Daddy of Marilyn, killed in action October 26th, 1942, El Alamein. "Not just today, but every day, in silence we remember." -Eileen and Marilyn. Advertiser 1945, MEYER. Sgt. A.F. E.—ln loving memory of our dear friend Alf killed EI Alamein. October 26. 1942.—Always remembered. Harry and Audrey. MEYER. Sgt. A. F. E_ 2/48th Batt. — In loving memory of my dear husband - Alf and daddy of Marilyn, killed In action October 26. 1942. at El Alamein. A thought for today, a memory for ever. —Always remembered by his loving wife Eileen and Marilyn.
Advertiser 1946, MEYER, Sgt. A. F. E. —In loving memory of dear Alf. killed in action. October 26 at El Alamein. Loving father of Marilyn. —Always remembered. Murray Pioneer 1946, MEYER, Sgt. A. F. E., SX6848 — Killed in action, Egypt, October 26, 1942. A pal always remembered by Harry and Audrey. MEYER, Sgt. A. F. E., SX6848 — Killed in action, Egypt, October 26, 1942. Sacred to the memory of dear Alf, loved father of Marilyn. "At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember them."
Murray Pioneer Thursday 23 October 1947, MEYER, Sgt. A. F. E.—A tribute to the memory of my loved father, killed in action Egypt, Oct. 28, 1942 —Always remembered by his loving daughter, Marilyn. MEYER, Sgt. A. F. E—In memory of our pal and friend, Alf, killed in action. El Alamein, Oct. 26, 1842. —Always remembered by Harry & Audrey.
Murray Pioneer Thursday 28 October 1948, MEYER, Sgt- A. F. E.—In loving memory or our dear friend Alf, killer in action at El Alamein on Oct. 26, 1942 —Always remembered by Harry and Audrey Lock. MEYER, Sgt. A. F. E.—In loving memory of my dear Daddy, killed in action El Alamein, October 26, 1942. —Fondly remembered by his daughter, Marilyn.
Murray Pioneer Thursday 27 October 1949, MEYER, Sgt. A. F. E.—In loving memory of my dear Daddy, killed in action El Alamein, Oct. 22, 1942. —Fondly remembered by his daughter Marilyn. MEYER, Sgt. A. F. E.—In loving memory of our dear friend Alf, killed in action at El Alamein on Oct. 26, 1942. —Always remembered by Harry and Audrey Lock.
Advertiser Friday 27 October 1950, MEYER, Sgt. A. F. E.— In loving memory of my dear daddy, killed in action on October 26, 1942, El Alamein. — Always remembered by daughter Marilyn.
Researched and written by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133, 2/48th Battalion.

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Biography contributed by Elizabeth Allen

Alfred was born as Alfred Francis Ian MEYER on 10th September, 1916 at Clive in New Zealand

His parents were Sydney Royden MEYER and Jessy Emily MOORE who married in New Zealand in 1914

Alfred married Eileen Gertrude CLIFFORD on 24th June, 1937 at St Augustines Church in Renmark,  South Australia