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Raymond (Ray) was the eldest son born in Adelaide to Peter Albert and Annie Maude Sarah Young, (nee Eden) on the 23rd June, 1914. He also had a younger sister, Pearlene May (born in 1910). His mother remarried Collan Graham Snashall creating a larger blended family of two brothers and six sisters.
Ray’s remained living with his mother as a youngster, having his education at the Alberton Public School. Besides being a keen golfer and footballer, Ray was also an active member of the Rural Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, which probably also encouraged him to begin his working career on farms at Coobowie, Minlaton and Balaklava districts. He left school aged 14 to go and live with his father, Peter at Edithburgh. There, through his sporting involvement and because of his work ethic, he made lasting friendships with people of all ages.
With the outbreak of WWII, there was a concerted push in country districts for young men to enlist, which Ray did at Balaklava on the 23rd June, 1940, his 26th birthday, before travelling to Wayville. There he was assigned to the newly formed 2/48th Battalion. His initial days were spent in the cold of the Pavilions, now part of the Royal Adelaide Showgrounds. From there, the new enlistees moved to Woodside for their preliminary training.
Raymond’s two younger step-brothers, Colin Charles Snashall SX8243 and Howard Edward Snashall SX3316, Colin on the 4th July ‘40 and Howard on the 23rd May ’40, just prior to Raymond. Both had quite ‘colourful’ careers of failing to appear on parade, disobeying lawful commands and being absent without leave. Howard sustained a gunshot wound to his leg while serving in the Middle East on the 26th June ’41, just after Raymond’s death.
Following pre-embarkation leave, the 2/48th contingent embarked on the Stratheden for the Middle East, on the 7th November 1940, arriving on the 19th December 1940. Their 2/48th Battalion completed a few months training in Cyrenaica before moving 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. They were to become the famed Rats of Tobruk.
Within a month of arriving in Tobruk, and yet to celebrate another birthday, Raymond was killed in action on May 1st, less than a year after enlisting. John Glenn in his book, ‘Tobruk to Tarakan’ described conditions at Dimra on that day: “At 3:50 am on 1st May the men of the 2/48th stood-to to await the outcome of the battle which had raged all through the night. In thick mist, darkness, and bitter cold they snatched a quick breakfast of bully beef and hard biscuits.”
The remainder of that day was chaotic, information scant, the men weary and under heavy fire and a sandstorm raged. The next morning there was a terrific dust storm but a foot patrol set out to find their soldiers who had not returned. For a few of those missing men it was some time before their fate was confirmed, however his fellow soldiers were able to recover Ray’s body. Mark Johnson in his recent book, ‘Derrick In His Own Words’ explained that ‘On 1 May the 2/48th suffered 51 casualties, including 16 killed. Besides Raymond, these included Herbert Neumann SX8014 from Aldgate, Robert Carey SX7943 from Portland, John Christerson SX7791 from Yorketown, John Marshall SX7759 from Hawthorn, William Gates SX6867 from Brompton and Allan Glanville Porter SX7315 all from the 2/48th Battalion. A tragic day.
Back home, the Chronicle first reported the deaths on the 29th May. More South Australians Killed In Action.— Pte. Douglas E. Bagshaw, SX7468, Infantry, McLaren Flat; Pte. George T. Brown, SX6935, Infantry, Barmera; Cpl. Leslie H. Tonkin, SX6911, Infantry, Paskeville; Pte. William G. Westland, SX7688, Infantry, Robe; Pte. Raymond G. Young, SX6607, Infantry, Hoyleton. The Balaklava Producer subsequently carried a tribute to Ray on the 12th June ’41: “LATE PTE. GEORGE YOUNG WAS KEEN FOOTBALLER. First soldier from this district to be killed in action, Private Raymond George Young was educated at the Alberton Public School. He was a member of the Rural Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, He was a keen golfer and foot baller. On leaving school at the age of 14, he went to live at Edithburgh with his father, Mr P. A. Young, He started his career as a farmer while still in his teens. He worked on various farms at Coobowie, Minlaton and Balaklava districts, where he made many friends. In June 1940, he enlisted at Balaklava, and left Australia in November with the 2/48th Battalion. Private Young would have been 27 years old on June 23.”
His extended family and friends immediately paid their tributes to Ray:
‘Advertiser May 1941, YOUNG. —On the 1st of May, killed in action Private Raymond George Young. 2nd A.I.F. abroad, late Port Adelaide and Balaklava. Ever remembered by Mr. and Mrs. M. Hofmeyer and Koreen, Joy, Ray and Ron. 4 Allen place, Adelaide. YOUNG. —Killed in action, 1st of May, Raymond George, dearly loved eldest son of Mrs. Snashall loving brother of Charlie, Nooky (A.LF. abroad), Patty, Merle, and Valami aged 26, late 2nd AIF. All that you hoped, and that you had you gave. YOUNG. —Killed in action, on the 1st of May, Raymond George, dearly loved brother of Della Hammond, loving uncle of Pam and Kevin, of Queenstown, aged 26, late 2nd AIF. He gave his life that we may live in peace. YOUNG. —Killed in action. Private Raymond George, 26 years, loving brother of Pearl, and uncle of Ronie, late 2nd AIF. His duty nobly done.’

Raymond and his fellow 2/48th soldiers were re-buried on the 17th May ’44 at the Knightsbridge War cemetery, Acroma, Raymond in Grave 7 A 18. and surrounded by others from the 2/48th Battalion including Sergeant Leslie K. Tonkin, SX6911, Private Raymond J. Cooke SX8862, Pte Douglas E. Bagshaw SX7468, Private John H Marshall SX7759, Private Walter A. Birrell SX6060, and Private Robert Carey SX7943 all of whom lost their lives on May 1st. Raymond’ family chose the inscription ‘He gave his life that others may live in Peace’ and a cross to mark his headstone.
By 1953 his family received the medals he had earned; the 1939/45 Star, African Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal.
For those from the 2/48th who survived the war and returned home, continued to remember their fallen comrades. These included Mick Salter SX8054, Ron Irwin, SX7858 and Syd Kinsman SX8953 both childhood friends who also served in the 2/48th. Their poignant tribute in ’45 reads “In memory of my pals of 2/48th Btn, killed in Tobruk. —Mick Salter, ex A Coy. In sad but loving memory of our dear pals from the 2nd/48th Batt especially D Company. Tobruk, May 1, 1941. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember you. —Your loving pals. Ron Irwin. Syd Kinsman. P.O.W.'s and returned M.E.” Similarly in ’47 “In memory of those of the 2/48 Bn., killed May 1, 1941,—Inserted by Jack Duffield, Ron Chinner, Steve Johnson, Hartley (Dick) Gerlach.“

Aged 56, Raymond’s mother Annie Snashall died suddenly at Port Adelaide on February 2nd 1945 and is interred at Cheltenham Cemetery. She was survived by two sons and six daughters. She, her blended family and Ray’s friends continued to remember him on the anniversary of his death each year.
Advertiser Friday 1 May 1942, YOUNG.—In loving memory of our dear friend. Ray (George) killed May I, 1941 on active service overseas. Beneath the cross of sacrifice Within a silent grave His comrades laid him down to rest Among the honored brave. —Inserted by Mr. and Mrs Hofmeyer and family. Koreen and husband (A.IF.). YOUNG. —In loving memory of Pte. R. G. Young, killed in action on May 1 1941. Gone, but not forgotten. —Sadly missed by Mary's mother and father, sisters and brothers. YOUNG. —ln loving memory of our dearest son and brother, Ray, killed at Tobruk on May 1. 1941. Beneath the Cross of Sacrifice. Within a silent grave. His comrades laid him down to rest Among the honored brave. —Inserted by his loving mothers, sisters, and brothers, Charlie (abroad). Nooky (returned). YOUNG. —In loving memory of my darling brother Ray, Killed at Tobruk on May 1. 1941. His loving ways and smiling face Are pleasant to recall. He had a smile for everyone and died beloved by all. —Sadly, missed by his loving sisters Della, Pearl, and Emily. YOUNG. —In loving memory of Pte. Raymond George Young. 2nd/48th Battalion, who was killed in action at Tobruk on May 1. 1941.—Ever remembered by Mr. and Mrs. P. J. Saunders. Hoyleton. YOUNG—In loving memory of Pte. R. G. Young, who was killed at Tobruk on May 1, 1941. —Inserted by his friend Annie. YOUNG. —In loving remembrance of Pte. R. G. Young (AIF). killed in action. May 1, 1941. Deep in our heart a memory is kept. Of one we loved and never forget. —Ever remembered by Mrs. Klau and family. YOUNG. —In loving memory of our dear pal late 2nd/48th (Pte R. G. Young, killed in action, at Tobruk, on May 1. Killed in action, say the cables. That is all the tale they tell of the brave young lad who loved us. Of the lad we loved so well. How his life was spent we know not. What the last word, look, or thought. Only that he did his duty. Died as bravely as he fought. —Sadly missed by Mavis and Joan.
Advertiser Saturday 1 May 1943, YOUNG.—Loving memory of our dear friend. George, killed in action, May 1. 1941. Too dearly loved to be forgotten. —Ever remembered by Kay, Joy, Ron and Ray, Adelaide. YOUNG. —Loving memory of George, killed in action May 1, 1941. He died that we may live in peace. —inserted by Mr. and Mrs. Hofmeyer, Adelaide. YOUNG. —Loving memory of Pte. R. G Young, who made the supreme sacrifice May 1, 1941. His manly form rests in a foreign grave, but his name still lives with Australia's brave. —Sadly missed by Mavis and Joan. YOUNG. —In loving memory of Pte. R. G. Young, killed in action, May 1, Tobruk. A smiling face, a heart of gold, memories are treasures that cannot be told. —Ever remembered by Mary. YOUNG. —In loving memory of Pte. Raymond George Young, killed in action at Tobruk on May 1, 1941. —Ever remembered by Mr. and Mrs. P. J. Saunders. Hoyleton.
Advertiser Monday 1 May 1944, YOUNG.—Loving memory of dear friend. George, killed in action May 1. 1941. His manly form rests in a foreign grave, but his name lives forever with Australia's brave. —Ever remembered by Hofmeyer family and Kay. YOUNG. —In memory of dear Ray, Killed in action May 1 1941. We who loved you will never, forget you. E Klau and family. YOUNG. —In loving memory of R. G Young killed in action May 1 1941 (Tobruk). A smiling face, a heart of gold, memories a treasure that cannot be stolen. —Ever remembered, May. YOUNG. —In memory of Private Raymond George Young. 2/48th Battalion, killed in action. May 1. 1941 at Tobruk. —Ever remembered by Mr. and Mrs P. J. Saunders. Hoyleton YOUNG. —In loving memory of Pt R. G. Young, killed in action May 1. 1941 too far away your grave to see but not too far to think of thee. —Sadly missed by Joan and Mavis.
Advertiser Tuesday 1 May 1945, YOUNG. —In loving memory of Ray, killed at Tobruk, 1941. Around me shall hover, in silence or glee, till life's dream be over, sweet memories of thee. —inserted by sister Della, Pam and Mike. YOUNG, Raymond. —ln loving memory of my dear brother, killed in action. To have, to love, and then to part, is the saddest thing of the human heart. —inserted by loving sister Pearl Jack, Ronnie. YOUNG. —In loving memory ot Ray G. Young, who paid the supreme sacrifice, Tobruk, May 1, 1941. A tender chord of memory ls softly touched today. —Ever remembered. Mary. YOUNG. —In loving memory of Ray, killed ln action May 1. 1941. Too far away your grave to see but not too far to think of thee: though your manly form rests in a foreign grave, your name still lives with Australia's brave. —Sadly missed. Mavis and Joan. YOUNG. In loving memory of Raymond George Young, who was killed in action at Tobruk, May 1. 1941.—Ever remembered by Mr. and Mrs. P. J. Saunders, Hoyleton. YOUNG. —In loving memory of Ray, killed in action May 1 1941. Hearts that loved you never forget. —Always remembered by Mrs. Klau and family. YOUNG. —In memory of our friend, George, killed in action May 1 1941. When we last saw his smiling face, he looked so bright and well: little did we think it was our last farewell—inserted by his friends, Hofmeyer family, Adelaide. In memory of my pals of 2/48th Btn, killed in Tobruk. —Mick Salter, ex A Coy. In sad but loving memory of our dear pals from the 2nd/48th Batt especially D Company. Tobruk, May 1, 1941. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember you. —Your loving pals. Ron. Irwin. Syd Kinsman. P.O.W.'s and returned M.E.
Advertiser Wednesday 1 May 1946, YOUNG. —In loving memory of my brother, Ray, killed in action 1940. Sweet is the word ‘remembrance’. As these few lines will show, you will always be remembered as the years come and go. Inserted by sister Pearl, Jack, Ronnie. YOUNG In loving memory of Ray, killed at Tobruk May 1 1941. Many a lonely heartache, often a silent tear but always treasured memories of one we loved so dear. Inserted by his loving sister Della, Pam and Mike. YOUNG In loving memory of R.G. Young, killed in action May 1 1941. Dear Ray may the sunshine you missed in life’s pathway be found in God’s haven of rest. Ever remembered by Lary and all at home. YOUNG – In remembrance of Ray killed in action at Tobruk, May 1 1941. A distant grave, a touching thing where loving hands no flowers can bring; but God alone in His great care will guard dear Ray resting there. Inserted by Emmie and family. YOUNG In memory of Ray killed in action May 1 1941. Ever in our thoughts. Inserted by Pat Doodie and Val. YOUNG In remembrance of Raymond George Young, late 2/48th Btn killed in action at Tobruk, May 1st 1941. Ever remembered by Mr and Mrs Saunders of Hoyleton. YOUNG In memory of Ray, Killed in action 1941. Too dearly loved to be forgotten. Inserted by Grace and Bill. YOUNG In memory of dear Ray, killed in action 1941. In silence we remember. Inserted by E Klau and family. YOUNG In loving memory of Pte R.G. Young who was killed in action at Tobruk May 1 1941. We think of you in silence, we often speak your name but all we have to answer is your photo in a frame. Lovingly remembered by Mavis and Joan. YOUNG Tribute to the memory of Ray (George) killed in action May 1 1941 Always remembered by the Hofmeyer family. YOUNG —In loving memory of my friend George who lost his life at Tobruk, May 1 1941. Treasured memories linger forever. Remembered by Max. YOUNG In cherished memory of George who gave his life for his country May 1 1841 Remembered by Mr and Mrs Art Reid and Clarence.
Advertiser Thursday 1 May 1947, YOUNG. —In loving memory of Pte. R. G. Young, killed at Tobruk. May 1, 1941. Too dearly loved to be forgotten. — Lovingly remembered, Mavis and Joan. YOUNG. —A tribute to the memory of him today are those who loved him Private Raymond George Young, 2/48th Battalion, killed in action. Tobruk. May 1. 1941. —Ever remembered by Mr. and Mrs. Saunders. Hoyleton. YOUNG. —Memory of George, killed in action May 1. 1941. Those who think best—inserted by Hofmeyer family. Adelaide. YOUNG—In loving remembrance of Raymond George, died in action May 1. Just a token, true and tender. Just to show we still remember. —Inserted by E. Klau and family. In memory of those of the 2/48 Bn., killed May 1, 1941, —Inserted by Jack Duffield, Ron Chinner, Steve Johnson, Hartley (Dick) Gerlach.
Advertiser Saturday 3 May 1947, YOUNG. — In loving memory of brother Pte. Raymond George killed May 1, 1941, Tobruk. I think of you in silence Ray often repeat your name, but all I have to answer is your photo in a frame. —Inserted by sister Delia, Pam, Mike. YOUNG. — In loving memory of our brother Pte. Raymond George, killed at Tobruk May 1, 1941. At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember. — Inserted by Emmie and family.

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