Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Mervyn was born on the 24th September 1918 the second child and oldest son of Mavis Lina and Lindsay Mervyn Westlake (after whom he was named) in the town of Strathalbyn. The town was originally settled on the banks of the River Angus by Scottish pioneers in the early 1839.
Mervyn, known as Jack had an older sister, Una Mavis and two younger brothers, Lindsay Norman and Kenneth Robert with the children attending the local Inman Valley, then Strathalbyn School .Jack was just nine when his 13 year old sister, Una, who had been strongly involved in the local Girl Guides, died in the Adelaide Hospital on the 12th April ’28 of meningitis and was buried in the Strathalbyn Cemetery.
Having just turned 14 Jack was one of nine young members of the Strathalbyn District Dairy Calf Club to lead his prize-winning Jersey calf around the Showgrounds in ’32. The calves had been allotted to the students who were then responsible for the feed and care until the heifer came into production. At that point they could acquire the calf for 25 percent of the payment of its actual value. The calves had been provided by local farmers who freely mentored with advice and help. That year Jack won second prize for his yearling bull, with the only criticism being that Jack had given ‘too liberal treatment, which made the calf appear too heavy for a dairy bull.’
Part of the agreement was that the students were required to record the calf’s food quantity and cost and present those records to the judges. Resultantly this would provide economic, effective care of quality pure bred calves. The long-term aim was to raise the standard of dairy herds throughout the State.
In September ’32, Jack presented a paper and demonstration at Roseworthy about ‘The apparatus, method, and objectives of milk testing’, clearly demonstrating the procedure and necessary apparatus, but using water instead of milk and acid. It was well received for the clarity and planning.
Jack had just turned 19 when his father had a huge clearance sale of his Strathalbyn property, all his livestock (29 cows, horse and pigs), implements and household furniture in October ’37. The family then moved to Waikerie. There, Jack found employment working for one of the locals, Mr H.H. Howell, a pioneer of the citrus industry, as a horticultural worker. He and his two brothers also quickly became part of the local community playing for the Waikerie Football Club and all three becoming very accomplished cyclist, also representing Waikerie in the sport.
However, with the outbreak of WWII, 22-year-old Jack was one of the early enlistees on the 21st June ’40. He was given the number SX6023 and allocated to the newly formed 2/48th Battalion. His early days were spent in the pavilions at the now Royal Adelaide Showgrounds but in the close confines, he contracted pharyngitis and received three days of treatment before joining the new recruits headed to Woodside for more intensive training. At a similar time, a fellow Waikerie man, 35 year old Alan Riebe also enlisted as SX9241 and was similarly placed with the 2/48th Battalion.
Following brief leave, Jack and Alan returned to Waikerie visiting family and friends. They were feted and farewelled at the Institute Hall before they boarded the Stratheden on the 7th November, arriving in the Middle East on the 17th December.
Intensive training began in Cyrenaica whist the men tried to adapt to the heat, flies, dust and unpredictability of being at War. The 2/48th Battalion’s first orders were to hold Tobruk for two months, however this stretched out to defending the fortress for eight months. Tobruk was typified by flies, minimal water supplies, dust and constant bombardment which provided a continuous challenge to new enlistees. Rations were very basic with bully beef, biscuits, tea, milk and sugar being standard, with extras including jam being shared sparingly. Both Jack and Alan were soon to become part of the famed Rats of Tobruk. Originally the term was designed by the Germans as derogatory, intended to destroy morale as the troops were literally living like rats underground in their sandy dugouts. Instead, in typical Aussie style, the men proudly adopted the term, a Rat of Tobruk, as a badge of honour and camaraderie.
Alan, also an orchardist, worked as a stretcher bearer; a role where it was challenging for the men to carry a rifle and also a wounded soldier back behind lines, so many stretcher bearers would attempt a rescue unarmed in situations where fierce fighting was underway.
Jack was in D company, with a mortar platoon (a highly effective but always targeted section by the enemy). On the 18th of April, 1941, Jacks good mate, Alan was killed in action, the second of the Waikerie enlistees to die in action in WWII.
A fortnight later, on the 1st of May, 1941, in battle again, Jack was badly wounded with gunshot wounds to the right thigh, left leg and left arm. He was brought in for medical care but sadly on the 3rd of May, 1941, he died of his severe wounds he had received (probably from blood loss).
John Glenn in his book, ‘Tobruk to Tarakan’ described conditions at Dimra: “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. The 2/48th members always attempted to retrieve their wounded and dead mates. However this was delayed at times as they came under heavy fire, but was not postponed. The loss of blood experienced by Jack was, in all probability, a contributing factor. 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. In the sparseness of his journal entries, Derrick captures the horror of war and the brutal effects of losing a mate. He writes “2 May 1941 (Friday)Behind the Blue Line, Tobruk, Libya. Out early after a terrible experience – digging in about 1½ miles from front line. 2/10th going forward now – the 2/23 & 2/24 [were] cut about more than us. Will never forget the bloody blue of May the First. A tragic day.’
Back home, the list of deaths and injuries continued to be reported. SOUTH AUSTRALIA. From the 2/48th Battalion, these were; Killed in Action. SX7759 Pte. John H. H. Marshall, of Hawthorn SX7791 Pte. John W. Christerson, of Yorketown SX7315 Pte. Allan G. Porter, of Kent Town SX7943 Pte. Robert H. Carey, of Portland SX6867 Pte. William T. Gates, of Brompton Died of Wounds. SX6023 Pte. Mervyn .J. Westlake. of Waikerie (Infantry). -SX10311 Capt. Harold A. Woods, of Malvern (Infantry).

The May ’41 edition of the ‘Murray Pioneer’ carried a poignant tribute.
‘Mr. and Mrs. L. M. Westlake have been informed that their eldest son, SX.6023 Private M. J. (Jack) Westlake died of wounds abroad on May 3. Jack has two brothers, Norman and Ken, and had resided in Waikerie with his parents for the past four years. He was a popular young man, highly respected by residents of the whole district, and sincere and widespread sorrow is felt at his death. Jack and his brother Norm are members of the Waikerie Cycle Club and took keen and active interest in all competitions here and up River. He left Australia last November. He was farewelled before his departure in the Institute, and' he and two pals, the late Private A. Riebe and Private .T. Lambert, were also farewelled at the Methodist Church.
Last Sunday a memorial service was held in honour of the late Privates Riebe and Westlake in the Methodist Church. Owing to the large attendance, an amplifier was connected from the church to the kindergarten, which was also filled to seating capacity. Over the week-end flags were flown on various buildings in the town, including the Soldiers; Memorial Hall.’
The Adelaide Mail carried a similar summary adding that ‘Members of the committee of the R.S.L. sub-branch, with the president (Mr. G. Burns), and the Waikerie District Brass Band, of which the late Pte. Riebe was a member, attended the impressive church service, at which the Rev. L. Ashman officiated.’

Jack’s death also affected the Strathalbyn community, with the June issue of the ‘Southern Argus’ carrying a similar summary and adding ‘Mr. and Mrs. L. M. Westlake (formerly of Strathalbyn, but now of Waikerie) have been informed that their eldest son, SX.6023 Private M. J. (Jack) Westlake, died of wounds abroad on May 3rd.’ ‘He was born at Strathalbyn 23 years ago and was educated there at the Primary and High School.’

Jack’s younger brother, 20-year-old Norman also enlisted on the 25th March ’43 in Queensland. He had previously been with the militia as S39195 as SX31129. He served in Port Moresby, New Guinea and Lae and Tarakan attaining the rank of Warrant Officer 2. He was eventually discharged on the 20th June ’46.
Jack now rests in the Tobruk War cemetery in Plot 5 Row B Grave 3. Nearby are others from his 2/48th Battalion 32-year-old SX7264 Private G. R. Gully, SX10311 30-year-old Captain H.A. Woods and others from the 2/1st, 2/12th, 2/15th 2/17th and 2/23rd all of whom died at a similar time. Jack’s parents chose ‘In God’s Keeping’ for his headstone. The Waikerie community also planted a tree in his memory in the Waikerie War Memorial Gardens.
In an added cruel blow, Jack’s youngest brother, 16 year old Ken died in an accident on the 27th April ‘47 in the Barmera Hospital after a bike racing accident at Cobdogla shortly after the war . He was 16 years old. Norman had also been injured the previous day but was discharged from hospital and was anticipated to be heading towards a permanent recovery. Again, the community rallied around the family, with the Waikerie Cycling Club coordinating a ‘Westlake Fund’ to support the family. These generous funds enabled a fitting joint headstone to be erected in the Waikerie Cemetery in memory of both Jack and Kenneth.

Ken’s father and brother, Norman subsequently donated a silver cup to the Waikerie Cycle Club, to be known as the ‘Ken Westlake Cup’ as a prize in the Waikerie Wheel Race. On the anniversary of Ken’s death, two wreaths from the Upper Murray Centre and Waikerie Cycling Club were laid on the grave of the late Ken Westlake, in a touching ceremony, which expressed the kindliness of spirit, and goodwill existing in the Waikerie Club.
The family, friends and fellow soldiers continued to remember Jack in the ensuing years.
Southern Argus Thursday 7 May 1942, IN MEMORIAM WESTLAKE— In proud and loving memory of our dear son and brother Jack, who died from wounds at Tobruk, on May 3rd, 1941. Just when your hopes were brightest dear Just when your years were best; Beneath the Cross of Sacrifice, within a silent grave Your comrades laid you down to rest One of the honored brave. —Ever remembered by his mother, father and brothers Norm and Ken, Waikerie. WESTLAKE— In loving memory of our dear nephew, Pte. Jack Westlake, who died of wounds at Tobruk, on May 3rd, 1941. Deep in our hearts a memory is kept; Of one we loved and will never forget A loving smile, a heart of gold, The dearest nephew this world could hold. — Ever remembered by T. and M. Collett and family.
Advertiser Monday 3 May 1943, WESTLAKE.—Treasured memories of Jack, died of wounds at Tobruk, May 3, 1941 Till memory fades and life departs. you will live forever In our hearts.—lnserted by mother, father and brothers, Norman (A.I.F.). and Ken. Waikerie. WESTLAKE.—In memory of Pte. Jack Westlake. died of wounds. May 3. 1941. At the going down of the sun and In the morning we will remember them.—Remembered by Paddy Walladge. WESTLAKE—In loving memory of Jack, died of wounds at Tobruk, May 3. 2941. Greater love hath no man than this.—Always remembered by the Roads family.
Advertiser Friday 4 May 1945, Fond memories are all I have left of a mate whom I will never forget. —Always remembered by his pal, Norman Foster, 2/10th Batt. WESTLAKE.—Treasured memories of our dear Jack, SX6023, who passed away from wounds, Tobruk, May 3, 1941. In the golden book of memory a leaf is turned today.—Inserted by mother, dad, brothers Ken (Waikerie) and Norman (A.I.F., abroad). WESTLAKE.—In loving memory of Jack, 48th Battalion and A.1.F., who gave his life for his country, May 3, 1941. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember him. —Ever remembered by the Roads family. Inman Valley.
Advertiser Friday 3 May 1946, WESTLAKE.—In fond memory of dear Jack, who passed away of wounds at Tobruk May 3. 1941. Dear memories linger always. — Ever remembered by mother. father, and brothers Norman and Ken, Walkerie. WESTLAKE.—In loving memory of Jack, 48th Battalion. 2nd A.I.F. who gave his life for his country on May 3, 1941 Memory, like the Ivy, clings.—Ever remembered by the Roads family, Inman Valley.
Advertiser Saturday 3 May 1947, WESTLAKE.—In loving memory of Jack, 48th Battalion, 2nd A.I.F., who passed away May 3, 1941. Within our store of memories you hold a place apart.—Always remembered by the Roads family, Inman Valley. WESTLAKE.—In loving memory of our dear Jack, who passed away, Tobruk, May 3, 1941. There's a smile we will always remember, and a memory so precious and dear.—Inserted by parents and brothers, Waikerie.
Researched and written by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133, 2/48th Battalion.