Wilfred Brand (Bill) CURREN MM

CURREN, Wilfred Brand

Service Number: SX5911
Enlisted: 20 June 1940, Wayville, South Australia
Last Rank: Sergeant
Last Unit: 2nd/43rd Infantry Battalion
Born: Richmond, South Australia, 29 April 1912
Home Town: Winkie, Berri and Barmera, South Australia
Schooling: School of Arts & Crafts, SA
Occupation: Labourer
Died: Killed in Action, Egypt, 28 July 1942, aged 30 years
Cemetery: El Alamein War Cemetery
El Alamein War Cemetery, El Alamein, Marsa Matruh, Egypt
Memorials: Adelaide WW2 Wall of Remembrance, Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour
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World War 2 Service

20 Jun 1940: Involvement Sergeant, SX5911, 2nd/43rd Infantry Battalion
20 Jun 1940: Enlisted Wayville, South Australia
20 Jun 1940: Enlisted Australian Military Forces (Army WW2), Sergeant, SX5911, 2nd/43rd Infantry Battalion
Date unknown: Involvement
Date unknown: Honoured Military Medal

A ‘box-on’ at Tobruk

Wilfred Brand CURREN SX5911
Robert and Clara’s second son Wilfred (Bill) was born in Richmond on the 29th April, 1912, one of seven children. His brothers were Bob, Reg and Phillip and sisters Alice, Kath and Grace. He was a River man at heart as the family moved to live at Winkie, between Berri and Barmera, when he was just a year old. It was a close-knit community with regular, annual events for children, including a Children’s Ball each September for those from five to fourteen years of age gathering in the Rivoli Hall at Berri for a program of presentations and dances. The Curren boys each had a role with Phillip being a Chinaman, Wilfred being Bluebeard and Reg a Goblin. Similarly, the Berri School celebrated the end of the year as a community at the Winkle Park Race Course. In 1926, the numbers attending were close to 400 as the school and a special ladies' committee organised games and sports in a keenly contested program, according to the ‘Murray Pioneer and Australian River Record’. Many local men made their lorries available to transport people to and from the Race Course. Bill was second in the High Jump with his brothers performing well in their age group races and the sack race. With sport being the heart of the community, Bill was active in football, Captaining the Central Football Club team for a number of years, played cricket, tennis, golf and rowing as a participant but also contributing as an umpire for the Upper Murray Football Association.
Bill was employed by an orange grower at Winkie, marrying Florence Davis in 1932 and the young couple were blessed with two girls, Christine and Kathleen. Florence was active as the Brown Owl leader in the Brownies, which the girls attended, including a frolic in November, just after Bill’s enlistment. In aid of the Red Cross funds, the event continued despite a huge summer storm which caused flooding in many Winkie homes which had to be baled out. Stoically, children were dressed in their costumes by candle light. Young Christine wone the prize for best dressed and Kathleen for her patriotic original V for Victory outfit before the latter recited the traditional Vespers; ‘Day is done, gone the sun, From the lake, from the hills, from the sky; All is well, safely rest; God is nigh.’
War intervened, changing the Riverland community and individual families. Bill had served in the Milita with the 48th Battalion, C Company at Glossop in 1939 for 12 months before enlisting in June of 1940, just prior to his 28th birthday. Two of his brothers also enlisted, Reg in the R.A.A.F., and- Phillip ("Digger") in the A.I.F.
Immensely proud of their young men, the Winkie Soldiers’ Committee organised a pre-Christmas party in Private Curren’s honour when he was home on leave prior to going overseas. Dancing and even a tumbling display were highlights reported by the local paper. In a tribute to Wilfred, now in the 2/43rd Battalion, the President, Mr. Gardner, claimed that “Never had an ill word been spoken of him during his long sojourn in Winkie and by his conduct and consideration for others he had endeared himself to the hearts of all who had met him.” Bill was wished “God speed and a safe return.” These sentiments were echoed by the sporting clubs praising Bill “both as an active player and an umpire on and off the field, Bill Curren had always "played the game" and merited the highest respect of all.” The RSL then made a presentation of a wallet with a £1 note from his Winkie friends and a pair of socks and handkerchief from the Winkie ladies. In his response Bill thanked the community for their kindness and said that he was anxious to do his duty as he saw it and hoped to be with them all again after the war is over. He certainly fulfilled the first part with exceptional bravery and leadership, which ironically prevented him fulfilling his latter wish. The traditional “For he’s a Jolly Good Fellow”, was sung before dancing and "Auld Lang Syne," and the singing concluded the night.
After Christmas that year ‘40 he was on his way to the Middle East. His leadership qualities were quickly recognised, promoted to Corporal in March 41, then Sergeant in July 42
Bill was awarded the Military Medal October 41, for gallantry at Tobruk, where he served for eight months. The local paper again reported in detail stating that “Corporal Curren received his award for dash and determination in running forward under machine gun fire near Tobruk to kill with grenades the crew of an enemy machine-gun post." Florence received a letter from the Officer in Charge of the 2/43rd stating that “'Bill is doing an excellent job as section leader. I have every confidence in him—a fine chap, and the men will follow him wherever he goes. He has been recommended for a decoration, and he certainly deserves it." These accolades contrast with Bill’s modest dismissal of the event in a letter to Florence where he said he had just “been, in a ‘box-on’ at Tobruk”.
After the withdrawal from Tobruk Bill was in Syria until the recent operations in Egypt. Commendation for gallantry in Action The close-knit Riverland community were anxious to hear from their boys overseas, with the local paper having a dedicated section called ‘Berri Boys Write Home’, which obviously was also posted to the troops overseas, shared and read avidly. In October ’41 Pte Parsons wrote:
“Plenty of fireworks at times, although I we have our friend a bit quieter these days. Talking about picture shows we had plenty in Palestine. I suppose the football was very tame this year, if you had a team at all. But never mind perhaps next year Berri will be on top again. Pte. Wade arrived in our unit a couple of months ago. I was quite surprised the morning after his arrival to see him stuck into a tin of bully beef. The first thing he said to me was: How would a drop of "Reserve" go with this bully? Of course, I agreed. We don't see any wine over here, but have managed to get a bottle of beer a month. Quite extravagant don't you think? Cpl. Bill Curren, M.M., is also in our company. He sends his best regards to you all. All the best to all along the River.” George Wade then added:
“Continuing on Dick Parson's letter, I am pleased to see by your paper that you are still bowling along. It was quite a shock to see Dick and Cpl. Bill Curren, M.M., looking so well under such conditions. It's not so bad putting up with what the Dagoes and Huns put over at us, but the sand flies and fleas are wicked. But still we smile while we are waiting for the day when we can touch glasses in the Riverside Hotel. It's bad luck to see a few faces missing from the River towns, but as we know we cannot all be lucky. Our worst sensation is when we see forty to fifty bombers flying overhead not knowing just where they will drop their "load of eggs'". And believe us they are not all soft shells. Dick mentioned about the food, but all you want is a brand-new tin opener. Cheerio to all friends.”
In devastating news, Florence and the girls learned of Bill’s death on the 28th July, just three months after his 30th birthday and is buried in the El Alamein Cemetery AIV. B 17 in Egypt. The poignant inscription on his grave reads “So dearly loved, so sadly missed.’
Stoically, Florence continued to serve and be actively involved in the Winkie Red Cross, being selected to represent the district as their candidate in their 1945 Winkie Miss Red Cross competition. The girls were also active in fundraising with Christine taking a special prize in decorated cycles and vehicles for her entry of a Red Cross ambulance.
Bill’s parents moved to Parkside in Adelaide with Robert being active as the Labor candidate for Chafey and continuing to support the Riverland fruitgrowers. Nine years after Bill’s death, in July of 1951 his eldest daughter, Kathleen announced her engagement to Kevin Gutte of Barmera. Her grandfather and Bill’s father, Robert, aged 73 passed away just three months later in October. Two years later in November 1943 Bill’s mother Clara also died, aged 73 having grieved for 11 years at the loss of Bill. The family recorded “A patient sufferer at rest.”
Each year the family marked the day of Bill’s death.
Murray Pioneer and Australian River Record Thursday 27 August 1942, CURREN- Killed in Action in Egypt on July 28th. Sgt. W. B. (Bill) Curren. Dearly loved second son of Mr. and Mrs. R. Curren, of Berri, and loved brother of Alice, Bob, Kath, Reg (R.A.A.F.), Phillip (A.I.F.) and Grace. 'His duty nobly done.' CURREN- On July 28tth. Killed in Action in Egypt. Sgt. W. B. Curren. Dearly beloved husband of Florrie, and loved father of Kathleen and Christine. Son-in-law of Mr. and Mrs. H. J. Davis, of Winkle. Some day we will understand.'
Advertiser Friday 4 September 1942, CURREN. —A tribute to the memory of Sgt. Bill Curren, killed in action on July 28, esteemed friend and workmate of M. Lawrence, Winkie. CURREN. —In loving memory of our friend. Bicca. aged 30. killed in action in Egypt on July 28. —A friendship never to be forgotten by Nell and Eric Mc-Donald.
Advertiser Wednesday 28 July 1943, CURREN. —In loving memory of our friend. Bicca. killed in action, in Egypt, on July 28. 1942. A friendship never to be forgotten by Neil and Eric McDonald. CURREN. Sgt. W. B. —In loving memory of brother Bill killed in action at El Alamein. July 28. 1942. We will remember him —Inserted by Kath. Joe and family CURREN. Sgt. Bill MM.—A tribute to the memory of my esteemed workmate, who lost his life in Egypt July 28. 1942. —Ever remembered by M. Lawrence Winkie. CURREN. —In loving memory of our dear son and brother. Sgt W. B. (Bill Curren. M.M, killed El Alamein July 28. 1942. Not Just today, but every day in silence we remember. —inserted by father, mother. Reg and Grace. CURREN. —In loving memory of dear brother Bill killed in action. El Alamein. July 28. 1942. —Always remembered by his brother and sister-in-law. Phillip and Roma. CURREN. —In sad and proud memory of Sgt. W. B. Curren. killed In action. El Alamein. July 28. 1942. In our homes you are fondly remembered. —Inserted by Bob, Elva and family. Alice. Howard and family.
Murray Pioneer Thursday 29 July 1943 CURREN—Sacred to the memory of my beloved husband, and father of Kathleen and Christine. Sgt. W. B. (Bill) Curren, M.M., who made the supreme sacrifice at El Alamein on July 28th, 1942. In God's Care. —Inserted by Florrie and Daughters.
Advertiser Friday 28 July 1944, CURREN. —A tribute or love and honor to our friend. Bicca. killed in -action in Egypt July 28. 1942.—Ever remembered by Nell and Eric McDonald. Winkle. CURREN, Sgt. Bill, MM. —In loving memory of our brother, killed in action, El Alamein, July 28, 1942. His duty gallantly done. —Ever remembered by "Digger" and Roma. CURREN. —In loving memory of Bill, killed El Alamein, July 28, 1942. A thought for today, a memory forever. — By Kath, Joe and family. CURREN. —Loving memory dear son and brother, Sgt. W. B. (Bill), paid supreme sacrifice El Alamein, July 28, 1942. "Not just today, but every day, in silence we remember. —Inserted by his loving father, mother, brothers and sisters, Berri. CURREN. —A tribute of honor to our brother and uncle, Sgt. W. B. Curren, M.M., killed in action at El Alamein, July 28, 1942. —Ever remembered by Alice, "Blue," Maisie and Reg. CURREN. --In memory of Sgt. W. B., M.M., killed at El Alamein, July 28, 1942. They shall not grow old as we that are left grow old. —Ever remembered by Bob, Elva, Mrs. Buck and children. CURREN. —A tribute to the memory of Sgt. Bill Curren. MM., who made the supreme sacrifice July 28. I942. —Ever remembered by M. Laurence
Advertiser Saturday 28 July 1945 CURREN. —In loving memory of our son and brother, Sgt. W. B. Bill Curren. MM D Coy_ 2/43rd Batn, AXF, killed in action. El Alamein. on July 28. 1942. Years roll by but memories stay. —lnserted by father, mother, Grace and Reg. (RA.A.F.- England). CURREN-—Sgt. W. B. (Bill killed in action at El Alamein, July 28. 1942.—Ever remembered by Bob. Elva, and family. They shall grow not old. CURREN. —In fond memory of Sgt. W. B. (Bill Curren, MM., killed in action at El Alamein. July 28. 1942.—Ever remembered by Nell and Eric CURREN. W. B-. M.M.—ln loving memory of Bill, killed in action at El Alamein. July 28. 1942.— Ever remembered by Kath, Joe, and family. CURREN. Sgt. W. B, M.M.—ln loving memory of Bill, killed in action El Alamein July 28. 1942. —Ever remembered by brother "Digger" and sister-in-law Roma CURREN. W. B. MM.—In fond and loving memory of our brother and uncle Bill, killed in action, July 28. 1942 at El Alamein- For ever in our thoughts. —lnserted by Alice, "Blue" Maise and Reg.
Murray Pioneer Thursday 25 July 1946, CURREN. —In loving memory of Sgt. W. B. (Bill), M.M., killed at El Alamien on July 28, 1942. Not just today, but every day. in silence we remember. —Inserted by his father, mother, brothers and sisters.
Advertiser Tuesday 30 July 1946, CURREN, Sgt. W. B. (M.M.). —In fond memory of Bill, killed El Alamein July 28 1942. Always remembered by his brother "Digger," Roma and Janet. CURREN, W. B., M.M.—In fond and loving memory of our brother and uncle Bill, killed in action July 28th 1942 at Alamein. Not just today but every day in silence we remember. Inserted by Alice, "Blue," Maisie and Reg.
Advertiser Monday 28 July 1947, CURREN. —In proud and loving memory of Sgt. W. B. Curren. MM. killed at EJ Alamein. July 28. 1942.—Ever remembered by Eric and Nell. CURREN. —In loving memory of Sgt. W. B (BiIl) Curren. M.M. 2/43rd Batn. A.I.F. killed at El Alamein. on July 28. 1942. Not Just today, but every day in silence we remember. —lnserted by father, mother, sisters and brothers., CURREN. Sgt. W. B. M.M.— In loving memory of Bill, killed in action. El Alamein, July 28. 1942.—Ever remembered by Kath, Joe and family. CURREN. Sgt. W. B. Bill. In loving memory of Bill killed El Alamein. July 28. 1942.—Ever remembered by Digger, Roma and Janet.
Advertiser Thursday 28 July 1949, CURREN. Sgt. W. B. MM—ln loving memory of Bill, killed in action. July 28. 1942.—Ever remembered by Kath, Joe and family. CURREN. W. B. (M.M.). In loving memory of Bill, killed El Alamein on July 28. 1942.—Ever remembered by Digger, Roma and family. it CURREN. —In loving memory of Sgt. W. B. (Bill) Curren. MM. killed at El Alamein. July 28, 1942. Not just today, but every day in silence we remember. Inserted by father, mother, sisters and brothers.
Advertiser Friday 28 July 1950, CURREN Sgt. W. B. (Bill) Curren, M.M., 2nd 43rd Batt. A.I.F., killed at El Alamein, on July 28, 1942. Not just today, but every day, in silence we remember. —Inserted by father, mother, sister, and brothers.
Advertiser Saturday 28 July 1951, CURREN. —In loving memory of Sgt. W. B. (Bill), M.M., killed at El Alamein on July 28, 1942. Not just today, but every day, in silence, we remember. —Inserted by father, mother, sisters and brothers.
Advertiser Monday 28 July 1952, CURREN. — In loving memory of Sgt. W. B. (Bill) Curren, M.M., 43rd Batt., D Company, 2nd A.I.F., killed at El Alamein July 28, 1942. Ten years have passed but love and memories remain —Inserted by mother, brothers and sisters.
Advertiser Tuesday 28 July 1953, CURREN. — In loving memory' of Sgt W. B. (Bill), M.M. killed at El Alamein July 28. 1942. Tune passes by but memories remain. Always remembered by. mother, sisters and brothers.
Researched and written by Kaye Lee daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133 2/48th Battalion

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Biography

Wilfred Brand CURREN was born in Richmond, South Australia on 29th April, 1912

His parents were Robert CURREN and Clara Grace BRAND

He married Florence Emily DAVIS in South Australia in 1932

He had previously served for 12 months with C Coy, 48th Battalion at Glossop SA before enlisting for WW2

Promotions:

Sergeant 29.8.1941

back to Corporal 7.5.1942

Sergeant 24.7.1942

He was awarded the Military Medal for distinguished service

 

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