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Murray Pioneer and Australian River Record (Renmark, SA: 1913 - 1942) Thursday 28 August 1941

KILLED IN ACTION

Two More Renmark Boys: Ptes. R. Giles and T. Porter

The flag over the R.S.L. clubroom again flew at half-mast when it was learned that two more of Renmark's gallant sons had been killed in action. They were Ron Giles and Tom Porter, both young men widely known before they heard and obeyed the call to arms.

Private Ronald Ernest Giles, SX 52952, Second A.I.F., was third son of Mrs. Mary Giles, who lives in 16th Street, Renmark. He was killed while in action at Tobruk on August 12. His mother received a telegram from the military authorities on Tuesday to this effect. The soldier enlisted in May and went overseas on December 28, 1940. He was born at Tailem Bend, and came to Renmark when a child, attending the school here. Last week Mrs. Giles received word that her son Ray had been wounded at Tobruk, and a letter has been received that the two brothers were together when the casualties occurred. Private Cecil Giles, another son, is serving at Tobruk, and a fourth son, George, is at Laverton in the R.A.A.F. Ron Giles was 21 years old. Mrs. Giles, who has been in poor health, was greatly shocked by the news of her son's death, but has rallied a little. Her daughters have not left her side.

Pte. Windon Thomas Gordon Porter, SX 5296, A.I.F., second son of Mr. and Mrs. A. R. Porter, of 14th Street, Renmark, was killed at Tobruk on August 12 while in action with Ron Giles. His father, "Bert" Porter, is a returned man and a member of the Renmark R.S.L. The soldier was born in England at Salisbury on November 8, 1918. He arrived at Renmark with his mother in 1919, and has lived here ever since, working with his father.

He enlisted in July, 1940, and went overseas with his unit on December 29, 1940. He attended the Catholic School at Renmark. He, like Ron Giles, was a hard-working boy and left behind him many friends. The last letter home is addressed to his mother and father and "my friends in Renmark." He mentioned the names of many Renmark soldiers and said he was grateful to the Red Cross and Comforts Fund.

The letters received from both soldiers indicated the highest morale.

Private Roy Porter, the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Porter, served through the Syrian campaign and is now stationed at Beirut.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article109260674

Murray Pioneer and Australian River Record (Renmark, SA: 1913 - 1942) Thursday 11 September 1941

Renmark

Pte. Wyndham Tom Gordon Porter, of Renmark, second son of Mr. and Mrs. A. R. Porter, of Renmark, was reported killed in action at Tobruk on August 12. In an obituary reference which appeared in these columns a fortnight ago it   should have been stated, that Pte. Porter was born   in the little village of West Harnham, overlooking the Salisbury Cathedral, on November 8, 1919, and that he came to Australia with his mother and brother in February, 1921.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article109260938