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Doug was born 22 June 1915 in the mid-north rural town of Clare, SA. He was the 6th of 12 children to William Henry and Millicient Daisy Maude Bond (nee Maynard). The name Joffre is attributed to a popular French general. His ancestry can be traced to John Maynard, the first pioneer settler of Clare (his great grandfather) in 1830. Doug was His siblings were brothers Leslie Edgar, Victor William Thomas, Harry, Lester Neville, Wilfred, Colin, Ronald and Frederick plus three sisters, Doris, Faith and Mavis.
As a child, Doug’s family was active in the local Baptist Church at Clare. Inevitable fundraising efforts for the church saw 12-year-old Doug being involved in the concert program. The following year he was again a soloist, offering two songs in another concert for the Kindergarten Building fund which was part of the Baptist Sunday School. Doug was also a creditable runner in another carnival held at the Clare Soldiers' Memorial Park where he ran second in the under 12 boys’ race. That same year, ’28 huge ‘Back to Clare’ celebrations were held, including a local holiday, with a procession, fancy dress, local bands and sports again on offer at the Memorial Park. Doug again did creditably in the Flag and then Wheelbarrow races. His athleticism was evident in his position as a rover for the South Clare Football Club. He also became a Ranger of Court Inchiquin, Ancient Order of Foresters, a mutual aid group designed to support families experiencing illness or death, which was particularly active up to the 1940’s
Doug attended the local Clare School before being employed by the Hawkes family on the Koonoona Station, near Porter’s Lagoon, as a station hand. The station was renowned for its quality merino sheep. While there he planted a stand of gum trees at Black Springs, the nearest town to Koonoona..
With the outbreak of WWII there was a massive campaign in country areas to encourage fit young men to enlist. Leslie was the first of the brothers to enlist on the 23rd May ’40 becoming SX3342 in the 2/27th Battalion. Just prior to his 25th birthday, Douglas enlisted a fortnight later on the 6th June 1940 and was also allocated to the 2/27th Battalion. The following year Victor enlisted on the 19th May ’41 as SX12861. Harry also enlisted in the RAAF as did Lester in ‘43. This level of service was particularly newsworthy, featuring in the local Northern Argus of May ’41. ‘The Bond Families of Clare. HAVE SIX SOLDIERS IN THE ARMY AND AIR FORCE. With the enlistment of two more Bond boys of Clare last week, the families of that name in the district now have the unique record of six men serving their King and Country. Five are in the A.I.F. and one in the r.a.a;f. Mr. ana Mrs, w. H. Bond, Junior, have four sons serving. They are Private Les E. Bond, Corporal Douglas J. Bond, Private Victor W. T. Bond, and Harry R. G. Bond (R.A.A.F.). While Mr. and the late Mrs. W. H. Bond, Senior, have two sons serving in the A.I.F., namely, Private Charles S. Bond, and Private Jack Bond (formerly a sailor in the Royal Australian Navy.) The mother of the first four boys mentioned (Mrs. W. H Bond, Junior) was formerly Miss Millicent Maynard, a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. George Maynard, of South Clare. It is interesting to thus note that the four sons of Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Bond, Junior, and their cousin Driver V. C. Maynard are five great grandsons of the late Mr. John Edward Maynard, the first pioneer to reside in Clare 101 years ago.’
Of note is that Charles Stanley Bond, SX3340 enlisted on the same day as Leslie and both were allocated to the 2/27th Battalion.
Doug’s initial training was at Woodside in the Adelaide Hills until he was granted pre-embarkation leave when he married Dorothy Janet May (from Jervois) on the 22nd August, ’40. By October 20th he was heading overseas on the Mauritania, but in the close confines of the ship he was hospitalised with influenza but also his leadership skills were recognised with his appointment as Lt/Corporal. Once in the Middle East, conditions were quite different to the Clare Valley. He contracted dysentery and was again hospitalised. During his service he continued to be promoted, rising to the rank of Corporal while his service ranged through Egypt, Palestine, and Syria, the latter being one of the major successes for his battalion in Operation Exporter.
Home on leave at the end of March ‘42 after fighting in the Middle East, the Clare locals organised a Welcome Home to nine of their returning soldiers, including Sgt. Robert Smith, Private Charles Bond, Private Les Bond, Corporal Douglas Bond, Private Tom Corfield, Private Milton Allen (of Andrews), Private Vic. Stopp (of Watervale), Private Adrian Fudge and Private Ben Hoare. In a prophetic speech, The Mayor on behalf of the Welcome Home Committee and Citizens, extended a hearty and sincere welcome and trusted they would all be spared to take part in a final victorious Peace. Representatives of the RSL and local government also paid a powerful tribute to the sacrifices and devotion of the men and women who had fought and worked and died overseas. A varied musical program ensued before each soldier expressed appreciation for the welcome extended. A typical country supper and dance followed.
Doug then trained in Queensland prior to being sent to New Guinea to face entirely different conditions and enemy. In later years this became known for being the Kokoda Track. The 2/27th relieved such battalions as the 2/48th who had been deployed earlier. It was then that Doug’s battalion was tasked to clear the Japanese troops from the beaches of Buna Gona and Sananda.
Aged 27, Doug was killed in action at Gona in New Guinea on December 1st 1942. The Advertiser carried the brief news that ‘Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Bond, of Clare, have been notified that their fourth son, Cpl. D. J. Bond, 28, has been killed in action in New Guinea. He served in Syria. Egypt, and Libya. Three of his brothers are also on active service. His wife lives at Jervois.’ The same paper carried a further article that ‘Mrs. D. 'J. Bond, of Jervois, has been notified that her husband, Cpl. Douglas Joffre Bond, was killed in action in New Guinea on December 1. Cpl. Bond enlisted in May. 1940, end returned from overseas in March.’
Back home in Clare, the Northern Argus published an extensive tribute to Doug. ‘The late Corporal Douglas J. Bond, A.I.F., came of a well-known Clare family, he being the fourth son of Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Bond, of Donnybrook. He was a married man, and his wife was formerly Miss D. May, of Jervois, now with her sister at Middleton. Two other brothers are in the A.I.F.; one is in the R.A.A.F.; while another is awaiting his call-up for the Royal Australian Navy. This family are indeed in the forefront doing their bit for King and Country. Doug. Bond was only 28 years of age when he was killed in the fighting in New Guinea. Earlier in the year he was amongst several others who were given a welcome home at the Clare Town Hall, on their return from the Middle East campaign, where he served at Tobruk, in Palestine, Egypt and Syria. Doug, was a man of fine straightforward character, and before enlistment was employed by Mr. Glen Hawkes on Koonoona Station, East of Porter's Lagoon. He was a good footballer in years past as a rover for the South Clare Football Club; was educated at the Clare Primary School; was a Past Chief Ranger of Court Inchiquin, Ancient Order of Foresters; and a great grandson of Clare's first pioneer, the late John Maynard. To his wife and people, who mourn the loss of one of Australia's finest young men we offer our deepest sympathy.’
Just prior to Christmas, the Clare Baptist Church conducted a memorial service to ‘Corporal Douglas Joffre Bond, the 28-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Bond, of Donnybrook, who made the supreme sacrifice of his life in fighting the Japanese in New Guinea on Dec, 1st. There was a large attendance of the parents, relatives and friends of the family. The Mayor (Mr. Gordon Bails) accompanied by the Mayoress attended; also Mr. F. J. Barrett, representing the R.S.L. Fitting references to the departed soldier were made by the Rev. Parr, who outlined briefly his career and pointed out aspects dealing with the supreme sacrifices necessary to sustain the Empire in a righteous cause.’ Following the service, a minutes' silence was observed, followed by a reciting of the Pledge, of Remembrance.
In a lasting and generous acknowledgement to Douglas, the Northern Argus reported that ‘A letter has been received in Clare by Mrs. W. H. Bond, of Donnybrook to the effect that her late son killed in action, Corporal Douglas Bond— when in civil life working at Koonoona station, planted several flowering gums in front of the Black Springs Hall and these are now flourishing grandly. Some time ago an anonymous donor, through the Country Womens' Association, paid for the erection of a swing on condition that the swing (ie The Doug. Bond Swing) be erected in the hall grounds. The letter ends:— Little folk get much pleasure in this memorial to an honored soldier'.
Later that month the Chronicle published the list of those killed. They included 12 from the 2/27th Battalion. SX3217 Lt. John O. Flight. 2/27th Glenelg; SX13547 Pte. Maurice T. Besanko, 2/27th Wayville; SX4569 Cpl. D. J. Bond, 2/27th, Clare; SX10523 Pte. William J. Calliss, 2/27th Kimba; SX3431 A-Cpl. Thomas L. Hay, 2/27th, Rosewater; SX4504 Cpl. Ronald H. Henderson, 2/27th, Seven Hills; SX3363 Pte. Alfred G. Horne, 2/27th, Kensington; SX6670 Pte. John R. Jackson, 2/27th Glanville; SX3466 A-Cpl. Henry T. Johnson, 2/27th, Brompton; SX3820 Pte. Frederick R. Rittberger, 2/27th Torrens Vale; SX3943 Sgt. Paul R. Robertson, 2/27th, Hawthorn; SX9781 Pte. Mac Todd. 2/27th, Pt. Augusta; SX11132 L Cpl. Maurice D. Thalbourne, 2/24th Colonel Light Gardens.
Doug was initially buried in the Gona War Cemetery in Grave 16. On the 9th June ’44 he was finally re-buried in the Port Moresby (Bomana) War Cemetery in Section B Plot 5 Row F Grave 6. He rests with so many others from the 2/27th Battalion who were killed in the last two months of 1942. Doug’s family chose the inscription ‘He Sacrificed himself for all that was dear to him’ for his headstone.
Following Doug’s death, his widow Dorothy (Doris) moved to Cowaramup, in Western Australia, to take up land with her brother and sister. She eventually re-married and had a family but Doug was not forgotten as her family in recent years contacted the Bond family in Clare. Although not technically related, they were keen to learn all they could about Doug and visited Clare on one occasion to meet his relatives. As a mother who lost her son in war, , Millicent Bond received a Mothers' Silver medal with one star for her son killed in action, and another silver medal with four stars for the four still in service, the elder, Sgt. Victor Bond, A.I.F., Engineer Fitter Harry Bond, R.A.A.F., L/Cpl. Les Bond, A.LF. and L.A.C. Lester Bond, R. A. A.F.
With peace declared, patriotic fervour was evident at Clare’s VP Day celebrations. Clare’s Mayor asked for “Therefore I am going to ask you all to pay a mark of homage and respect to our fallen soldiers, sailors and airmen. These boys made the greatest sacrifice — they gave their all, and on behalf of the people I extend to every family so bereaved our deep appreciation of such gallant efforts and our deep and abiding sympathy.’ As soon as the declaration was made public, ‘as soon as official word was announced of the Japanese surrender, the Mayor of Clare accompanied by Captain Essington Day, paid a visit to Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Bond, at Donnybrook who are the only town local people who had five sons on service, one of whom Douglas who was killed in action. Mr. and Mrs. Bond were overjoyed that their three sons left on service were now safe. Sgt. Victor Bond is home and demobilised; and yet to arrive are Les (over 5 years’ service), Harry and Lester.
Doug’s service continued to be remembered. Corporal Leslie Bond was invited by the 27th Batt. Club to march in the Adelaide Victory Procession in ‘46. The Blyth Agriculturalist explained ‘He is one of the five sons of this family to serve in this war, one of whom, Sgt. Douglas Bond, made the supreme sacrifice.’ Proud of the local heritage, the newspaper reinforced the strong patriotism of the family. ‘Leslie Bond, by the way, happens to 'be a great-grandson of the first Clare settler in 1841 —John Maynard—and -it is perhaps fitting that this family was the only one in Clare and District with five sons serving their King and Country —thus carrying on the pioneer traditions.’
Doug continued to be remembered by his family and the local communities of Black Springs with a plaque and the children’s swing and in Clare with memorials at the oval gates.
Advertiser December 1942, BOND, Douglas Joffre. —Killed in action in New Guinea, dearly loved husband of Dorrie (nee May). Beautiful memories treasured ever. —inserted by his loving wife. BOND. —In loving memory of mv dear brother-in-law. Doug, killed in action in New Guinea. —Inserted by F. May. BOND. —In loving memory of our dear brother-in-law. Doug., killed in action in New Guinea. —inserted by Glady and Albert. BOND.—In loving memory of Cpl. Doug. Bond (A.I.F. returned). killed In action In New Guinea. Forget you, Doug, we never will - Ever remembered by brother Harry (R.A.A.F.). Reta, Shirley, and Colleen, Port Broughton. BOND. —In loving remembrance of our dear brother-in-law Doug, killed in action in New Guinea. Dec. 1. His duty nobly done. —inserted by Edith, Albert, and niece Rosalie. BOND. —Loving tribute to Doug, who gave his life for his country, Dec. 1. —Inserted by sister Dorrie, brother-in law Jack, nephews and nieces, John, Helen, Ken, and Beryl. BOND. —In loving memory of Doug, killed in New Guinea, Dec. 1, Sadly missed by his brothers, sisters, Ron, Colin, Lester, Wilf, Fay, and Mavis. BOND. —Sacred memory to our loving son Douglas (A.I.F.) killed in action, Dec. 1. He was loved by all. —inserted by loving mother and father.
BOND.—In loving memory of our dear brother and Uncle Doug, killed in action Dec. 1. Greater love hath no man than this. —Ever remembered by Vic (A.I.F.). Doris and children.
Advertiser Thursday 2 December 1943, BOND. —-In loving memory of my dear husband Doug, killed In action at N. G. Dec. 1. Silent thoughts bring many a tear, of one I miss and loved so dearly. Too dearly loved to be forgotten. —inserted by his loving wife Dorie. BOND. —In loving memory of our dear brother-in-law Doug, killed in action, New Guinea, Dec. 1, 1942. Resting in a soldier's grave, honored with Australia’s brave. —inserted by Albert. Gladys. BOND. —In loving memory of Cpl. Doug Bond, who was killed N.G, Dec. 1. 1942. Beneath the cross of sacrifice he lies among Australia's brave. —inserted by Enid, George and children. BOND—In fondest memory of Doug, who paid supreme sacrifice at New Guinea, Dec 1, 1942. Silent memories, true and tender, just to show we will always remember. —Inserted by Albert, Edith, Vince, Rosalie. BOND. —In loving memory of my dear son-in-law. Doug, killed in N.G. Dec. 1. 1942. Time moves on but memories stay as near and dear as yesterday.—inserted by F. May.
Northern Argus Friday 3 December 1943, BOND: — In loving Memory of our Dear Son and Brother, Cpl D. Bond, who was killed in New Guinea, Dec. 1st, 1942. Your smiling face and loving ways, Will linger with us all our days, Till memory fades and life departs, You will live forever in our hearts. Inserted by his loving Mother, Father, Mavis, Les AXF., Lester R.A.A.F., Colin and Ron. BOND — In loving memory of our dear brother and uncle, Doug, died N.G. Dec. 1st, 1942. Gone, but not forgotten; Nor will we ever forget Doug., our soldier brother, Who died a Heroes death. Dorrie, Jack and family.
Northern Argus Friday 15 January 1943, RETURN THANKS. Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Bond and Family desire to sincerely thank all kind friends and relatives for their expressions of sympathy in the recent loss of their son and brother, CpL D. J. Bond.
Advertiser Friday 1 December 1944, BOND, Cpl D. J. (AIF.). —Loving memories ot Doug, killed ln action December 1. 1942. Greater love hath no man than this. —Always remembered by mother, father, sisters and brothers. BOND, —In loving memory of our dear brother and Uncle Doug, killed in action. N.G, December 1, 1842. He laid aside his armor for spotless robes of white, and with Jesus he is walking in the heavens tonight. —Remembered by Harry (RAAF, Pacific). Rita, and nieces, Shirley and Colleen. BOND, Douglas—ln loving memory of our dear brother-in-law, and uncle, killed in action, N.G, December 1.1942. Proudly we honor his name. —inserted by V. and R. Buck, and family. BOND. —In loving memory of our dear brother-in-law and Uncle Doug, killed ln action. N.G, December 1. 1942. Time moves on two years have passed, but beautiful memories will always last.— Ever remembered by Edie. Albert. Rosalie.
Northern Argus Thursday 29 November 1945, BOND — Cpl. D.J. In loving memory of our dear brother and uncle, killed in New Guinea, Deci 2nd., 1942. Always remembered by Dorrie, Jack and family.
Advertiser Monday 1 December 1947, BOND. —In memory of my pal Doug, killed in action. N.G. December 1. 1942. Always in my thoughts. - Remembered by Col.
Blyth Agriculturist Thursday 4 December 1947, BOND—In Loving memory of our dear son and brother, Cpl. Doug Bond, killed Dec. 1st, 1942. Beautiful memories, tender and true To show dear we think of you, Sadly missed by Mother, Father, Sisters and Brothers. BOND—In loving memory of our dear brother and Uncle Doug, killed N.G. Dec. 1st, 1942. They say that time heals all sorrow and helps us to forget. But time so far has only proved, how much we miss you yet. Dorrie, Jack and family.
Researched by Malcolm Bond, nephew of Douglas and Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133, 2/48th Battalion.