Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Donald Wilfred Perriam SX3809

Donald was the first born child of Elsie Edyvean Grose and Wilfred Clarence, born in Adelaide on the 3rd of November, 1919. His father, Wilfred had been a Private in WWI with the 15th Field Ambulance. Donald grew up in the Adelaide suburb of Prospect, enjoying a range of outdoor activities. At that time children frequently belonged to clubs initiated by radio stations. One such was 5CL which promoted a children’s poultry egg laying competition, in which as a six-year-old Donald came second. This was run as part of the Poultry Club to which Don belonged, meeting one Tuesday each month at the local Paragon Café.

When WWII broke out, it was inevitable that Don enlisted on the 28th May, 1940, aged 21, to become Private Perriam SX3809 with the newly formed 2/48th Battalion, eventually rising to the rank of Sergeant. Home on leave in ’41, Donald became engaged but war was not the perfect time for relationships to flourish. Similarly close bonds were formed within the 2/48th men, making it difficult for those fighting to see their friends killed or maimed. Where possible, a number of those fighting placed In Memorium notices in the Adelaide ‘Advertiser’. Casualties at El Alamein, in particular gave rise to numerous tributes. Those young friends who had given their lives continued to be remembered for a lifetime b y the suvivors, and the vow ‘We Will Remember Them’ was honoured. Don and a group from the 2/48th in November 1944 placed this memorial to SX10522 Murray Thomas and others from his battalion.

 Advertiser Thursday 2 November 1944, page 8 NICHOLSON. —Cherished memories of Murry (Nick) 2/48th, killed in action l El Alamein. Oct. 31. 1942.—Ever remembered by his pal Don Perriam. A tribute to the memory of Paul (Bill) Cashen. Murry (Nick) Nicholson, and boys of the 2/48th Bn. who paid the supreme sacrifice at El Alamein between Oct. 23-31. In silence we remember them. —Inserted by Don, Tank and George.

Murray was killed in action in Egypt on the 31st October, 1942 aged 27. He had previously been wounded by shell fire in July ’42. Murray’s young brother, Colin Scott was also killed in action in Egypt, just two days later on the 2nd November 1942 aged just 22. In his book, ‘Tobruk to Tarakan’ John G. Glenn describes the final fatal incident:

‘Meanwhile battalion headquarters, continuing to move forward, passed through the gap between B and C Companies, only to find themselves four hundred yards in advance of the leading companies and meeting heavy enemy resistance close to the final objective. Casualties were mounting among the headquarters personnel. Corporal Bill Cashen and Private Murray Nicholson of the orderly room staff, Sergeant Lindsay Goode and Corporal Tas Scutt of the signals, and Private Vin McGahan had all been killed.’

Home on leave in April of ’44 Donald and Lorna May DeCean of Thebarton, announced their engagement. It was to be the start of a life-long love story.

As hostilities ceased and the war drew to a close, those who had given their lives in New Guinea were collectively reinterred at Tarakan. A moving dedication ceremony was conducted at the Tarakan War Cemetery on the 30th September 1945. Again, John Glenn in ‘Tobruk to Tarakan’ described how the name of every man who fell at Tarakan was read aloud and Don’s role in farewelling those who had fallen.

‘The guard fired three volleys, fixed bayonets, and presented arms as Brigadier Whitehead and Sergeant Don Perriam stepped forward and unveiled the Tarakan War Memorial. (Perrian was well fitted to take part in the solemn ceremony. He was one of the original members of the 2/48th Battalion and had the longest service with the 26th Brigade, having served in every campaign in which the Brigade had fought.) the Last Post was sounded, followed by the Rouse as the ensigns and flags of Australia, the Royal Australian Navy, the Royal Australian Air Force, the United States of America and the Netherlands were hoisted to the mastheads. Orders were given, and the guard marched off at quick time. The solemn ceremony was over.” AWM has a video of this event

Back home with peace declared Don married Lorna May on the 8th December 1945 at the Mile End Church of Christ. Their marriage was to last for over 48 years until Donald’s death.

Post war, Donald maintained contact with those with whom he served. In March ’48 he was presented with an Efficiency Medal at Keswick where a series of Long Service Medals were also presented.

His parents, Elsie and Wilfred are both remembered in the Centennial Park Cemetery. Elsie died on the 12th April 1965 and Wilfred on the 22nd August 1965.

Don died on the 1st March 1993 and is also buried at Centennial Park, Pasadena. His wife, Lorna was interred with him on the 26th February, 2004. Engraved is a summary of their life together ‘Reunited in Eternal Love’.

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