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Farmer Benjamin Richard, and Annie Millicent Fullarton Crabb had a large family of eleven children, eight sons and three daughters. Benjamin spent his early days at Bendleby, north of Orroroo. He also had worked as a drover and in the Wallaroo mines. At one stage, in the company of six others, he set out to make his fortune finding gold at Coolgardie. However, with the death of three of these friends from lack of water and poor food, Benjamin returned home and without any gold. He was also renown as an outstanding colt breaker and rough rider, as well as being knowledgeable in veterinary care. Following his marriage to Annie, he purchased land in the Rudall area, farming there until 1942.
Annie was the only daughter in the Fullarton family of Clare. Her father was a life-long employee from the early days as a compositor at the 'Northern Argus' newspaper office. Her grandfather, John E. Maynard, was the first pioneer to come to Clare and live on the Inchiquin Flats in 1842.
Roy Maxwell was the seventh son born during WWI on the 23rd January 1913 at Cowell, near Franklin Harbour on Eyre Peninsula. Roy’s other siblings included John (Jack) Fullarton, Howard Aubury Fullarton, Phillip Stapleton Fullarton, Selina Lavina, Arthur Frederick, Benjamin Richard, William Ernest, Lucy May, Douglas Mervyn Keith and Rhonda Joyce.
Three of Roy’s brothers enlisted to serve during the War to End All Wars, WWI. John, known as Jack and Howard enlisted at a similar time on July 21st, 1916, and were allocated consecutive numbers, Jack as 2400 and Howard as 2401. Howard had just turned 18 and Jack was 19 years old. Their younger brother, Phillip also enlisted days after his 19th birthday in September 1918 and was allocated to B Company. However, with the cessation of hostilities, he was discharged just prior to Christmas that year.
Roy was very much an outdoor young man. He attended the Cleve and the Boore Plains School before returning to work as a farm labourer. With stone not readily available locally for building, local constructions were predominantly of wood and iron. This earned the town the nickname of ‘Tin Town’. Roy’s family was deeply involved in their local community and supportive of all local activities. These included the local Rudall School, at the annual athletics sports day which was held on the football oval. In ’23 funds were being raised towards building an Institute through stalls, dinners, dances and athletic events. The Crabb family featured in these events with older brother Jack winning the Digger’s race and his wife Mary-Ann being first in the quaintly named ‘Ladies Bend Race’. Brother Phillip was also Secretary on the Sports Committee. In the evening, Roy was also a participant with two friends, Reg Wake and David Smallacombe, presenting a trio item. Young William also gave a recitation as did Rhonda.
The family were also regulars at daces held in nearby towns, including the R.A.O.B Ball at Cleve in July ’33.
Turning 21, Roy celebrated his birthday with a surprise party in the Rudall Institute with friends coming from as far away as Cummins. Dancing to a live band including a piano and saxophone was a popular feature. Later in the evening speeches were made of Roy’s sterling qualities and a collection was taken up and presented to him on behalf of those present, with Roy responding with thanks. A typical country supper followed before Roy then cut his cake. Well into the early hours of the morning, the guests made their various ways home.
By May the following year, Roy had decided to leave Rudall to live with his brother, Jack at Waterloo near Auburn. A huge farewell party was organised for him, featuring dancing, games, table tennis and cards. His father, Benjamin acted as MC and with many locals making valedictory speeches praising Roy and passing on their best wishes and a collection of money on behalf of those present.
Roy soon turned his hand to steer riding. He was particularly successful in October ’39 at Marrabel during the Eight Hours Day Carnival. He convincingly defeated a large field of competitors with his final tally of 50 points being ahead of the next competitor on 46. However, this success was not to be repeated as WWII erupted and 25-year-old Roy enlisted with another Rudall local, SX571 Ralph J. Ranger, with both heading into Camp in November ’39.
Roy’s oldest brother, Jack again felt it was his duty to enlist. Aged 43-he was the first, enlisting in Whyalla on the 29th September 1939 as S212302, serving with the 4th Garrison Battalion. His five younger brothers followed suit with 25-year-old Roy following suit the next month, enlisting on the 20th October ’39 as SX154 in the 2/10th Battalion. Claiming to be 34 years old (when in reality he was 41) Philip Stapleton enlisted as SX2573 on the 27th April ’40 in the 2/9th Battalion and 35 year old Benjamin Richard as SX10504 in Signals on the 2nd December ’40. 24 year old Douglas Mervyn enlisted on the 21st March ’41 as SX11876 in the 2/6th Field Ambulance and 39 year old Arthur Frederick in May ’42 as S70921 in A Company 5th Battalion. An exceptional contribution by just one family.
In December, a large farewell was held in the Franklin Harbour Institute for SX469 Pte Allan Pike, SX1412 Charles Stenning and SX154 Roy all who were with the 2/10th Battalion. In welcoming the young men, Franklin Harbour was praised for, in proportion to its population, displaying as good a record of enlistments in the A.I.F. as any other- part of Australia. The current enlistees were lauded for being “full of the spirit of adventure and patriotism- as the boys of 25 years ago. It is indeed fitting these new first diggers should all be members of well established families.”
In a rousing speech, the President of the Cowell Red Cross Circle shared that;
“The Prime Minister of England has told us that when this war is over, we shall see a world of vastly altered conditions, a world in which the great mass of the people will; rightly demand a much greater share of the good things of life than they have received in the past. I want these boys of ours to feel assured that while they are away we, who are carrying on at home will put our whole-hearted efforts into ensuring these altered conditions in the new world, so that when our boys came back, after what we hope will be a successful termination of the war, they will be able to resume their civil life under conditions which will ensure them a fitting reward for the sacrifice which they are now making. To the parents of these boys, we say that Australia appreciates the sacrifice which they are making just as much as that made by their sons, and we join with them in longing for the day when the war is finished and we shall be able to meet again to extend our welcome to the boys on their safe return. On behalf therefore, of my fellow members of the Red Cross, and of the V.S.D. and of the Franklin Har bour public generally, I wish you, Allan, Charlie and Roy a good time and promotion in the A.I.F-and a speedy return, safe and sound to us, who will be fervently awaiting the day when that is possible.”
Back home on leave the Frankin Harbour Institute was again filled with locals farewelling their young soldiers. They were formally introduced, and their good qualities lauded, as were their parents all ‘old and well respected: families of the Franklin Harbour district’.
In May ’40 Roy was heading overseas, disembarking in Scotland. He was briefly hospitalised with an eye infection, before having three hours of unofficial leave, which cost him 2 pounds in fines. He arrived in the Middle East in January ’41 but soon developed an outer ear infection with fluid build-up in both middle ears, for which he was treated. Returning to his battalion, Roy was confined to barracks for three days for not attending a parade in March.
Just two months later, aged 28, Roy was killed in an horrific accident at Tobruk on the 23rd July 1941 whilst he was on duty. Inevitably, an inquest followed, concluding that Roy died from a shell burst, caused by his ‘own negligence and misconduct’. It concluded that Roy had disregarded battalion instructions, personally read out to him by his platoon commander ‘on several occasions’, in the handling of enemy guns and ammunitions. Roy had attempted to render the shell harmless by removing the detonator and charge, thus retaining the shell casing as a souvenir. Tragically, the shell had exploded, fatally piercing Roy’s chest.
Ironically, the following day a letter was received and published in the local paper from Donald Zerna SX1906 in Roy’s 2/10th Battalion sharing that " Once more the time has come for me to write you a few lines, although I am afraid there is not very much news. We are back on reserve again now and everything is very quiet. I saw Jack about a week ago and he is still quite well and O.K I also saw Bill and Mack last Friday and then I saw Charlie Stening and Roy Crabb yesterday, but I never had much time to speak to them. We had a day at the beach the other day- We went down in the morning and stayed for dinner and tea. It was a fairly warm day and the water was extra. I spent about six hours in the water altogether and by that time I thought 1 was just about clean. Today we were issued with a gallon of water per man for washing etc., and I think I am cleaner now than ever I have been since I left England. For the first time in months, I was able to get the comb through my hair I think the six hours' soaking in the sea the other day must have done it.”
A week later, the same paper, Eyre’s Peninsula Tribune carried news of Roy. “Mr and Mrs B R- Crabb, of Rudall, received sad tidings of the death of their son Driver Roy Crabb, who was accidentally killed during the course of his military duties on July 23rd. The Crabb family have a wonderful war record and Roy was one of four sons of Mr and Mrs B. R Crabb to be on active service, in addition to a grandson. Roy was a noted horseman and will be remembered riding in the rodeos held at Uters a few years ago and he also won the championship belt for steer riding at Marabel. Profound regret and sympathy is extended to Ms and Mrs Crabb in their sad loss.”
The Port Lincoln Times in August also shared that “Driver Roy Crabb was accidentally killed during the course of his military duties on July 23. He was a noted horseman and was a son of Mr. and Mrs. B. R. Crabb, of Rudall. Three brothers are also on active service, and a nephew.”
A memorial service was held that month with the Tribune reporting that “On Sunday 17th, a Memorial Service for the late Private Roy Crabb, 2nd A.I F, was held in the Rudall Institute. The hall was packed to capacity with friends and relatives, who came to pay their last respects to a lost friend, whom they had known so well and was held in high regard. The parents and close relatives of the deceased, when entering and again when leaving the hall, passed through a guard of honor formed by the Kielpa R C.R. The Service was conducted by Rev F. J Johncock, who based his address on "Those who having received the promises" paying tribute to the memory of the fallen comrade as a sport, as a citizen and as a man, He went on to urge that we who are left should, by way of recompense to the bereaved, take up the work which has been laid down by the fallen and work out 'the promises' for the sake of posterity. Mr E R Levett presided at the organ and at the close of the service sounded the last Post and Reveille The Cleve and Kielpa branches of the R.S L were represented by Messrs G. C Bundle and J. Brooks respectively. 50 per cent of the offering, amounting to £1 12/ was donated to the R.S L, and the Widow and Orphans Fund.”
Roy now rests in the Tobruk War Cemetery, Plot 4 Row L Grave 10 where his parents chose the inscription "The Blood of Jesus Christ, His Son Cleanseth Us From All Sin." 21-year-old Private V.E. Stringer, SX2538 from Arno Bay and also from the 2/10th Battalion lies alongside. He was killed on the 22nd July.
By July ’42 the Crabb family was being praised for their patriotism and their family’s involvement in both Wars.
‘We wish to pay a tribute to the fine war record of a former Clare lady and her husband (Mr and Mrs B. R. Crabb, of Rudall. West Coast), who has five sons, one grand-son and one son-in law, all in the A I.F with the exception of one son — Roy Crabb — killed in action on service abroad. Three sons served in World War No. 1 and Private Howard Crabb made the supreme sacrifice in England. Mrs. Crabb is the only daughter of the late Mr John Fullarton, of Clare, a life-long employee from the early days as a compositor at the "Northern Argus" office, who lived in Donnybrook nearly all his life with his sister, the late Mrs Maynard. Mrs Crabb had 11 children, and last week visited Clare for a few days with her youngest daughter—Miss Rhonda Crabb, and stayed with her cousin, Mrs W. H. Bond of Donnybrook- It is interesting to recall that Mrs Crabb is a granddaughter of the late John E Maynard the first pioneer to come to Clare and live on the Inchiquin Flats exactly 100 years ago. A total of 19 great-grand- sons and 2 great-grand daughters of John Maynard served in both the last war and now in this conflict (5 in World War No I and 16 in this. Two have served in both and two have made the supreme sacrifice.) These are records of which any family in Australia might well be proud, and Mr and Mrs Crabb, from their own family have made a valuable and generous contribution to the welfare of their native country.’
Over the ensuing years, Roy’s family continued to remember and mourn him.
Eyre's Peninsula Tribune Thursday 23 July 1942, CRABB.— In loving memory of our dear son and brother, No 154 Driver Roy M. Crabb, who was killed at Tobruk on July 23rd 1941. His deed nobly done. A beautiful nature, true and kind, A helping hand to all our needs. A beautiful life came to an end, He died as he lived, everyone's friend, Loved by all. Not just today, but every day, In silence we remember. —Inserted by his loving father and mother, Sister Rhonda and brothers. CRABB. — In fond memory of Pte Roy Crabb. who was accidentally killed at Tobruk on 23rd July, 1941. Deep in our hearts a memory is kept, Of one we loved and will never forget. —Inserted by Mr and Mrs W. F. Wake, Rudall.
Eyre's Peninsula Tribune Thursday 22 July 1943, CRABB. — In loving memory of our dear son and brother, Roy, killed on active service July 23, 1941, at Tobruk. His happy face and cheery ways, will linger with us all our days. Loved by all, —Ever remembered by his loving parents, sister Rhonda, brother Doug A.I.F., Bill. CRABB In memory of Dvr. R. M. Crabb, who was accidentally killed at Tobruk on July 23, 1941, Not just today, but every day we remember you. — Inserted by his friends, "The Wakes," Rudall. CRABB. — In loving memory of Roy, who was billed at Tobruk, July 23, 1941, 10th Battalion. A silent thought brings many a tear, Of one we miss and loved so dear. — Inserted by his loving sister, brother-in-law and nephew, Selina, Jack and Howard Fergie, Kilroo.
Eyre's Peninsula Tribune Thursday 27 July 1944, CRABB.— In loving memory of our dear son and Brother, Roy, killed at .Tobruk on 23rd July. 1941. A young and brave heart. Was always ready to do his bit in harness. Be died for his country. —Inserted by his father, mother, Sisters and brothers.
Eyre's Peninsula Tribune Thursday 19 July 1945, CRABB— In loving memory of SX154 Driver Roy Crabb 2/10th Battalion A.l.F killed at Tobruk, July 23rd 1941. His smile and cheery voice, Are wondrous to recall He had a smile for everyone And died loved by all. —Ever remembered by his loving sister and brother in-law Selina and Jack Fergie, and nephew Howard.
Advertiser Tuesday 23 July 1946, CRABB.—In loving memory of our dear son and brother. Roy. 2/10 Bat. (154). Killed at Tobruk. July 23. 1941. Though your smiles have gone forever, and your voice we cannot hear, there will always be those memories, of one we love so dear. Always remembered by Mum and Dad. sister and brothers.
Eyre's Peninsula Tribune Thursday 24 July 1947, CRABB— In loving memory of our dear son and brother, Roy (8.X.154) 2/ 10th Btn. Killed at Tobruk, July 23rd Loved in life, Honoured in death, A beautiful memory: is- all ;we have left —Always remembered by Dad, Mum, Sisters and brother.
Eyre's Peninsula Tribune Thursday 22 July 1948, CRABB, Pte B.X. 154, 2/10 Btn.— In loving memory of our dear son and . brother, Roy, killed July 23rd, 1941, at Tobruk. --So dearly loved, so sadly missed by his loving mum, dad, sisters and brothers. OB ABB — In loving memory of Roy — Driver K. M. Crabb, S.X 154, 2/10 Battalion, 2nd A.I.F., killed at Tobruk, July 23rd, 1941. This is a sad day of remembrance, A day we shall never forget, Of one we will always remember, When the rest of the world forgets. —Ever remembered by Selina, Jack and' Howard Forgie, Murlong.
Advertiser Saturday 23 July 1949, CRABB, Roy. 154, 2/10 Btn. — In loving memory of our dear son and brother, killed at Tobruk. July 23. To be with us in the same old way Would be our greatest wish today. Loved by all —Ever remembered by dad and mum. sisters and brother.
Eyre's Peninsula Tribune Thursday 20 July 1950, CRABB — In loving memory of dear Roy, Driver Roy M. Crabb, 2/10 Batt., (154), Killed at Tobruk, July 23rd, 1941— Things have changed in many ways, But one thing changes never, Sweet memories of the happy days, When we were all together —Ever remembered -by mum. sisters and brothers.

Roy’s father, Benjamin lived to his 90th year and died in April ’50. He was buried in the Cheltenham Cemetery where Annie later was also buried in 1961. A headstone is also placed in memory of their mourned sons, Private Howard, whose death caused so much heartache and also their younger son, Private Roy Maxwell, a Rat of Tobruk, accidentally killed on July 23rd 1941. A further son, 60-year-old William also rests now with his parents.
Researched and written by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133, 2/48th Battalion.