Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

William (Bill), born on the 25th April 1918 was the son of George Alexander and Catherine Albion. He lived in the rural town of Roma, a farming area in western Queensland. Bill was one of the first students to enrol in Primary Correspondence School, with lessons being posted out for students to complete and post back. As a 20-year-old, Bill enlisted in Toowoomba on the 31st May ’40 as QX5792 in the 2nd/15th Field Ambulance Battalion. This was made up predominantly of Queensland enlistees and was later assigned to the 9th Division.
Bill was soon on his way to the Middle East, where his early training was in Palestine. Bill had to quickly adjust to the dust, dirt, flies, rats and living in hand-hewn dugouts which were to become part of his life.
An early memory was on the first day of battle for Tobruk, an allied vehicle was destroyed as it passed over an Italian-laid mine. Ironically, the mine was one of a series that was buried in layers and constant traffic had passed over it for a full day before it detonated. Bill was part of the patrols which conducted night patrols and raids to gain strategic information that enabled the battalion to hold Tobruk
Bill remembered the leaflets, written by Lord Haw Haw and dropped on the troops by German planes. They urged the men to surrender, rather than living like rats. Instead, the men quickly adopted the title ‘Rats of Tobruk’ as an unofficial badge of honour.
While the war raged, there was still time for Bill to collect mementos found in the Western Desert, including Italian holy pictures and paper Palestine Currency, sending both home to his family. His mother, Catherine was also proud of Bill’s service, proudly wearing her ‘female relative’ badge.
For Bill, one Comfort Fund parcel was particularly precious. Enclosed was an official card, A ‘Special Merit’ from his Correspondence School. This was treasured as Bill had not achieved this standard as a student, despite all his efforts, so the thoughtfulness and recognition were especially treasured.
Following his time in the Middle East, Bill was posted to New Guinea to face a very different enemy in the tropical conditions. Several bouts of malaria followed.
Post war, Bill talked little about the war, but when he did, he spoke highly about the fellow soldiers trapped there with him and the strong bonds of mateship that were formed. The men were constantly bombarded from land and air. Many ships were sunk in their efforts to deliver supplies to the troops. Those that did get through, brought precious parcels and mail to the men, strong links to family back home.
William continued to remember the men with whom he served, and the close friendships made. He also remembered with pride, the savage attacks where the Rats acted as a team, repelling enemy advances on the desolate outpost. Those who survived and returned home continued to honour their mates who lost their lives. They also remembered, often with anger, that after their legendary stand to retain Tobruk, it was later taken by the German Army.
Back home in February ’43, the local Comforts Fund group welcomed six of their local ‘boys’ home from overseas, including Private Bill Albion and Military Medal recipient, Lance Corporal Eric Brandwick. The group had sent Christmas parcels to 19 of their local enlistees and had been part of the farewell functions for the same young men prior to their travelling overseas.
Returning to Queensland in May ‘44, Bill took an expensive few days of leave which proved to be costly parting with five day’s pay, but within three months Bill again lost two more day’s pay for the same offence. He had experienced enough of war, to the point of being declared an ‘illegal absentee’ for almost three weeks, having to then face a Court Martial. The hefty nine months detention was further exacerbated by Bill contracting several bouts of malaria. He was eventually discharged on the 12th October ’45.
After the war, Bill enjoyed being involved in Rifle Shooting with his local Roma Club, competing for the Captain’s Trophy in Towoomba and the Chambers Shield in the ‘50’s. The teams competed over a variety of distances; 300, 500 and 600 yards. Bill had regular tussles with Tom Mercer, equally sharing the prize in competitions. Bill was most proud of his performance in May ’52 of his Chambers Shield 100 off the rifle. He was also a regular contributor to the annual Legacy Appeal, which supported the families of the men who did not return.
Aged 67, Bill died on the 4th December ’85.
Researched and written by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes, SX8133, 2/48th Battalion.