2/23rd Battalion AIF (2nd Australian Imperial Force)

Discussion in 'Australian' started by DaveB, Nov 2, 2014.

  1. DaveB

    DaveB Very Senior Member

    I am starting this thread to drag together a few bits & pieces concerning this unit - I started by looking for some details on a casualty from this unit that was a Remembering Today post and subsequently found some interesting publications in the unit's war diaries and added them as new threads.



    Remembering Today 29/10/42 Private G.W.Finch VX5286 Australian Infantry A.I.F. 2/23 Bn.


    http://ww2talk.com/forums/topic/55391-remembering-today-291042-private-gwfinch-vx5286-australian-infantry-aif-223-bn/?hl=alamein


    To that thread I added the Unit list of losses covering most of 1942 and a photograph of his original grave marker all from the war diary held by the AWM
     
    CL1 likes this.
  2. DaveB

    DaveB Very Senior Member

    http://www.awm.gov.au/units/unit_11274.asp


    2/23rd Battalion

    The 2/23rd Infantry Battalion was raised at the Albury Showgrounds in New South Wales in August 1940, as part of the 26th Brigade. Initially the brigade belonged to the 7th Division but in early 1941 moved to the 9th Division. The battalion did its initial training in Albury before moving to Bonegilla, Victoria, before sailing for the Middle East in November.

    In early 1941 the 26th Brigade, along with the rest of the 9th Division, moved into Cyrenica to complete its training. Despite British successes at the start of the year against German-led counter-attacks, the 9th Division fell back to Tobruk - colloquially referred to as the “Benghazi handicap”. Sub-units from the 2/23rd entered Tobruk between 6 and 10 April.

    The battalion helped defend Tobruk for eight months, manning a series of concrete pillboxes located in a semicircle around the town, called the Red Line. In April the 2/23rd defended the western side of the line cutting Derna Road. From May to July it moved to the eastern side of Tobruk, where the line cut Bardia Road. The battalion continued patrolling along the line between the El Adem and Bardia Roads. Its heaviest fighting occurred while defending the Salient from 20 August to 9 September and again from 17 September to 3 October.

    In October the majority of the 9th Division, except the 2/13th Infantry Battalion, was evacuated by sea. The 2/23rd left on 18 October and sailed to Alexandria. The division was transferred to Palestine and then Syria for rest and garrison duties.

    By July 1942 German and Italian forces had reached El Alamein in Egypt and the war in North Africa had become critical for the British Eighth Army. Consequently, the 9th Division was rushed from Syria to the El Alamein area and held the northern sector for almost four months, as the British reinforced for an offensive under new a commander.

    The division’s orders for the first attack were issued on 7 July. The 26th Brigade advanced along the coast, driving a wedge between the sea and the German positions by capturing the feature known as “Tel el Eise”, which ran north-west between the railway line and the sea.

    During the main offensive from 23 October to 4 November the 26th Brigade and, further south the 20th Brigade, crossed the Australian start line south of Tel el Eisa and moved in a sweeping arc towards the sea. The heaviest fighting occurred at the “Saucer”. By the end of the October the 26th Brigade had suffered heavily and was relieved by the 24th Brigade on 1 November. The 2/23rd had 29 killed, 172 wounded, and six missing.

    Alamein was a great, although bloody, success for the Allies and by 6 November Axis forces were retreating. But the 9th Division was needed elsewhere and with the battle over it returned to Australia to face a new enemy - the Japanese.

    The 2/23rd left Alamein on 2 December and headed back to Gaza in Palestine, where it participated in the 9th Division parade on 22 December. The battalion left Palestine in the third week of January 1943 and reached Sydney at the end of February.

    Reorganised for jungle operations, on 4 September the 2/23rd participated in the division’s amphibious landing at Red Beach, north west of Lae. Shortly before the landing occurred, the invasion fleet was attacked by six Japanese fighters and three bombers. Most of the Japanese bombs missed the Allied ships but one bomb hit the landing craft carrying the 2/23rd headquarters - killing the battalion commander and the ship’s captain. The landing craft, however, made it to shore and the 2/23rd participated in the subsequent fighting around Lae, Finschhafen, and Sattelberg. After Sattelberg, the 2/23rd continued to move inland, capturing Masangkoo, Kuanko, and finally on 9 December, Wareo.

    The 2/23rd returned to Australia in February 1944. After some leave, it reformed in Queensland at Ravenshoe on the Atherton Tablelands in June, for what proved to be an extensive training period. Indeed, the war was almost over before the battalion went into action again.

    In April the 9th Division was transported to Morotai, which was being used as a staging in area in preparation for the 7th and 9th Divisions amphibious landings on Borneo. The 26th Brigade landed on Tarakan on 1 May. The two lead battalions were the 2/23rd and 2/48th. After the massive pre-invasion air and naval bombardment, there was no opposition on the beaches but sharp Japanese fire came from Lingkas Hill. The two battalions pushed inland towards the Tarakan township, overcoming Japanese resistance as they went. By nightfall they had established a beachhead 2.5 km wide and 2 km deep. Tougher fighting was still to come.

    From 6 May to 16 June the mountain ridges behind the town were the scene of bitter fighting. The Japanese used mines, booby traps, and suicide raids to delay the Australian advance through the tangled hills and jungle-covered ridges. Towards the end of May the 2/23rd moved along Snags Track from Rippon, fighting to clear the area around “Margy”.

    Meanwhile, the 2/24th managed to capture the Australians’ last main objective, Hill 90, and the fighting on Tarakan was all but over. The island was divided into areas which each unit had to clear of any remaining Japanese survivors. The 2/23rd sector was in the centre of the island, between the Juata Oilfields and the airfield on the west coast.

    Following the end of the war in August and Japan’s surrender, the ranks of the 2/23rd thinned, as men were discharged, transferred, or volunteered for the occupation force for Japan. Those who remained in the battalion returned to Australia in December. The 2/23rd was disbanded at Puckapunyal on 17 February 1946.

    Battle Honours

    North Africa 1941-42
    Defence of Tobruk
    The Salient 1941
    Defence of Alamein Line
    El Alamein
    South-West Pacific 1943-45
    Lae-Nadzab
    Finschhafen
    Borneo
    Busu River
    Sattelberg
    Wareo
    Tarakan

    Casualties

    320 died
    773 wounded

    Commanding Officers

    Evans, Bernard
    Tucker, Frederick Alfred George 'Fag'
    Wall, Reginald Ernest

    Decorations

    3 DSO
    1 MBE
    11 MC
    4 DCM
    20 MM
    1 EM
    33 MID
     
  3. DaveB

    DaveB Very Senior Member

    (previous thread)

    Eighth Army News - October 1942 (plus Diggers Desert Diary)

    http://ww2talk.com/forums/topic/55395-eighth-army-news-october-1942-plus-diggers-desert-diary/?hl=alamein

    Searching through the war diary for the Australian 2/23rd Battalion and came across these newsletters from the El Alamein period.


    Plus photos from the Farewell parade to Brig RW Tovell DSO ED on occasion of his return to Australia

    El Alamein September 1942

    Service Record

    Name TOVELL, RAYMOND WALTER
    Service Australian Army
    Service Number VX46983
     
  4. DaveB

    DaveB Very Senior Member

  5. DaveB

    DaveB Very Senior Member

    Another publication I found copies of in the war diary - Mud & Blood August 1942
     

    Attached Files:

    CL1 likes this.
  6. spidge

    spidge RAAF RESEARCHER

    Their motto was: aut inveniam viam aut faciam

    "I shall either find a way or make one" apparently first attributed to Hannibal.
     
  7. dryan67

    dryan67 Senior Member

    Here is a summary of the battalion's war service command during WWII:

    2/23rd Infantry Battalion [Raised 23 July 1940]
    26th Infantry Brigade 23/7/40 - 26/3/41
    24th Infantry Brigade 26/3/41 - 10/4/41
    26th Infantry Brigade 10/4/41 - 16/5/41
    18th Infantry Brigade 16/5/41 - 18/5/41
    26th Infantry Brigade 18/5/41 - 5/7/42
    Rear HQ 9th Australian Infantry Division 5/7/42 - 6/7/42
    HQ Australian Reserve Group 6/7/42 - 9/7/42
    26th Infantry Brigade 9/7/42 - 30/10/42
    20th Infantry Brigade 30/10/42 - 31/10/42
    26th Infantry Brigade 31/10/42 - 1/11/42
    20th Infantry Brigade 1/11/42 - 2/11/42 – CO 2/13th Infantry Battalion
    9th Australian Infantry Division Reserve 2/11/42 - 4/11/42
    26th Infantry Brigade 4/11/42 - 4/9/43
    20th Infantry Brigade 4/9/43 - 4/9/43
    26th Infantry Brigade 4/9/43 - 21/10/43
    9th Australian Infantry Division Reserve 21/10/43 - 2/11/43
    20th Infantry Brigade 2/11/43 - 3/11/43
    26th Infantry Brigade 3/11/43 - 31/8/45
     
  8. KevinBattle

    KevinBattle Senior Member

    Thanks, DaveB for posting - I'd never really thought about it until now, but from the Western desert to Italy, the Anzac Forces do seem to have been thinned down dramatically and it's now obvious why, to tackle the Japs on their own doorstep.
    They certainly did their bit in the Western desert, but to then assault the Japs obviously indicates they were held in high esteem for their abilities as a fighting unit.
     
  9. DaveB

    DaveB Very Senior Member

    Following is a list of those members of the 2/23rd who were killed in 1942 and are buried at El Alamein. The unit’s war diary for December 1942 contains photos of the graves (which I have also saved to my hard-drive).

    VX48581 Private AITKIN, Robert Arthur - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (XVI B 20). Foster-Son of Albert William and Lily A Anderson, of Tarwin Lower, Victoria, Australia
    VX48780 Captain ANDERSON, Graham Grantham - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (A I A 11). Son of Dr George Grantham Anderson, and Eileen Ellen Anderson, of Prahran, Victoria, Australia
    VX57224 Private AVERY, Clifford Roy - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (XXII B 19). Son of Victor John and Ethel May Avery, of Dimboola, Victoria, Australia
    VX25244 Private BANES, Craig William - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (XXII B 8). Son of John and Alice Florence Banes, of Fairfield, Victoria, Australia
    VX28837 Lieutenant BARNARD, John William (DCM) - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (XXII B 17). Son of Henry Joseph and Mildred May Barnard, of Ormond, Victoria, Australia
    VX61495 Private BECKLEY, Lyle Neil - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (A IV C 15). Son of Roy Neil and Marjorie Alexandra Beckley, of Newtown, Victoria, Australia
    VX48593 Private BENTON, Victor Samuel - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (XVI H 14). Son of Samuel Clement and Margaret Jane Benton, of Ivanhoe, Victoria, Australia
    VX46257 Private BEST, Reginald William - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (XVI H 10). Son of Frederick William and Jessie May Best, of Warrnambool, Victoria, Australia
    VX26749 Sergeant BOON, Arthur (MM) - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (A III E 17). Son of Samuel Charles and Lillian Margaret Boon, of Albury, New South Wales, Australia
    VX36475 Private BORLEY, Gordon Horace - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (XXII B 18). Son of Edwin Ilstoy Borley and Sarah Clarice Borley; Husband of Nellie Elizabeth Borley, of Bendigo, Victoria, Australia
    VX24699 Private BOYD, Stanley Irvine - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (XVI H 8). Son of Reginald and Maude Boyd; Husband of Ethel M Boyd, of St Kilda, Victoria, Australia
    VX51615 Private BOYLE, Victor Patrick - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (XVI B 21). Son of William Cocks Boyle and Agnes Maria Thompson Boyle, of Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
    VX40315 Private BROOMHEAD, Reginald Westley - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (A I H 12). Son of Henry George and Sarah Broomhead; Husband of Valmai Josephine Broomhead, of Burnley, Victoria, Australia
    VX48652 Private BROWN, Edward George - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (XVI H 15). Son of George and Mary Ann Brown, of Drouin West, Victoria, Australia
    VX34632 Lieutenant BUICK, Edward John - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (A I H 14). Son of Struan and Evelyn Buick; Husband of Florence Miriam Buick, of South Yarra, Victoria, Australia
    VX56793 Private BURROWES, Andrew Norman - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (XVI G 19). Son of Henry Edward and Jessamine Byrl Burrowes, of Eskdale, Victoria, Australia
    VX10021 Private CAMM, John - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (XXII B 6). Son of Albert Edward and Mary Elizabeth Camm; Husband of Sylvia May Camm, of Kensington, Victoria, Australia
    VX29607 Sergeant CARMICHAEL, John William - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (XXII B 4). Son of Mr and Mrs W Carmichael, of Oaklands, New South Wales, Australia
    VX42172 Corporal CRUMMEY, John Alan - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (A III H 24). Son of William and Caroline Baum Crummey, of Northcote, Victoria, Australia
    VX3716 Corporal COMLEY, William John Edward - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (XVI B 5). Son of Norman Claude Frederick and Linda Donetta Comley; Husband of Joyce Annie Comley, of Kensington, Victoria, Australia
    VX46368 Private CHITTY, Arthur Wilson - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (A IV A 14). Son of Allan Peter and Hannah Evelyn Chitty, of Cudgewa, Victoria, Australia
    VX60989 Private CARROLL, James Francis - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (XXII D 1). Son of William and Catherine Carroll, of Toorak, Victoria, Australia
    VX43500 Corporal CATLIN, Robert Joseph - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (XVI B 23). Son of Joseph David and Lily Catlin; Husband of Jean Phyllis Catlin, of Coburg, Victoria, Australia
    VX47712 Private CLARKE, Charles Arthur - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (XXII D 2). Son of Beriah and Ellen Clarke, of Warrnambool, Victoria, Australia
    VX42962 Private CORLETT, Leslie Stuart - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (XXII B 11). Son of John James Corlett and Esther Margaret Corlett, of Curdies River Victoria, Australia
    VX43892 Captain CROMIE, Ronald Charles - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (A I H 21). Son of William John and Janette Ellen Cromie; Husband of Lesley Mary Cromie, of Ruoanyup, Victoria Australia
    WX11265 Private CURTIS, John Gordon - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (XXII C 6). Son of John and Beatrice Curtis; Husband of Hilda Ellen Curtis, of Perth, Western Australia
    VX24300 Lieutenant D'HERVILLE, George Alfred - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (A III C 8). Son of Leslie Donald and Florence Sophie D'Herville; Husband of Phyllis D'Herville, of West Brunswick, Victoria, Australia
    VX25107 Private DOBSON, James Robert - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (A III A 23). Son of Robert Mckenzie Dobson and Elizabeth Ann Dobson, of Port Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
    VX40426 Private DOUGLAS, Victor - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (XXII E 24). Son of William and Edith Douglas; Husband of Ruby Isabel Douglas, of Mentone, Victoria, Australia
    VX58684 Private DOYLE, John Edward - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (A I H 22). Son of Thomas Joseph and Mary Catherine Doyle, of North Brighton, Victoria, Australia
    VX5299 Private EDELSTEN, Gordon Walter - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (XVI B 22). Son of Walter and Rose Ada Jane Edelsten, of St Arnaud, Victoria, Australia
    VX38068 Private ELLIOTT, Arthur Charles - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (A II E 12). Son of William George and Ethel Elliott, of Wonthaggi, Victoria, Australia
    VX1909 Private EMMETT, David - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (XXII B 7). Son of John Henry and Kate Emmett, of Richmond, Victoria, Australia
    VX51893 Private FARLEIGH, Robert Campbell - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (A III E 9). Son of Francis and Jessie Farleigh, of Bairnsdale, Victoria, Australia
    VX37812 Private FERGUSON, Malcolm Andrew - Commemorated at Alexandria (Hadra) War Memorial Cemetery (3 B 18). Son of Andrew William and Nora Ferguson
    VX5286 Private FINCH, George William - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (XXII B 10). Son of George Newman Finch and Annie Grace Finch, of Montrose, Victoria, Australia
    VX41976 Sergeant FROUD, Maxwell Clyde - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (XXII B 5). Son of James Clyde Froud and Mabel Tryphena Froud, of Stradbroke, Victoria, Australia
    VX47568 Private GALE, Ian Frederick - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (XVI H 2). Son of Frederick Albert and Pearl Gale, of Kew, Victoria, Australia
    VX44647 Private GARLICK, Robert Findlay - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (XVI A 1). Son of Edward Nelson Garlick and Thomasina Mary Garlick, of Yerong Creek, New South Wales, Australia
    VX26335 Private GOODWIN, James Albert - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (XXII D 5). Son of William Francis and Louisa Ann Goodwin, of Ellaswood, Victoria, Australia
    VX51071 Private GURNEY, Geoffrey Harold - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (XVI E 25). Son of Harold and Olga Marie Gurney, of Bayles, Victoria, Australia
    VX61185 Private GUTHRIE, James Joseph - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (XXII C 13). Son of Thomas Patrick and Annie Guthrie, of Bullarook, Victoria, Australia
    VX29599 Sergeant HAMILTON, Joseph Allan - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (XVI H 4). Son of Allan Leech Hamilton and Mary May Hamilton, of Corryong, Victoria, Australia
    VX38918 Captain HARDING, William Charles (MC, Mentioned In Despatches) - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (XVI H 1). Son of William and Ida Harding, of West Preston, Victoria, Australia; Husband of Annie Joyce Harding, of West Preston
    VX45775 Private HENDERSON, John Reginald - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (XXII B 23). Husband of Myrtle Isabel Henderson, of Eaglehawk, Victoria, Australia
    VX40316 Private HICKEY, Norman Francis - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (A II A 9). Son of James and Martha Hickey; Husband of Ellen Muriel Hickey, of Richmond, Victoria, Australia
    VX48018 Private HILL, John David - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (XVI H 6). Son of John Joseph and Avrinah Elizabeth Hill, of Sebastopol, Victoria, Australia
    VX21140 Sergeant HOLDSWORTH, Alan Armytage - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (XXII F 7). Son of Col Albert Armytage Holdsworth, Dso, Vrd, and Annie Holdsworth, of Glen Iris, Victoria, Australia Afia, Aais
    VX40136 Corporal HUTCHINSON, William - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (A II A 8). Husband of Lilley Hutchinson, of Pimpinio, Victoria, Australia
    VX52338 Private JACKSON, George - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (XXII C 5). Son of George and Lilian Jackson, of West Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
    VX51236 Private JENNINGS, John Robert - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (A III E 13). Son of Edward and Mary Celia Jennings, of Rankin Springs, New South Wales, Australia
    VX24743 Private KELLY, Arthur Lionel - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (XXII B 25). Son of Patrick Arthur and Mary Ann Kelly; Husband of Ivy May Kelly, of Yarram, Victoria, Australia
    VX40725 Private KERSLAKE, Raymond Cuthbert - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (A III E 16). Son of Cuthbert Race Kerslake and Laura Marion Kerslake, of Dandenong, Victoria, Australia
    VX41072 Private KINDRED, Arthur - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (A IV G 20). Son of John Alexander Kindred and Ethel Kindred; Husband of Margaret Winifred Kindred, of Albury, New South Wales, Australia
    VX41103 Corporal LOATS, Cecil James - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (A III E 12). Son of John Pryor Loats and Elizabeth Loats, of Rupanyup, Victoria, Australia
    NX46398 Private LEE, Cecil Ernest - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (XXII C 11). Husband of Mabel Lola Lee, of Lismore, New South Wales, Australia
    VX16889 Private LESTER, James Edgar - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (A IV B 10). Son of John Alexander Lester and Isabella Winifred Lester; Husband of Helen Lester, of North Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
    VX43569 Private LEWIS, Eric - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (XXII B 1).
    VX40929 Corporal MACDONALD, Robert Lindsay - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (A I H 18). Son of William Robert and Jane Macdonald, of Deniliquin, New South Wales, Australia
    VX36301 Lance Corporal MACDONALD, Roy Hamilton - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (XVI E 9). Son of Murdoch John and Elizabeth Jane Macdonald, of Ivanhoe, Victoria, Australia
    VX51993 Private MARTIN, Stanley Horace - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (A III E 14). Son of Alfred Ernest and Lilian Caroline Agnes Martin, of Silvan, Victoria, Australia
    VX44434 Private MATTHEWS, Frederick George - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (XVI E 17). Son of Frederick George and Mabel Matthews; Husband of Margaret Alice Matthews, of Moonee Ponds, Victoria, Australia
    VX47972 Corporal McALLISTER, Harold Robert - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (XXII B 24). Son of John Henry and Elizabeth Henderson Mcallister, of Healesville, Victoria, Australia
    VX27663 Private McARTHUR, James - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (A I H 16). Son of Thomas Kid Mitchell Mcarthur and Alice Mary Mcarthur, of Abbotsford, Victoria, Australia
    VX26764 Lieutenant McKOY, Alister Norman (Mentioned In Despatches) - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (XXII B 26). Son of George Arthur and Maria Elizabeth Mckoy; Husband of Joan Kathleen Mckoy, of Albury, New South Wales, Australia
    VX48690 Captain METHVEN, John Malcolm (Mentioned In Despatches) - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (A III E 18). Son of Stuartson Collard Methven and Ruby Iris Methven, of Belgrave, Victoria, Australia
    VX47340 Corporal MORELand, Cyril William - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (A II A 13). Son of John Favin Moreland and Rhoda Fanny Moreland, of Yallourn, Victoria, Australia
    VX38694 Sergeant MULLANY, James Keith - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (A I H 19). Son of James Francis and Linda Rose Mullany; Husband of Muriel Ethel Mullany, of Hawthorn East, Victoria, Australia
    VX51045 Private MURCUTT, John William - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (XVI C 7). Son of Jack and Mary Murcutt
    VX48799 Captain NEUENDORF, Keith Otto (Mentioned In Despatches) - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (A II E 13). Son of Otto Albert and Ella Ormsby Neuendorf, of Toorak, Victoria, Australia
    VX45950 Private NEWELL, Lancelot Huntly - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (XXII D 4). Son of Walter Colgate Newell and Violet Edith Newell, of St Kilda, Victoria, Australia
    QX13077 Private NOON, John Edwin - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (XXII B 14). Son of John Wyatt Noon and Henrietta Eliza Noon, of Queensland, Australia
    VX27678 Corporal O'CONNELL, Maurice Joseph (MM) - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (A III E 7). Son of James and May Henrietta O'connell, of Moonee Ponds, Victoria, Australia
    VX45898 Private ODLUM, Colin George - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (A II A 12). Son of Thomas and Ellen Odlum, of Bendigo, Victoria, Australia
    VX47021 Private O'SHEA, Thomas Richard - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (A III B 8). Son of Richard and Bridget O'shea; Husband of Gertrude Isobel O'shea, of Newbridge, Victoria, Australia
    NX34249 Lieutenant OTTLEY, John - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (A II J 16). Son of Newton and Mary Agnes Cranch Ottley; Husband of Valerie Josephine Ottley, of Bellevue Hill, New South Wales, Australia
    VX36570 Lieutenant PAINE, Royce George (Mentioned In Despatches) - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (A II J 17). Son of George John Wardle Paine and Alice Paine, of Upper Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia
    VX56213 Private PEARCE, George Wilfred - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (A I H 13). Son of John George and Maria Pearce, of Coleraine, Victoria, Australia
    VX40888 Private PENNO, Leslie Wills - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (XVI H 16). Son of Mr and Mrs E Penno, of Bendigo, Victoria, Australia
    VX40706 Private PLUNKETT, Ronald Leslie - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (A II E 11). Son of George Alfred and Clara Elizabeth Plunkett, of East Prahran, Victoria, Australia
    VX28022 Private RAYMER, Alfred Norman - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (A I H 20). Son of Charles William and Annie Middleton Raymer; Husband of Roma Violet Raymer, of Newport, Victoria, Australia
    VX53478 Private REDFERN, Stanley Maxwell - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (A III E 15). Son of Thomas and Elsie May Redfern, of Buninyong, Victoria, Australia
    VX56513 Private RIXON, Thomas Elrick - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (XVI E 23). Son of Alfred Oswald and Adelaide Maud Rixon, of Corryong, Victoria, Australia
    VX51600 Private ROUSSAC, Leon Augustus - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (XVI H 11). Son of Reginald Augustus and Jean Rose Roussac, of Ascot Vale, Victoria, Australia
    VX27848 Lance Corporal ROWLand, Charles Arthur - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (XVI H 3). Son of Wrexham and Ellenor Margaret Rowland, of Brighton, Victoria, Australia
    VX46391 Private SELLARS, William - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (A IV F 22). Son of Henry and Rose Ann Sellars, of Sheffield, England
    VX58180 Private SHIELS, Benjamin Thomas - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (XXII C 7). Son of Edward James Shiels and Charlotte Maria Prudence Shiels, of Mirboo North, Victoria, Australia
    VX26647 Corporal SIMPSON, Ferguson Willans - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (XXII B 20). Son of Ferguson and Eileen M Simpson
    VX25255 Lance Sergeant SMITH, Frank James - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (XXII B 9). Son of James and Nellie Olive Blanche Smith, of Berriwillock, Victoria, Australia
    NX21627 Private SMITH, Milton Ross - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (XXII B 15). Son of Percy and Sylvia Pearl Smith, of Annandale, New South Wales, Australia
    VX51473 Private SMITH, Norman Reginald - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (XXII B 3). Son of Clifford Stirling Smith and Myrtle Emma Smith, of Spotswood, Victoria, Australia
    VX41931 Private STOCKDALE, Francis James - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (A I H 23). Son of John and Mary Stockdale, of Traralgon, Victoria, Australia
    VX59553 Private STONHAM, Frederick Charles - Commemorated at Alamein Memorial (Column 92). Son of Francis and Caroline Alice Stonham, of Booroorban, New South Wales, Australia
    VX61605 Private TALINTYRE, Norman - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (XXII C 12). Son of Raymond Mervyn and Lorna Talintyre, of Sunshine, Victoria, Australia
    VX56865 Private THOMAS, Alfred Ernest - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (XVI H 5). Son of Alfred Ernest and Georgina Louisa Thomas, of North Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
    VX47380 Private TIPPETT, George - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (A II A 17). Son of Thomas George and Ellen Clara Tippett, of West Brunswick, Victoria, Australia
    QX16969 Private TRAVERS, Francis Mcquade - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (A III E 10).
    VX25005 Sergeant TREWIN, Robert Clifford - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (XXII B 21). Son of Edgar Lawrence Trewin and Margaret Trewin, of Red Hill, Victoria, Australia
    NX16865 Warrant Officer Class II TAMBLING, Frederick Charles - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (A II A 16). Son of John Richard and Eliza Tambling; Husband of Amy Edith Tambling, of Canterbury, New South Wales, Australia
    VX40709 Private TYSON, Wilfred - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (XXII D 3). Son of James and Elizabeth Jane Tyson, of East St Kilda, Victoria, Australia
    VX48258 Major URQUHART, Gilbert Ferguson - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (XXII E 25). Son of Gilbert Ferguson Urquhart and Catherine Urquhart; Husband of Marion Margaret Urquhart, of Yarram, Victoria, Australia
    VX44697 Corporal WALKER, Dudley Joseph - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (A I H 15). Son of William Shordes Walker and Elizabeth Walker, of Albury, New South Wales, Australia
    TX3806 Private WATERS, Clarence Henry - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (A III E 19). Son of John and Rubenia Waters, of Young Town, Tasmania, Australia
    VX61156 Private WATSON, Stanley John - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (XVI E 22). Son of Henry Abbot Watson and Emma Watson, of Lascelles, Victoria, Australia
    VX46910 Private WEBB, Hector George - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (A III B 10). Son of George and Gertrude Webb; Husband of Jean Milne Webb, of Dareton, New South Wales, Australia
    VX53672 Private WILSHIER, Keith Lawrence - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (A IV B 1). Son of Albert Richard and Violet Wilshier, of Spotswood, Victoria, Australia
    VX42911 Private WILSON, Edgar Fuller - Commemorated at Alamein Memorial (Column 92). Son of John and Mary Wilson; Husband of Ethel Mary Wilson, of Portland, Victoria, Australia
    VX48238 Private WINDEBANK, Gordon Arthur - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (XXII B 2). Son of Arthur and Marie Elise Windebank, of Collingwood, Victoria, Australia
    VX51561 Private WINDLEY, Richard Eley - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (A III E 8). Son of Fredrick and Annie Windley; Husband of Eva Eleanor Windley, of West Brunswick, Victoria, Australia
    VX60074 Private WOODS, George Eric - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (XXII F 6). Son of James Walter and Emily Woods, of Springvale, Victoria, Australia
    VX51163 Corporal YOUNG, Gilbert Spencer - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (A II B 2). Son of George Fredrick and Millicent May Young; Husband of Joyce Elaine Young, of Elsternwick, Victoria, Australia
     

    Attached Files:

  10. DaveB

    DaveB Very Senior Member

    These personnel are identified on the CWGC as being killed while serving with the 2/23rd but no photos are held in the war diary. They possibly were killed while attached to other units or ????

    VX42839 Private TRAIT, Joseph Alphonsus - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (XXII C 15). Son of Patrick Edward and Ada Mary Trait, of Geelong, Victoria, Australia
    VX53748 Private JEFFERIES, Percy Herbert - Commemorated at El Alamein War Cemetery (A IV G 16). Son of Charles and Elizabeth Jefferies, of Highworth, Wiltshire, England
    VX43273 Sergeant HAYES, Christian Blackburn (MM) - Commemorated at Alamein Memorial (Column 91). Son of Michael Thomas Hayes and Harriet Hayes; Husband of Marie Isabella Hayes, of Brighton, Victoria, Australia
    VX46753 Private BURGE, Jack Frederick - Commemorated at Alexandria (Hadra) War Memorial Cemetery (4 E 15). Son of George Edward and Stella Marie Burge, of Elwood, Victoria, Australia
    VX25259 Lieutenant GOLDSTONE, Morris - Commemorated at Alexandria (Hadra) War Memorial Cemetery (3 D 16). Son of Archibald and Elizabeth Lillian Goldstone, of South Yarra, Victoria, Australia
    VX41697 Private KEARNEY, Edmund - Commemorated at Heliopolis War Cemetery (2 E 10). Son of John and Norah Kearney, of West Brunswick Victoria, Australia
     
  11. kathy raymer

    kathy raymer New Member

    Hello,
    My name is Kathy Raymer. I’m Private Norman Raymer’s great great niece. Is there any chance to get more information?
    Thankyou.
     
  12. Owen

    Owen -- --- -.. MOD

    Tricky Dicky likes this.
  13. Tricky Dicky

    Tricky Dicky Don'tre member

    Hi Kathy

    Ancestry has some family trees that include him, perhaps relatives of yours??

    [​IMG]

    Alfred Norman Raymer
    1917–1942
    BIRTH 1917 • Victoria, Australia
    DEATH 22 JULY 1942 • Tel Aviv, Israel

    I cannot find why they have mentioned Tel Aviv except to say that perhaps there was a hospital there, and then transferred to El Alamein War Cemetery after he died

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    Hopefully others will be able to show on a map where he was initially buried, before being moved

    TD

    Casualty
     
    timuk likes this.
  14. spidge

    spidge RAAF RESEARCHER

    This was the 2nd and 3rd week of the First battle of El Alamein. Two battalions of the 9th division.
     
  15. kathy raymer

    kathy raymer New Member

    Thankyou so much!
    That photo is of him (I think) and my grandad on the right.
     
  16. Richard Lewis

    Richard Lewis Member

    From 1:25,000 Tell el Eisa area WDR1011 (1942) - series of 3 maps from National Library of Australia. Grid reference is right in corner of sheet 3 so I’ve joined it to part of adjacent sheet.
    Egypt2.jpg

    Also here’s a modern map showing location.
    Egypt1.jpg

    Richard
     
    timuk and Tricky Dicky like this.
  17. kathy raymer

    kathy raymer New Member

    Thankyou so much. I really appreciate it.
     
  18. Richard Lewis

    Richard Lewis Member

    Pte Rayner was originally buried at Tell el Eisa, presumably near to where he died. Ancestry probably came up with the suggestion of Tel Aviv as a place name and this was entered erroneously.

    Richard
     
    Last edited: Jul 3, 2018
  19. Tricky Dicky

    Tricky Dicky Don'tre member

    Hi Richard

    Having seen your earlier post with maps etc, someone, somewhere has I feel, done what you suggest.

    Thanks for the maps, it helps a lot

    TD
     
  20. DaveB

    DaveB Very Senior Member

    Hi Kathy - thanks for your query. Hopefully it means that you found this page on Google by entering your relative's details and it matching with what I placed in one of my previous posts.

    I have attached the diary page with Private Raymer's original burial photograph.

    regards


    Dave
     

    Attached Files:

    spidge, Tricky Dicky and Owen like this.

Share This Page