Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Douglas Eric Elefsen
The country town of Minnipa, on the Eyre Peninsula of SA was known as a wheat district which flourished as a central grain handling and railway centre for local farmers to transport their grain to either Port Lincoln or Thevenard. His parents were Eric and Evelyn (Emmie) Olson who grew up in a nearby town called Edillilie. The two married in Port Lincoln at St. Thomas' Church in April of 1925 before settling at Minippa. Douglas Eric Elefsen was their first born on the 22nd January, 1926. He was the oldest of five children, Doreen, Kathleen (Kaye), Kevin and John.
Doug enlisted on the 25th January, 1944 in Adelaide to become a Leading Aircraftman, SN 152219 with the Royal Australian Airforce. His paternal grandmother, Blanche Elefsen aged 65, died the following fortnight in Port Lincoln not knowing if her grandson would safely survive the war.
Returning home on leave in May of ‘45, the Minnipa locals held a complimentary social in the Minnipa Hall in Doug’s honour. He was escorted to the stage through a guard of honour formed by Returned Soldiers of both wars. Following speeches, Doug was presented with gifts from the community and also the CWA before traditional dancing and supper was enjoyed.
Tragically, Doug’s youngest sibling, John aged just seven years old was accidentally and fatally injured on February 14th 1946 just prior to Doug’s discharge from the training unit at Mildura.
His service is commemorated on the Minippa War Memorial Oval Arch Gates, an initiative which Harold Broad, chairman of the Memorial Committee headed. The Gates were formally opened in 1950, by Victorian Cross recipient, Mr Arthur Seaforth Blackburn. The West Coast Sentinel quoted him saying that “the memorial gates should be something to remind us at all times that we have our liberties and rights because of those who served the Country. He stated that he was well aware of the life and conditions which would have been ours if the Japanese had won the war, and asked that the memorial be treated not just as a passing reminder of those who gave their lives, but as a reminder of what those men had fought and died for. It was to preserve the country and our freedom.” Doug had played his part.
Researched and written by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133 2/48th whose name is also on the Minnipa Memorial.