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Raymond (Ray) was the tenth of twelve children born to Thomas and Ellen Theresa Bloffwitch on the 4th March, 1923. Their first-born son, Cornelius lived for just a day in 1905 and was buried in the Willaston Cemetery, but his name was used again for a later son. Ray was the sixth and youngest son in the family with siblings Thomas Kevin, Veronica Ellen Jean, Herbert James and another Cornelius, Alice Jane who was born and died in 1915, Howard William, Kathleen Jane, Ellen Matilda, then Raymond, Mary Iris Teresa, and Elva Dorothea. Raymond was just three when his eight-year-old sister, Kathleen was killed in an horrific traffic accident as she attempted to cross Gibson Street at Bowden but was knocked down by motor lorry. Despite being taken to the Adelaide Children’s Hospital death was almost instantaneous.
When Ray was just 13 years old, his 57-year-old father Thomas, was injured in a workplace accident in May ’36 as he was doing preparations for the building of the new Hindmarsh Town Hall on the site of the present corporation yard. He sustained a fractured ankle when a large iron plate fell on his foot. He was taken by ambulance to the Adelaide Hospital and detained for treatment.
Perhaps with conditions throughout the country affected by the Depression, Herbert, Thomas, Howard and Cornelius, Ray’s older brothers, seemed to attract challenges with the law throughout their young lives with many court appearances for a range of charges, including stealing pigeons, building materials and alcohol, playing two-up, smashing windows, being unlawfully on premises, assaulting police and other citizens, breaking and entering and using indecent language. Raymond was to avoid following their path in most regards (apart from illegally betting) but certainly faced many challenges and was very much his own man. Ray remained close to his brothers throughout his life. He attended Christian Brothers College where he won the under 10 75-yard race as part of the celebrations for St Patrick’s Day. Post school, he was employed by W. Marshall, a contractor Welland.
However, the outbreak of WWII gave several of the brothers the opportunity to serve and to travel overseas. Older brother, 23-year-old Howard William, was the first to enlist on the 16th November ’39, becoming SX1071 in the 2/10th Battalion where he rose to become a decorated Corporal. Interestingly, Howard nominated his wife as next of kin but also listed Raymond as his ‘supplementary’ Next of Kin. Ray was next to enlist on the 5th July 1940. That he was under-age was solved by adding three years to his chronological age, to claim he was then 20 years old, instead of only being 17. He was allocated the number SX7866 and allocated to the 2/48th Battalion. A group photo taken in 1940 and reproduced in John Glenn’s book, Tobruk to Tarakan shows a mature looking Ray who would easily have carried off the age deception.
Finally, the third brother 32-year-old Herbert James attempted to enlist several times, firstly being allocated the number SX13765 but was soon discharged. He again attempted to enlist on the 13 June ’42 as Private SX18590 but was discharged just over a year later in July ’43. He then successfully enlisted with the US Navy.
Following Ray’s early training he was soon in the Middle East completed a few months training in Cyrenaica before going to Tobruk at the start of April 1941 where the dust, flies, heat, minimal water supplies and constant bombardment were quite a challenge, but which Ray relished. He was to become one of the highly regarded Rats of Tobruk.
The following year in July ’42 the now highly respected 2/48th were sent to El Alamein, in Egypt. In late June, 42 with Rommel crossing into Egypt, the 2/48th were in an offensive to capture Trig 33, which was achieved on the 10th July. In doing so, over 400 Italian prisoners were taken. The battalion then advanced south, capturing the Tel el Eisa station and repelling numerous counter attacks. However, they were eventually forced to withdraw, having suffered over 100 casualties. It was during this attack that fellow soldier, Private Stan Gurney was awarded the 2/48th Battalion’s first VC having captured two machine gun posts and bayonetted the gun crew firing on his company but was killed attempting to take a third. The 2/48th battalion suffered 215 casualties between the 7th July and 23rd October. Of that number, 64 men were killed and six, died of their wounds. 125 other men were wounded but survived.
Ray’s 2/48th Battalion were in an offensive to take West Point 24 of Tel el Eisa in a dawn attack on the 22nd July. John Glenn details the offensive in Tobruk to Tarakan where Captain D. Kimber had fallen earlier in the shelling. ‘Ray Bloffwitch of D Company was in the thick of the fighting.’ His fellow soldiers believed Ray to be 22, but he had just turned 19. Ray described how “The noise was terrific; German machine guns were spreading the fire right across our front. The continuous call for stretcher-bearers told of our casualties. My section had just cleared out a pocket when I saw another section cut down. Wally Shane fell down and did not move. Then, a little forward, Sergeant Lin Edwards was hit twice. Lin had been doing a magnificent job for his mates and was setting a splendid example when he was knocked. He was an outstanding man.” In further action fellow soldier, Stan Gurney’s bravery was later posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross. Ray’s battalion was so pinned down by fire at that stage, that it was impossible for them to move.
By November ’42 the unwelcome news was published in the local Advertiser that ‘Mr. and Mrs. T. Bloffwitch, of Gilbert street Bowden have been advised that their youngest son, Private Raymond Bloffwitch, 19 has been wounded in action in Egypt. Pte. Bloffwitch enlisted in June, 1940, and sailed for overseas in November of the same year. He saw active service in Syria, Tobruk and Egypt. He has two brothers serving with the AIF.’ More detail emerged of the conditions under which ray was wounded in an article written by Official-War Correspondent, Kenneth Slessor and published in the Border Watch, Mount Gambier. It outlined in detail how ‘Within one week, in the last great battle of El Alamein, two men of the 2/48th Battalion won the Victoria Cross. Sergeant Bill Kibby, V.C., and Private Percy Gratwick, V.C., lie under the sand in soldiers' graves today. Australia is far away over the rim of the world and no one comes near the wooden crosses painted with their names except the wandering Bedouin and the little lizards of the desert. But their battalion is rich in its pride and in its memories. They will never be forgotten. From the stories of their mates, those reluctant-tongued soldiers who fixed, bayonets with them in the great offensive which drove Rommel from Egypt, come portraits of these two men in action, which no other source could furnish.’
The article continued ‘Then came the night of October 30/31, "Our job was to cut west across Thompson's Post take the railway, straddle the coast road and then work back cleaning up enemy pockets and strongposts," said Tom Martin. "We straddled the road all right and then started to work back east. D Company cleaning up between the road and the sea. It was easy at first, but then we ran into real opposition. We saw a couple of lights shoot up from a ridge—actually there were two humps, one on the left and one on the right, with a saddle between. We got within 50 yards and then they opened fire-and how!
"Three Spandau's started shooting from the hump on the left and two more and a couple of three inch mortars from the right. At first it came waist-high, but when we went down like wet sacks they, sent the stuff skimming just over the top of the ground. We got most of our casualties there. Captain Robbins hadn't made a mistake to that stage, refusing to be bluffed. A burst from a Spandau killed him and another got his batman, "Chuck" Fowler, of Port Pirie. Another got Doug Whyte, from St. Peters. Arthur Wilson, of Glanville was killed, and Sergeant Rod Ide, of Lameroo, and Eric Montgomerie, from the West Coast. Ray Bloffwitch, of Bowden, was wounded and a piece of mortar bomb broke Norman Learney's leg. We were all over the show and badly cut up. Unless we could be got together to wipe those Jerries off the ridge they were certain to wipe us out.”
By May ’43, Ray and D Company were involved in jungle training to prepare the men for service in New Guinea. John Glenn described how The coming of May brought night exercises, hungry leeches, rain and lack of fire, dampening any enthusiasm for the training. Those exercises took from three to five days, including one on the appropriately named, winding, slippery Python Hill. Ray’s company missed out on their evening meal, it had rained all night, the men had been beset by leeches and the final indignity was no breakfast. Glenn record that ‘A particularly hungry 17 Platoon, led by Lieutenant Murphy, came upon a camp just arising to greet the morn. The smell of food was too much for Privates Absalom, Bloffwitch, Giles and Co., and soon the whole platoon was breaking a forced fast. Finally, they made a staggering progress through the heart of the camp, giving soldierly advice to those just getting out of bed.’ Worryingly, the camp was Divisional Headquarters, but very fortunately Major-General Wootten took the whole procession and the comments with good humour – however no ‘platoon of the 2/48th ever marched through divisional headquarters again and Lieutenant Murphy continued to command 17 Platoon’.
By September ’43, quite different news was celebrated with the announcement in the Advertiser that ‘Mr. and Mrs. T. Bloffwitch. of Gilbert street Bowden, have been advised that their youngest son. Pte. Ray Bloffwitch, has been mentioned in dispatches fora gallant and distinguished service in the Middle East. Pte. Bloffwitch before enlisting in 1940 was employed by W. Marshall, contractor, Welland.’ His award was later gazetted in the Commonwealth Gazette on the 16th March ’44.
Just months later, the service of older brother, Howard, who had been serving in the 2/10th was also celebrated. ‘Mrs. R. A. Bloffwitch, of Bowden, has been notified that her husband, Private Howard W. Bloffwitch, of the A.I.F., has been awarded the Military Medal for bravery, with complete disregard for his own safety, while serving in New Guinea. Pte. Bloffwitch enlisted in November, 1939, and went to England in 1940. He served in the Middle East and was at Tobruk. After a short leave in 1942, he went to New Guinea. His brother, Pte. Ray Bloffwitch, was mentioned in despatches. Another brother, (Herbert) twice refused for the A.I.F., is now a petty officer in the U.S. Merchant Marine.’ The Military Medal description stated that ‘His personal bravery and complete disregard for his own safety, rallied to P1 and was an inspiration to the whole company.’ This flawed hero was also frequently AWOL, imprisoned, drunk, escaped custody and lost months of pay.
Unfortunately, Raymond also, not-infrequently ‘marched to the beat of his own drum’ which eventually resulted in him being court-martialled in July ’44. The News reported that ‘The name of Pte. Bloffwitch was a byword in his battalion for courage and bravery, an officer told a district court-martial today. He was giving evidence on behalf of Pte. Raymond Alfred Wilfred Bloffwitch after Bloffwitch had admitted absence without leave on two occasions and escaping from the detention ward at a military hospital. "This man has a marvellous record in the field, where he has been an inspiration to others," the witness said. "I knew him in Tobruk and at El Alamein he led what was left of his platoon until he was wounded. He was mentioned in despatches." The witness said that Bloffwitch had also been outstanding at Finschhafen. WORRIED ABOUT MOTHER Bloffwitch told the court he committed the offences because he had been worried about his mother who was ill at the time. The prosecuting officer told the court that he had been instructed to draw the court's attention to the prevalence of the A.W.L. offence among soldiers, but he had also been instructed to ask the court to take into account Bloffwitch's fine record. The court closed to consider sentence.’ Unfortunately, the decision, handed down in August was that ‘Pte. Raymond Alfred Wilfred Bloffwitch, whose name was a byword in his battalion for courage and bravery, according to the evidence of an officer, was ordered detention for 30 days on two A.W.L. charges and one of escaping from confinement.’ A sad indictment on the service Ray had given.
The following month, Ray’s brother, Howard was also facing similar charges. Again the News reported the unusual circumstances. ‘The only way to keep a Military Medal winner from going A.W.L. was to keep him aware of a battle approaching, a captain said in evidence at a district court-martial today. He was referring to Acting Cor poral Howard William Bloffwitch, 28, who had pleaded guilty to having been A.W.L. from a military hospital from June 21 to July 24. when he surrendered to the provost corps at Bowden. In evidence Bloffwitch said that in May last he was granted 50 days' leave, and was due to report back on July 6. He was admitted to hospital on June 16 with his fifth attack of malaria. With 21 days' leave to come, he went A.W.L. from the hospital when he received a message that his wife was ill. While A.W.L he nursed her and looked after the home. They had two children. Reading a long list of previous convictions, the defending officer said that portions of two detention sentences of 28 days and 150 days for having been A.W.L. were suspended when Bloffwitch's battalion went into action. On the second occasion Bloffwitch won the Military Medal for gallantry in the Ramu Valley. The captain said that he and Bloffwitch were original members of the battalion. Bloffwitch had served with outstanding ability at Jerabub, Tobruk, Milne Bay, Buna, Sanananda, and Ramu Valley. He had been recommended by his commanding officer for an award for valor at least four times. Whenever the battalion had been inactive Bloffwitch had committed his offences. BloffwItch's name was a legend in the unit, and the men would follow him anywhere. The court was closed for consideration of sentence.’
Again in April ’45 The Advertiser reported further proceedings. ‘An AIF solder who at the risk of his life, rescued two of his comrades taken prisoner at El Alamein and was mentioned in despatches, appeared before a district court martial yesterday. Pte. Raymond Alfred Wilfred Bloffwitch pleaded guilty to a charge of having absented himself without leave from January 8 1945, until April 5 1945. when he surrendered himself In Adelaide. Lt. James Wearing Smith. former CO of the defendant's unit, said that the accused enlisted in June 1940 and gave his age as 20, although he was actually 17. He took part In the action in the Western Desert, when the 2/48th Battalion repulsed a German attack. Bloffwitch's company had forced the enemy to withdraw, although the company sustained heavy casualties. Lt. Smith said that he had found Bloffwitch to be capable and trustworthy. On July 1942 at El Alamein Bloffwitch's platoon had taken part In a three-company attack. Bloffwitch had fired on the enemy escort which had taken two of his comrades prisoner and be had effected their rescue. Pte. Bloffwitch had been mentioned in despatches. Evidence of good character was also given by LA. Walton Edward Prior who had command of the accused in the Middle East. Bloffwitcb told the court that he had gone AWL to see two friends who had been POWs in Italy. He added that he was "never happy unless he was out of Australia."
With the war over, 22-year-old Ray was discharged on the 29th December ‘45. Howard also survived the war and was discharged on the 7th September ’45. Both had proved to be outstanding soldiers; each having been recognised for their bravery and leadership but severely penalised for not complying with army protocol.
Ray married Madge Cecilia Hughes and the couple welcomed their first child, Thomas on March 29th ’48 at the Hindmarsh Maternity Hospital. The following year, Ray’s 70-year-old father died at home on the 2nd May ’49. Three weeks later with a Military Medal for his exceptional service and having survived the conditions of war, Ray’s older brother, Howard was killed in an horrific car accident on the 28th May ’49. The New South Wales Riverine Grazier reported that ‘Howard W. Bloffwitch, aged 33 years of Bowden, who had been temporarily employed at Magenta Station, Balranald, was a passenger on a motor lorry owned by Mr. Arthur Gay, 7 Chappel Street, Plympton (S.A.), on Friday, 27th ult. The lorry was travelling along the Balranald-Swan Hill Road, when the deceased, who was riding on the platform, fell from the vehicle, on his right side, on the gravel road, and was seriously injured. Bloffwitch was picked up soon afterwards and was found to be in an unconscious condition. He was removed to the Balranald District Hospital, where he received attention from Dr. Kewish, but died the next day without regaining consciousness. Deceased's injuries consisted of a fractured skull, fractured right arm and right wrist. The circumstances surrounding the occurrence have been investigated by the Balranald Police and the matter reported to the Coroner, who will hold an inquest on a date to be fixed.’
The family was devastated by this loss and his siblings placed a memorial in the Mail on Saturday 28 May 1949 BLOFFWTTCH. — On May 28, at Balranald, New South Wales, Howard William Bloffwitch, M.M., late 2/10th Batt., 2nd A.I.F., beloved husband of Ruby Alice Bloffwitch, and loving father of Brian, Marlene, and Collin. Aged 33 years. As result of accident. R.I.P. BLOFFWITCH.— On May 28, at Balranald, New South Wales, Howard William Bloffwitch, M.M., late 2/10th Batt., 2nd A.I.F., son of Ellen Teresa and the late Thomas Bloffwitch, and loving brother of Tom, Von, Herb, Con, Nel, Ray, Mary, Elva, and Kathleen (decsd.), as result of accident. Aged 33 years.
Just three years earlier, Howard’s young son had worn his father’s medals in the Victory March celebrations of June ’46 where a reporter noted ‘One of the sprightliest-and most bemedalled-marchers was 12-year-old Brian Bloffwitch, of Bowden. Besides his Peace Medal and the Military Medal and Africa Star belonging to his father, Private Howard Bloffwitch, of the 2/10 Battalion, he had a "ladder" of seven honor badges which he was awarded by his school, St. Lawrence's, Ovingham, in the scrap drives during the war.’ Brian was to continue wearing his father’s medals with pride in ensuing years.
Post war, Ray returned to playing soccer for West Torrens, but still managed to ‘bent the rules’ with the Army habit of betting. In 1950 he was ‘fined £30, with £2/12/ costs by Mr. Ziesing, SM, in Adelaide Police Court today for having been in the Governor Hindmarsh Hotel, Port road, Bowden, on November 19 last, for the purpose of unlawful betting. He pleaded guilty and was fined £30, with £2/12/ costs.’ Three months later, older brother Herbert was also caught and charged with having unlawfully carried on business as a bookmaker. His fine was significantly more severe; the maximum penalty of £100 with £2/8/3 costs.
Ray’s brother Herbert’s life was also to come to an horrific end in December ’51 with The News reporting in January ‘52 that ‘Herbert James Bloffwitch, 40, late of Gilbert street, Bowden, had died from multiple injuries sustained when thrown from a car after a collision, the Coroner (Mr. Cleland) found today. Bloffwitch was driving the car, which turned over three and a half times after grazing another car. The collision occurred at the intersection of Main North road and Cokers road, Salisbury, at 6.30 p.m. on December 7. Passengers in Bloffwitch's car gave evidence that they visited the Old Spot Hotel, Little Para, and had a few drinks between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Dr. J. M. Dwyer, pathologist, said that a blood test of Bloffwitch showed a .22 per cent. alcohol, which must have affected him. "I consider that degree of alcohol is intoxicating," he said.’ Herb was buried in the Catholic Section of the Centennial Park Cemetery. ‘BLOFFWITCH. — In loving memory of my dear brother Herb, accidentally killed December 7, 1951. Loved and re-membered always by his brother Ray, Madge, and Tommy’. Each year, Ray and his family continued to place a tribute to Herb.
In March 26th ’52 Ray and Madge welcomed twin sons, whom they named Howard and Herbert, a fitting tribute to Ray’s older brothers, killed too young.
76-year-old Ray died on the 7th January, 1997. He now rests in the Dudley Park Cemetery with 73-year-old Madge who died six months earlier on the 14th June ’96.
Researched and written by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133, 2/48th Battalion.