Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Alf was born on the 22nd September, 1907 at Kadina, a copper mining and farming area of the Yorke Peninsula. His parents were Ernest and Margarette Clarke. Alf had an older brother, Herbert and a sister, Isabel (Belle). Ernest, aged 36 had enlisted to serve with the 3rd Light Horse Regiment in WWI, serving for two years but contracted lumbago and rheumatism so was eventually discharged. Margaret died 15 Dec 1917 WTC
Alfred married Kathleen Joan Mitton and the young couple lived at Vermont with their three children, two sons Alf and Don and a daughter Maxine. Alf was employed by the Municipal Tramways Trust, but with the outbreak of WWII, aged 32, he enlisted to serve on the 31st May 1940 and was initially allocated to the 2/27th Battalion. His early days were spent at Wayville in the pavilions now part of the Adelaide Showgrounds. Training then continued at Woodside in the Adelaide Hills. It was here that Alf learned of the death of his father, Ernest on the 7th August ’40. The burial occurred in the West Terrace Cemetery where later a headstone commemorating Ernest’s service was erected ‘In Memory of No 2861 Tpr Ernest Clarke, 3rd L.H. Rgt A.I.F. Died at Adelaide 7th August 1940. Aged 61 years. At Rest.’ The following year Kath and Alfred placed a tribute to Ernest in the Advertiser ‘CLARKE. —In loving memory of dear dad, A year has passed by but memories stay, as dear and near as yesterday. Inserted by daughter in law, Kath and son Alf serving in AIF abroad. CLARKE. —In memory of Ernest Clarke, passed away on the 7th of August, 1940. You often said we would miss you, Now those words have proved too true, we lost the dearest father on earth, dear Dad when we lost you. Inserted by Belle, Oscar and children.’
Following pre-embarkation leave Alfred boarded the Mauretania for service overseas in the Middle East in October ‘40. He was unfortunate to contract influenza while on board, requiring almost a week of hospitalisation before finally arriving in November. A brief ‘sightseeing’ trip in Palestine in January the following year resulted in Alf being docked a day’s pay and a transfer to guard duties.
Conditions in the Middle East were challenging for the troops. Besides the heat, dust and constant attacks, conditions were not conducive to good health and hygiene. A foot inflammation, perhaps exacerbated by excessive marching or ill-fitting, tightly laced boots saw Alf again admitted to hospital. On being discharged he was then allocated to the newly formed 2/48th Battalion in December ’41. Alf then attended Motor School undertaking a Range Takers Course for several months before re-joining his Battalion in September. Within a month and aged 35 years, he was killed in action at El Alamein, on 27th October ’42. That month marked a massive assault to ambitiously take the strategic position of Trig 29. In his book, ‘Tobruk to Tarakan’, John Glenn describes events: ‘the 2/48th had stirred up a real hornets’ nest.’ On just one night alone 9 of the Battalion were killed and 20 wounded in action. Of these 16 were from South Australia and the remainder from Western Australia. Glenn described the conditions where arrangements were made for ‘mines, wire ammunition, food, water, overhead cover, sandbags, tools, anti-tank guns, and all the rest, and holding the present position while preparing to launch another attack. And while all this was being done, the battalion was subjected to murderous fire from artillery and mortars.’ It says much for the battle-drill of the battalion and supporting arms that everything worked out smoothly, going off without a hitch.
‘The suddenness of this attack when it came, and the devastation caused by the artillery fire, created tremendous confusion in the enemy lines, leaving them no option but to make every effort to locate our exact position and try to seal off the penetration. Patrols of both sides were active; a number of clashes occurred in No Man’s Land.’ Glen continued, explaining that ‘one soldier, Jack Marshall ran up against a trip wire, sending up a flare that lit the area like day. This brought down heavy German fire… (Jack Marshall was wounded next night, Alf Clarke being killed by the same shell.)
The News of November carried both Alf’s photo and a small summary that ‘Relatives have been advised that Private A. J. Clarke, 35, of Jervois Street, Vermont, was killed in action in Egypt on October 27. Formerly employed by the Municipal Tramways Trust, Pte. Clarke enlisted in May, 1940. He took part in the Greek, Crete, and Syrian campaigns, and was eight months in Tobruk. He leaves a widow and three children.’
The Chronicle reported the full extent of the losses incurred, including Alf’s death in December: SX11133 Pte. George J. Bowden 2/48th North Adelaide; SX7296 Cpl. Roland Bryant. 2/48th Seacliff: SX7000 A Cpl. Paul W Cashen, 2/48th Mile End; SX4129 Pte. A. J. Clarke. 2/48th South Plympton; SX6913 Pte. Eric V. Lipson, Inf. Semaphore; SX2328 Cpl. P. C. Millowick, 2/43rd Glencoe West; SX6775 Pte. Vincent deP. McGahan. 2/48th Glenelg; SX13102 Pte. Thomas V. McMullin, 2/48th North Adelaide; SX137I7 Pte. R. C. Neilson, 2/43rd Norwood; SX 10522 Pte. Murray T. Nicholson 2/48th Prospect: SX8I43 Pte. Harry S. Searle. 2/48th Alberton. Died Of Wounds. — SX8979 Cpt. Bryan J. Hemmings, 2/43rd Kalangadoo; SX15837 Pte. Richard D. Hill. 2/43rd Whyalla. Believed Killed. SX13512 Pte. Charles E. Dolling. 2/48th Wokurna.
Initially Alf was buried the following day in the El Alamein British Military Cemetery but in March ’45 was re-interred in the El Alamein War Cemetery, Grave 16 Row G Plot 4. Resting with him are 35-year-old Alfred J. Clarke SX4129 from Kadina, 27-year-old Private Maxwell C. Boase SX7832 from Millicent, 25-year-old Private Eric V. Lipson SX6913 from Alberton 2/48th Battalion and 26-year-old Arthur Peters SX3149. Also others from the 2/13th and 2/24th His family chose the inscription ‘Deep in our hearts a memory of one we will never forget’.
Back home his wife Kathleen and her family continued to remember Alfred each year, as did Lance Sergeant John Marshall SX8238 who had served with Alf in the 2/48th Battalion.
Advertiser Friday 27 November 1942, MRS. Kathleen Clarke wishes thank relatives, friends for expressions of sympathy in her sad bereavement for her dear husband, Pte. Alfred Clarke, who was killed in action In Egypt. CLARKE. —Loving memory of darling husband. Pte. A. J. Clarke, killed In action. Oct. 27 in Egypt. A happy, smile, a loving face, a broken link we can never replace. CLARKE. —In loving memory of dear Alf killed in action Egypt, Oct. 27. Memories or you dear Alf. will never fade. —Loved brother-in-law of Ron and children. CLARKE. —A tribute of love to Alf killed in action, Oct. 27. A loving friend, a heart of gold, one of the best this world could hold. —Loved brother in-law of Rene, Rob A.I.F. abroad, son-in-law of Mrs. Mitton. CLARKE. —Sad but loving memory of dearest Alf, killed in action Egypt. Oct 27 Never will he be forgotten. —Loved brother-in-law Daphne and Gordon. CLARKE. —In memory of Pte. Alf J. Clarke, killed in action. Oct. 27. 1542.— Sadly missed by Hazel Bill, and little Barry.
Advertiser Friday 27 October 1944, CLARKE. Pte A. J., killed in action Oct. 27, 1942, El Alamein, the dearly beloved husband of Kathleen, daddy of Alfred, Donald, Maxine. He made each path seem brighter, and every day more air; home was always "Home, sweet home," when he was there. CLARKE, Pte. A. J., killed in action, El Alamein. Oct. 27. 1942. He wore no shining medals, nor signed his name V.C, he died a true Australian, to keep his country free. —Ever remembered, sister-in-law Daphne and husband Gordon. CLARKE. —In loving memory of Alf, who passed away October 27. 1942. at El Alamein. They say time heals all sorrow and helps us to forget, but so far time has only proved how much we miss you yet. We think of you in silence, and love to speak your name; in life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same. — Inserted by brother-ln-law Ron Mitton and family. Ronnie. Keith, and Valmae. CLARKE. —In loving. memory of our dear brother-in-law Alf. and uncle, killed in action. El Alamein. October 27. 1912. He wore no shining medals, nor signed bis name V.C., he died a true Australian, to keep his country free. —Always remembered by Rene and Rob Irene. Maureen, and Graham. CLARKE. —In loving memory of dear Alf. killed in action El Alamein, October 27. 1942. Time drifts on two years have passed, but memories of you will always last. —Always remembered by Mrs. Mitton, Colin and Brian. CLARKE, Alf, 2/48 Bn., killed in action on October 27 at El Alamein. Greater love hath no man than this. Inserted by SX8238, 2/48 Bn.
Advertiser Saturday 27 October 1945, CLARKE, A. J, Pte.—Killed in action Oct. 27, 1942, El Alamein. In loving memory of my dear husband. You left behind some aching hearts, that loved you most sincere; they never have, and never will, forget you, Alf, dear. —Remembered by wife Kath, children Alfred, Donald, Maxine. CLARKE. —In loving memory of Alf, killed in action, El Alamein, Oct. 27, 1942. For all of us he did his best, may God grant him eternal rest. —Always remembered by brother-in-law Ron Mitton and family Valmae, Keith, and Ron. CLARKE. —In loving memory of Alf, killed in action, El Alamein, Oct. 27, 1942. Time drifts on, three years have passed, but memories of you always last. —Always remembered by Daphne and Gordon. CLARKE. —In loving memory of Alf, killed in action, El Alamein, Oct. 27, 1942. Not just today, but every day, in silence we remember. —Colin and Shirley. CLARKE. —Killed in action, El Alamein, Oct. 27, 1942. In loving memory of our brother-in-law. Just a token true and tender, to show Alf, we still remember. —Always remembered by Rene and Rob (A.I. F.), and family. CLARKE. —Killed in action, El Alamein, Oct. 27, 1942. In loving memory of dear Alf. Not just today, but always, we remember you. —Always remembered, Mrs. Mitton and Brian.
Advertiser Monday 28 October 1946, CLARKE, Pte. A. J.—Killed in action October 27, 1942, El Alamein. He was one of God's gallant soldiers. He was so staunch and true; He gave his life for his comrades What more could we expect him to do? God bless you. dear, never forgotten. —Loving wife Kath and children, Alfred, Donald, Maxine.
Advertiser Monday 27 October 1947, CLARKE In memory of dear brother-in-law Alf, killed in action El Alamein October 27 1942. Time drifts on but we will never forget. Always remembered by Rob and Rene CLARKE in loving memory of Pte A.J. Clarke killed in action October 27th 1942 El Alamein. His cheery ways and loving smile are pleasant to recall, he had kindly words for everyone and was dearly loved by all. Always remembered by wife Kath and children Alf, Don, Maxine.
Advertiser Wednesday 27 October 1948, CLARKE. —In memory of our dear brother-in-law Alf. killed in action, El Alamein October 27 1942. Always in our thoughts. —Always remembered by Rob, Rene and children. CLARKE. A. J-—ln fond memory of our husband and father, who was killed in action. October 27. El Alamein. 2/48th Bn.—Kath. Alf. Don. Maxine.
Advertiser Thursday 27 October 1949, CLARKE. —In memory of our dear brother-in-law Alf. killed in action, El Alamein October 27 1942. Always in our thoughts. —Always remembered by Rob, Rene and children. CLARKE. A. J-—ln fond memory of our husband and father, who was killed in action. October 27. El Alamein. 2/48th Bn.—Kath, Alf, Don, Maxine
Advertiser Friday 27 October 1950, CLARKE, Pte. A. J., 2/48 Bn.— Killed in action Oct. 27, 1942, El Alamein. Years go by, but memories linger. — Ever remembered by wife Kath, children Alf, Don, Maxine. CLARKE. — In memory of brother-in-law, Alf, killed in action, El Alamein, Oct. 27, 1942. — Always re-membered by Rob, Rene and family.

Researched and written by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133, 2/48th Battalion.