Private Walter Bignell

2/9^th Australian Infantry Battalion

 

 

Service Number:                                       QX699

Place of Enlistment:                                 Southport

Age of Enlistment:                                    27 Years

Date of Enlistment:                                   4^th of March 1940

Embarked:                                                 Sydney, 5^th of May 1940

Transport Ship:                                         HMT X4

Education:                                                 Coomera Upper State School: 1920-1921

Medals Awarded:                                      1939-45 Star, Africa Star, Defence Medal, Australian Service Medal

Place of Death:                                          Killed in Action Siege of Tobruk North Africa 9^th of August 1941

Resting Place:                                           Buried Tobruk War Cemetery, Plot 6, Row A, Grave 5, Libya

Unit Badge:                                                2/9^th Australian Infantry Battalion

 

Additional Information:

Many members of the local Bignell family served in the Second World War. However, only Walter (Wally) and his brother Sidney (Sid) were killed. Both brothers were local farmers. Walter was a notable cricketer (all-rounder), captain of the Guanaba Cricket Cub’s team and was active in Gold Coast sporting associations. A pair of trees were later planted at the then Maudsland State School in memory of the fallen brothers.

 

During the Siege of Tobruk, Australian Soldiers quickly earnt a reputation as excellent soldiers and fierce fighters. They were nicknamed the Rats of Tobruk as they would appear out of holes in the ground to attack or raid enemy positions. The Allied defense of Tobruk 1941, played a vital role in preventing the German and Italian armies from advancing toward Egypt, buying time for a successful Allied counterattack.