Able Seaman Reuben Ray HOLMES
7 Sep 1918 – 2 Jul 1942
Reuben Ray HOLMES was born in 7th September 1918 at Waikerie to Thomas and Mary Holmes, of Holder via Waikerie. Reuben completed his schooling in Waikerie, unfortunately his father died whilst he was still young.
Reuben was described as 5’6 ½” tall, with hazel eyes, brown hair and a ‘fresh’ complexion on the 3rd of February, 1942 at Port Adelaide when he was called up. Reuben had enlisted in May 1941. He completed his attestation and commenced training at Flinders Naval Depot.
Just before completion of his training, Reuben came home to visit his mother at their home in Holder. It was to be the last time Mary saw her only son. On the 23rd of June, 1942 Reuben was transferred to HMAS Melville, a Darwin naval base and ordered to make his way and report there within 2 weeks for allocation to a ship.
On the 2nd July, 1942 whilst en route to Darwin, Reuben was involved in a vehicle accident near Alice Springs when his vehicle and a train collided. Reuben died before help could arrive.
On Sunday 23rd August, 1942 Lieut. Cutts and Warrant Officer Colbey attended at the Methodist Church Waikerie, where a memorial service was held for the late Stoker R. Holmes. The church was thronged and the sermon was preached by the Rev. H. C. Horner.
Reuben is interred in the Alice Springs Cemetery and is commemorated on the Australian War Memorial on the Roll of Honour.
Reuben is also commemorated with a tree and plaque here in the WAIKERIE War Memorial Gardens.
