Private Albert John LAMBERT
24 Nov 1919 – 29 Dec 1942
Albert John LAMBERT was born 21st of June, 1916 at Wallaroo. Bert was the eldest son of Mr. Albert Alfred and Ethel Margaretta Lambert. He had a brother named Robert. Berts family came to Morgan at a very early age and his grandfather had been an Admiral in the Royal Navy.
Bert was educated at the Morgan public school. He was described as a very popular young man though of a quiet and unassuming nature, he was well known and respected at Waikerie, being a popular member of local football and cricket teams. Prior to enlisting, Bert was employed doing block work at Waikerie, on “Lambert’s estate”.
From there he enlisted, completed his attestation and undertook training at Wayville and Woodside with the 2nd Australian Infantry Force. Bert was engaged to Joyce prior to leaving for overseas with the 2/48th Battalion. He embarked for North Africa in November 1940, where it completed further training in preparation for being sent into battle.
The battalion saw its first action of the North African Campaign during the defence of Tobruk where it received one of it first battle honours. The 2/48th first entered Tobruk’s defences on 9 April 1941. Instructed to hold the fortress for eight weeks, the 9th Division ended up defending the fortress for over eight months before being gradually withdrawn. The 2/48th went on to be the most decorated Australian battalion in World War 2.
Overall, the 2/48th suffered 160 casualties at Tobruk, including 38 men killed and another 18 who died of their wounds. Sadly, Bert was one of these casualties, killed in action after one month in Tobruk, he died on the 9th of May 1941.
A large photo of Bert was unveiled in the Morgan Institute on November 10th 1941 to honour his sacrifice and that of his fellow countrymen under arms.
Bert LAMBERT is interred in the Tobruk War Cemetery and is commemorated on the Australian War Memorial on the Roll of Honour.
Lambert Street in WAIKERIE is named after him. Bert is also commemorated with a tree and plaque here in the WAIKERIE War Memorial Gardens.
