Alan Irvington RIEBE was born in Boulder City, Western Australia, on 7th

May 1905 to Gustav Hermann Riebe and Charlotte Antonie Riebe, of Waikerie.

Alan attended Immanuel College in North Adelaide. He was a single man, employed by his father as an Orchardist; they had been in the Waikerie area for 17 years. Alan was described as a popular man in the district and valued member of the Waikerie District Brass Band, regularly competing in competitions with the band.

Alan enlisted with the 2nd Australian Infantry Force and commenced training on 20th July, 1940. From the 16th to the 24th of October, 1940, Alan had pre- embarkation leave and came home to his parents in Waikerie.

On 7th November 1940, Private RIEBE embarked aboard “HMAT Strath Eden” for the Middle East with the 2/48th Battalion. Arriving on 30-1-1941, Alan, working as a stretcher bearer, soon saw active service.

Allan was therefore one of the famous “Rats of Tobruk”. Unfortunately on the 18th April, 1941, Alan was in need of stretcher bearers himself but did not survive his injuries. He was “Killed in action - In the field” at Tobruk, only a few weeks short of his 36th birthday.

Alan was remembered as the first casualty of the Second World War from Waikerie. A service held in his honour was very well attended and the Waikerie District Band played a heartfelt concert in his memory.

Alan is interred in the Tobruk War Cemetery and is commemorated on the Australian War Memorial on the Roll of Honour.

Alan is also commemorated with a tree and plaque here in the WAIKERIE War Memorial Gardens.

Private Alan Irvington RIEBE7-5-1905 – 18-4-1941

Sgt Allan RIEBE, enlistment photograph 1940

LEST WE FORGET

Waikerie RSL Sub branch