St Clair, Keith Harry Vincent (Gunner, b.1917 - d.1942)

Collection relating to the Second World War service of NX71335 Gunner Keith Harry Vincent St Clair, 2/3 Anti-Tank Regiment, Second Australian Imperial Force, Australia, Palestine and Syria, 1941-1961.

Wallet 1 of 1 – Consists of four letters from Gunner St Clair to his sister, Mrs Ena Margaret Mary Gannon [née St Clair], and one letter from the Office of the High Commissioner for Australia to Gunner St Clair’s brother-in-law, Mr John Joseph Gannon. The letters from Gunner St Clair to Mrs Gannon are dated between 8 May 1941 and 9 February 1942, and cover the period of Gunner St Clair’s training and service in Australia, Palestine and Syria. In his letters, Gunner St Clair writes about his recent marriage and honeymoon, preparing for overseas service, being on guard duty, spending time with his family during his pre-embarkation leave, his wife’s work with the Voluntary Aid Detachment, being taken on strength to his regiment in Palestine, catching up with old friends, his good health, being proud to serve with his fellow Australians, being on guard duty, the weather, having his first skiing experience in Syria, and disappointments regarding leave. He also responds to news from Mrs Gannon’s letters to him, and sends his best wishes. The letter from the Office of the High Commissioner of Australia to Mr John Gannon, dated 16 November 1961, is a response to an enquiry regarding the burial place of Gunner St Clair.

Gunner Keith Harry Vincent St Clair enlisted to the Second Australian Imperial Force on 31 March 1941. After a short period of training, he embarked for overseas service and was taken on strength to 2/3 Anti-Tank Regiment in Palestine. Gunner St Clair served with his unit in Palestine and Syria, undertaking further training and defensive duties. He then went on to serve with his unit in Egypt. On 14 July 1942, Gunner St Clair was killed in action during the First Battle of El Alamein. He is buried at El Alamein War Cemetery, Egypt.