In Memory Of

ERLANK, THEODORE PAUL

Service Details
Age:
 24
Date of Birth:
 1919-09-18
Service No:
 21561V
Rank:
 Warrant Officer Class II
Unit:
 1/11 Anti-Tank Regt.
Unit 2:
 2/23 Bty.
Regiment:
 South African Artillery
Date of Death:
 1944-08-23
Cause of Death:
 Died of wounds
Commemoration
Grave Reference:
 III. C. 1.
Cemetery:
 FLORENCE WAR CEMETERY
Country:
 Italy
Additional Information
Decorations:
 M M
Citations:
 LG Sup 14 October 1943 pg. 4548 - "In the initial attack at El Alamein on the night of 23rd October 1942, T/WO/2 T. P. Erlank was the Sergeant-Major of a troop of anti-tank guns. His troop commander was severely wounded early in the attack, and the command of the troop devolved on him and, owing to delays and damage to his porte vehicles, dawn broke before Miteiriya Ridge could be crossed and the forward infantry positions reached. With great courage he went forward under considerable shellfire to reconnoitre positions for his guns, and thereafter led his troop to these positions, again through shellfire and directly in view of the enemy. His coolness and efficiency was a magnificent example to his troop which he continued to command for the following week. His action was reported upon by an officer of another unit."
Son of Paul Johan and Jessie Melise Erlank, of Port Elizabeth, Cape Province, South Africa.