Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Ivan Warren, son of Caroline Warren, was born in Norwood, South Australia on the 24th of March in 1887, was a participating soldier in World War One. His first time having involvement in any military service was when he enlisted on the 9th of March 1915 at Keswick, South Australia, to join the army for the war when he was twenty-nine years old. On this enlistment, he wrote his next of kin as his wife, Lilian Ruth. He was married to her with two sons called John and Urban. Before joining the army, he lived his life as a decorator by occupation, living with his wife and children at 37 Beulah Road, Norwood, South Australia. From Warren’s attestation papers, it appears that he was religious, with his belief in the Church of England (C. of. Eng).

Written down directly above his religious denomination, Warren's appearance was described with a fair complexion, grey eyes, and dark brown hair. He measured to be 5’5’’ in height, weighing about 140 lbs, and 32-35 inches around the chest. Signed by an examining medical officer, he was then deemed to be fit to serve in the war.

After enlisting, he then embarked on the 31st of May 1915 on HMAT (HIs Majesty’s Australian Transport) Geelong. At first, he joined the B Company Infantry Base Depot as a Private in rank and with his service number 1583. In terms of hierarchy in the army, Private is the lowest rank, given out to all new soldiers. 

Later on, he was then Taken on Strength by the 27th Australian Infantry Battalion on the 27th of August, 1915. This Battalion left Australia in June to train in Egypt for around two months. After training, they landed at Gallipoli on the 12th of September. 

For the duration of Warren’s service in the army, he was admitted to hospital a few times, mainly due to rheumatism, which is essentially arthritis and other conditions affecting the joints.

On the 10th of October 1915, he had been sent to the 7th Field Ambulance for being sick. This occurred in Gallipoli and was reported on the 16th of October 1915 in his casualty form. He was transferred due to his rheumatism to Malta and Mudros for treatment and was eventually sent to England to recover. During his stay in that hospital, it was reported that he was also being treated for myalgia (muscle pains and aches) 

On the 5th of November 1915, his parents had received word of their son, through a newspaper stating the following: "Last week Mr. and Mrs. John Warren, of Beulah-road, Norwood, received word that their son, Private Ivan Warren, had been wounded. A cable since received advises that he is sick, not wounded, and he disembarked at Malta. Private Warren left for the front on May 31 with the 27th Battalion."

By ‘cable’, they had meant that Mr. and Mrs. John Warren were informed through the communication of cable telegraphy. This newspaper entry can be found in The Express and Telegraph (Adelaide, SA : 1867 - 1922) on page 4.

From his filled casualty report, it details how he was suffering from a lot of issues surrounding his joints and muscles. This would heavily affect his work as a soldier on the front lines, explaining the lead onto his quick discharge from the army.

The next month, Warren’s fate was set to return to Australia on the 20th of June. It was noted that he was not discharged due to misconduct, rather, being deemed medically unfit. The date of discharge was the 3rd of October, 1916. He returned on the “Themistocles" ship.

After disembarking, he received three medals; 1914/15 Star no. 5449, British War Medal issued 4th April no. 3222, Victory Medal issued 4th April no. 3195. He served a total of 1 year and 209 days. His service abroad was 1 year and 21 days. Warren also had his character described as ‘good’.

No further information was distributed about Warren’s life after the war besides the details of  his death, which was the 28th of September 1952 at 65 years old in Largs North, South Australia.

His grave is located in the AIF Cemetery, West Terrace Cemetery, Adelaide, South Australia (Section: KO, Road: 2, Site No: 50). 

On that grave, was inscribed:

"In memory of No. 1584

Pte. Ivan Warren

27th Btn. A.I.F.

Died at Largs North

28th September 1952

Aged 65 years

Loved husband of Lillian and father of John & Urban

'His duty nobly done'"

Two years later, another newspaper was published, sharing news of Warren’s death. On the 28th of September 1954, The Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1931 - 1954) wrote: "Anzac lit. World War. 1st 27th battalion, fell asleep September 28. 1952. Fond memories left us to remember for those he loved. — His loving wife. Lilian, son John and Urban." This can be found on page 22 in the family notices.