Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Samuel Stewart Woodhouse

Samuel Stewart Woodhouse was born on 11 January 1907 at West Croydon, South Australia, the son of Samuel Woodhouse and Bridget Fitzgerald. He was educated at Kilkenny Public School and later attended the Iron Workers Trade School in South Australia.

Samuel undertook a four-year apprenticeship in the motor trade, gaining experience with Mitchell Repair Service, Adelaide, and later working as a fitter with Holdens Ltd. This strong technical background led to his career in aviation engineering.

Prior to joining the Royal Australian Air Force, he served in the Senior Cadets for approximately three years, followed by one year in the Citizen Forces, providing him with early military training.

He enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force (Permanent Air Force) on 9 December 1926 at Laverton, Victoria, aged 19.

Samuel was initially mustered as a Fitter (General) and was reclassified as a Fitter (Aero) on 1 July 1932. He later gained additional qualification as a Metal Rigger (Aircraft), contributing to both mechanical and structural aircraft maintenance.

He served with No. 1 Aircraft Depot, Laverton, throughout his career, working in technical and workshop roles essential to aircraft serviceability.

Samuel was promoted to Leading Aircraftman (L.A.C.) on 1 July 1933. His service record reflects steady progression, technical proficiency, and a high standard of conduct.

His conduct record was exemplary, with official entries stating "Certified no entry", indicating no disciplinary offences throughout his service. His character was formally assessed as "Very Good."

He completed training in Airmanship early in his service and was considered for further advancement through trade testing.

During his service, Samuel married Marjorie Frances Murray, who was recorded as his next of kin, residing at 35 Wallace Street, Toorak, Victoria. He was later placed on a married allowance.

After 8 years and 297 days of service, Samuel was discharged at his own request on 1 October 1935 at Laverton. At the time of discharge, he intended to continue his career in aviation with Adelaide Airways, 17 Currie Street, Adelaide.

Samuel died on 10 November 1970 in Adelaide, South Australia, aged 63 years. He was cremated, and his ashes were placed at Enfield Memorial Park, Clearview, in Eastern Niche Wall No. 1, Wall & Row DN, Site 24.

Sources & Records

Birth

South Australia Birth Registration
Samuel Stewart Woodhouse
Born: 11 January 1907, Wolseley / West Croydon, South Australia
Book 777, Page 34
Marriage

Victoria Marriage Registration
Samuel Stewart Woodhouse & Marjorie Frances Murray
Year: 1931
Registration No. 9698
Death

South Australia Death Registration
Samuel Stewart Woodhouse
Died: 10 November 1970, Adelaide, South Australia
Book 106A, Page 8873
Burial / Cremation

Enfield Memorial Park Records (Clearview, South Australia)
Cremation: 12 November 1970
Location: Eastern Niche Wall No. 1, Wall & Row DN, Site 24
Military Service

National Archives of Australia (NAA)
Royal Australian Air Force Service Record
Name: Samuel Stewart Woodhouse
Service Number: 1104
Series: A9301
Includes:
Record of Service (Airmen – Permanent)
Conduct Sheets
Leave & Sick Leave Records
Enlistment Application
Trade Qualifications & Promotions

Spouse

Tasmania Birth Record

Marjorie Frances Murray
Born: 17 July 1907, Hobart, Tasmania
Victoria Death Record / Cemetery

Marjorie Frances Woodhouse
Died: 23 September 1998, Melbourne
Keilor Cemetery, Area MA, Grave 11

Biography by Trevor Pyatt 6/04/2026