Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Herbert was the only son of Otto Asmus and Ellen Rose (Baker) Oates, he was raised in North Perth attending the North Perth Primary School and then Perth Boys High School. Herbert's mother's early death in 1931 was a severe setback for the family and left a big void in Herbert's life.

When Herbert left school he at Age 15 in 1930, he worked as an office boy with Skipper Bailey Motor Co before completing an apprenticeship in Motor Spray Painting at Winterbottom Motors.  After completing his apprenticeship, Herbert worked with several motor companies including General Motors, Ford Motor Co and Sydney Atkinson Motors.  In 1938 Herbert undertook a Motor Engineering Course which led to his career in motor mechanics.

Herbert was a keen football player playing through his school years, he also represented Winterbottom Motors in their football team.

During WW2 Herbert enlisted in the RAAF as an Aircraftman Class 1 Trainee Rigger, stationed at RAAF Pearce.  Then in April 1941 Herbert was given the opportunity transfer to the Motor Transport Division, undertaking an initial training course at the Adelaide Technical School and then in mid 1941 he completed an advanced fitter driver training course at the RAAF Engineering School in Melbourne.  On 20 October 1942 Herbert transferred to Squadron 14 at RAAF Pearce.  Herbert never saw actual action as his squadron provided the backbone of the air defence forces along the Western Australian transporting equipment and gear to establish bases in the north west of WA.  Herbert saw service at Corunna Downs, Cunderdin with 14 Squadron, number 17 Repair and Service Unit, at Nookambar in the West Kimberley and finally back to Cunderdin, where he was when the war ended.

Herbert married Peggy Phillips in West Perth at St. Mary's on 14 February 1940 whilst he was on leave.  During the war years Peggy lived in Victoria Park just south of the Perth CBD.

Herbert was on leave in 1945 when he apparently stabbed his index finger on his left hand with a screwdriver which subsequently became infected resulting in having the finger amputated at its first joint in Hollywood Hospital.  After discharge from hospital, he returned to Cunderdin and received his discharge from the RAAF on 4 December 1945.  At his discharge Herbert had been promoted through the ranks to Sergeant in the 25 Squadron.

After WW2, and a few years working in a retail business, Herbert recommenced his career in motor mechanics and later in life was employed by Sydney Atkinsons Motors in its spare parts division.

Both Herbert's two eldest children were born during the war (1941 & 1943) and he did not see/meet his daughter until she was twelve months old as he was in the northwest at that time.  Herbert had another son born in 1947.

Herbert and his wife built a war service house in Inglewood where they raised their family before moving to Kelmscott and then to the Rockingham area, just south of Perth, which is where Herbert died in 2003.

Herbert was a beloved husband, father and grandfather who left a tremendous legacy.