Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Arthur Warfield was born on 26 June 1896 at Ross Park, Pittsworth, to Thomas Edward Warfield and Emily Margaret Grant. Apart from active service in France during WWI he spent his entire life in the district, becoming a well-respected businessman and community leader.
At the age of 19, Arthur enlisted in the First Australian Imperial Force (A.I.F.) on 6 December 1915 in Toowoomba. Assigned to the 42nd Infantry Battalion, he embarked for overseas service on 5 June 1916 aboard the HMAT Borda. On 25 November 1916, he sailed from Southampton, England, to France, where he served on the Western Front. After more than two years of service, he was invalided back to England on 2 January 1919 due to influenza and was subsequently discharged and returned to Australia.
Following his return, Arthur resumed life in Pittsworth and in 1926 married Jane Hannah Batham. Together, they raised a family of eight children: Howard, Raymond, Lindsay, Brian, Ross, Janice, Shirley, and Nayleen.
Arthur’s working life was marked by his long-standing association with a single firm. He began working for Keefer Bros. at the age of 18 and remained there until 1938 when he and his brothers, Hugh and Jim, purchased the business following Mr. H. Keefer’s retirement. The brothers later dissolved their partnership, with Arthur and his family assuming full control of the business.
Beyond his business, Arthur was deeply involved in community affairs. He was a vice-president of the Pittsworth Chamber of Commerce and served for years as a committeeman of the Pittsworth School of Arts, actively participating in efforts to raise funds for the construction of a memorial building honouring those who fell in World War I.
A keen sportsman, Arthur was a prominent cricketer in his younger days and later developed a passion for lawn bowls, serving as president of the Pittsworth Bowling Club and, at the time of his passing, as its senior vice-president.
Arthur also played a major role in the Pittsworth Town Band, particularly in its reformation following World War II. His dedication to the welfare of ex-servicemen was evident through his long-standing membership in the Pittsworth sub-branch of the Returned Sailors, Soldiers, and Airmen’s Imperial League of Australia (R.S.S.A.I.L.A.).
A devout member of St. Andrew’s Church of England, Arthur was actively involved in church affairs and was a long-time member of the local parochial council. He was also the oldest member of the Pittsworth Freemasons Lodge and held membership in the Order of Rechabites.
Arthur Warfield passed away on 16 November 1953 at the age of 57. His passing was met with great sorrow throughout Pittsworth, reflected in the closure of all local businesses for an hour in his honour. His funeral procession, one of the largest ever seen in the town, moved from St. Andrew’s Church of England, with members of the R.S.S.A.I.L.A. forming a guard of honour and conducting a final tribute at the cemetery. A Masonic service followed the graveside ceremony. Among the pallbearers were three of his former comrades from the 42nd Battalion.
Arthur Warfield’s life was one of service — whether to his country, his community, or his family. His legacy as a businessman, veteran, and community leader endures as a testament to his dedication, integrity, and kindness, qualities cherished by all who knew him.

Story by David Owens - The Herbert Pardey Collection of Glass Plate Negatives 1907-1917.