S2968
LLEWELLYN, Gordon
| Service Number: | 39225 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | Not yet discovered |
| Last Rank: | Driver |
| Last Unit: | Field Artillery Brigades |
| Born: | Grafton, New South Wales, Australia, 1890 |
| Home Town: | Not yet discovered |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Tram Conductor |
| Died: | Walkerville, South Australia , 23 September 1963, cause of death not yet discovered |
| Cemetery: |
Enfield Memorial Park, South Australia General, Row S, Site Number 81 |
| Memorials: | Prospect Roll of Honour G-Z WWI Board |
World War 1 Service
| 22 Dec 1917: | Involvement Gunner, 39225, Field Artillery Brigades, --- :embarkation_roll: roll_number: '4' embarkation_place: Melbourne embarkation_ship: HMAT Ulysses embarkation_ship_number: A38 public_note: '' | |
|---|---|---|
| 22 Dec 1917: | Embarked Gunner, 39225, Field Artillery Brigades, HMAT Ulysses, Melbourne | |
| 11 Nov 1918: | Involvement Driver, 39225 |
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Add my storyBiography contributed by Trevor Pyatt
Driver Gordon “Jack” Llewellyn (Service No. 39225)
8th Field Artillery Brigade, Australian Imperial Force
1890 – 1963
Early Life and Family
Gordon “Jack” Llewellyn was born in May 1890 at Grafton, New South Wales, the eldest son of John Pierce Llewellyn (1856 – 1936) and Charlotte Crowther (1859 – 1918).
His father, John, was born in Grafton and worked variously as a river boatman and labourer in the growing Clarence River settlements. His mother, Charlotte, was born in Hinton, New South Wales, to a long-established colonial family.
Gordon grew up in a close-knit household and spent his early years in the northern rivers region before moving to South Australia as a young man to seek work.
A man of strong faith, he aligned himself with the Salvation Army, which deeply influenced his personal values and outlook.
On 14 January 1915, at the Salvation Army Citadel in Adelaide, he married Grace Eliza Steer (born 14 July 1888 at Clarendon SA – died 29 June 1957 at Walkerville).
Grace was the daughter of George Steer and Ellen Cook, of Clarendon.
The couple settled in Prospect, Adelaide, where Gordon worked as a tram conductor.
They raised four children:
Ronald Keith Llewellyn (1915 – 2003)
Inez Beryl Llewellyn (1917 – 2013)
Alwyn Pearce Llewellyn (b. 1920)
Wesley Ross Llewellyn (b. 1925)
Enlistment and Attestation
On 10 March 1917, aged 26 years 10 months, Gordon enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force at Adelaide.
He was recorded as a Tram Conductor, religion Salvation Army, and next of kin Eliza Grace Llewellyn, of 39 Airlie Avenue, Prospect.
From his attestation papers:
Height: 5 ft 7¾ in (172 cm)
Weight: 140 lb (63.5 kg)
Complexion: Fresh
Eyes: Blue
Hair: Brown
Distinctive Marks: Vaccination scars L & R arms
Religion: Salvation Army
Medical Status: Fit for active service
He solemnly took the Oath of Allegiance, swearing to serve “our Sovereign Lord the King in the Australian Imperial Force … faithfully discharging my duty according to law.”
Training and Embarkation
After training at Mitcham Camp (SA) and Maribyrnong (Vic), he was assigned to the 34th Field Artillery Reinforcements.
He embarked from Melbourne on 22 December 1917 aboard HMAT A38 Ulysses bound for Egypt, disembarking at Suez on 16 January 1918.
Soon after, he travelled through Alexandria, Taranto, and Cherbourg, arriving in England on 15 February 1918, then to Heytesbury Camp for further artillery training.
Western Front Service
Gordon proceeded to France on 1 April 1918 and joined the 8th Field Artillery Brigade (A.I.F.), attached to the 3rd Division Artillery.
He was promoted to Driver on 11 April 1918—a demanding role responsible for horse teams hauling field guns, ammunition, and supplies across the muddy battlefields.
The 8th F.A.B. supported actions around Amiens, Rouelles, and Boulogne, playing an important role in the final Allied offensives of 1918.
His conduct was exemplary throughout his service, with only one minor administrative entry post-Armistice.
Return and Discharge
After the Armistice, Gordon was stationed at Bedford Camp, England.
He embarked for return to Australia aboard the H.M.T. Prinz Hubertus on 3 July 1919, disembarking at Adelaide on 24 August 1919.
He was formally discharged on 14 September 1919 at the 4th Military District, having served a total of 2 years 115 days, including 1 year 207 days overseas.
Medals and Honours
British War Medal – No. 2663
Victory Medal – No. 15265
1914–15 Star – NE issue
(All recorded as issued 14 September 1919)
His service is commemorated on the Prospect Roll of Honour (G–Z) for World War I.
Post-War Life
Returning to civilian life, Gordon resumed employment with the Municipal Tramways Trust (Adelaide) as a motorman.
He and Grace settled permanently in Walkerville, maintaining close ties with the Salvation Army and their local community.
Known affectionately as “Jack,” Gordon was respected for his steady nature, faith, and service to others.
He lived through the Depression years and the Second World War era as a proud veteran and family man.
Later Years and Death
Grace Eliza Llewellyn passed away on 29 June 1957, aged 68.
Gordon survived her by six years, passing away on 23 September 1963 at Walkerville, aged 73.
He was laid to rest in Enfield Memorial Park, General Section, Row S, Site 81, beside his wife and later their daughter Inez Beryl.
Their shared memorial bears a simple but loving inscription:
“Loved by all.”
Legacy
Driver Gordon “Jack” Llewellyn’s name endures among those who served from the suburb of Prospect.
His quiet faith, family devotion, and steadfast wartime duty reflect the character of countless Australians who answered their country’s call.
Biography by Trevor Pyatt 9/10/2025
Click images to start slideshow.