Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Arthur Raymond Waller was born on the 25th of October 1889 in Yorketown in the Yorke Peninsula in South Australia. He worked as a labourer and painter in his hometown where he lived with his mother, Elizabeth Waller. His father had previously passed away from unknown causes. Arthur was unmarried and stood at 5’9 ¼ and weighed 65kg. His eyes were blue and hair colour fair as was his complexion. Arthur had a tattoo on his left arm and was 24 years and 10 months old at the time of his enlistment.

Arthur had three years with the Royal Australian Navy. He enlisted on the 14th of March 1911 and became a leading seaman. A leading seaman has the same rank equivalency as a corporal. During his time as a leading seaman, his role was to act as a helmsman and assist in navigation of boats. He was also to perform maintenance and sanitation, enforce security measures, and operate deck machinery. Arthur discharged the Royal Australian Navy on the 13th of March 1914. He did this to join the army for the war.  
 
Arthur joined the Australian Imperial force by enlisting in Morphettville, South Australia where he lived after returning from the Navy. His unit embarked from Adelaide, South Australia on board Transport A11 Ascanius on the 20th of October 1914.

Within the Australian Imperial Force, Arthur was a part of the 1st division of the 3rd Infantry Brigade. On the 20th of October 1914, Arthur embarked as a Private of the 10th Infantry Battalion HMAT Ascanius in Adelaide.
 
Throughout his time in the war, Arthur was a ‘signaller’. This meant that he was close to the frontline troops, providing signals communications back to his Company and Battalion. He also served in the signalling school as an instructor, teaching other members how to signal. On the 11th of November 1918, Arthur became a Sergeant of the 50th Infantry Battalion. 
 
Arthur commenced his return to Australia on board HT 'Devon' on the 18th of October 1918 and disembarked in Melbourne on the 23rd of November 1918, for onward travel to Adelaide. Arthur was discharged in Adelaide, on the 22nd of January 1919. He was struggling with eye issues including keratitis and multiple eye ulcers. Which resulted in many trips to the hospital [SU4] throughout his enlistment. Throughout his time in the war, Arthur received the 1914-15 Star, the British War Medal, and the Victory Medal. Arthur served a total of 4 years and 157 days. 
 
Arthur died on the 14th of May 1937 at the age of 47. His death was attributed to war service, most likely because of his eye issues. He is currently buried at Sunbury Methodist Cemetery, Yorketown, South Australia. After his death, his mother was moved to the Deaf and Dumb Asylum in Brighton, South Australia.