Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Eugene Samuel Kitto was born in the country town of Baroota, South Australia, and his life journey would eventually see him take on a significant role during World War I. As a young man of 24 years, he enlisted on August 26, 1916, into the Australian Imperial Force (AIF), ready to serve his country. Eugene was a member of the Church of England and had strong religious beliefs. At the time of his embarkation for war at 23 years 10 months, his height was 5 feet 5 inches, weight 128 Lbs, chest measurement 33.35 inches, with grey eyes and light brown hair. He embarked on his journey with Regimental Number 650, leaving behind his beloved wife, Mrs. R. Kitto, and their young child at their home on 9 Eastry Street, Norwood, South Australia.

Before the war, Eugene had worked as a skilled carpenter, using his craftsmanship and gaining experience in working with tools and materials. Eugene had a solid foundation in using tools and materials because of his experience with woodworking. The understanding of tools and his experience with woodwork would have applied to mechanical labour on planes. The planes were made from wood, so Eugene used his experiences with measurement, precision, and attention to detail skills, all of which are important when working with aircraft. This is most likely why he wasn’t in a battalion but instead served as a Sergeant Mechanic in the Australian Flying Corps, No 2 & 3 Squadrons, A Flight. 

 Eugene had a family of three at home. Himself, his spouse Mrs. R. Kitto, and their young child. They shared a small house at 9 Eastry Street in Norwood, South Australia, where they all lived. He has two brothers who have also fought in the war. Brothers: Driver Ernest Orchard KITTO and Gunner Charles Albert KITTO of the 8th Field Artillery Brigade both returned to Australia on May 11, 1919, together. Eugene could have chosen to serve in the same Brigade as his two brothers Charles and Driver but instead, he chose to become a mechanic in the flying corps.

As a young man of 24 years, he enlisted on August 26, 1916, into the Australian Imperial Force (AIF), ready to serve his country. He enlisted to serve as a mechanic to the 2nd and 3rd Royal Australian Flying Corps, A flight squadron. Mechanics in the 2nd and 3rd Royal Australian Flying Corps, A Flight Squadrons during World War I had an important role in making sure the aircraft for ready for flight and had no problems with the body. Eugene's responsibilities were servicing, maintaining, and repairing aircraft, including their engines and machine guns. He would also have to put together and take apart aircraft, which was needed while moving aircraft to their next locations. He also had the important job of doing last-minute repairs to keep aircraft functioning and keeping records of maintenance.

Eugene was embarked on the 25th of October 1916 in Melbourne, Victoria. His embarkment ship was the HMAT A38 Ulysses. It was used to transport the Australian Flying Corps, No. 2 and 3 Squadron, A Flight from Melbourne to Plymouth, England which was the first stop for Eugene in the war.

Through Eugene’s time fighting in the war, he was posted to two squadrons, the 2nd and 3rd Royal Australian Flying Corps, A Flight Squadrons. On the 25th of June 1918, he was named a Corporal Mechanic, but because of Eugene’s commitment to his unit less than a month later, he was promoted to be Sargent Mechanic for the No. 2 & 3 squadrons.

No. 2 & 3 Squadron formed the first Australian flying unit to arrive on the Western Front, it was originally formed in September 1916 at Point Cook in Victoria. Eugene was transported to Europe on HMAT Ulysses, and landed in England on 28 December 1916 and was sent for training to South Carlton, Lincolnshire. Training on repairing AVRO 504 and BE-2e aircraft lasted eight months and in July 1917 the squadron was mobilised for France. On 24 August 1917 three flights (each of six RE-8 aircraft) left South Molton for Lympne in Kent. Delayed by bad weather, the squadron finally arrived at their appointed aerodrome in France (Savy) on 10 September 1917. The squadron was subsequently employed in support of the ground forces, operating over the Canadian and XIII Corps' front near Arras.

During World War I, Eugene, found himself serving on the Western Front, in France and Belgium. The Royal Australian Flying Corps squadrons were deployed across different areas of conflict in France and Belgium. Eugene was trusted with maintenance and repairs on the squadron's aircraft while stationed in the trenches and battlegrounds of the Western Front. He had the responsibility of making sure that these aircraft were in top shape and prepared to fly in support of Allied forces. In order to fix the damage that was experienced during the battles, Eugene constantly worked to maintain aircraft engines and machine guns operating properly as well as covering any holes made by bullets.

Fortunately, enough Eugene was not injured or contracted illnesses during the war. Being a mechanic meant Eugene wasn’t serving in the trenches where all the diseases were but instead was able to stay away from battles and left repair the aircraft. His medical records were left empty with the only entry used was “no admissions”.

After his dedicated service during World War I, Eugene's journey took another significant turn as he disembarked at Plympton on December 23, 1916. He was able to restart his old life with his beloved wife, Mrs. R. Kitto, and their young child at their home on 9 Eastry Street, Norwood, South Australia. Eugene later passed away on 4th of October 1949 due to unknown circumstances. He was buried at AIF Cemetery, West Terrace Cemetery, Adelaide, South Australia