Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Early Life

Ralph John Dart was born at Aberdeen near Burra on 6 December 1890, the son of Henry John Dart and Evelyn Tresize of Mundoora near Pt Broughton. (SA Birth Registration 470/458). Ralph’s father was a School Teacher. Ralph had six sisters, Laura (b. 1888), Ella (b 1889), Hilda Betsy (b 1892), Bertha Erica (1894), Evelyn Muriel (b 1895) and Gladys Dora (b 1901).

Schooling

The first mention of Ralph’s schooling appeared in the papers when he was appointed a monitor at the Sutherlands School (12 kms east of Eudunda). Ralph passed eight subjects at the School of Mines Preparatory School in 1906. He then attended St Peter’s College, where he passed his Junior Examinations in 1907 and Senior Examinations in 1908.

University

Ralph commenced tertiary studies in 1909. He passed Second Grade Plane Geometry at the Art Examinations in June 1909 followed by examinations at the School of Mines, the Education Department and the Adelaide University in December 1909. Ralph was awarded a Diploma in Applied Science (Electrical Engineering) in December 1914 and a Bachelor of Engineering in April 1915.

University Sport

Football

Ralph played football for the Adelaide University B Grade (University II) in 1913.
Rowing

Ralph rowed in the Adelaide University Schools Annual Competition in 1910, 1912 and 1913. He was cox for the Engineering Crew in 1910 & 1913.

World War I

Shortly after graduation Ralph enlisted on 22 July 1915 in the 4/5th Pioneers. His mother Evelyn was listed as his next of Kin. Ralph was 24 years 7 months, 5’ 3½”, 156 lbs, with a fair complexion, blue eyes and dark hair. On the 14th August 1916 he embarked for overseas service on board the A 53 ‘Itria”. On the 30th October 1916 he marched into Australian Detls. No 3 Camp, Parkhouse. During February and March 1917, Ralph qualified 1st Class at the 8th Rifle Course held at the School of Musketry, Tidworth.

On the 20th April 1917 he proceeded overseas to France. On 24th June 1917 he was appointed a Lieutenant. In April 1918 he received a slight gunshot wound on the nose but remained on duty. From the 20th May 1918 Ralph was a Lewis gun Officer. He returned from service in France in February 1919.

In July/August 1919 Ralph was granted leave with pay to work as an Electrical Engineer at British Westinghouse Coy Ltd, Manchester. Ralph returned to Australia on the ‘Nestor’ on 1 November 1919.

Career

In December 1919 Ralph advertised for employment as and Electrical and Mechanical Engineer. By June 1922 Ralph was living at Wattle Street, Fullarton and had purchased an Austin car. On the 15th March 1924, Ralph’s mother Evelyn died at the Orroroo Hospital; her last abode had been at Carrieton, SA. By July 1925 Ralph was the chief draughtsman at the Municipal Tramway Trust (South Australia). In the article below he was described as a designer of ping pong tables and a flautist.

Ralph attended the ‘Waterloo Dinner’ (Engineers Reunion) in Adelaide in June 1928 and in November 1928 he was involved in discussions on the Glenelg Tramways proposal.

By May 1931 Ralph was working for the Adelaide Branch of the Vacuum Oil Co Ltd and had become a keen golfer. He was a member at Glenelg and played in the AIF Golf competitions in 1934-1936. Ralph’s father Henry John Dart died in 1936 leaving an Estate valued at £3,780; he had been living at Wayville. In July 1937 Ralph was living at Clark Street, Wayville and was fined 15/ with 7/6 costs for traffic offences.

In November 1937 Ralph travelled from Adelaide to Kalgoorlie on the Mail Plane. Ralph moved to the Perth branch of Vacuum Oil Co Pty Ltd. In February 1946 he was on the Skymaster Amana which flew directly from Ceduna to Perth. In January 1947 Ralph travelled from Freemantle to the Eastern States onboard the Duntroon.

During World War II Ralph joined the RAAF (SN 252040) he was a Squadron Leader at the 6 Aircraft Depot. His next of kin was listed his sister, Erica.

In April 1949 Ralph was elected Chairman of the West Australian division of the Institution of Automotive and Aeronautical Engineers. He was a Vice-Chairman in 1950. From Electoral Roll records it is known that Ralph lived at 109 William Street, in the Sub-Division of Perth in 1949 and at 32 Mount Street in the Sub-Division of West Perth in 1954.

In November 1950 Ralph and Mr A Walker drove a Vacuum Co Petrol tanker from Melbourne to Perth.

In February 1951 Ralph appeared as a witness at the Air Court of Inquiry into the Amana airplane crash.

Ralph played pennant Bowls and by December 1951 he was President of the Perth Bowling Club and in January 1954 he was the club secretary.

In July 1953 (aged 63) Ralph was the Transport Engineer at Vacuum Oil Co. Pty. Ltd.

No records have been found of Ralph having married.

He moved back to South Australia in retirement.

Death

Ralph passed away on the 6th May 1962, he was cremated and his ashes are interred at Centennial Park Cemetery, Adelaide. His last abode had been at Wayville.

Author EE (Beth) Filmer

For the complete profile including photographs, newspaper articles, documents and sources prepared for the AUFC/AUCC WWI Memorial Project please see the document attached.