Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of Charles Painter and Annie Painter nee Wellam. Brother of Charles William Painter, Samuel Painter, George Painter, Annie Painter, James Painter, Richard Painter, Frank Painter, Marion Gladys Painter, Edith Painter and Sarah Painter

On 6 October 1906 John married Gertrude Ida Sullivan in St Andrew Church, Walkerville, SA

Father of Rowland George Painter

On 1 March 1916 he was promoted temporarily to the rank of Corporal but reverted to the rank of Private on 12 April 1916

Medals: British War Medal, Victory Medal

Life before war

John Edward Painter, joined World War One when he was 37 years old before he joined he worked as a clerk. A clerk is someone who works in an office or bank to keep records, accounts, and undertake other routine governmental duties. John was originally from Adelaide, South Australia he lived on 46 George Street, Norwood, South Australia. John Edward Painter was the son of Charles and Annie Painter he was happily married to Gertrude, with one child. Although he did not have a very big family he cared for them deeply. John had fair skin and dark features such as brown hair and brown eyes.

Life during the war (life on the western front)

Every Solider that enrolled in the war was sorted into battalions depending on their role in the army. John Edward painter was enlisted in the 50th Infantry Battalion of the Australian Imperial Force. He was a Lance Corporal, this is a military ranking which was used by many armed forces globally. It is the lowest rank of corporal and is typically the lowest non-commissioned officer.

He fought at Pozieres with his battalion. John was injured in the battle of Mouquet Farm the date of which he died is estimated at the 16/8/16 for he was reported missing and injured. A direct quote from a soldier at war was “I saw Pte. Painter carried out of the trench wounded night attack at Mosquet farm” this was recorded on the 14th of August 1916. John did not receive any victory metals from world war although he achieved the characteristicof br aveness in giving his life for his country and family after joining the war. John’s body along with many others was buried in the vicinity of Pozieres, which is where many soldiers and officers from the war are buried.

John Edward Painter was killed in action on the battlefield; he suffered a very serious injury and soon after died. This had a significant impact on his family as they lost someone they loved. John was in for an estimated 3 years before he was reported injured and missing, soon later found dead. He was killed at a young age of only 38. ‘died shortly after joining the war’.

Anzac spirit

ANZAC stands for a soldier in the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. Anzac spirit represents boldness, resourcefulness, commitment, unity and endurance that will never own defeat. Men who joined the war to become a soldier instantly became part of the ANZAC community.
Anzac day is the 25th of April it is a significant day to many citizens in Australia for it is a day to reflect on what the soldiers in the war did for us. Over 8,000 Australian soldiers died during World War One. This was a sad time for the family, friends and Australia for we had lost many brave soldiers.
John Edward Painter showed Anzac spirit by joining the war, he showed Anzac spirit for putting his life on the line for his country. This is a true act of braveness for not only him but for all the soldiers. Australia will forever be grateful for each and every one of the soldiers that volunteered to join World War One.