PENTECOST, Joan Grace
| Service Number: | WR/1418 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 14 June 1943, Port Adelaide |
| Last Rank: | Seaman |
| Last Unit: | HMAS Torrens (Depot) / HMAS Encounter (Shore) |
| Born: | Adelaide, South Australia, 3 October 1921 |
| Home Town: | Not yet discovered |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Not yet discovered |
| Died: | Yokine, Western Australia, Australia, 20 September 2022, aged 100 years, cause of death not yet discovered |
| Cemetery: |
Pinnaroo Valley Memorial Park, Padbury, Western Australia Grevillea Trail-Garden F-0002 |
| Memorials: |
World War 2 Service
| 14 Jun 1943: | Involvement WR/1418, HMAS Torrens (Depot) / HMAS Encounter (Shore) | |
|---|---|---|
| 14 Jun 1943: | Enlisted Port Adelaide | |
| 14 Jun 1943: | Enlisted Royal Australian Navy, Seaman, WR/1418 | |
| 28 Feb 1946: | Discharged |
Joan Grace Pentecost
World War II Service
With the outbreak of World War II and the expansion of the Australian war effort, Joan enlisted in the Women’s Royal Australian Naval Service (WRANS) on 14 June 1943 at Port Adelaide. She was given the service number WR/1418.
Postings and Roles:
Began as an Assistant Writer at HMAS Torrens (Depot) from 18 June 1943 to 12 September 1943.
Promoted to Writer on 13 September 1943.
Posted to various naval depots and administrative offices, including HMAS Lonsdale, HMAS Moreton, and HMAS Kuttabul (primarily in administrative support and clerical duties).
Maintained an excellent service record, receiving consistent assessments of “Very Good” for character and “Above Average” or “Satisfactory” for efficiency.
Her work as a Writer was essential in maintaining the flow of communication, orders, and record-keeping across naval units — a role crucial to naval operations during wartime.
Demobilisation and Post-War Life
Joan was discharged on 28 February 1946, after nearly three years of service. Following the war, she returned to civilian life in Adelaide and reconnected with fellow veterans, including Louis Reginald Newton, who had served in the Royal Australian Naval Reserve.
On 27 December 1947, Joan married Louis at St Peter’s Church, Glenelg. Both had served in the Navy during the war.
By Trevor Pyatt 1/08/2025
Submitted 1 August 2025 by Trevor Pyatt
Biography contributed by Trevor Pyatt
Joan Grace Newton (née Pentecost)
Born: 3 October 1921, Adelaide, South Australia
Died: 20 September 2022, aged 100, Yokine, Western Australia
Burial: Pinnaroo Valley Memorial Park, Padbury, Western Australia – Grevillea Trail, Garden F-0002
Service Number: WR/1418
Last Rank: Writer, Women's Royal Australian Naval Service (WRANS)
Parents: Leonard Pentecost & May Pentecost (née Welham)
Spouse: Louis Reginald Newton (1922–2022) – married 27 December 1947, St Peter's Church, Glenelg, South Australia
Early Life
Joan Grace Pentecost was born on 3 October 1921 in Adelaide, South Australia, to Leonard Pentecost and May Pentecost (née Welham). She grew up in metropolitan Adelaide in a period marked by post–World War I recovery and the Great Depression.
Joan's early life was shaped by a strong work ethic and a sense of duty, values that would later guide her during her military service in World War II.
World War II Service
With the outbreak of World War II and the expansion of the Australian war effort, Joan enlisted in the Women's Royal Australian Naval Service (WRANS) on 14 June 1943 at Port Adelaide. She was given the service number WR/1418.
Postings and Roles:
Began as an Assistant Writer at HMAS Torrens (Depot) from 18 June 1943 to 12 September 1943.
Promoted to Writer on 13 September 1943.
Posted to various naval depots and administrative offices, including HMAS Lonsdale, HMAS Moreton, and HMAS Kuttabul (primarily in administrative support and clerical duties).
Maintained an excellent service record, receiving consistent assessments of "Very Good" for character and "Above Average" or "Satisfactory" for efficiency.
Her work as a Writer was essential in maintaining the flow of communication, orders, and record-keeping across naval units — a role crucial to naval operations during wartime.
Demobilisation and Post-War Life
Joan was discharged on 28 February 1946, after nearly three years of service. Following the war, she returned to civilian life in Adelaide and reconnected with fellow veterans, including Louis Reginald Newton, who had served in the Royal Australian Naval Reserve.
On 27 December 1947, Joan married Louis at St Peter's Church, Glenelg. Both had served in the Navy during the war.
Life in Western Australia
After their marriage, Joan and Louis eventually moved to Western Australia, settling in the Perth region.
Later Years and Longevity
Joan lived a long and fulfilling life, maintaining her independence and sharp mind well into her later years. She and Louis both reached the milestone of 100 years of age — a rare achievement.
Louis passed away in January 2022, just after his own 100th birthday. Joan followed him only months later, passing away peacefully on 20 September 2022, aged 100.
She was laid to rest at Pinnaroo Valley Memorial Park in Padbury, Western Australia, alongside her beloved husband.
Legacy
Joan Grace Newton is remembered as:
A proud WRANS veteran of World War II.
A devoted wife to Louis Reginald Newton for more than 74 years.
A woman of resilience, dedication, and grace who lived through and contributed to a century of Australian history.
Her life reflects the story of many women who served quietly yet significantly during the war, and who built the fabric of post-war Australian society.
Biography by Trevor Pyatt 1/08/2025
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