Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

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