Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Austin Lionel “Pug” Havelberg

5 November 1924 – 8 July 1996

Austin Lionel Havelberg, known throughout his life as “Pug,” was born on 5 November 1924 in Gawler, South Australia, the son of Wilhelm Theodor “Teddy” Havelberg and Olga Regina Selina (née Weinert). He grew up in the Barossa district during the difficult years of the Great Depression, later moving to the South East of South Australia where he worked as a mill hand at Nangwarry Mill, near Mount Gambier.

Early Life and Civilian Work

By early adulthood, Austin was employed in the timber and forestry industry, working with the Woods and Forests Department. Contemporary records describe him as a dependable and capable worker. A written reference from his employer in March 1944 stated that he was:

“obedient, industrious, painstaking, and quick to learn… we are sorry to lose his services.”

This brief but powerful statement provides a rare and personal insight into Austin’s character before military service.

Application and Enlistment – World War II

At 19 years of age, Austin applied to enlist in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) during the final phase of the Second World War.

13 March 1944 – Signed enlistment application
Parental consent provided by his father, Wilhelm Theodor Havelberg
Background inquiry returned “No Record”, confirming good character
17 April 1944 – Application approved by the Department of Labour and National Service (Mount Gambier)

He was instructed to report to Adelaide and formally enlisted on:

9 May 1944 – No. 5 Recruiting Centre, Adelaide
Rank on enlistment: Aircraftman Class 1 (AC1)
Mustering: Technical Trainee (Group 5)
At enlistment, his personal details were recorded as:

Occupation: Mill hand
Religion: Lutheran
Height: 5 ft 5¾ in
Weight: 127 lbs
Eyes: Blue
Hair: Fair
Complexion: Fair
Distinguishing marks: Scars on both knees and shins
Medical classification: Class 1 (fit for service)

Training and Service

Austin underwent initial training through several RAAF establishments:

No. 5 Recruit Depot
Air Gunnery School
No. 4 School of Technical Training (Adelaide)
Following a Trade Test assessment in October 1944, he was remustered from Technical Trainee to Cook’s Assistant, a vital support trade within the Air Force. He passed his trade evaluation with a recorded result of 60%.

He served in the following units:

No. 1 Communications Unit (primary posting)
No. 2 Reserve & Service Unit
No. 2 RAAF Hospital, Ascot Vale (1945)
Returned to No. 1 Communications Unit prior to discharge
Austin was promoted to:

Leading Aircraftman (LAC) – 1 February 1945
Conduct and Service Record

Austin’s service record reflects a consistently high standard of conduct:

No disciplinary offences recorded (“Certified No Entry”)
Character graded “Very Good” throughout
Trade proficiency recorded as “Satisfactory”
These assessments align closely with his earlier civilian reference, reinforcing a picture of a steady, reliable, and disciplined individual.

End of War and Discharge

As the war concluded, Austin volunteered for service with the RAAF Japanese Occupation Force, demonstrating a willingness to continue serving beyond active hostilities.

He was ultimately demobilised and:

Discharged: 7 June 1946
Authority: Demobilisation (AFR 115[t])
Final unit: No. 1 Communications Unit
Discharge processing: No. 4 Personnel Depot, Springbank (South Australia)
Address at discharge: Nangwarry Mill, via Mount Gambier
At discharge, he received:

War Medal 1939–1945
Payment in lieu of 38 days accumulated leave
He is also commemorated on the:

Gawler Council World War II Honour Roll

Marriage and Family Life

Following his return to civilian life, Austin married Elizabeth Barrett on 4 February 1950 in Nangwarry, South Australia. Together they built a life grounded in family and community.

They had one son:

Trevor
Austin later became a grandfather to:

Adrian
Aaron
Sarah
He remained closely connected to the Limestone Coast region for the remainder of his life.

Death and Burial

Austin Lionel “Pug” Havelberg passed away on 8 July 1996 in Penola, South Australia, aged 71 years. His death was recorded in The Advertiser on 9 July 1996.

He was laid to rest at:

Carinya Gardens Cemetery, Mount Gambier, South Australia

His memorial plaque reads:

In Loving Memory of Austin Lionel Havelberg

Died 8th July 1996, Age 71 Years

Son of Ted and Olga

Father of Trevor

Grandfather of Adrian, Aaron and Sarah

At Rest

Sources & Evidence

Civil Records

South Australian Birth Registration
5 November 1924, Gawler (Barossa District)
Book/Page: 144A/298
Parents: Wilhelm Theodor Havelberg & Olga Regina Selina Weinert

Military Records

National Archives of Australia (NAA: A9301, 152893)
Includes:
Enlistment application (March 1944)
Employer reference letter
Parental consent form
Department of Labour & National Service approval (17 April 1944)
Confidential background inquiry (No Record)
Enlistment & attestation papers (9 May 1944)
Medical examination (Class 1)
Trade Test Report (October 1944)
Service postings and conduct sheets
Leave records (including 38 days payment in lieu)
Discharge documentation (7 June 1946)
Occupation of Japan volunteer form
Australian WWII Nominal Roll
Service No: 152893
Rank: Leading Aircraftman
Unit: No. 1 Communications Unit

Awards & Commemoration

War Medal 1939–1945
Gawler Council World War II Honour Roll

Death & Burial

Death Notice, The Advertiser (Adelaide), 9 July 1996
Carinya Gardens Cemetery, Mount Gambier (plaque inscription)

Family Information

Supplied family records and lineage details

Closing Note

Austin’s story reflects that of many young Australian men of his generation—answering the call to serve, contributing quietly but reliably, and returning home to build a life centred on family. His preserved records allow us to see not only his service, but the character behind it: a hardworking, steady, and respected man whose contribution formed part of a much larger national effort.

Biography by Trevor Pyatt 17/04/2026