Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Arthur George Mead

7 June 1925 – 11 November 1992

RAAF Veteran | South Australian

Arthur George Mead was born on 7 June 1925 at Goodwood, South Australia, the son of Bertram Horace Mead and Dorothy Alice Cocks. He grew up in suburban Adelaide during the difficult years of the Great Depression, coming of age as the Second World War reshaped Australia and the world.

At the age of 18, Arthur entered military service during the height of the war. He briefly attested to the Australian Army (Citizen Military Forces) in mid-September 1943, a common initial step in wartime mobilisation. Within days, he transferred to the Royal Australian Air Force, where he would complete his full period of service.

Arthur enlisted in the RAAF on 15 September 1943 in Adelaide and was allocated Service Number 141213. He trained and served as part of Australia's home defence and operational support network, undertaking postings across several key locations including:

No. 1 Recruit Depot, Adelaide
Shepparton (Victoria)
Bradfield Park (New South Wales)
Corryong (Victoria)
Parkes (New South Wales)
Laverton (Victoria)
Deniliquin (New South Wales)
He rose to the rank of Leading Aircraftman (LAC) and served throughout the remainder of the war and into the immediate post-war period. His service was conducted entirely within Australia, contributing to training, logistics, and operational readiness during a critical time in the nation's history.

For his service, Arthur was awarded the:

1939–1945 Star
War Medal 1939–1945
Australian Service Medal 1939–1945
Returned from Active Service Badge

Arthur was discharged on 23 May 1946, following the demobilisation of Australian forces after the war.

Following his military service, Arthur returned to civilian life in South Australia. He married Joan Mary Whelan, and together they made their home in Campbelltown, where they built a quiet and enduring life.

Arthur passed away on 11 November 1992, aged 67 years — a date that coincides with Remembrance Day, giving his passing a poignant connection to the service of his generation.

He was cremated and interred at:

Enfield Memorial Park, Clearview, South Australia

Eastern Niche Wall No. 2 – Wall & Row GS, Site 14

His memorial plaque bears the inscription:

"Loving husband of Joan – In God's Care."

Sources

South Australian Birth Registration:
MEAD, Arthur George – 7 June 1925, Goodwood (Book 155A/207)
National Archives of Australia:
RAAF Service Record (A9301, Service No. 141213)
Army (CMF) Attestation Record (B884, SX27942)
Enfield Memorial Park burial records
Headstone inscription

Disclaimer

Arthur's brief Army (CMF) attestation occurred immediately prior to his RAAF enlistment and does not indicate active service within the Army. His primary and substantive military service was with the Royal Australian Air Force.

Biography by Trevor Pyatt 5/05/2026