WALTER, Arthur Edward
| Service Number: | 115210 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 21 July 1942 |
| Last Rank: | Corporal |
| Last Unit: | Not yet discovered |
| Born: | Waikerie, South Australia, 13 July 1920 |
| Home Town: | Waikerie, Loxton Waikerie, South Australia |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Not yet discovered |
| Died: | Adelaide, South Australia, 26 February 1977, aged 56 years, cause of death not yet discovered |
| Cemetery: |
Enfield Memorial Park, South Australia Eastern Niche Wall No 1, Wall & Row KV, Site Number 6 |
| Memorials: |
World War 2 Service
| 21 Jul 1942: | Involvement Corporal, 115210 | |
|---|---|---|
| 21 Jul 1942: | Enlisted Adelaide, SA | |
| 21 Jul 1942: | Enlisted Royal Australian Air Force, Corporal, 115210 | |
| 9 Jan 1946: | Discharged |
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Add my storyBiography contributed by Trevor Pyatt
Royal Australian Air Force – Service Biography
Corporal Arthur Edward Walter
Service Number: 115210
Royal Australian Air Force
Born: 13 July 1920 – Waikerie, South Australia
Died: 26 February 1977 – Royal Adelaide Hospital, SA (aged 56)
Cremated: 1 March 1977 – Enfield Memorial Park, Eastern Niche Wall No. 1, Wall & Row KV, Site 6
Next of Kin: Jean Ross Walter (wife)
Religion: Church of England
Early Life
Arthur Edward Walter was born on 13 July 1920 at Waikerie, South Australia, to John Charles Walter and Ida Mary Modistach. Educated at Ramco Public School, he worked as an orchardist and farm hand on his father's property, developing mechanical aptitude in maintaining motor and stationary engines. On 14 March 1942, he married Jean Ross Hincks at the Methodist Manse, Waikerie. Four months later, he volunteered for service in the Royal Australian Air Force.
Enlistment and Assessment
Arthur applied for enlistment on 7 June 1942 at Waikerie, aged 21 years and 11 months, for mustering as Aircraft Hand (Ground Staff). He was medically examined as Class I fit, standing 5 ft 10 in and weighing 12 st 9 lb, with fair complexion, blue eyes and fair hair. His interview report described him as 'athletic type of recruit, intelligent, keen, alert, and promising type of young man.' He passed the RAAF Aptitude Test on 25 June 1942 with a total score of 46, and enlisted at No. 5 Recruiting Centre, Adelaide, on 21 July 1942 for service in the Royal Australian Air Force.
Training and Technical Development
Initially mustered as Trainee Group V, Arthur began training at No. 4 School of Technical Training (Adelaide), later transferring to No. 3 School of Technical Training (Ultimo, NSW). He completed the No. 22 Fitter Motor Transport Conversion Course between 5 October and 27 November 1942, graduating with a final mark of 65.76%. He qualified as a Fitter Driver Motor Transport, responsible for RAAF vehicle maintenance and operations. His conduct and trade proficiency were rated 'Very Good' throughout service.
Service Appointments and Promotions
Arthur's wartime postings included:
• Jul–Sep 1942 – No. 4 School of Technical Training (Adelaide)
• Oct–Nov 1942 – No. 3 School of Technical Training (Ultimo, NSW)
• Dec 1942–Feb 1943 – No. 55 Operational Base Unit
• Feb 1943 – Promoted to Leading Aircraftman (LAC)
• 1943–44 – No. 10 Maintenance Squadron
• 1944–45 – No. 4 Repair & Salvage Unit
• Feb 1945 – Promoted to Corporal
• 1945–46 – No. 1 Stores Depot and 4 Personnel Depot
• 9 Jan 1946 – Discharged at Springbank, SA.
Demobilisation and Discharge
Arthur was discharged from the RAAF on 9 January 1946 at No. 4 Personnel Depot, Springbank, under Air Force Regulation 115(t) – On Demobilisation. His final posting was to the Reception & Disposal Squadron. At discharge, he held the rank of Corporal, with character rated 'Very Good' and no disciplinary entries recorded. He was entitled to the War Medal 1939–45 and the Australia Service Medal 1939–45.
Postwar Life
After the war, Arthur returned to Hamley Bridge before settling at 31 Hooper Road, Smithfield Plains, Adelaide. He resumed work in agricultural and mechanical trades. He passed away on 26 February 1977 at the Royal Adelaide Hospital and was cremated at Enfield Memorial Park, where his ashes rest in Eastern Niche Wall No. 1, Wall & Row KV, Site 6.
Summary of Service
Service Number: 115210
Branch: Royal Australian Air Force
Service: 21 July 1942 – 9 January 1946
Total Service: 3 years, 5 months, 19 days
Rank on Discharge: Corporal
Trade: Fitter Driver Motor Transport
Character: Very Good
Decorations: War Medal 1939–45; Australia Service Medal 1939–45
Timeline of Service
7 Jun 1942 – Application for enlistment submitted at Waikerie
9 Jun 1942 – Pre-selection approved: 'Fine type of boy, very keen.'
25 Jun 1942 – Passed aptitude test; signed RAAF reserve agreement.
21 Jul 1942 – Enlisted at No. 5 Recruiting Centre, Adelaide.
5 Oct–27 Nov 1942 – Completed Fitter Motor Transport Course, NSW.
28 Feb 1943 – Promoted to Leading Aircraftman (LAC).
1 Feb 1945 – Promoted to Corporal.
9 Jan 1946 – Discharged at No. 4 Personnel Depot, Springbank.
Source: National Archives of Australia, A9301, Walter, Arthur Edward (115210); Enfield Memorial Park Burial Register.
Biography by Trevor Pyatt 16/10/2025
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