WOLLASTON, Myrtle Alicia
| Service Number: | 107586 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 22 February 1943, Adelaide, SA |
| Last Rank: | Aircraftwoman |
| Last Unit: | No. 1 Operational Training Unit (RAAF) Nhill, Bairnsdale, East Sale |
| Born: | Port Lincoln, South Australia, 28 May 1924 |
| Home Town: | Port Lincoln, Port Lincoln, South Australia |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Domestic |
| Died: | 30 August 2016, aged 92 years, cause of death not yet discovered, place of death not yet discovered |
| Cemetery: |
Enfield Memorial Park, South Australia Second Crescent, Site Number 218 |
| Memorials: | Port Lincoln Women of the Eyre Peninsula Who Answered the Call Honour Roll WW2 |
World War 2 Service
| 22 Feb 1943: | Involvement 107586 | |
|---|---|---|
| 22 Feb 1943: | Enlisted Adelaide, SA | |
| 22 Feb 1943: | Enlisted Royal Australian Air Force, Aircraftwoman, 107586, No. 1 Operational Training Unit (RAAF) Nhill, Bairnsdale, East Sale, Adelaide, SA. | |
| 3 Dec 1945: | Discharged |
Letter to the Editor (Port Pirie "The Recorder")
Myrtle Alicia Wollaston was born in Port Lincoln South Australia on the 28th of May 1924 and joined the Royal Australian Air Force (R.A.A.F) on the 22nd of February 1943. After initial training in Victor Harbour, South Australia; Aircraftwoman Wollaston Official Number 107586 was posted to Port Pirie spending 15 months with No. 2 Bombing and Gunnery School and then No 3. Aerial Observer School. Below she reflects on her time in Port Pirie writing a letter to the editor.
"Thank You Pirie" W.A.A.A.F. Member Is Grateful
SIR—I once was stationed at Pirie for 15 months with the R.A.A.F, It is about 10 months since I left there. I felt on behalf of myself and my pals that I should like your townspeople to know just what our impression was of Pirie.
We certainly did not enjoy the inevitable sulphur, but what stands out in our memory since our departure is the wonderful hospitality we received there. We often wish that we were back with you again. We have been in numerous dance halls, but we have never yet been to a dance that would equal those in Pirie.
While we realise that we will never be privileged to be posted there again, we are looking forward to the day when we can pay your town another visit. In the course of duty I have encountered numerous members of the services who were once stationed at or have passed through your town, and their first words are usually "Remember the good old Pirie days?" Believe me, we shall.
On behalf of my pals and myself I desire to thank all those folk who helped to make our stay in Pirie a memorable one, and we know that the hospitality we received is now being accorded to our mates.
I am, Aircraftwoman M. Wollaston. W.A.A.A.F
Myrtle discharged from the service on the 3rd December 1945 as an Equipment Assistant. She married Ken Knowling and they raised 5 children. Myrtle Knowling (nee Wollaston) passed away in Adelaide on the 30th August 2016 aged 92 years.
Submitted 6 May 2020 by Gary Fradd
Biography contributed by Trevor Pyatt
Myrtle Alicia Knowling
(née Wollaston)
WAAAF Service No. 107586
Birth and Family Background
Myrtle Alicia Wollaston was born on 28 May 1924 at Port Lincoln, South Australia, the daughter of Tennyson Penn Wollaston and Edith Naomi Gwendoline Wollaston (née Elson). She spent her early life in the Port Lincoln district, including the locality known as Little Swamp, and was educated locally. Prior to enlistment, her occupation was recorded as domestic.
World War II Service – Women's Auxiliary Australian Air Force
In the midst of the Second World War, Myrtle answered the call to service and enlisted in the Women's Auxiliary Australian Air Force (WAAAF) on 22 February 1943 at Adelaide, South Australia.
Service Number: 107586
Rank: Aircraftwoman (ACW)
Mustering / Trade: Equipment Assistant / Mess duties (as recorded across service documents)
Units & Postings:
No. 1 Operational Training Unit (RAAF)
Nhill, Bairnsdale and East Sale, Victoria
Character & Conduct: Certified Very Good
Medical & Conduct Records: Certified clear on discharge
Myrtle served throughout the latter part of the war in training and support roles essential to the operational effectiveness of the RAAF. Her records confirm no disciplinary entries and full medical clearance.
She was discharged on 3 December 1945, under demobilisation provisions, with payment in lieu of accrued leave. Her service is commemorated on the Port Lincoln "Women of the Eyre Peninsula Who Answered the Call" Honour Roll.
Marriage and Family Life
Following the war, Myrtle married Kenneth Aubrey Knowling on 16 March 1950 at the Methodist Manse, Archer Street, North Adelaide. Kenneth was a World War II veteran who had served with the Australian Military Forces.
Together, Myrtle and Kenneth built a close-knit family life and were blessed with children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Myrtle was remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother ("Nanna"), and great-grandmother.
Their children included:
Joy (and Paul)
Barry (and Colleen)
Gay (and Robert)
Janine (and David)
Sharon (and Greg)
Her family later extended to numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom were acknowledged in her death notice with affection and pride.
Later Life
In her later years, Myrtle resided at Ingle Farm, South Australia. She remained deeply connected to her family and community and was known for her warmth, generosity, and quiet strength—qualities shaped by both her wartime service and lifelong devotion to family.
She was predeceased by her husband Kenneth Aubrey Knowling (died 16 June 1993).
Death and Funeral
Myrtle Alicia Knowling passed away on 30 August 2016, aged 92 years.
Her funeral service was held on Friday, 9 September 2016, entirely at the Golden Grove Baptist Church, Wynn Vale. In accordance with her wishes, donations in lieu of flowers were directed to the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
She was cremated and interred at Enfield Memorial Park, Clearview, South Australia:
Location: Second Crescent
Site Number: 218
Interment Date: 20 December 2016
Legacy
Myrtle Alicia Knowling is remembered as a woman of service and steadfast love—one who served her country during wartime and devoted her life to her family in peace. Her contribution as a member of the WAAAF forms part of the broader story of Australian women whose quiet dedication underpinned the nation's war effort.
Sources
National Archives of Australia (NAA)
Service File: WOLLASTON, Myrtle Alicia – WAAAF Service No. 107586 (Series A9301)
South Australian Birth Registration
Wollaston, Myrtle Alicia – 28 May 1924, Port Lincoln
Marriage Record
Knowling, Kenneth Aubrey & Wollaston, Myrtle Alicia – 16 March 1950
South Australian Death Notice
Advertiser, September 2016
Funeral Notice
Centralian Advocate, 3 September 2016
Enfield Memorial Park Burial Records
Myrtle Alicia Knowling – Second Crescent, Site 218
RAAF / WAAAF Honour Roll
Port Lincoln – Women of the Eyre Peninsula Who Answered the Call
Biography by Trevor Pyatt 13/12/2025
Click images to start slideshow.