Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Peter Kazmis "Victor" Vogt

22 February 1895 – 9 February 1982

Early Life

Peter Kazmis Vogt was born on 22 February 1895 at Kybunga, South Australia, in the Clare district. He was the son of:

Matthew (Matthias) Vogt (1869–1952)
Frances (Pawelski) Vogt (1871–1953)
His birth was registered in the Clare District (Book/Page 558/295).

He was raised in South Australia's mid-north within a rural farming community shaped by strong German and Polish heritage.

Name Variation

In official records, Peter appears under two given names:

Peter Kazmis Vogt (birth, military, later records)
Peter Victor Vogt (children's birth registrations)
These refer to the same individual. It was common for individuals to use alternate given names interchangeably, particularly where one name was more familiar or easier to use in everyday life.

Occupation & Civilian Life

Peter worked as a: Telegraph linesman and farmer.

His technical background in communications later aligned with his military role during World War II.

He lived most of his life in the Balaklava district, where he established his home and family.

Marriage & Family

On 28 September 1921, Peter married: Claire Kathleen Taylor (1894–1947) at St Francis Xavier's Cathedral, Adelaide.

They settled in South Australia and had three daughters:

Maureen Claire Vogt (b. 22 March 1923, Blyth)
Bernice Kathleen Vogt (b. 10 July 1925, Willaston)
Margaret Vogt (b. 4 November 1929)

The family is commemorated on their headstone as:

"Loved parents of Maureen, Bernice & Margaret."

World War II Service

During the Second World War, Peter served with the Australian Army (Citizen Military Forces).

Service Number: S112195
Enlisted: 21 January 1943 (Balaklava, SA)
Rank: Signalman (initially Private)
Unit: 4 Lines of Communication Signals
Medical Classification: A2 (fit for home service)
Next of Kin: Claire Vogt

Enlisting at 47 years of age, Peter was older than most recruits, reflecting a strong sense of duty.

His role as a Signalman involved maintaining military communications infrastructure—an essential but often unseen part of wartime operations.

He served in a part-time/home service capacity and was:

Transferred to Reserve: 19 January 1945

Later Life

Following the war, Peter returned to civilian life in Balaklava, where he remained a long-standing member of the community.

He outlived his wife Claire by 35 years and continued as the central figure of his family.

Death

Peter Kazmis Vogt died on: 9 February 1982, aged 86 years

He was buried at: Balaklava Public Cemetery, South Australia

alongside his wife:

Claire Kathleen Vogt (d. 20 February 1947, aged 52)

Legacy

Peter is remembered as:

A devoted husband and father
A World War II serviceman who enlisted later in life
A member of a long-established Vogt–Pawelski family line in South Australia
His life reflects resilience, quiet service, and strong family values rooted in rural South Australia.

Sources

South Australian Birth Index

Vogt, Peter Kazmis – 22 Feb 1895 (Clare District, Book/Page 558/295)
South Australian Marriage Index

Vogt / Taylor – 28 Sep 1921 (Book/Page 288/956)
South Australian Birth Index (Children)

Vogt (Maureen 1923; Bernice 1925)
Advertiser birth notice (Margaret 1929)
National Archives of Australia (NAA)

Service Record – S112195 (Series B884, CMF)
Balaklava Public Cemetery

Memorial inscription (shared headstone)
Siebert's Funeral Records (1910–1991)

Death: 9 Feb 1982
The Advertiser (Adelaide)

Funeral notice, February 1982

Notes

"Victor" appears in children's birth records; "Kazmis" in primary personal records
No overseas service indicated (consistent with CMF role)
Birthplaces of children show movement within SA mid-north region

Biography by Trevor Pyatt 25/04/2026