WILLIAMS, Alfred James
| Service Number: | S85359 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 5 May 1942 |
| Last Rank: | Private |
| Last Unit: | 1st (SA) Battalion Volunteer Defence Corps (VDC) |
| Born: | Kadina, South Australia, 21 August 1902 |
| Home Town: | West Croydon, Charles Sturt, South Australia |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Ladies’ hairdresser, later described as a machinist |
| Died: | Woodville, South Australia, 20 October 1985, aged 83 years, cause of death not yet discovered |
| Cemetery: |
Enfield Memorial Park, South Australia Eastern Niche Wall No 2, Wall & Row GG, Site Number 7 |
| Memorials: |
World War 2 Service
| 5 May 1942: | Involvement Private, S85359, 1st (SA) Battalion Volunteer Defence Corps (VDC) | |
|---|---|---|
| 5 May 1942: | Enlisted Hindmarsh, SA | |
| 5 May 1942: | Enlisted Australian Military Forces (WW2) , Private, S85359 | |
| 27 Mar 1943: | Discharged |
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Add my storyBiography contributed by Trevor Pyatt
Alfred James “Joe” Williams
21 August 1902 – 20 October 1985
Resting in Peace
Alfred James Williams, known as “Joe,” was born on 21 August 1902 at Kadina, South Australia, the son of Joseph Williams (1872–1953) and Alice (née Bald) (1875–1920).
As a young man, Alfred trained and worked as a ladies’ hairdresser, later described as a machinist, and even noted in his service papers as running his own business. His skills and independence paint the picture of a practical, hands-on man making his way through the challenges of the interwar years.
In 1931, he married Rita Mavis Horne, and together they had a son, John Robin Blakely Williams (1933–1982).
Military Service
During the Second World War, Alfred enlisted in the Citizen Military Forces (CMF) on 19 December 1941 at Hindmarsh, South Australia, serving under Service Number S85359.
His records give a vivid personal snapshot:
Occupation: Hairdresser
Height: approx. 5 ft 3½ in
Weight: approx. 132–136 lbs
Hair: Dark | Eyes: Blue
Distinctive marks: Scars on back and thigh
He was initially assessed medically, with examinations conducted at Wayville in 1942. While early assessments suggested general fitness, further evaluation revealed elevated blood pressure (approx. 160/90). As a result, he was ultimately classified as:
“Medically Unfit for Military Service”
His service record notes that he was discharged—unable to attend parade, indicating he did not proceed to active duty. Like many men of the time, Alfred answered the call to serve, but health limitations prevented him from continuing.
Later Life & Marriage to Louise
By the early 1940s, Alfred’s life became closely connected with Louise Esther Obst (1909–2003). Their relationship led to the dissolution of her first marriage in 1944, with Alfred named in the proceedings.
Later that same year, on 21 October 1944, Alfred and Louise married at the Office of the Principal Registrar in Adelaide, beginning a new and enduring chapter together.
In later years, Alfred lived at Torrensville, remaining in the western suburbs of Adelaide.
Passing & Resting Place
Alfred passed away on 20 October 1985 at Woodville, aged 83 years.
He was cremated, and his ashes were interred at Enfield Memorial Park on 22 October 1985, in the:
Eastern Niche Wall No. 2, Wall & Row GG, Site 7
—within the same memorial wall where his wife Louise would later be laid to rest.
Sources & Notes
National Archives of Australia – CMF Service Record (S85359, Series B884)
South Australian Birth Registration (Kadina, 1902)
Marriage Records: Williams–Horne (1931); Williams–Bolger (1944)
Enfield Memorial Park cremation and interment records
Cemetery Records: Kadina (Alice Bald), Hallett (Joseph Williams)
South Australian Death Records (1985)
Biography by Trevor Pyatt 28/04/2026