Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Private Robert John Willshire Perry (1902–1966)

Broken Hill native, Salvationist, and World War II serviceman

Robert John Willshire Perry was born on 29 October 1902 in Broken Hill, New South Wales, the eldest known child of William Frederick Perry and Angelina A. Willshire. His birth was registered in Broken Hill under NSW Registration No. 30268 (1902). Robert grew up in one of Australia’s most significant mining towns, a place that forged strong values of resilience, loyalty, and community.

As a young man, Robert was employed as a magazine keeper, a position associated with the safe handling and storage of explosives and ammunition — work that required meticulous care and responsibility.

On 14 February 1935, Robert married Ella May Smith in Victoria (Marriage Registration No. 1889). Ella had been born in 1903 in Albury, New South Wales, to Benjamin Joseph Smith and Emma Armstrong. Their marriage united two families of strong faith and simple devotion. In the years that followed, Robert and Ella settled in Broken Hill, where they welcomed at least two children — Arthur George Perry and Margaret Perry.

Service in the Second World War

When the Second World War reached Australian shores, Robert was already a mature man of 39. Nevertheless, his sense of duty led him to enlist in the Australian Military Forces (Citizen Military Forces) at Broken Hill, New South Wales, on 14 April 1942. He was assigned the service number S76544 and joined the Broken Hill Detached Company, 6th Battalion, part of the Volunteer Defence Corps — Australia’s equivalent of the British Home Guard.

At the time of enlistment, Robert’s occupation was recorded as magazine keeper, his religion as Methodist, and his home address as 100 William Lane, Broken Hill. His attestation papers describe him as 5 feet 3¾ inches tall, weighing 136 pounds, with brown hair, blue eyes, and a scar on his chin. His next of kin was listed as his wife, Ella May Perry, who later relocated to 9 Ramsgate Street, Glenelg, South Australia.

Robert was classified medically A1 (fit for service) and was taken on strength on 5 May 1942. He attended leadership training in Broken Hill in 1943, and in June 1945 he was transferred to the 3rd Battalion, Volunteer Defence Corps, attached to the South Australian Lines of Communication Area. His service was continuous and honourable until 22 October 1945, when he was discharged “because of the disbandment of his Corps” following the end of the war.

Throughout his military records, Robert’s conduct was noted as steady and reliable — typical of the disciplined men who maintained Australia’s home-front readiness during the war years. His service exemplified the quiet patriotism of older volunteers who guarded munitions depots, coastal points, and transport lines while younger soldiers served overseas.

Postwar Life and Faith

After the war, Robert and Ella settled permanently in Somerton Park, South Australia, where Robert continued his work and devoted himself to the Salvation Army. The Salvationist faith aligned naturally with his disciplined, service-minded outlook, combining his Methodist roots with a lifelong commitment to helping others. The Army’s emphasis on music, fellowship, and faith became central to the Perry family’s way of life.

Passing and Commemoration

Robert John Willshire Perry passed away on 25 May 1966, aged 63 years, near Adelaide, South Australia. His death was registered in the Adelaide district (Book 11A, Page 3924), and his residence was recorded as Somerton Park.

He was laid to rest at Enfield Memorial Park, in the General Section, Row EB, Site 106. His headstone bears the Salvation Army crest and reads:

“In Loving Memory of Robert John Willshire Perry, beloved husband of Ella, loved father of Arthur and Margaret.

Passed away 25th May 1966, aged 63 years.

God has him in His keeping.”

The headstone stands beside those of his beloved wife, Ella May Perry (1903–1982), and their son, Arthur George Perry (1939–2017). Their adjoining graves form a family resting place that endures as a tribute to faith, service, and enduring love.

Legacy

Robert’s life bridged two worlds: the industrial frontier of Broken Hill and the peaceful coastal suburbs of Adelaide. He was a man of integrity — a husband, father, and soldier who served both his country and his community with quiet devotion. His faith in God and his dedication to service defined the values that guided his family for generations to come.

“Together in God’s keeping, their love and faith endure.”

Sources

Birth Registration: New South Wales Births, Deaths & Marriages – 1902, Broken Hill (Reg. No. 30268)
Marriage Registration: Victoria BDM – 1935, Perry–Smith (Reg. No. 1889)
World War II Service Record: National Archives of Australia, Series B884, Item S76544 – PERRY, Robert John Willshire (Attestation, Service & Casualty Forms, Medical History)
Death Registration: South Australian BDM Index – Adelaide (Book 11A, Page 3924, 1966)
Cemetery Record: Adelaide Cemeteries Authority – Enfield Memorial Park, General Section, Row EB, Site 106
Memorial Inscription: Headstone, Enfield Memorial Park (Salvation Army Crest)
Family Notices: Advertiser (Adelaide) Death & Funeral Notices, 1966; and family correspondence confirming relationships to Ella May, Arthur, and Margaret Perry

Biography by Trevor Pyatt 7/10/2025