SAlm144
STUBING, Edward Louis
| Service Number: | 56138 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | Not yet discovered |
| Last Rank: | Private |
| Last Unit: | 1st Australian Army Service Corps Company (AIF) |
| Born: | 5 May 1897, place not yet discovered |
| Home Town: | Not yet discovered |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Carrier |
| Died: | Prospect, South Australia, 24 February 1976, aged 78 years, cause of death not yet discovered |
| Cemetery: |
Enfield Memorial Park, South Australia Eastern Niche Wall No 1, Sub Section RSL, Wall & Row FO, Site Number 1 |
| Memorials: | Cleve WW1 Honor Roll |
World War 1 Service
| 23 Jul 1918: | Involvement Private, 56138, 1st to 6th (SA) Reinforcements, --- :embarkation_roll: roll_number: '20' embarkation_place: Melbourne embarkation_ship: HMAT Marathon embarkation_ship_number: A74 public_note: '' | |
|---|---|---|
| 23 Jul 1918: | Embarked Private, 56138, 1st to 6th (SA) Reinforcements, HMAT Marathon, Melbourne | |
| 11 Nov 1918: | Involvement Private, 56138, 1st Australian Army Service Corps Company (AIF) |
Help us honour Edward Louis Stubing's service by contributing information, stories, and images so that they can be preserved for future generations.
Add my storyBiography contributed by Trevor Pyatt
Edward Louis "Ned" Stubing (1897–1976)
Service Number: 56138 • Rank: Private / Driver • Unit: 10th Battalion, later 1st Australian Army Service Corps (A.A.S.C.)
Medal Entitlement: British War Medal • Service Abroad: England
Early Life
Edward Louis Stubing—affectionately known as Ned—was born on 5 May 1897 in Morgan, South Australia, the son of Louis Stubing and Amelia Charlotte (née Lehmann).
He grew up in the rural district of Cleve on the Eyre Peninsula, where his father operated Louis Stubing Ltd, a local carrying and general trading company. Ned attended school in the area and later worked as a carrier, carting produce and supplies across the district.
Enlistment and Training
Ned enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force on 1 September 1917 at Cleve, S.A., aged 20 years 4 months.
At his medical examination he stood 6 feet 0 inches, weighed 172 lbs, with fair complexion, blue eyes, and dark-brown hair. His vision was perfect (6/6 both eyes), and he was recorded as being of the Church of England faith. His parents signed the necessary consent for under-21 enlistment.
After his acceptance he was posted to Mitcham Camp for training. During early 1918 he underwent several inoculations and a full dental examination, being certified "Dentally Fit."
Between March and May 1918, he was hospitalised at No. 15 Australian General Hospital, North Adelaide, for treatment of a medical condition described as "chronic gonorrhoea." He made a complete recovery and was returned to duty.
By July 1918 he had completed training and was passed fit for active service overseas.
Embarkation and Service Abroad
Edward embarked from Melbourne aboard HMAT A74 Marathon on 23 July 1918, bound for England.
He arrived in London on 27 September 1918 and was assigned to the 10th Infantry Battalion (6th Reinforcements) before transfer to the 1st Australian Army Service Corps Training Depot in February 1919.
While in England he carried out base-duties and driver training but saw no front-line service; the Armistice of November 1918 brought hostilities to an end before his unit could be deployed to France.
Illness and Hospitalisation
In March 1919, Ned was admitted to the Australian General Hospital at Sutton Veny with swelling and inflammation of the left ankle and lower leg.
He reported having suffered from osteomyelitis (a chronic bone infection) about five years earlier, and medical notes confirmed a recurrence aggravated by military strain.
X-rays showed bone thickening around the left tibia. The wound was drained and treated with antiseptic. His medical record reads:
"Old osteomyelitis, left leg. Incision healed for last 14 days – no pain now, foot useless for disability."
He was assessed by the Medical Board as Class C2 – unfit for general service and recommended for return to Australia for discharge.
Return and Discharge
Ned embarked for home aboard HT Leicestershire on 3 May 1919, arriving in Adelaide on 18 June 1919.
His final medical review at Keswick Barracks on 18 June 1919 recorded his condition as "aggravated by service," but otherwise fit for civilian life.
He was officially discharged on 3 July 1919, the reason noted as "Cessation of Hostilities."
His total service amounted to 1 year 306 days, including 331 days abroad.
For his contribution, he was awarded the British War Medal, authorised and issued in 1921.
Personal Documents on Record
Soldier's Will lodged before embarkation, verified by the Camp Commandant (1 August 1918).
Medical Case Sheets (Sutton Veny 1919) – details of treatment for osteomyelitis.
Discharge File (4th Military District, Melbourne 1919) – confirming cessation of service.
No disciplinary actions; the blank court-martial form in his file was never used.
Post-War Life
After the war, Ned returned to Cleve, where he became known as "the man in the accounts section" of his family's business, Louis Stubing Ltd.
He led a quiet, steady life, respected for his reliability and long service to the local community.
Later he retired to Prospect, a northern suburb of Adelaide.
Death and Commemoration
Edward Louis Stubing passed away at his residence, Unit 2, 7 Richman Avenue, Prospect, on 24 February 1976, aged 78.
He was cremated at Enfield Memorial Park, South Australia, his plaque placed on the R.S.L. Wall (Eastern Niche Wall 1, Row FO, Site 1).
His memorial inscription reads:
56138 DRIVER E. L. STUBING
10TH BATTALION
24-2-1976 AGE 78
He is also remembered on the Cleve District World War I Honour Roll, among those who served from the Eyre Peninsula district.
Biography by Trevor Pyatt 12/10/2025
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