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Biography of Ronald Henry Crowhurst

Early Life

Ronald Henry Crowhurst was born on 2 June 1913 at Stepney, South Australia, the son of Alfred George Crowhurst and Mary Matilda Sando. He grew up in Adelaide and worked as a storeman prior to the Second World War.

Marriage and Family

On 3 June 1937, Ronald married Daphne May Tobin (1918–1992), the daughter of Rose Henrietta Arriola of Adelaide. Their marriage was later solemnised at St Paul's Church, Adelaide in 1938. At the time of enlistment, their home was listed as 20 Salop Street, Beulah Park. Ronald and Daphne remained together until Daphne's passing in 1992.

Military Service

Enlistment

Ronald enlisted in the Citizen Military Forces (CMF) on 24 December 1941 at Kensington, South Australia, aged 28 years.

Army Number: S41113
Rank: Private
Unit: Australian Army Ordnance Corps (later attached to transport and ordnance depots)
Physical Description (1941): 5 ft. 4 in. tall, fair complexion, blue eyes, brown hair.
Religion: Protestant
Education: Secondary school entry-level certificate.
Next of Kin: His wife, Daphne May Crowhurst, 20 Salop Street, Beulah Park, SA.

Service Record

Ronald's service was primarily in support and logistics, including postings to:

122nd Australian General Transport Company
5th Advanced Ordnance Depot
During his service he undertook full-time training and ordnance duties around Adelaide.

Medical Issues

In 1943, Ronald was hospitalised on multiple occasions:

10 March 1943: Evacuated to the 101st Australian General Hospital.
18 March 1943: Rejoined unit.
July 1943: Again admitted to the 10th A.G.H.
29 June 1943: Assessed by Medical Board and diagnosed with neurasthenia (a nervous condition marked by chronic fatigue and mental strain).

Discharge

On 9 August 1943, Ronald was discharged as medically unfit for further service after serving 1 year and 161 days. His discharge was confirmed at Wayville General Details Depot.

Medals and Awards

Ronald qualified for and received:

War Medal 1939/45
Australian Service Medal (ASM)
General Service Badge
These were formally issued on 21 May 1951. In 1994, Ronald corresponded with Defence authorities to confirm his entitlements and request reissue of medals.

Later Life

Ronald returned to civilian life in Adelaide, working and living with his wife Daphne. In his later years, he resided at the Milpara Nursing Home, Rostrevor, SA.

Daphne May Crowhurst (née Tobin): died 12 December 1992, aged 74.
Ronald Henry Crowhurst: died 14 October 1995, aged 82.

They are buried together at Enfield Memorial Park, Clearview, in the Rose Garden Memorial Sites, Bed CDW, Site Number 16.

Summary

Private Ronald Henry Crowhurst (S41113) served in the Citizen Military Forces during the Second World War, primarily with ordnance and transport units in South Australia. Although his service was cut short due to medical issues in 1943, he was recognised with the War Medal and Australian Service Medal. He lived a long life with his wife Daphne, and together they rest in Enfield Memorial Park.

Sources

National Archives of Australia: Service Record of Ronald Henry Crowhurst, Series B884, Item S41113 (includes attestation, medical, discharge, casualty, and medal correspondence).
South Australian Birth Index: Ronald Henry Crowhurst, Stepney, 1913 (Reg. 911/385).
South Australian Marriage Index: Ronald Henry Crowhurst & Daphne May Tobin, 1938 (Adelaide, Reg. 390/2515).
South Australian Death Notices, Advertiser, October 1995.
Enfield Memorial Park Cemetery Records: Rose Garden Memorial Sites, Bed CDW, Site 16.

Biography by Trevor Pyatt 7/09/2025