WEBB, Colin James
| Service Number: | S21552 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 7 October 1941 |
| Last Rank: | Private |
| Last Unit: | Not yet discovered |
| Born: | Mclaren Vale, South Australia, 6 February 1922 |
| Home Town: | St Peters (SA), Norwood Payneham St Peters, South Australia |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Baker and baker’s improver |
| Died: | South Australia, 17 July 2006, aged 84 years, cause of death not yet discovered |
| Cemetery: |
Enfield Memorial Park, South Australia RW Robinson Garden of Remembrance, Sub Section WALL, Area EAC, Site Number 5 |
| Memorials: |
World War 2 Service
| 7 Oct 1941: | Involvement Private, S21552 | |
|---|---|---|
| 7 Oct 1941: | Enlisted Torrens Hall, SA | |
| 7 Oct 1941: | Enlisted Australian Military Forces (WW2) , Private, S21552 | |
| 24 Oct 1942: | Discharged | |
| 24 Oct 1942: | Discharged Australian Military Forces (WW2) , Private, S21552 |
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Add my storyBiography contributed by Trevor Pyatt
Colin James "Bill" Webb
6 February 1922 – 17 July 2006
Private SX21552, 2/27th Infantry Battalion (AIF)
Colin James Webb, known throughout his life as "Bill", was born on 6 February 1922 at McLaren Vale, South Australia, the son of George Webb (1886–1966) and Margaret Webb (née O'Toole, 1891–1983). His birth was registered in the Willunga District.
Before the Second World War, Bill trained and worked as a baker and baker's improver, a trade that later influenced aspects of his military service. He lived in the Adelaide suburbs and was raised in a Methodist household.
Second World War Service
Bill enlisted in the Australian Military Forces at Torrens Hall, South Australia, on 5 October 1941, aged 19 years, and formally swore the Oath of Enlistment on 7 October 1941. He was assessed as Medical Class I, fit for active service, and allotted Service Number SX21552.
He served as a Private with the 2/27th Infantry Battalion (AIF), a South Australian unit of the 9th Division. His military service was carried out entirely within Australia, during a critical period of national mobilisation and homeland defence.
Service and casualty records indicate that Bill undertook training and active duty on the Australian mainland, including postings associated with the Northern Territory Area. His trade as a baker was utilised during service, with attachments consistent with bakery and support units.
During his service, Bill sustained a non-battle knee injury and was admitted to the 12th Australian General Hospital, later transferring to the 105th General Hospital. Following medical assessment, he was classified as medically unfit for further service.
Bill was discharged on 24 October 1942 under AMRO 217(xiii).
Total military service: 1 year and 19 days
(5 October 1941 – 24 October 1942)
He returned his Active Service Badge (No. A10608) upon discharge. His service records describe him as having black hair, brown eyes, with a scar on the lip and burn scars on the right foot and arm.
Marriage and Family
On 25 August 1945, Bill married Lorna Joan Meadowcroft (1923–1997) at the Central Methodist Mission, Port Pirie. He was 23, and Lorna was 22. Together they raised three children:
Rodney William "Webbie" Webb (1946–2023)
Rosemary Webb
Rosalind Webb
Bill was remembered as a devoted husband and father, quietly proud of his wartime service and deeply committed to his family.
Later Life and Death
In later years, Bill lived at Oakden, South Australia. He passed away on 17 July 2006, aged 84 years. His death was announced in The Advertiser on 19 July 2006.
He was cremated, and his ashes were placed at Enfield Memorial Park, R.W. Robinson Garden of Remembrance, Sub-Section WALL, Area EAC, Site 5, where he is memorialised alongside his wife.
His memorial plaque records him as:
"Dearly loved husband of Lorna. Devoted father of Rodney, Rosemary and Rosalind."
Sources & Evidence
South Australian Birth Registration (Willunga 90A/492)
South Australian Marriage Registration (Pirie 478/3433)
National Archives of Australia – B884, SX21552
Enfield Memorial Park Register & Plaque
The Advertiser (Adelaide), Death Notice, 19 July 2006
Biography by Trevor Pyatt 30/01/2026
Click images to start slideshow.