Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Ray Douglas Mildren

Born: 7 August 1918, Kadina, South Australia

Died: 24 January 1994, Royal Adelaide Hospital, South Australia

Aged: 75 years

Residence: 1 Hillburn Avenue, Klemzig

Resting Place: Enfield Memorial Park – VF Roberts Memorial Rose Garden, Area L, Site 23

Early Life

Ray Douglas Mildren was born on 7 August 1918 in Kadina, within South Australia's Copper Coast region. He was the son of:

William Henry Mildren
Ruby Lucinda Mildren (née Bishop)

Raised during the closing months of the First World War, Ray's early years were shaped by the interwar period and the economic hardships of the Great Depression—experiences that influenced the resilience of his generation.

Military Service

During the Second World War period, Ray enlisted in the Australian Military Forces (Citizen Military Forces – CMF) at Torrens Hall, South Australia.

Service Number: S21048
Rank: Private
Occupation at enlistment: Motor Driver
Next of Kin: Phyllis Mildren
His service record confirms he was medically examined and accepted for duty, serving in a general duties / transport role, an essential part of Australia's wartime home defence.

As a motor driver, Ray would have been responsible for transporting personnel, equipment, and supplies—critical logistical work supporting the war effort within Australia.

Medal Entitlement

Ray was entitled to:

1939–1945 Star
Defence Medal
These awards recognised his contribution to Australia's wartime service. Notably, his medals were later pursued by his family after his passing, ensuring his service was formally acknowledged

Marriage & Family

On 24 April 1943, during the height of the war, Ray married:

Phyllis May Dittmer

at St Luke's Church of England, Whitmore Square, Adelaide

Together they built a lifelong partnership and became:

Loved parents of:

Paul
Doug
Their marriage endured for over 50 years, reflecting the strength and stability of a wartime union that carried through the decades.

Later Life

Following his military service, Ray returned to civilian life and eventually settled in Klemzig, Adelaide. He lived at 1 Hillburn Avenue.

He passed away on 24 January 1994 at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, aged 75.

Legacy

Ray Douglas Mildren is remembered as:

A son of regional South Australia
A wartime serviceman in the CMF
A working man and motor driver
A devoted husband and father
His life reflects the journey of many Australians of his generation—

service in time of war, followed by a life grounded in family, work, and community.

He rests beside his wife Phyllis, their shared headstone bearing the enduring words:

"Always in our memories."

Sources

South Australian Birth Registration (Book 22A/437)
South Australian Marriage Registration (Book 456/2307)
South Australian Death Registration (1994)
National Archives of Australia – B884 Service Record (S21048)
Headstone and cemetery records, Enfield Memorial Park

Disclaimer

This biography is based on official South Australian Births, Deaths and Marriages records, National Archives of Australia military files, and cemetery evidence. While core life events and service details are confirmed, further research may provide additional insight into his occupation, wartime duties, and personal life.

Biography by Trevor Pyatt 5/05/2026