Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Affectionately known as Arch or Archel, Archibald was the only son of Claude Albert Robert and Adina (Dean) Lindsay. He was born at Mortland on the 5th January 1914 and had two sisters, Claudina Harriette Amelia and Joan Iris Melba.
Arch was 19 and working as a grocer’s assistant when a 20-year-old from Alberton chose to steal Arch’s bicycle and electric light outfit valued at £6 in July ’34. He was fortunate to have spotted his bike resting against a post in Commercial road, Port Adelaide, but a different frame had been added. The frame from Arch’s bike was later found dumped in the canal. The theft ended up in the local Court. However, because of the perpetrator’s youth and that his mother was nearly blind and in ill-health, he was released on a £5 bond to be of good behaviour for two years.
Aged 24, Arch married Dorothy Mavis Gray in the Athelstone Methodist Church on Saturday evening, the I9th of November, ‘38. In October the following year they welcomed their first child, a son in October. Their daughter Jeanette Dorothy followed in June ’40.
Arch found work in a variety of fields, including as a gardener, grocer and also Post-Office Assistant. He was a member of the Militia as S112280 with Unit 3A I.T.B. before he enlisted to serve in WWII in December ’41 just days before his 27th birthday. As SX29019 he was transferred to New South Wales but was allowed compassionate leave in August ’43 to briefly return home. On re-joining his unit, he was posted to New Guinea with the 2/48th Battalion, arriving in Moresby on the 4th November. Eighteen days later he was killed in action on the 22nd November ’43 aged 29.
At the time, fierce fighting was underway to capture Coconut Ridge. Dawn patrols were moving through thick bamboo, which meant that fighting was forced to be close combat without the use of mortars or artillery. There was the constant concern about enemy snipers. Two days previously two soldiers from the 2/48th Battalion had been killed in this manner. They were SX7410 Sgt Robert Ranford, a highly respected leader and soldier who had won the Distinguished Conduct Medal and was twice Mentioned in Despatches, and SX18365 Private Walter Millard. Enemy casualties were one hundred. John Glenn in Tobruk to Tarakan recorded that ‘an interesting sidelight of this action was provided by the capture of a Jap soldier’s diary which read, ‘We have found out the enemy is the finest Australian picked division (9th). They have fought against Germans and Italians. They are very good fighters.’
The advance continued with the men in single file. With the troops from the 2/23rd and the 2/48th close together, the troops reverted to their very Aussie call of ‘Hoh! Hoh!’ as a clear identifying strategy.
John Glenn described the chaotic conditions. ‘The 22nd November was the day “on which the enemy was most active with his shelling. A considerable number of shells had landed in the vicinity of the jeep-head at Jivevaneng, and further along the road, the intention probably being to deny us full use of the track. With parts of the road continually under observation from Sattelberg, the Japanese must have been aware of the amount of jeep traffic taking up supplies to forward troops. Whether they were firing at random will never be known but, nevertheless one shell made a direct hit on a tree above battalion headquarters, spraying the whole area with shell fragments, and inflicting a number of casualties. Major Reg Batten, the battalion second-in-command, Captain Hugh Treloar, the adjutant and Lieutenant G.J. Butler, the pioneer officer, were all badly wounded, and all died within twelve hours. Sergeant Lane, who was in a nearby trench, was killed instantly. The regimental medical officer, Captain Yeatman was wounded and sent to hospital. Others who died of wounds on the 22nd November were K.S. Kelly, L.M. Semmens and A.R.J. Lindsay. Casualties were mounting fast.”
The Advertiser carried the news of Arch’s death in December that ‘Mrs. D. M. Lindsay, of Paradise, has been notified that her husband. Pte. A. B. J. Lindsay, was killed in action in New Guinea on November 22. Pte. Lindsay was the only son of Mr. and Mrs. Claude Lindsay, of Queenstown.’ In January the following year, the newspaper advised that two soldiers from the 2/48th Battalion SX18365 Pte Walter R. Millard, Kalangadoo and SX29019 Pte. A. R. J. Lindsay, from Paradise were killed, as was 2/43rd Corporal Norman Gale, SX5700.
Initially Arch was buried in the field at Satelberg, then in March ’44 was re-interred in the Finschafen War Cemetery, then in May ’46 was placed in his final resting grave in the Lae War Cemetery in Section A Plot A, Row C Grave 3. Alongside him are other soldiers from his 2/48th Battalion, including 26-year-old SX9064 Captain Hugh Treloar, 23-year-old QX35719 Sergeant Leslie Lane and 20-year-old VX82396 Private Lindsay Dixon. Other from the 2/14th 2/23rd, 2/43rd rest with him, too. Archie’s family chose the inscription ‘His Duty Nobly Done.. Ever Remembered’ for his headstone.
Over the ensuing years, the family continued to remember Arch.
Advertiser Thursday 16 December 1943, LINDSAY, Archibald R. J. beloved husband of Dorothy M., and loving daddy of Jeannette, killed in action, November 22 in New Guinea, AIF. Aged 29 years. LINDSAY. Archibald. E. J., only son of Mr. and Mrs. Claude Lindsay, loving brother of Clandina and Joan, killed In action in New Guinea, November 22. Aged 29 years. LINDSAY. —In proud and loving memory of our dear brother, Archibald, killed in action. New Guinea, November 22. AIF. A hero called to a higher service. lnserted by Joan. and little Lorraine. LINDSAY.—In memory of Arch, killed in action in New Guinea. November 22. Gone are the days we spent together, but you we shall remember forever.— Kath and Ted. LINDSAY. Pte. A. R. J.—Killed in action. New Guinea. November 22. 1943. Lest, we forget.—Remembered by Aunty Florrie, Uncle Ben. and cousins Lionel, Ronda and Don. LINDSAY.—In loving memory of Archibald, killed in action, New Guinea November 22. 1943. Resting In a soldier's grave, honored with Australia's brave. Remembered by Auntie Olive, Uncle George and Albert (AIF ret). LINDSAY. Archibald R. J.—Memory of our nephew and cousin, killed In action. New Guinea November 22. Thoughts drift back to bygone days. Time drifts on, but memories stay.—Bert, Elsie, Walter (N.G.). Ralph AIF Bordertown.
Advertiser Wednesday 22 November 1944, LINDSAY —In loving memory of Archibald, dear husband and daddy killed New Guinea. November 22. 1943 2/48th Battalion Just a token, true and tender to show dear Arch, we think of you.—Ever remembered by loving wife Dorothy, and daughter Jeannette. LINDSAY. —In loving memory of our dear only son. Pte. Archibald R. J. killed in action, Satelberg. New Guinea November 22. 1943. reburied Finschhafen. He laid aside his armor for spotless robes of white, and with Jesus he is walking in the heaven tonight.—Lovingly remembered by dad and mum. LINDSAY.—In loving memory of Archibald, who made the supreme sacrifice Nov. 22. 1944. The evening stars are shining on a hero's grave.—Ever remembered by his cousin Albert, A.I.F, 9th Div. LINDSAY. —In proud and loving memory of my dear brother Archel. killed in action. Satelberg. New Guinea November 22. 1943. reburied Finschhafen. Dearer to me than words can tell, are thoughts of a brother I loved so well, one of the bravest, one of the best, a beautiful memory is all I have left. till we meet again.—Ever remembered by his loving sister Claudina. LINDSAY.—In loving memory of our dear brother and Uncle Archel killed in action Satelberg. New Guinea. November 22. 1943. reburied at Finschhafen. What would I give your hand to clasp, your loving face to see and be together just like we used to be.—Always remembered by his loving sister. Joan, Bill, and Lorraine. LINDSAY. — In loving memory of Archibald, killed in action NG Nov.2. 1943. A thought for today a memory for ever.—-Ever remembered, gran, grandfather. LINDSAY.—In loving memory of Archibald, killed in action Nov. 22. 1943. beneath the Cross of Sacrifice he lies among the honored brave.—Ever remembered by auntie Olive, uncle George. LINDSAY.—In loving memory of Arch killed in action in NG November 22 1942., A battle-weary soldier laid to rest.—Ever remembered by aunty Florrie, uncle Ben and cousins Lionel, Ronda and Don.
Advertiser Thursday 22 November 1945, LINDSAY—In loving memory of my dear husband, killed N.G.. November 22. 1943. Peacefully sleeping where no shadows fall.—Ever remembered by his loving wife Dorothy. LINDSAY.—In loving memory of our dear only son. Pte. Archibald B. J, killed In action, Satelberg. New Guinea, November 22. 1943, 2/48th Batt. AIF If those lips could only speak. And those eyes could only see. And his loving form so true, were only in reality. Could we only take your hand As we did in days gone by. But It's only a beautiful picture In a beautiful golden frame. —Ever remembered by his loving father and mother. LINDSAY.—In proud and loving memory of my dear only brother, Archel. killed in action. Satelberg. New Guinea, November 32. 1943. 2/48th Batt, AIF. It's not the tears at the moment shed. That tells of a heart that's torn. But the loneliness in after years Of a sadness silently borne. For my dear brother I loved so well. —Ever remembered by his loving sister Claudina. LINDSAY.—Cherished memories of our dear brother Arch, killed in action. Satelberg. N.G. 2,48th Batt., A.IF And when the great call comes the sun set gleams. You'll walk beside us to the land of dreams. Sadly missed by Joan, Bill and Lorraine. LINDSAY Pte. A. B J. Killed in action New Guinea. November 22. 1943. A hero called to higher service.—Ever remembered by Aunty Florrie, Uncle Ben and cousins Lionel (RAAF) Ronald and Don (R.AA.F). LINDSAY.—In loving memory of Archibald, killed in action. New Guinea. November 22. 1943. Lying in a soldier's grave. Remembered among Australia's brave. —Ever remembered by Aunty Olive. Uncle George and Albert.
Advertiser Friday 22 November 1946, LINDSAY.—In loving memory of our dear only son. Pte. Archibald R- J. killed in action Satelberg. New Guinea. November 22, 1943, 2/48 Battalion, A.I.F. There is no dear face to welcome us. No loving voice to hear. No precious footsteps to return. There's nothing only tears. —Ever remembered by his loving father and mother. LINDSAY.—In proud and loving memory of my dear only brother Archie, killed in action Satelberg. New Guinea, November 22 1943 2/48 Battalion. A.I.F. A silent thought brings many a tear Of a brother I miss and loved so dear. —Ever remembered by his loving sister Claudina. LINDSAY.—In memory or our brother Arch, killed Satelberg. N.G. November 22 1943, 2/48 Battalion. We remember him as a hero. And honor the life he gave. —Sadly missed by Joan, Bill and Lorraine. LINDSAY.—In loving memory of Arch, killed in action. N.G. Nov. 22. 1943. A hero called to a higher service. —Ever remembered by Auntie Florrie. Uncle Ben. and cousins Lionel, Ronda and Don.
Advertiser Saturday 22 November 1947, UNDSAY. —Memories of our dear brother Arch, killed In action, Satelberg, N.G., 2/48th Batt, AIF. Deep In my heart your memory is kept. I loved you too dearly Arch, to ever forget.—Sadly missed by Joan, Bill and Lorraine. LINDSAY.—In proud and loving memory of my dear only brother Arch, killed in action Satelberg. New Guinea. November 22 1943. 2/48tb Batt, AIF. I loved him In life, I love him yet. He is mine to remember. When others forget. —Ever remembered by his loving sister Claudina. LINDSAY.—In loving memory of our dear only son Archibald, killed in action Satelberg. New Guinea. November 22, 1943 2/48th Battalion. AIF. Though his eyes are closed forever. And his loving hands, we cannot touch. We will never loose sweet memories. Arch. For we loved you very dear. —Sadly missed by his loving father and mother. LINDSAY. Pte. Arch.—Killed in action. Nov. 22, 1943. Until the end of time.— Ever remembered by Aunty Florrie. Uncle Ben and cousins.
Advertiser Monday 22 November 1948, LINDSAY. —In proud and loving memory of my only brother, Arch, killed in action, Satelberg, New Guinea, November 22, 1943, 2/48th Batt. A.I.F. Your memory is my treasured keepsake.—Ever remembered by his loving sister Claudina. LINDSAY.—In loving memory of our dear only son Archibald, killed in action, Satelberg, New Guinea, November 22, 1943, 2/48 Battalion, A.I.F. He walks beside us through the passing years. Ever remembered by his loving father and mother. LINDSAY.—In memory of my brother Arch, killed action, Satelberg, N.G., Nov. 22, 1943, 2/48th Batt., A.I.F. Memories are treasures no one can take. —Always remembered by sister Joan, niece Lorraine. LINDSAY, Pte. Arch. —Killed In action, November 22, 1943. A hero called to higher service. Ever remembered by Aunty Florrie, Uncle Ben and cousins.

In a cruel twist of fate, Arch and Dorothy’s three-year-old daughter, Jeanette was killed in an horrific accident in December ’43. She received fatal injuries when she was knocked down by a motor truck at Payneham, about. 4.15 p.m. on Friday 16th December. She had been following another child who ran across Payneham Road. Despite being immediately taken to hospital Jeanette died of her extensive injuries. She was later buried with Dorothy’s little brother, Clive Hockley, (who died as a two-year-old in July 1917) in the Athelstone Independent Cemetery Row 3 North Site 1. The family were heartbroken.
Chronicle Thursday 21 December 1944, LINDSAY. On December 15 (suddenly, result of accident), at Payneham, Jeanette Dorothy, beloved daughter of Mrs. D. M. and the late A. R. J. Lindsay (late 2nd A.I.F.), of Gorge road Paradise, aged 3½ years. LINDSAY.— On December 15 (suddenly, result of accident at Payneham), Jeannette Dorothy, of Gorge road, Paradise, dearly loved granddaughter of Claude and Dean Lindsay, of Queenstown. and dearly loved niece of Claudina and Joan, aged 3½ years. Safe in the arms of Jesus.
In later years, Dorothy married a soldier, Carl Echard Grocke, who later anglicised his name to Charles Eric. He had served in the Depot Units of Supply as SX9789.
Researched and written by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133, 2/48th Battalion.