Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Francis Raymond Joy

12 February 1911 – 13 February 1986

Francis Raymond Joy was born on 12 February 1911 in Adelaide, South Australia, the son of Seth Joy (1888–1986) and Eliza Maude Hunter (1891–1961). Although born in Adelaide, his family was deeply connected to the west coast of South Australia, particularly the Poochera and Streaky Bay districts, where his parents later lived and were laid to rest.

He grew up in a working-class environment and became a painter by trade, later specialising as a spray painter. Like many men of his generation, his early adult life was shaped by both economic hardship and strong community ties.

Marriage and Early Life

On 5 February 1934, Francis married Gladys Katherine Chester at the Registry Office in Port Lincoln. He was 23 years old; Gladys was just 18. Together they began their married life in South Australia, eventually residing at:

310 Magill Road, Kensington Park

At the time of his enlistment in 1941, Gladys was recorded as his next of kin, reflecting a stable and established domestic life.

War Service – World War II

Francis enlisted in the Australian Military Forces on 16 December 1941 at Kensington, South Australia, aged 30.

Service Numbers: S41124, SX21839
Rank: Lance Corporal
Unit: General / Motor Transport Company (later 122 A.G.T. Company)
Role: Transport and logistics (movement of supplies, rations, equipment)
His service placed him in a vital but often overlooked role—ensuring the army remained supplied and operational across multiple locations in South Australia, including Woodside and Port Pirie.

Personal Loss During Service

During his wartime service, Francis endured a profound personal tragedy.

On 9 February 1943, his wife Gladys Katherine Joy passed away at the age of 27. Military records formally amended his status from "Married" to "Widower", and his next of kin was changed from his wife to his mother, Eliza Joy of Poochera.

This moment stands as one of the most significant in his life—losing his wife while actively serving his country.

Despite this loss, Francis continued his service.

Service Challenges and Promotion

During 1943, Francis experienced periods of illness, including bronchitis, and spent extended time receiving medical treatment. Despite these setbacks, he remained in service and was later:

Promoted to Lance Corporal (Paid) in November 1943

His record reflects steady service and reliability throughout the remainder of the war.

Discharge and Return Home

Francis was discharged from the Australian Military Forces on:

17 September 1945 – Wayville, South Australia

Total Service: 1,399 days
Medical Classification: A1 (fit)
Discharge Status: Completion of engagement
At the time of discharge, he recorded his intended place of residence as:

Poochera, West Coast, South Australia

A return to his family roots following the war.

Second Marriage and Later Life

On 6 February 1950, Francis married Coral Rita Teague at the Maughan Church Vestry, Adelaide. Francis was a widower; Coral was divorced.

Together, they built a long and stable life in Adelaide, later residing at:

14 Glen Crescent, Vista

Their marriage lasted more than three decades, representing a new chapter following the hardships of war and earlier loss.

Death and Legacy

Francis Raymond Joy passed away on 13 February 1986, just one day after his 75th birthday, at Lourdes Valley, Myrtle Bank.

He was laid to rest with his wife Coral, who survived him by 25 years, passing away in 2011.

Legacy

Francis' life reflects quiet strength and endurance:

A working man who answered the call to serve
A soldier who fulfilled nearly four years of wartime duty
A husband who endured the loss of his wife during service
A man who rebuilt his life and found lasting companionship
His story bridges rural South Australia, wartime service, personal loss, and renewal, forming a deeply human narrative within the broader history of his generation.

Sources & Evidence

South Australian Birth Registration

Francis Raymond Joy — 12 Feb 1911 (Book 857/411)
Marriage Registrations

Gladys Katherine Chester — 5 Feb 1934, Port Lincoln (Book 345/325)
Coral Rita Teague — 6 Feb 1950, Adelaide (Book 544/675)
Death Registration

Francis Raymond Joy — 13 Feb 1986 (Book 714A/1051)
Military Service Record (NAA: B883, SX21839)

Enlistment: 16 Dec 1941, Kensington SA
Discharge: 17 Sep 1945, Wayville SA
Rank: Lance Corporal
Unit: General / Motor Transport Company / 122 A.G.T. Coy
Service: 1,399 days
Includes attestation, casualty sheets, discharge papers
Newspaper Notices

The Advertiser (1943) – Death & funeral notices of Gladys Joy
The Advertiser (1986) – Death notice of Francis Joy
Cemetery Plaque

Confirms death dates for Francis (1986) and Coral (2011)

Biography by Trevor Pyatt 18/04/2026