Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

(9) William Archibald Walker (1916-1982) Grocer Assistant-Driver-Storeman- Barman


William Archibald was born on the 6th of March 1916 at Hauteville Terrace Eastwood, to Adam Henry & Edith May Walker (Bisset), the eldest and only boy of six Walker children. For most of his life he preferred the name Arch or Archie, due to the fact his Uncle Thomas William Walker, chose to use his preferred name as William or Uncle Will to young Arch. So I guess to eliminate confusion that’s how William Archibald became Arch. However he also answered to Bill or Will?
Arch went to the nearby Parkside Primary School, as did the entire Walker children, obtaining a good all-round education excelling in Arithmetic. He always had a “good head for figures’.
On leaving school at the age of thirteen, when the depression was just beginning to hit and jobs were hard to find, he reluctantly went to work for his Uncle Will as a grocer’s assistant, running errands and deliveries, mostly with the aid of his trusty bicycle. The shop was situated close by Uncle Will’s home at 9 Victoria Street Goodwood, a few miles from Arch’s family home in Eastwood.
By this time Arch’s four sisters Meryl Jean (1918), Lorna May (1921), Daphne Irene (1924) and Thelma Dorothy (1926) had been born and the Walker household was becoming a very female affair.
When nearly fifteen he was involved in a serious motor-cycle accident with his long time older mate Bill Vivian also of Parkside. As a pillion passenger he was extremely lucky to survive the accident, with severe lacerations to his head and a resultant operation to remove his left knee cap. He spent months rehabilitating in Hospital and his physician Dr Chappell remarked that unfortunately he would be most unlikely to play any competitive sport again, however this later proved to be wrong due to Arch’s determination to succeed.
Not long after this event in November 1929, Arch’s younger sister Thelma Dorothy now aged three and a half subsequently died as a result of an accident while playing in the grounds of the adjacent dairy. Tragically she contracted tetanus, caused by an injury to her head, believed to have been hit by a metal rake. Together with Arch’s injury and subsequent hospitalisation the family’s luck soon changed and thereafter in September 1930, welcomed the joyful birth of Joan Margaret the youngest of the Walker clan and Arch’s little sister.
Taken outside 29 Agnes Street Eastwood circa 1945 Arch & Joan Walker
Around this time Arch had began playing Aussie Rules football and during the 1932 season was a premiership member of the Eastwood Rechabite Football Club.
WA Walker holding shield


The following year in 1933, he began a long association with the Kenilworth Football Club who played in Division A1 Amateur League. That year he won the Hone Medal for the A1 League’s Fairest & Most Brilliant Player. This feat was quite remarkable in the fact that he was and still is the youngest player ever to win this Medal.
Hone Medal Presented
The Hone medal for the fairest and most brilliant player in Grade Al was this season won by W. A. Walker, of the Kenilworth Club. This Is Walker's first season in the Amateur League. He has just reached 17 years of age, and has a fine turn of speed, and has rendered good service to his club as a rover and wingman. In making the presentation at the recent meeting of the Amateur League (Dr. P. S Hone (president of the league and donor of the medal), said Walker was the youngest player to receive the distinction. Good Judges consider that Walker has a particularly brilliant football career ahead of him. (Adelaide Chronicle Report 5 Oct 1933)
He was chosen to represent the South Australia Amateur League, as first rover and played against Victoria in Melbourne at the Richmond Cricket Ground. Unfortunately South Australia lost this match, 21 goals 14 behinds (140 points) to 12 goals 14 behinds (86 points).
In the following year 1934 Arch was invited to train with South Adelaide.
“Among the new players who showed ability were Walker, a nippy wingman, who won the Naylor medal of the Amateur League while playing for Kenilworth last year.”Adelaide Advertiser
Arch’s sister Joan can recall an earlier girlfriend of Arch’s being Flora McDonald of Bordertown. Flora a nurse at the Parkside Mental Institution was a friend of Ellen Bruggy, who later in 1941 married Donald Walker, Arch’s cousin, son of Uncle Will. Joan who was about 9 at the time can remember that she travelled on the train in 1938 with Flora to Bordertown and spent a short time with the MacDonald’s, even going to school in Bordertown much to her aversion .
In 1938, at age 23, Arch was enticed across to the Sturt Football Club. However to enable this to happen he had to reside in the Sturt area. At the time he lived in Eastwood, which was in the South Adelaide area, and so used the address of a friend who lived in St Anne’s Place Parkside to fulfil the requirements. In Round two on 30th April Arch made his debut against Port Adelaide. Although Sturt lost the match the following Advertiser reports remarked the following,
“Among the rovers fighting for places in the teams are Walker, from the Kenilworth team who was in the State Amateur League side last season.”
“Sturt tried out a new rover in Walker. He appears likely to hold his position as he put plenty of dash into his work, tried to open the play, and passed well.”
“In Walker, Sturt has solved its second rover problem. The former Kenilworth player was always endeavoring to infuse some system in to Sturt’s rather haphazard game.”
I can remember Dad later reflecting, that his first SANFL opponent was Bob Quinn, who he admired immensely as a player and later as a friend. Quinn was one of South Australia’s leading players and in that same year (1938) Quinn was awarded the first of two Magarey Medals for the best player in the SANFL as well as a second Port Best and Fairest award. Bob Quinn also was awarded the Military Cross for bravery in the ‘Siege of Tobruk’ in 1941 and later fought in the same theatre of War as Arch in New Guinea. A close bond had been formed.
Arch continued to play the rest of the 1938 season and was considered by many to be an outstanding promising recruit. He won many accolades for his tenacity and pace. The following comments from the Adelaide Advertiser give some insight into his ability, demeanour and skilfulness.
“Walker, who had set a stirrings example to Sturt by his lion-hearted roving, had to leave the ground at the end of the third quarter with an injured ankle”
“Until he left the field at the end of the third quarter, Archie Walker, the former Amateur League player, was the outstanding man for Sturt against North. He roved with dash and intelligence. During the half time interval, he had attention for his ankle and battled on gamely in the third quarter until he was forced to retire”
“When he left the ground he received a great ovation from the crowd – a rare tribute”.
“Walker roved well and made position effectively, particularly during the third quarter onslaught.” (20 June 1938)
“Walker the diminutive Sturt rover, who played a good game, last week, was outstanding on Saturday. He was always clever and speedy, and was elusive as an eel covering a vast amount of ground. He made some spectacular dashes past centre and seemed never to tire.” (9 May 1938)
Sturt came with a sweeping attack, in which goals came from Schultz and Walker, to give them a 20-point lead.
“Sturt will be helped by the return of their diminutive rover, Walker, who has been out with an injured ankle since the match with North. In that game he roved brilliantly and, as Sturt were noticeably weak in this department against Norwood his return should materially help the side”


During a game against South Adelaide at Adelaide Oval Arch was reported by the Field Umpire M.F Armstrong for disputing his decision. The following report appeared in the Adelaide Advertiser on the 16th June 1938.
“Walker was reported by Field Umpire M. F. Armstrong for having disputed his decision in the match against South Adelaide, at Adelaide Oval, on Saturday, a penalty kick having been awarded against P. T. Morton -Sturt)for holding the ball. Walker was alleged to have said — 'That's not holding the ball. They didn't have hold of him. 'Walker admitted using the words to that effect, saying that he did not address the umpire. The commissioners found no difficulty in holding the charge proved, stating that it was not necessary that such words should either be addressed to or heard by the umpire to constitute a dispute of his decision. They stated that much criticism of umpires' decisions was made among players during the course of matches, and they issued a warning that the practice must cease. Walker was severely reprimanded”.


Despite being touted as a possible future star player for Sturt, Archie now 23, in 1939 returned to his beloved Kenilworth and captained the premiership team in Division A1 that same year. Some stories say that Arch’s position as number one rover at Sturt could not be guaranteed as a new player from Price Alfred College was likely to be given that role. This certainly didn’t sit with the Walker family’s politics and working class ethics and so rather than stay and fight, Dad chose to leave and go back to his grassroots and be made to feel at home. I guess also that this is a social statement of the sign of the times, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know”.
In August 1940 while still working for his Uncle Will, Arch enrolled in the Citizen’s Military Forces (CMF), and as a Private was encamped at Warradale and later Cheltenham for various periods of time. On 29 July 1941 Arch became engaged to Jean Edna Stevens who had always been his sweetheart, despite an earlier brief separation. In December 1941 he was called up and commenced full time duties with the CMF.


Not long after in February 1942 on Valentine’s Day, Arch married Jean in the Young Street Methodist Church Parkside spending their honeymoon night at the Seacliff Hotel. I can recall Mum saying that Dad received a higher rate of pay if married, and so they decided to tie the knot a few months earlier than they had originally planned. Dad’s favourite song also came out of this era, namely ‘Begin the Beguine’ written by Cole Porter and sung by Chick Henderson. Evidently this tune was a war all time favourite.
On the 13 July 1942 Archie was enlisted in the 6th Armed Brigade Coy, 9th AASC (Australian Army Service Corps) at Geelong Victoria with the rank of Lance/Corporal. Almost a year later on the 11th July 1943 he embarked with his Unit for New Guinea where he was to serve until the 9th August 1945, a total of 761 days.


New Guinea was strategically important because it was a major landmass to the immediate north of Australia. Its large land area provided locations for large land, air and naval bases. The campaign between Allied and Japanese forces commenced with the Japanese assault on Rabaul on 23 January 1942. Rabaul became the forward base for the Japanese campaigns in mainland New Guinea, including the pivotal Kokoda Track campaign of July 1942 – January 1943, and the Battle of Buna-Gona. Fighting in some parts of New Guinea continued until the war ended in August 1945.


Dad’s role was largely driving the supply trucks in convoy, along hastily re-constructed roads between, Lae, Buna, Finchshafen and Wewak on the north coast of New Guinea. This was at a time in the War that the Imperial Japanese forces invasion had been thwarted to a large degree and that the allied troops were in ‘mopping up’ exercises.

He returned to Adelaide via Townsville and was later discharged at Hampstead Barracks on the 20th November 1945. He effectively served for a total of 1435 days, almost 4 years. Information gathered from his official discharge papers state that he was 29 years and 8 months, 5 foot 3½, eyes blue with fair complexion, four scars on his head and one on his left knee. He was graded as a Group 3 Clerk. Interesting to note, that the head and knee scars were a result of that motor-cycle accident, to which I referred to earlier.
On discharge Arch, now living with wife Jean at 4 Randolph Ave Fullarton, of course needed employment having left his services with Uncle Will at his full time enlistment. He began employment at Wilkinson & Co Ltd Wholesale and Manufacturing Grocers 101-107 Grenfell St, Adelaide, SA. as a storeman. Wilkinson & Co were major importers, packers and wholesalers of perishable goods, mainly tea, but also including, coffee, self-raising flour and general groceries. Among the registered trademarks were the “Arab” range of products as well as “Viceroy”, “Mandarin”, “Economic”, “Bulldog”, “Pansy”, “Warrior”, “Durbar”, “Gold Medal” and “Welfare” brand of teas.
Arch remained with Wilkinson & Co for a number of years until he transferred to the Tobacco Co. of SA Ltd as a salesman in the office. During this time he also worked as a part-time barman at the Fountain Inn on the corner of Fullarton & Glen Osmond Road Fullarton.
Arch and Jean’s first child Merryl Jean was born on August 22 1946 which brought much joy to the couple. As they were sharing a home with Jean’s parents George & Maude Stevens, at the time, they looked into buying a suitable block of land, with a view to later build, finally purchasing that block at 1a Woodfield Avenue Fullarton. Due to post War restrictions building materials were somewhat scarce and in great demand. Many delays were experienced, especially in sourcing the terracotta tiles for the roof and the earthenware sewer pipes. Finally in mid 1949 the two bed roomed home was completed and soon thereafter I arrived on 31 October 1949.
Out the back of 1aWoodfield Av Fullarton 1950.

Arch about this time began full time work at the Fountain Inn, a hotel owned by the Pierces Group, as a storeman-driver. His boss was Alan Tregloan, the manager of the hotel. His cousin Ray Pate also worked at the Hotel, together with his cousin Colin Walker. Arch stayed there until the abolishment of 6 o’clock closing by the then Labour Government Premier Don Dunstan in September1967. Dad refused to work nights, and as such terminated his service soon thereafter. He enjoyed his time at the Fountain Inn, and had Wednesdays as his permanent day off, working on Saturday in lieu. Dad during the week often came home for a late lunch, just as we were coming home from school. He always seemed to balance family and his work commitments, due to his close proximity of employment. He coached our Highgate Primary Football team on his Wednesday’s after school with our matches on Friday. Dad always seemed to juggle his Hotel deliveries to enable him to be there at those matches giving the team great encouragement just by his presence. Sunday’s were family days and I can remember many a good time we shared together, especially those picnics about which I have mentioned in another chapter. Also the Fountain Inn Christmas gatherings were special, as I can always remember my sister Merryl and I received really great presents. Another treat I recall was when Dad had to deliver the weekly Beer & Spirits to the Mt Osmond Golf Club. Dad used to pick me up on his way in the trusty red Dodge Hotel Truck and make the delivery with me as his helper.
Dad remained in contact with a number of his former Army mates, in particular Tom Madigan and his family from Glen Iris in Melbourne. Unfortunately most of his Unit was made up of Victorians and so didn’t get to see them as often as he no doubt would have liked. Another Army colleague whom we sometimes visited was Allan Thomas (Bill) Reynolds from Stansbury on Yorke Peninsula. Bill was the Harbour Master at Stansbury loading the grain ketches that sailed across the Gulf St Vincent. Bill died in 2012 at age 94.
Dad was an active member of the Parkside RSL and played indoor bowls competitively against other RSL clubs usually on a Tuesday night. He was also a member of Sturt Lawn Bowling Club adjacent to Unley Oval, a Sturt Football Club Past Player Member and a Life Member of the Kenilworth Football Club.
One of Dad’s favourite pastimes was listening to his Stereogram playing his beloved 331/3 LP’s, such as the Eddy Duchin Story by Carmen Cavallaro, My Fair Lady, White Christmas by Bing Crosby, Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, De Sousa’s Marches and many more. You certainly knew when Dad was home as he only knew one volume setting! His most watched TV program was the Sunday Sport’s Show with Pat Hall, Tom Warhurst, and Blair & Gordon Schwartz and of course the Bert Day’s racing segment. Dinner on a Sunday was always in the lounge on our laps on a TV tray. Mum knew she couldn’t get us up to a table.
Around late 1967 he gained employment with Clarkson’s of Beverley as a driver making deliveries, mostly of paint and associated products. He remained there for a number of years before ill-health forced him to retire, taking up a much easier job in the Adelaide Postal Office, shredding letters and articles received in the Dead Letter Office. Dad ceased employment taking up early retirement around 1980 when he was 64.
One of Dad’s delights but perhaps to his own detriment was his love to have a pint, Southwark bitter of course, and a punt on the horses, no doubt the latter passed down from his father Adam Henry. We often heard his stories of how he could have won a fortune, if only, if only! But although he did have a bet often, it never seemed to directly affect us children. I think Mum kept a fairly close eye on Dad’s gambling habit and it never seemed to get out of hand. There are quite a few stories associated with this aspect and I will relate one of them which says a lot about my Dad’s disposition. Dad always seemed to have the perfect excuse for anything. Mum in particular used to get quite upset when Dad repeatedly came home late for dinner. Dad’s excuse always being that he had missed the bus or it was late in coming On one occasion he swears he had let four older women get on the bus before him, only to be told sorry the bus was full now and he would have to wait for the next one! Of course Mum didn’t believe him as we all knew that he probably was placing that sure thing bet at the TAB or downing the extra pint after it lost. Such was Dad, a lovable larrikin, a kind soul, who avoided many an argument with his favourite retort, “Oh well, it’s not my problem!”
Dad was a man of simple philosophy and needs. He loved a home cooked meal, especially seafood and never left the table until he had eaten his much loved puddings. One of the worst things however, was to engage him in an argument involving politics, which some of his brother in laws delighted in baiting him. He was a Labour supporter and unionist through and through and never wavered from those principles. I guess I too have taken on some his teachings. Work hard, look after your mates, and always give it your best shot. Another one of his perennial favourites was, “Look after today, tomorrow will take care of itself!”
But perhaps the one we heard the most was this one below, which he often recited to us, and says a lot about his way of life.
“As a rule a man’s a fool,
When it’s hot he wants it cool,
When it’s cool he wants it hot
Always wanting what is not”.
Arch’s angina and associated heart issues deteriorated over time until his untimely death, age 66 on 13th October 1982.