Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Mervyn came from a large family of seven of Herbert and Lillian Arnold. There were four sons, Kevin, Ronald Mostyn and the youngest, Mervyn with three daughters, Hazel, Laurel and Darold. They lived in the western Adelaide suburb of Hilton one of the earliest settlement sites of South Australia.
Aged 22, Mervyn enlisted as the decimated 2/48th Battalion returned from the Middle East. That newly formed battalion had forged a reputation as an elite, highly decorated and respected unit. Mervyn was allocated the number SX19552, becoming part of the younger recruits to join the Battalion.
Following training in Queensland in preparation for jungle warfare, the Battalion headed to New Guinea where many were affected by jungle diseases, including malaria, as well as a new enemy with unconventional fighting tactics.
The 7th May, 1945 featured parties of Japanese, under cover of darkness, attempting to infiltrate the slopes held by the Australians. The slightest sound resulted in a volley of fire, with many enemy deaths. In the book ‘Tobruk to Tarakan’, John G. Glenn described the conditions:
‘On Sykes, Lieutenant C.R. Burke, commander of 15 Platoon, in order to reassure the troops under his command, had stood up at dawn and said, “There are no snipers in this area.” Hardly had he finished speaking when he fell, mortally wounded. He had been shot by a sniper who was concealed among trees on a small hillock twenty yards from C Company. The previous day this Jap had killed D.W. McKinnon and Captain Gooden’s brother, Eric. Before he himself was shot he would add two more names to the list of our dead: Private M.W. Arnold and Private W.G. Barnett.’ Mervyn was just 24 years old.
He was initially buried at Tarakan. Post hostilities, the Labuan Memorial was established and this is now Mervyn’s final resting place with others who served, including those who were Prisoners of War. His inscription reads ‘His Duty Fearlessly and Nobly Done Ever Remembered.’
His family and friends continued to remember him.
Advertiser Friday 18 May 1945, ARNOLD. —On May 7, at Tarakan. Mervyn. beloved youngest son of Herb and Lill. brother of Kev. Ron (A.I.F.) Hazel. Moss. Darrold (A.M.F.) Laurel. Aged. 24 We hoped for his safe return. And longed to clasp his hand; But God postponed that meeting. It will be in a better land. —Longed for always by mum. dad. Sisters, brothers. ARNOLD. —In fond and loving memory of my dear brother. Merv. who made the supreme sacrifice, Tarakan. May 7. 1945. His smiling face and happy ways. Will linger with us all our days. —Sadly missed by Hazel, Tom, Marlene. ARNOLD. —Fond and loving memory of our dear brother. Merv. who made the, supreme sacrifice at Tarakan. May 7. In life he was so dear to me. In death he is the same —Sadly missed by Laurel. Chirp, Brian.
Advertiser Friday 25 May 1945, ARNOLD. —In loving memory of dear Mervyn, killed in action at Tarakan, May 7. To be with us in the same old way, would be our dearest wish today. —Inserted by Mr. and Mrs. Milazzo, Joe (A.I.F.), Salvo (R.A.N.).
Advertiser Tuesday 7 May 1946, ARNOLD.-—ln loving memory of our dear son Merv, killed in action at Tarakan. May 7. 1945. Sudden and sad was the parting. Bitterly cruel the blow. How sadly we have missed Mervyn No one on earth will ever know. We miss the sound of your much-loved voice. The sound of your footsteps near: Our sad hearts are ever longing For the son we loved so dear. Dearly loved and sadly missed by mum and dad. ARNOLD. —In loving memory of our dear brother and uncle Mervyn killed at Tarakan, May 7 1945. Many a lonely heartache often a silent tear, but always a beautiful memory of a brother loved so dear. Always remembered by his brother, sister-in-law and nephews, Moss Audrey, Graham, Neville. ARNOLD. —In loving memory of my dear brother Mervyn who was killed in action in Tarakan May 7 1945. Resting where no shadows fall, In perfect peace he awaits us all, Inserted by Ron (returned) Phyllis, Hazel. ARNOLD. —In sad but loving memory of our dear brother Merv, killed in action at Tarakan, May 7 1945. Deep in our hearts a memory is kept of a brother we loved and never forget. Loved and remembered always by Hazel, Tom and Marlene. ARNOLD. —In sad but loving memory of our dear brother Merv, who made the supreme sacrifice at Tarakan, May 7 1945. Many a lonely heartache, often a silent tear, but always sweet memories of a brother we loved so dear. Loved and remembered always by Laurel and Brian. ARNOLD A tribute of love and honor to the memory of our brother Merv who made the supreme sacrifice at Tarakan, May 7 1945. Not just today but every day. in silence we remember. Always remembered by Darold and Kevin. ARNOLD.A tribute of honor to our dear cousin, Mervyn killed in action at Tarakan, May 7 1945. Ever remembered by Ted, Glad. ARNOLD. —In loving memory of Merv., killed in action May 7 1945 at Tarakan. Happy and smiling, always content, loved and respected wherever he went, —Inserted by Win, John, Maxine, Trevor. ARNOLD. —In memory of Mervyn. killed May 7. 1945. God takes only the best. Always remembered by cousin Mary and Lance. ARNOLD. —In loving memory of our dear nephew and cousin Mervyn, killed at Tarakan. May 7. 1945. A thought for today, a memory for ever. —Inserted by Auntie Mary and family. ARNOLD. —A tribute to the memory of my gallant mate "Mick." who was killed at Tarakan. May 7. 1945.—Sadly missed by his pal Pte. Laurie Brennan. SX28006. A.I. F.. Moratai. ARNOLD—In loving memory of our dear nephew and cousin. Merv. killed at Tarakan. May 7. 1945. The waves of the ocean divide us. And you sleep In a soldiers grave. We remember you as a hero, dear Merv. And treasure the life you gave. —Inserted by his loving Aunt Annie and Uncle Alt Black. Sis, Geof. Jack and Doug.
Researched and written by Kaye Lee daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133, 2/48th Battalion.