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Biography of Derrick Arthur Stark

Early Life

Derrick Arthur Stark was born on 17 September 1921 in Millicent, South Australia, the son of Donald Stark and Lavinia May Holland. He grew up in the Southeast within a large family, one of several children, including Annie Rachel Maud, Colin James Allan, Donald Alexander, Edward Ross, Beryl Doris, and Mervyn Harry. His father, Donald, was a labourer originally from Millicent, while his mother, Lavinia, was also born in the district.

Derrick spent his youth in the Millicent and Mount Gambier region before moving north. Before enlisting for military service, he was employed as a labourer and later as a station-hand and truck driver.

Military Service – World War II

At the outbreak of World War II, Derrick enlisted in the Citizen Military Forces (CMF) on 27 February 1941 at Adelaide, aged 19, and was posted to the 3rd Light Horse Regiment with the service number S32472.

Later that year, seeking full overseas service, he transferred to the Australian Imperial Force (A.I.F.) on 8 November 1941, becoming Private SX15118. He was first assigned to training depots in South Australia and Central Australia before being attached to the 2/123 Brigade Ordnance Field Park, a logistics and supply unit that played a crucial role in equipping and sustaining front-line soldiers.

During his service, Derrick spent time at training camps and reinforcement depots before embarking for overseas duty. On 21 June 1945, he embarked from Brisbane, landing at Morotai, an important Allied staging base in the Pacific. From there, he served in Borneo, where Australian forces were engaged in the final campaigns of the war.

Derrick returned to Australia in November 1945 and was officially discharged on 17 December 1945 at the Hampstead Discharge Depot, South Australia. His service was noted as “satisfactory,” and his conduct was clean of disciplinary issues.

Medals and Entitlements

1939/45 Star
Pacific Star
Defence Medal
War Medal 1939/45
Australia Service Medal 1939/45
Returned from Active Service Badge

Marriage and Family

While serving, Derrick married Enid Betty McArthur in 1942. Enid, born on 15 May 1923 at Broken Hill, New South Wales, was known simply as “Betty.” After their marriage, Derrick updated his military records to list her as his next of kin, with their residence at 7 Kingsley Avenue, West Croydon. Together they raised their family in Adelaide, including their son Peter Robert Stark (1945–1978).

Later Life

After the war, Derrick returned to civilian life, continuing to work and raise his family. He resided in West Croydon and later Croydon Park. His wife Betty survived him by nearly two decades.

Derrick Arthur Stark passed away on 3 May 1992, aged 70, at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woodville South. He was buried at Enfield Memorial Park, South Australia. Enid Betty Stark (1923–2011) was later laid to rest with him in the Rose Garden

Memorial Sites.

Legacy

Derrick’s life reflects the story of many young South Australians of his generation—growing up in the Depression years, serving his country during World War II, and then returning home to build a family and community life. His wartime service in the Pacific campaign, particularly in Borneo, placed him within the final push that secured peace in 1945.

Sources

National Archives of Australia: Service Records (NAA: B883, SX15118)
South Australian Births, Deaths, and Marriages Index
Advertiser notices (Marriage, Death)
Enfield Memorial Park burial register

Biography by Trevor Pyatt 29/08/2025