Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Born at Mt Torrens in the Adelaide Hills, on the 19th January, ’21 Arnold was the youngest son of Reinhold Wilhelm and Maria Lydia Kerber. His siblings included Martin, Rudy, Bertha, Ella, Gus, Clara, Amanda and Ella. Mt Torrens was known for its strong Lutheran community and the locals for their hard work ethic. Arnold’s father, Reinhold was an active member of the local neighbourhood, serving on the Onkaparinga District Council for 22 years, finally retiring in May ’44, after Arnold’s death in November the previous year.
Arnold and his siblings attended the local Mount Torrens School where, in his early years, he was one of the students selected to presented an item at the final assembly.
Post school, Arnold became a labourer then a Motor Driver at the local Amscol milk factory at Mt Torrens. He enjoyed playing draughts for Mt Torrens, as did his brothers Martin and Gus in competitions against nearby communities including Lenswood and Charleston. In an unusual case that went to court, Arnold became a witness to an assault. Late one evening in April ‘40 Arnold and his friend, a driver, were sitting drinking a flagon of beer together in front of the church yard when stones were thrown at them. The builder, whom they thought had thrown the stones, then approached bragging not to be frightened of anyone. Fearing they were being attacked, Arnold’s friend swung the flagon at the driver, causing a head wound. Subsequently, the jury was unable to come to a verdict.
Aged 20, Arnold (Digger) enlisted at Oakbank in the Adelaide Hills on the 24th May, ’41 and initially was allocated to the 2/43rd then the 2/10th. Following ealy training, Arnold was awarded special leave in July. However, this was followed by a three-day absence and the associated loss of pay in August. It was a precursor to Arnold soon after being transferred to the 2/48th Battalion in September, preceding his embarkation to reinforce his battalion who continued to hold key areas at El Alamein. Within a fortnight of arriving in the Middle East in February ’42, Arnold was unfortunate to contracted mumps, being hospitalised before he was able to re-join his battalion in March. He survived the year before the battalion returned to Australia via Melbourne then home on leave.
With the dust, dirt and unforgettable conditions in the Middle East behind him, training in the humidity of Queensland took place. Arnold and the 9th Division and were then sent to New Guinea, in August of 1943, disembarking at Milne Bay to face a totally different enemy and in a very different setting. The tropical conditions contributed to Arnold contracted a respiratory tract infection in September ’43 before he was able to re-join the 2/48th. This time was all too short as he was killed in action on November 19th in a massive, frontal fight for Coconut Ridge. Arnold’s Company faced machine gun fire on the ground and snipers hidden in the trees. Aged 22, he was killed alongside Clyde Sellars SX7369 in an encounter to take control of Fougasse Corner on the 19th November ‘43. There, the soldiers faced sporadic shelling, including on a weapons pit. Four others were killed with Arnold and Clyde. They were Thomas Woodall, SX7212, Sydney Goodyear SX10347, Eric Reynolds SX13763, and Douglas Hammond WX9845.
The December ’43 issue of the Advertiser carried the unwelcome news: ‘Mr. and Mrs. R. W. Kerber, of Mount Torrens, have been notified that their youngest son, Pte. Arnold C. Kerber, 22, was killed in action in New Guinea on November 19. He served at El Alamein and returned to Australia in February last. His twin brothers are serving in the RAAF. Before his enlistment Pte. Kerber was employed at the Amscol milk factory at Mount Torrens.’
The local Mount Barker Courier carried a similar announcement that ‘The unfortunate news has come from New Guinea that Pte. A. C. Kerber, the youngest son of Mr and Mrs. R. W. Kerber, of this district, had been killed in action on November 19th. He saw service in Lybia, at El Alamein and returned to Australia in February last. He was 22 years of age, and prior to enlistment was employed in the local cheese factory.’ The Chronicle carried the list of those killed in action at a similar time. They were SX7651 Pte. Ron G. Bowen 2/48th Burra; SX12975 Pte. A. C. Kerber 2/48th Mount Torrens; SX13763 Pte. Eric K. Reynolds, 2/48th Novar Gardens.
Initially the soldiers were buried in the field in New Guinea before finally being permanently reburied in the Lae War Cemetery in May ’46. Arnold now rests in Section A Plot A Row C Grave 7. Nearby are others from his Battalion including 29-year-old Private Archibald Lindsay SX29019 and 23-year-old Corporal Clyde Sellars SX7369 from Burra as well as those from the 2/23rd Battalion. Arnold’s parents chose the inscription ‘His duty nobly done..Ever remembered Rest in peace’, for his headstone.
Arnold’s father, Reinhold died on the 4th February, 45 in the Mount Pleasant Hospital, just three month after retiring from his long-serving Council duties. He was 67 years old. Arnold’s 71-year-old mother, Maria died in December ’53 with both parents being buried in their local Springhead Lutheran Cemetery.
Arnold continued to be remembered in the ensuing years.
Advertiser Monday 6 December 1943, KERBER. —In loving memory of our dear brother. Pte. Arnold killed in N.G. on November 19. In Gods care. — Ever remembered by Alwin, Amanda, Ernie, Harold and Kevin. KERBER. —A tribute of love to our dear brother. Pte. Arnold C, killed in action In N.G. on November 19. His duty nobly done.—Ever remembered by Martin, Rita and Kevin. KERBER. —ln loving memory ot our dear brother. Pte. A. C. who was killed In N.G. on November 19. Resting In a soldier's grave, honored with Australia's brave. —Ever remembered by Herrmann (R.A.A-F.) Pearl, Malcolm, Margaret.
Advertiser Saturday 18 November 1944, KERBER. —In loving memory of Arnold (A.I.F.), who lost his life, Nov. 19, 1943, N.G. Loved in life, honored in death, a beautiful memory is all we have left. —Inserted by loving brother Martin, sister-in-law Rita, Kevin and Michael. KERBER. —Private A. C., killed in action, N.G., on Nov. 19, 1943. When we last saw your smiling face, you looked so bright and well. Little did we think that day would be our last farewell. — Inserted by Alwin, Amanda, Ernie, Harold and Kevin. KERBER. —Private Arnold, killed in action, November 19, 1943. A tribute to the memory of "Digger." His duty nobly done. —Remembered by Mr. and Mrs. V. Thiele, Mount Torrens. KERBER. —In loving memory of our dear brother and uncle, Pte. Arnold (Dig), killed in action, N.G., Nov. 19, 1943. The evening stars are shining on a hero's grave. Beneath the cross of sacrifice he lies among the honored brave. —Ever remembered by his brother Rudy (R.A.A.F.), sister-in-law Amy, nieces Shirley and Barbara. KERBER. —In loving memory of our dear brother and uncle, Pte. Arnold, killed in action, N.G., Nov. 19, 1943. His loving smile, his cheerful ways will linger with us all our days.—Ever remembered by Bertha, Joe, Eric and David. KERBER. —In loving memory of our dear son and brother, Pte. Arnold (Dig.), A.I.F. ret. M.E., killed in action, N.G., Nov. 19, 1943. We think of you in silence, we love to speak your name. In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same. —Ever remembered by father, mother and sister Ella. KERBER. —In loving memory of our dear brother, Pte. Arnold (Digger), killed in action, N.G., Nov. 19, 1943. Gone from us his smiling face, his loving, cheerful ways. The heart that won so many friends in happy bygone days. —Inserted by Clara, Lionel and little Graham. KERBER. —In loving memory of our dear brother and uncle, Pte. Arnold (SX12975), who was killed in action, N.G., Nov 19, 1943. One year has passed since that sad day when the one we loved was called away. The end was sudden, the shock severe, we little knew the end was near. Loved in life, honored in death, a beautiful memory is all we have left. —Always remembered by his brother Gus, sister-in-law Vera and nephew Henry. KERBER. —In memory of Arnold, killed in action, Nov. 19, 1943. Your cheerful smile and happy ways I will always remember. —Inserted by Harry Braddick. KERBER. —In memory of Arnold, who gave his life Nov. 19, 1943. Time drifts on, one year has passed, but beautiful memories always last.—Always remembered by Eileen, Melva and Ed.
Advertiser Monday 19 November 1945, KERBER. —In loving memory of our dear son and brother, Arnold, who was killed in action. N.G, Nov. 19. 1343. Deep in our hearts a memory Is kept of one we love and will never forget. —Inserted by his loving mother and sister Ella. KERBER —Sad but loving memories of our dear brother. Pte. Arnold (Digger), 2/48th Batt. A.I.F. killed in action, N.G, November 19. 1943. Honored with Australia's brave.—Always remembered by his brother Rudy (R.A.A.F, N.G.). sister-in-law Amy. nieces Shirley and Barbara. W.A. KERBER. —A proud tribute to the memory of our dear brother. Pte. Arnold (Digger). 2/48th Batt. A.I.F. killed in action, N.G, November 19. 1943. Duty nobly done. —Inserted by his loving sister Clara, brother-in-law Lionel, nephew Graham. W.A. KERBER. —In loving memory of our brother and Uncle Arnold, who was killed in action. N.G, Nov. 19, 1943. Deep in our hearts there's a picture More precious than silver or gold: It's a picture of dear Arnold. Whose memory will never grow old. —Always remembered by Gus, Vera, and Henry. KERBER In loving memory of our dear brother and Uncle Arnold, killed in N.G. Nov. 19. 1943 beautiful remembered by Alwin, Amanda, Ernie, Harold and Kevin Schroeder.
Advertiser Tuesday 19 November 1946, KERBER. —In loving memory of dear brother Arnold, killed In action N.G. November 19, 1943. Beautiful memories are all we have left. —Remembered by Gus. Vera and Henry. KERBER. —In loving memory of Arnold who gave his life November 19 1943. Always remembered by Eileen, Melva and Eddie. KERBER. —In loving memory of Arnold who was killed in action N,G. November 19 1943. KERBER. —In sad but loving memory of our dear brother and uncle Arnold (Dig.), 2/48th A.I.F. Ret.: M.E. killed in action in New Guinea on November 19 1943. The Last Post now has sounded. He has laid aside his sword. And God has called him from us To his nobly won reward. And this prayer we all are breathing. —Always remembered by Rudy, Amy, Clara, Lionel, Shirley, Barbara and Graham, West Aus.
Advertiser Wednesday 19 November 1947, KERBER. In loving memory of our dear brother and son Arnold (Dig) killed In action. N.G. November 19. 1943 Deep in our hearts a memory is kept. Of one too dear to ever forget. —Inserted by Grover and Kerber families, Norseman, Western Australia. KERBER. In loving memory of our Dearly loved son and brother Pte. Arnold. 2/48 Battalion, who was killed in action New Guinea. 1943. For we who loved you dearly know, How much was lost four years ago. —Fondly remembered by bis loving sister Ella. KERBER. —Proud and fondest memory of Arnold, killed in N.G. November 19 1943. —Ever remembered by his loving brother-in-law Alwin, sister Amanda, and nephews Ernie, Harold and Kevin.
Advertiser Monday 20 November 1950, KERBER. — In loving remembrance of Arnold, who was killed in action. N.G., November 19. 1943.—Silently remembered by his loving mother brothers and sisters.
Researched and written by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133, 2/48th Battalion.