Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Balaklava, in the mid-north of South Australia, was well placed on the road linking the copper mines at Burra with Port Wakefield initially, then later for the export of farming produce of wool and grain. Kenneth (widely known as Ken) was born in the town on the 9th April 1912 to Gwendoline Rosa and Gilbert Rowland Kelly. He was one of four children, with siblings Florence Gwendoline (Floss), Melva Jean and Edwin James.
The family moved to Unley where, when Ken had just turned five his 32-year-old father, a Clerk enlisted to serve in the Great War in April 1917. Gilbert served in the 9th Light Horse Regiment, 29th Reinforcement Company arriving in the Suez and marching to Moascar. Gwendoline cared for their four children until Gilbert’s return in August ’19 when Ken was a seven-year-old. Unfortunately, Ken’s parents later divorced when he was 16 in 1928. His father later remarried Alfreda.
Post school Ken worked for the Enfield Council as part of a Combine Patrol. He married Linda Blanche Milton from Dry Creek with the two living in Northfield. They welcomed three sons, Donald Keith, Ronald and William Raymond.
With the outbreak of WWII, two of Gilbert’s sons followed his patriotism and enlisted. Ken’s younger brother, Edwin, a mechanic enlisted on the 23rd May ’40 as SX3332 serving as a signalman. He was discharged medically unfit in January ’43. Ken enlisted on the 7th January ’41 when he was given the number SX10856 and initially allocated to the 2/43r Battalion reinforcements. Early days were initially spent at Wayville where Ken unfortunately developed appendicitis and was sent to Kapara to recover. He was unfortunate to then develop an upper respiratory tract infection. This probably contributed to him being absent without leave for two days for which he was fined a hefty 12/-. However, by February the following year he was briefly promoted to Acting Corporal while he was undertaking several courses. He was then able to enjoy brief special leave before embarking for overseas. at Woodside
Ken arrived in the Middle East in October ’42 where he was permanently attached to the 2/48th Battalion, reverting to the rank of Private. By the start of ’43 his battalion returned to Australia via Melbourne. Soon after he contracted a severely high temperature called Pyrexia of Unknown Origin before he was able to rejoin the 2/48th for raining in Queensland to face a very different enemy in the tropical conditions of New Guinea. He arrived in Milne Bay in September ’43. Within two months he received severe gunshot wounds to his back and despite all efforts by the field ambulance team, died of those wounds. It was the 22nd November ’43 and he was aged 31.
John Glenn in Tobruk to Tarakan describes the chaotic conditions that day. ‘The 22nd November was the day “on which the enemy was most active with his shelling. A considerable number of shells had landed in the vicinity of the jeep-head at Jivevaneng, and further along the road, the intention probably being to deny us full use of the track. With parts of the road continually under observation from Sattelberg, the Japanese must have been aware of the amount of jeep traffic taking up supplies to forward troops. Whether they were firing at random will never be known but, nevertheless one shell made a direct hit on a tree above battalion headquarters, spraying the whole area with shell fragments, and inflicting a number of casualties. Major Reg Batten, the battalion second-in-command, Captain Hugh Treloar, the adjutant and Lieutenant G.J. Butler, the pioneer officer, were all badly wounded, and all died within twelve hours. Sergeant Lane, who was in a nearby trench, was killed instantly. The regimental medical officer, Captain Yeatman was wounded and sent to hospital. Others who died of wounds on the 22nd November were K.S. Kelly, L.M. Semmens and A.R.J. Lindsay. Casualties were mounting fast.”
Back home, the December issue of the Advertiser announced ‘Mrs. Gwen Kelly, of Payneham road, has been notified that her son Ken, died of wounds on November 22 in New Guinea. Before enlisting he was employed at the Enfield Council. He also saw service in the Middle East. He leaves a wife and three children.’ This devastating news was a cruel blow as Linda and their three boys.
The News also carried the heading that South Australian men were amongst the casualties with two from the 2/48th Battalion dying of their wounds. They were Ken and 33-year-old Lieutenant George Butler, SX12499 from Henley Beach who died the following day.
Initially, Ken was buried at Sattelberg but in May 1944 he and others were reburied in the Lae War Cemetery of New Guinea in Plot BB Row A Grave 14. His family chose the poignant tribute for his headstone ‘He Died An Australian Hero.. His Duty Nobly Done.’ Nearby is a fellow 2/48th member, 28-year-old Lewis M. Semmens SX7189. Other young men from the 2/3rd, 2/5th, 2/32nd and Australian Corps of Signals rest nearby.
Linda and Ken’s three sons, family, friends and those with whom he served continued to honour the memory of Ken’s sacrifice each year.
Advertiser Thursday 9 December 1943, KELLY, Pte. Ken.—Loving memory our darling daddy and husband, died of wounds Nov. 22, 1943. He answered his country's call, he died an Australian hero fighting to save us all.—lnserted by his wife, sons Dan, Ron, Bill. KELLY. Ken—Beloved son of Mrs. Kelly, 128 Payneham rd, died of wounds Nov. 22, 1943, New Guinea. Sometime we'll understand.—Mother. KELLY. Pte. Ken. —Died of wounds New Guinea, Nov. 22. Nobody knows the heartache, only those can tell who have lost a loving brother without a last farewell.—lnserted by loving sisters Floss, Jean, brother Bill. KELLY, Pte. Ken.—ln honored memory of a true pal died of wounds. November 22 1943. Whatever else we fail to do, we will never fail to think of you. —M. A. Bain and family. Smithfield. KELLY, Pte. Ken.—In memory of our friend, died of wounds. N.G. November 22. Those few days spent together we will always remember. —Ray and Marj. Templer and family. Gladstone. KELLY, Ken.— Beloved friend of Mrs. Mr. Cliff. "R.A.F." Len, Floss, Hinton.
Advertiser Wednesday 22 November 1944, KELLY.--In loving memory of Ken died of wounds New Guinea. November 22. 1943. Ever remembered by Mr. and Mrs. Len Hinton. Glenelg. KELLY.—Loving memories of our dear husband and dad. Ken. 2/48th Btn. died of wounds in N.G, November 22. 1943 No matter what the years may bring, loving memories will always cling: he died as he lived, a soldier and a man. —Ever remembered by his loving wife Linda, sons Don, Ron, Bill. KELLY -ln loving memory of our brother-in-law Ken. died of wounds, N.G, November 22. 1943. Loved in life, honored in death, a beautiful memory is all we have left.—Sadly missed by Gladys ana Charlie. KELLY. —In loving memory of Ken. died of wounds in N.G, November 22. 1943. 2/48th Btn. A thought for today, a memory forever. —Fondly remembered by Elsie and Stan Dunn (AIF). KELLY. Kenneth Spencer.—In loving remembrance, died New Guinea, 22/11/43. Treasured memories can never repay.— Ever remembered by dad and Freda. KELLY.—In proud memory of Ken, died of wounds, N.G, November 22. 1943. He'll never quite leave us, the boy that we loved, a thousand sweet memories are holding him close.—Sadly missed- by mum. KELLY.—In proud memory of Ken. died of wounds. N.G, November 22. 1943 —A friend sadly missed by brother-in law Max. KELLY.—In memory of my dear brother Ken, died of wounds. Finschhafen, November 22. 1943. Things have changed in many ways, but one thing changes never, the memory of those happy days, when we were all together.—Ever remembered by sister Jean and Lyall KELLY.—in loving memory of Ken. 2/48th Btn, died of wounds, November 22. 1943. Just two little words, not hard to write, but words I'll remember all mv life. My brother.—Sadly missed by sister Floss KELLY, K. S-—Died of wounds. N.G. November 22. 1943. At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember him.—Sadly missed by brother Bill and Laura. KELLY.—A tribute to the memory of Ken, died N.G, November 22. 1943. He gave his all.—Always remembered by Agnes and Jack. KELLY.—In loving memory of Ken died of wounds on November 22. 1943 in N.G, Just a token to show dear Ken we still remember.—Remembered by Jane and children KELLY--—A token of respect to our dear friend Ken. died of wounds in New Guinea on November 22. 1943. In God’s care and loved by us all —Remembered by C. Burridge and family. KELLY. —In loving memory of Ken, who died of wounds. N.G. Nov. 22. 1943. Forget you. Ken, we never will—Always remembered by Andrey Hughes. Renmark. KELLY.—In loving memory of Ken, who died of wounds. N.G. Nov. 22, 1943. His duty nobly done. —Always remembered by H. L. Fischer and family, Renmark.
Advertiser Thursday 22 November 1945, KELLY. —in loving memory, of dear husband and daddy. Died of wounds, N.G, November 22. 1943. Deep in our hearts lives a picture, Worth more than silver or gold, It's the picture of our husband and dad. Whose memory shall never grow old. —Inserted by his loving wife Linda., and children. KELLY- Died of wounds. N.G, November 22, 1943. Lost a dear friend, gained a lovely memory.—Brother Bill and sister-in-law KELLY.—In loving memory of my dear brother Ken. died of wounds. N.G., 1943. To live in the hearts of those who loved you is not to die.—Ever remembered by sister Jean, brother-in-law Lyall. KELLY.—In loving memory of my dear Ken, died of wounds, N.G. 2/48th Batt. All that it meant to lose him, only our sad hearts know; there is always that sad longing, to hold and only speak to him.—So sadly missed by mom. KELLY.—In loving memory of dear brother Ken, 2/48th, killed N.G.. 1943. You left behind an aching heart that loved you most sincere; we never have and never will forget you, brother dear. —Lovingly remembered by sister Floss, brother-in-law and pal. Max. KELLY.—in loving memory of our dear brother-in-law Ken, died of wounds. N G, November 22. 1943 To be with us in the same old way Is our dearest wish today.—Sadly missed By Gladys and Charlie KELLY. —Loving memory of Ken, who died of wounds. New Guinea, November 22 I943—Still remembered by C. Burridge and family. KELLY. —Loving memories of Ken, died of wounds. N.G. November 22. 1943. —Ever remembered by Audrey Hughes, Renmark. KELLY.—Kenneth Spencer, died of wounds, N.G-, November 22, 1943. Treasured memories can never repay.—For ever remembered by dad and Freda. KELLY. —In fond memory of our friend, Ken, 2/48th Batt. died of wounds. N.G. November 22.—Still remembered by S. Dunn and family. KELLY. —In memory of our dear pal Ken, killed in N.G. 1943. Things have changed in many ways. But we will always remember you. —Inserted by his pals Ron and Jim Bain (ex-AIF).
Advertiser Friday 22 November 1946, KELLY.—In loving memory of my son Ken. He walks beside me through the passing years.—So sadly missed by mum. KELLY. Pte. K. S. SX10836.—-Died of wounds. N.G.. November 22, 1943.—Ever remembered and sadly missed by brother Bill and Laura. KELLY.—In memory of Ken, killed in New Guinea. Always sadly missed.— Sister Floss and pal Max. KELLY.—In loving memory of Ken, died of wounds. New Guinea.—Ever remembered by sister Jean and Lyall. KELLY.—In loving memory of Ken who died of wounds in N.G. November 22.—Remembered by C. Burridge and family. KELLY.—Loving memories of Ken. died of wounds, N.G.. November 22. 1943.— Ever remembered by Audrey Hughes, Renmark. KELLY.—In loving memory of our dear brother-in-law Ken, died of wounds. N.G. November 22. 1943. In silence we remember.—Sadly missed by Gladys and Charlie. KELLY—ln loving memory of our dear husband and father, Ken died of wounds N.G., November 22, 1943. What would we give to clasp his hand. His loving face to see. To be together once again Just as we used to be? —Always remembered by his loving wife Linda, sons Don. Ron, Bill. KELLY, Kenneth Spencer.— Killed In action New Guinea. November 22, 1943. Treasured memories can never repay. —Lovingly remembered by dad and Freda.
Advertiser Saturday 22 November 1947, KELLY.—In loving memory of my beloved Ken died of wounds, N.G. Alone unseen, yet ever near Remembered, loved for ever, dear. —Longed for always by mum. KELLY—In loving memory of our husband and father Ken. killed in action. N.G, November 22. 1943 He went with hopes of returning. Along with his comrades so brave. But with many a hero he's sleeping In a soldier's honored grave. —Always remembered by loving wife Lin. sons Don. Ron. Bill. 'KELLY. K. S.—Died of wounds. N.G. November 22. 1944. At the going down of the sun we will remember.—Fondly remembered by brother Bill and Laura. KELLY—In loving memory of dearest Ken. killed New Guinea. November 22. 1843. Memories hold dear. —Dad and Freda. KELLY.—In loving memory of Ken. died of wounds N.G, November 22, 1943. Deep in our hearts your memory is kept. —Ever remembered by Gladys and Charlie. KELLY.—Loving memory of Ken. died of wounds In New Guinea November 22. As we are now, so once was he. As he Is now so we shall be. —Remembered by C. Burridge and family. KELLY.—In loving memory of Ken, died New Guinea.—Ever remembered by his sister Jean, and Lyall. KELLY.—In loving memory of Ken, killed N.G. . Time moves on but memories are with us still.—Sadly missed by Floss and Max. KELLY, K. S.—ln loving memory of Ken, died of wounds N.G., Nov. 22, 1943. —Always remembered by Audrey Hughes.
Advertiser Monday 22 November 1948, KELLY. —In loving memory of brother Ken. His memory is our dearest keepsake. —Floss and Max. KELLY. —In loving memory of dear brother Ken. To be with us in the same old way would be our dearest wish. —Sadly missed by sister Jean, Lyall and family. KELLY. —In memory of my beloved boy, Ken, died of wounds, N.G. Still missed, still loved and still mine. — Mum. KELLY. —In memory of Ken, died of wounds on November 22, 1943, in New Guinea. —Inserted by C. Burridge and family. KELLY, Kenneth Spencer.—Killed New Guinea, Nov. 22, 1943. —Loving memories.—Dad and Freda. KELLY.—In loving memory of our dear husband and dad, Ken, 2/48th Batn, killed in N.G.. November 22, 1943. Years will pass but we will never forget you dear.—Inserted by his loving wife and sons, Donald, Ronald, William.
Advertiser Tuesday 22 November 1949, KELLY.—In loving memory of our dear husband and dad killed In N.G.. November 22. 1943. Years roll on but memories stay. As near and dear as yesterday. Ever remembered by his loving wife and sons. Don, Ron and Bill. KELLY. Kenneth Spencer.—Killed in New Guinea. November 22. 1943. —Loved ever by dad. Freda. KELLY. Cherished memories of our dear brother Ken. 2/48th Btn. —Forever In our hearts, Floss, Max. Jean, and Lyall. KELLY.—In memory of Ken died of wounds N.G.. November 22. As he is now so we shall be. —Inserted by his friends. C. Burridge and family.
Advertiser Wednesday 22 November 1950, KELLY. — In loving memory of our dear dad and husband. Ken. killed in N.G. November 22. 1943. Always in our thoughts. —Ever remembered by his loving wife Linda, and sons Don. Ron, Bill. KELLY, Kenneth Spencer.— Killed in action New Guinea. November 22, 1943. —Ever loving memories, dad and Freda. KELLY. — In memory of our beloved Ken, died of wounds, N.G., late 2/48th Batt. He will never quite leave us. The boy that we loved. A thousand sweet memories are holding him fast; —Sadly missed by mum KELLY. — In loving memory of Ken Lest we forget. — Lyall and Jean. KELLY. — Years are passing, but loving memories are everlasting. — Bill sadly missed by Floss and Max. KELLY — In memory of Ken died of wounds in New Guinea. Always in our minds —Remembered by C. Burridge and family. KELLY. K. S.— In loving memory of Ken. died of wounds N.G. November 22. 1943. His duty nobly done. —Always remembered by Audrey.
Advertiser Thursday 22 November 1951, KELLY. — In loving memory of my dear husband and father. Ken died of wounds November 22. 1943. Years are quickly passing but memories are everlasting- — Ever remembered by Ioving wife, Linda and sons Don. Ron. Bill. KELLY. Kenneth Spencer.— Killed New Guinea. November 22. 1943. Fondest memories. — Dad and Freda KELLY. — Cherished memories of our beloved Ken. died of wounds. N.G. Alone, unseen, yet ever near.— Mum. KELLY. Ken.— Died of wounds in New Guinea. Loving thoughts of you dear, today and always. Floss and Max. KELLY.— In memory of Ken who died of wounds November 22 1943. in New Guinea. — Remembered by C. Burridge and family. KELLY. — Loving memories of Ken died of wounds. N.G. Lest we forget. — Lyall and Jean.
Advertiser Saturday 22 November 1952, KELLY.— In memory of our dear one Ken, died of wounds. N.G. Many are the quiet hours that he is very near.— Mum. KELLY. Pte. Ken. — Time can never take away our memories, dear, of you.— Remembered by sister Floss and Max. KELLY.— In memory of Ken, dear husband and dad died of wounds. New Guinea. Nov. 22. 1943.— Always remembered by wife Lin and sons Don. Ron, Bill. KELLY. Kenneth S. killed N.G.— Ever remembered and loved by dad and Freda.
Mail Saturday 21 November 1953, KELLY.— Loving memory of our dear husband and dad. Ken. died N.G., November 22, 1943 Never forgotten by his loving wife Linda, sons. Don. Ron. Bill.
Researched and written by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133, 2/48th Battalion.