Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Military Biography: Kenneth Menzies McMurtrie
Service Number: SX9632
Rank: Private / Gunner
Unit: 2nd/14th Field Regiment, Australian Imperial Force (A.I.F.)
Enlistment Date: 25 July 1940, Adelaide, South Australia
Discharge Date: 27 April 1943 (on compassionate grounds)
Honoured on: Kimba WW2 Roll of Honour

Personal Background
Full Name: Kenneth Menzies McMurtrie

Date of Birth: 18 January 1911

Place of Birth: Tumby Bay, South Australia

Trade/Occupation at Enlistment: Auctioneer

Marital Status at Enlistment: Married to Kathleen McMurtrie

Religion: Methodist

Next of Kin: Initially listed as Kathleen McMurtrie (wife), later updated to John Menzies McMurtrie (father) following Kathleen’s death in 1942

Residence: Kimba, South Australia

Military Service Summary
Kenneth enlisted in the Australian Military Forces on 25 July 1940, volunteering for the 2nd/14th Field Regiment, part of Australia’s artillery division within the A.I.F.

His early service involved:

Training and transfers between multiple military districts (notably 3rd M.D. and 4th M.D.)

Attachments to units such as 14th Field Regiment, G Troop, and Large Heavy Battery

Medical admissions and light duties due to illness

Health and Medical Notes
Suffered from dengue fever, parotitis (mumps), and had a sebaceous cyst removed

Treated at the 119 Australian General Hospital (G.H.), Wayville

Despite recurring health issues, he continued service through 1942

Compassionate Discharge
In late 1942, Kenneth began receiving compassionate leave due to the terminal illness of his wife Kathleen, who died on 2 November 1942.

He was granted multiple periods of leave, including special leave and unpaid extensions

His official discharge took place on 27 April 1943, recorded as:
“Discharged in consequence of A.M.R. & O 253 (1) (XVI) – Compassionate Grounds”

His total service time was 2 years and 277 days.

Legacy and Commemoration
Kenneth’s name is recorded on the Kimba World War II Roll of Honour, and he is remembered as a soldier who answered his nation’s call in a time of war, but whose greatest act of service came through his unwavering devotion to his dying wife.

He later remarried and raised a family, passing away on 30 November 1988. He is buried with his second wife, Ella Beatrice McMurtrie, at Enfield Memorial Park.

By Trevor Pyatt - 30/07/2025