Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Arville Frank was the youngest of three sons born in Adelaide to Fanny M. and Thomas Todd on the 4th November 1919. His older brothers were Frank Mills and Melvin Andrew.
Arville was a talented sportsman in a range of activities. At the local Riverland school, he represented Berri in the school Annual Berri-Barmera Challenge Shield where those schools plus Monash, Glossop, Winkie, Cobdogla and Loveday competed. In ’33 Arville came second in the sprint and obstacle races. He was also involved in the Berri Cycle Club and as coxswain of the champion team in the local Rowing Club. With WWI still fresh in the memory of Australians, Arville joined the Militia on turning 21, serving in the 48th Battalion.
21-year-old Arville, a labourer, enlisted a week after his 26-year-old brother Frank. They were allocated SX9384 and SX8119 respectively. Both were placed in the same 2/48th Battalion. Their initial days were spent in the cold of the Pavilions, now part of the Royal Adelaide Showgrounds, before he and other new enlistees headed to Woodside for their preliminary training.
Murray Farquhar in an early book Derrick VC marvelled at how widely young men came from to enlist, commenting that “Of course, the Upper Murray was well to the fore. Two companies, A and B would include many members from Waikerie, Barmera, Berri and Renmark. The Todd brothers, Frank and Arville; Ike Jenkinson (SX7997); Dank Pfeiffer (SX7242); Snagger Reid and Bill Westleigh (SX8010) joined Tom Derrick (SX7964) and Bill Milde (SX6862) on the same frantic train ride to Adelaide. Peter Anderson (SX7067) was also on board. So was a mere stripling, Wally Fennell (SX6832).”
Pre-embarkation leave prompted a huge crowd to gather at the Berri Rivoli Theatre to farewell the twenty-five local enlistees. It was a massive event, causing the main hall to be so crowded locals flowed up into the dress circle to watch the memorable proceedings. The evening was also combined with a farewell to a well-known local, a very active organiser and helper, Mrs. Knappstein, who coordinated farewell socials for newly enlisted soldiers. Of those farewelled were Frank and his brother, Arville with others from the 2/48th being SX8010 William C. Westley SX7278 Robert Tipper, SX7964 Tom (Diver) Derrick, SX8063 John Hood, SX7997 Harold R. Jenkinson, SX9562 Charles H. Butcher, SX7067 Peter M. Anderson, SX5218 Albert H. Smith, SX6832 Walter J. Fennell, SX8411 Allan R. Rix, SX7242 Paul A. Pfeiffer, SX7773 Samuel D. Parbs. Of these young men, Arville died of wounds on the 3rd July ’41, ‘Diver’ Derrick also died of wounds on the 24th May ’45 after being a VC recipient, and John Hood died of illness on the 4th September, ’43.
In farewelling the young men, the chairman of the Soldiers' Farewell Committee commented that “although the spirit of adventure might have played some part in the enlistment of the boys, deep down in their heart there was the love of their country, and they as citizens of Berri were proud to do honour to the lads of the district who were with them that evening. It was the largest muster of men they had yet honoured at one time. It was noticed that many of the men on this occasion were members of the Berri Football Club. and among them was the captain, Jock Hood. The district wished them all well and would now look forward to their homecoming after a successful victory on the other side.” A presentation was made to each of the soldiers of a money belt, a £1 note, and a pair of socks from the Comforts Fund.
A representative from WWI also spoke saying They “all fully realized the' boys were not going on a holiday and everybody appreciated the sentiments which prompted their enlistment. Remarks had been passed by the enemy about the "polyglot armies" of the Empire, but all he said was "God help them when they met that polyglot army". He assured the boys of the best wishes of all returned soldiers, who would look after, their interests while they were away.”
Following brief pre-embarkation leave Arville returned to the 2/48th with his contingent then embarking on the Stratheden for the Middle East, on the 7th November 1940, arriving on the 19th December 1940. There the recruits completing a few months training in Cyrenaica with Arville already displaying leadership skills and being promoted to Lance Corporal in February and Acting Corporal two months later. The battalion was soon on its way to serve in Tobruk, Syria and Egypt. By the start of April 1941, the 2/48th were in Tobruk where the dust, flies, heat, minimal water supplies and constant bombardment were quite a challenge to new enlistees. They were to become the famed Rats of Tobruk.
In his book Tobruk to Tarakan, John Glenn described how Post S9 came under constant fire because of its strategic position. It was occupied by 10 Platoon of B Company, under the command of Sergeant Wally Prior. Wally described how ‘On the third day of holding this post that a very fine soldier, Corporal Arvel (sic) Todd, was killed by a mortar fire by one of those million-to-one chances that happen in war. Corporal Todd had been on duty in the machine gun pit, and at about 8 a.m. was relieved by Private Bob Tipper. Arvel was returning down the concrete trench when a mortar broke through the flimsy covering and landed at his feet. He was severely wounded, and later died at the regimental Aid Post.” His record states that he received gunshot wounds to his right leg and arm.
Aged 21, Acting Corporal Arville died of wounds on July 3rd ’41. The Chronicle reported his death on the 24th July and the names of others from his 2/48th Battalion. They included: Killed In Action.— Pte. John B. Brice, SX6827, Broken Hill, N.S.W. Died Of Wounds.— A/Cpl. Arville T. Todd, SX9384, Berri, S.A.; Wounded In Action.— Pte. Albert J. Pascoe, SX4804, South Broken Hill (N.S.W.) and Pte. C. B. Rule, SX7313, Fullarton. Similarly, the Advertiser announced that ‘Corporal Arville Todd is reported to have died of wounds. He is a son of Mr. and Mrs. T. Todd, of Berri. Corporal Todd spent most of his life in Berri, he was formerly a member of the Militia, a racing cyclist, and coxswain of the Rowing Club. His two brothers are in the A.I.F., one of them having gone overseas with Corporal Todd in October, 1940.’ The local Murray Pioneer added ‘The late Private Todd was well-known in the district and was a prominent member of the Berri Rowing Club, having steered the champion, fours at one time. In cycling he was also at one time a promising Junior and raced with the Berri Cycle Club. He was employed by Mr. Bob Bond in cycle work for some time, and later worked in various places of the district. He left Berri In October, 1940.’
He was buried in the Tobruk War Cemetery Plot 4 Row G Grave 8. He rests with 23-year-old John B. Brice SX6827 and 21-year-old William Songer SX8429 from the 2/48th Battalion and others from the 2/9th, 2/13th 2/15th 2/17th 2/24th and the A.A.S.C. Division. His parents chose the inscription ‘I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say, Come Unto Me and Rest’ for his headstone.
Just days after receiving the news of Arville’s death the oldest of the three brothers, Melvin Andrew enlisted. A professional watchmaker, he was just days short of his 26th birthday. Unlike his other brothers, Melvin, SX13618 was allocated to the 2nd/9th Armoured Regiment, serving in Borneo and Japan.
That year, his mother initiated the creation of an autographed cushion and cover for the Australian Hospital in Alexandria. It served a dual purpose in also raising funds for the Red Cross by gathering autographs for a small charge, as a donation, and worked the outlines in different cottons. Along with the autographs she also stitched messages and sayings covering both sides of the cushion aimed at interesting the boys in hospital. One Berri mother included , ''Coming home boys, the coffee's waiting for you" or other such like phrases having a homely touch and being a reminder of Berri. At the centre she stitched the Red Cross and wreath serving as a memorial to her late son Arville who was killed in action at Tobruk. The cushion was sent to the highly regarded and respected Padre Archbold.
Arville’s success with the Berri Rowing Club continued to be remembered in the opening of the ’43 season. Arville, 407603 Doug Mcintosh, 407211 Jim Wishart, and SX8889 Captain Jack Minocks had all fallen in the war, but their names and deeds remained.
Each year Fanny, Frank and Melville continued to remember Arville as did so many of those with whom he fought and led.
Advertiser Saturday 16 August 1941, TODD. —In memory of our loving friend. Corporal Arville Todd (Toddy) of Berri, who died of wounds on the 3rd of July. Loved by everyone who knew him. Inserted by Daisy and Eddy (2nd AXF). TODD.—Died of wounds, abroad, Corporal Arville Todd, dearly loved friend of Phil and Curly (A.I.F., abroad). Lest we forget. TODD.—Died of wounds, Corporal Arvill T. Todd, beloved friend of Mrs. and Private F. Stevens (abroad). Greater love hath no man than this that he lay down his life for his friends.
Advertiser Friday 3 July 1942, TODD.—A tribute to the memory of my dear son, Cpl. Arville Thomas Todd, who died of wounds at Tobruk July 3 1941, aged 21. God gave to me my son, A radiant spirit, exquisite in form, A nature sweet and peerless as the dawn Which ushers In another beauteous morn. God gave to me his love. That gazed with wondrous eyes through smiles and tears. And all the wonders of his growing years. Filling my heart with mingled Joys and fears., God called from me to say. And asked in accents sweet, "Wat thou design And share with Me this precious soul divine?" I answered, "Lord, my son is mine and Thine —From his lonely mother. F. M. Todd. Berri. TODD.—In loving memory of Corporal A. Toddy who died of wounds at Tobruk on July 3.1941.—Always remembered by Phil and Curly AIF abroad. TODD.—In loving memory of our dear brother, Cpl Arville Thomas Todd who died of wounds at Tobruk, July 3 1941, aged 21 years. At the going down Of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember him. Frank and Melvin. both A.I.F. TODD.—In loving memory of Cpl. Arville Todd, who died of wounds at Tobruk on July 3, 1941. God saw what was before him, He did what He thought best And gave eternal rest. —Inserted by Mr. and Mrs. P. Charlton, Kingston. TODD.—In loving memory of "Toddy," Pte. Arville Todd, killed at Tobruk on July 3, 1941. We cannot say, we will not say That "Toddy" is dead, he is just away. —Remembered by Daisy and Eddy.
Advertiser Saturday 3 July 1943, TODD.—A tribute of love and honor to Corp. Arville Todd died of wounds. Tobruk, July 3. 1941. —Always will be remembered by Phil and Curly (A.I.F. returned). TODD.—A tribute to the memory of "Toddy" Cpl. Arville Todd, died of wounds July 3. 1941. Deep in our hearts a memory is kept; we, who loved him shall never forget.—Ever remembered by Eddy 2/48th Btn. Daisy Charlton. TODD.—In loving memory of Cpl. Arville who died of wounds at Tobruk on July 3. 1941. —Inserted by Mr. and Mrs. Charlton and sons AIF returned. TODD. —A tribute to the memory of Cpl. Arville Todd. 48th Battalion, who died of wounds at Tobruk, July 3. 1941. What happy hours we once enjoyed, how sweet their memory still.—Mum, Frank, and Melvin Berri.
Advertiser Monday 3 July 1944, TODD.—In loving memory of out dear brother Cpl Arville T. Todd. who died of wounds at Tobruk. July 3. 1941 What happy hours we once enjoyed: how sweet their memory still.—Frank and Melvin. A.I.F. TODD.—A tribute to the memory mv dear son. Cpl. Arville T. Todd. who died of wounds Tobruk. July 3. 1941 When other helpers failed and all hope fled, God the helper of the helpless, stood beside his bed.—F. M. Todd. Berri. TODD.—In fond and loving memory of Cpl. Arville Todd. 2/48th Btn, who died of wounds at Tobruk. July 3 1941 —Always remembered by Daisy and Eddy. TODD. A./Cpl. A. T. 2/48th Batt.— Died of wounds. Tobruk. July 3. 1941. ' Two little words, not hard to write but we will remember all our life, my pal.—Always remembered by Lorna and Frank Stevens. late A.I.F. TODD – Treasured memories of our pal Cpl Arville Todd. died of wounds, July 3. 1341. At Tobruk. —Never forgotten by Phil and Curly A.I.F.
Advertiser Tuesday 3 July 1945, TOOD.—In loving memory of our dear brother Cpl. Arville T. Todd who died of wounds at Tobruk. July 3. 1341. aged 21years. With the morn, that angel face will smile. Which we have loved long since—and lost awhile. —Frank and Melvin. AIF, 9th Div. TODD—A tribute to the memory of my dear son Arville who died of wounds at Tobruk. July 3. 1941. I came to Jesus as I was, weary, worn and sad. I found in Him a resting place, and He has made me glad. —From his lonely mother F. M. Todd, Adelaide. TODD.—In loving memory of Cpl. A T. Todd. who died of wounds in Tobruk. July 3. 1941. Deep in my heart a memory is kept Of a pal I loved and can never forget. —Always remembered by Frank and Lorna Stevens. TODD.—In loving memory of Cpl. Arville Todd. 2 /48th Btn, died of wounds at Tobruk July 3. 1941. Things have changed in many ways, but one thing changes never: the memory of those happy days, when we were together.— Ever remembered by Daisy and Eddy (AIF.. Tarakan). TODD.—In loving memory of Cpl. Arville Todd. who died of wounds at Tobruk on July 3. 1941.—Inserted by Mr. and Mrs. P. Charlton. Kingston.
Advertiser Wednesday 3 July 1946, TODD.—A tribute to the sweet memory of my dear son and pal. Arville who died of wounds at Tobruk July 3. 1941. aged 21. Often in fancy he stands by my side And whispers these sweet words. "Death cannot divide” —From his lonely mother. F. Todd. Adelaide. TODD. A. T. —In loving memory of Arville died of wounds. Tobruk. July 3. 194I. He gave his life so that we might live; one of the heroes of Australia, who answered the call, and paid the supreme sacrifice.—inserted by brother Frank and sister-in-law Audrey, Berri. TODD. —In loving memory of my dear brother, Arville Thomas, who died of wounds at Tobruk. July 3. 1341. 2/48th Bn., aged 21. Beneath the cross of sacrifice. Within a hallowed grave. His comrades laid him down to rest Among the honored brave. Melv B..C.O.F. TODD.—A tribute to the memory of Col. Arville Todd, who died of wounds at Tobruk. on July 3. 1941—Will always be remembered by Mr. and Mrs. P. Chariton. TODD.—Fondest memories of our dear pal. Cpl Arville Todd (Toddy), who died of wounds at Tobruk, July 3. 1941.—Ever remembered by Daisy and Eddy.
Advertiser Thursday 3 July 1947, TODD.—A tribute to the loving memory of my dear son Arville, who died of wounds at Tobruk July 3, 1941, aged 21. Soldier, rest! Thy warfare o'er, Dream of fighting fields no more, Sleep the sleep that knows not breaking Morn of toil, nor night of waking. —F. M. Todd, Adelaide. TODD.—In loving memory of my dear brother Arville, died of wounds, Tobruk, July 5, 1941. Aged 21. Not just today, but every day In silence I remember. —Melvin, Adelaide. TODD, A. T.—In memory of our pal, who died of wounds, Tobruk, July 3, 1941.—Always remembered by Frank and Lorna. TODD, A. T.—In loving memory of Arville, killed Tobruk, 1941. In some way, memories of him come our way.—Inserted by Frank, Audrey and Beverly, Berri.
Advertiser Saturday 3 July 1948, TODD. A. T.—In loving memory of Arville Thomas, died of wounds, Tobruk. July 3 1941.—Ever remembered by his brother Melvin. TODD.—In loving memory of my dear son A./Cpl Arville T. Todd, died of wounds Tobruk, July 3, 1941. aged 21, 2/48th Batt. Resting where no shadows fall.
Advertiser Saturday 2 July 1949, TODD.—Sweetest memories of my dear son A/Cpl. Arville Todd. 2nd/48th Btn died of wounds Tobruk July 3. 1941. God called from me my son And asked In accents sweet. Wilt thou deign and share this precious soul divine: I answered Lord, he is mine and Thine. TODD. A. T-. A/Cpl.—ln loving memory of Arville. died of wounds. Tobruk. July 3. 1941.—Ever remembered by bis brother Melvin.
Advertiser Monday 3 July 1950, TODD. — In Loving memory of my dear son, Arville Thomas Todd who died of wounds at Tobruk-- July 3. 1941 aged 21. 2/48th Battalion. ' when other helpers failed and all hope fled, God, the Helper of the helpless, stood beside his bed. —From his lonely mother. F. Todd. Adelaide TODD. — In Ioving memory of my dear brother Arville who' died of wounds at Tobruk. July 3. 1941. 'At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember him. Melvin and Roma. TODD.— In memory of Cpl. Arville ('Toddy'). 2/48th Battalion, Died of Wounds at Tobruk. July 3. 1941. Fond memories. — Remembered by Dave and Eddie Charlton. TODD. — In loving memory of brother Arville who died of wounds July 3. 1941. Forever in our memories. — Frank and Audrey, of Berri.
Advertiser Tuesday 3 July 1951, TODD. — In loving memory ot my dear son Arville died of wounds Tobruk July 3 1941. Aged 21 2/48 Battalion. I heard the voice of Jesus say. 'Come unto me and rest.' P. M. Todd. Adelaide TODD.— In loving memory of my dear brother Arville died of wounds at Tobruk. July 3 1941 Aged 21. Three little words, forget-me-not. They don't seem much but mean a lot. Mel and Roma. Blair Athol. TODD. — In memory of Cpl. Arville Todd ('Toddy') 2/48th Batt died of wounds at Tobruk. July 3. 1940.— Always remembered by Daisy and Eddy Charlton.
Advertiser Thursday 3 July 1952 TODD.— In loving memory of my dear son Arville, died of wounds at Tobruk, July 3, 1941, aged 21 years, 2/48 bn. I heard the voice of Jesus say Come unto me and rest. — F. M. Todd, Adelaide. TODD.— In loving memory of my dear brother Arville, who died of wounds at Tobruk, July 3, 1941. 2/48 bn —Mel and Roma. Blair Athol. TODD, 2/48 batt.— Fond memories of ''Toddy,'' lost his life at Tobruk, July 3, 1941.— Remembered by Daisy and Eddy Charlton.
Advertiser Friday 3 July 1953, TODD, 2/48th Batt.— Fond memories of 'Toddy' died of wounds at Tobruk. 1941.— Ever remembered by Daisy and Eddie Charlton. TODD.— In loving memory of my dear brother Arville, died of wounds, Tobruk, July 3. 1941. 2/48th Bn. God grant him eternal rest. Mel and Roma. Blair Athol. TODD. — Sweet memories of my dear son Arville, died of wounds, Tobruk. July 3. 1941, aged 21; 2/48th Bn. God called from me my son, and asked in accents sweet, 'Wilt thou design to share this precious soul divine?' answered. 'Lord, my son is mine and thine.' -F. Todd. Adelaide.
Researched and written by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes, SX8133, 2/48th Battalion.