Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Father and Sons Served.

Edward was the youngest son born in Newcastle, England on the 22nd June 1918 to Elizabeth and Peter Charlton. Peter served in the Royal Engineers during WWI then after the War to end all wars, the Charlton family moved to South Australia, to the settlement of Kingston on Murray, becoming one of the original village settlers. They were part of the settlers who planted vines and a variety of fruits and established a school. Both sons, Albert Robson and Edward attended the local Kingston School with the whole community being involved in regular fundraising for materials and equipment for the students. Events included social evenings which were held in the school hall. The Charlton family were all part of the evening by presenting items before being involved in games and dancing. At the conclusion of the school year the children, parents and friends travelled to North Lake to hold their annual picnic, with most students spending the day swimming.

Sport became a large part of community life, a weekly focus for families. The community also quickly supported local people, as happened when Colin McNeil of the Kingston Football Club, was injured with a broken collarbone in the final match of the ’29 season. A dance was organised by the football club with young Edward and Albert presenting songs with their father during the evening., as part of a range of activities and dancing. That year, both Edward and Albert also presented items for the School Christmas Concert.

At the conclusion of the ’30 school year a Christmas celebration was organised for all the Kingston children with academic prizes given. The children also attended in fancy dress with Edward going as cartoon character Ginger Meggs and Abert as a Restless Night.

After his school years, Edward became a labourer on the fruit block until the outbreak of WWII. His brother, 23-year-old Albert enlisted in June ’40 as SX8751 with the 2/7th Field regiment. He served in the Middle East and eventually, Tarakan. Next to enlist was their 46-year-old father, Peter, on the 15th July ’40 at Glossop. He initially served at the Loveday Internment camp before a stint in Alice Springs followed in ’42. There Peter was severely affected by the heat, before eventually being posted back to Loveday in ’44 and being a Group II Cook. Unfortunately, deteriorating health contributed to his discharge in October ’45.

22-year-old Edward (Eddy) enlisted on the 20th July 1940 as SX9370 with a group of young friends from the surrounding towns. Many were placed in the same 2/48th Battalion with Eddy and were to become involved in his wedding party. For these young men, intensive training at Woodside was the first step to prepare them for their involvement in warfare.

A young woman, Daisy Kilgour from Moorook was an extremely active supporter of her hometown, including being involved in fundraising through an arts and crafts exhibition in ‘39 for improvements to the local Institute Hall. She scooped prizes in the fancy decorated sponge section and window box display, with the Kilgour family being awarded a special prize for submitting the most entries. In a subsequent year her jam tarts were winners as was her hand woven silk mat. She captured the heart of Edward, with the two deciding to marry before Edward sailed overseas.

Daisy’s friends organised an afternoon of entertainment in November ’40, prior to her marriage, with competitions and items featured throughout the afternoon, followed by afternoon tea. The guests presented Daisy with many beautiful gifts for her future use. Just days later Daisy and the then Private Edward of the 2/48th Battalion married in the Kingston Congregational Church. Edward chose his brother, Gunner, Albert (artillery) SX8751 as his best man and fellow 2/48th enlistees Private Harold H. Gogel, SX9376 from Moorak and Private Arville Todd SX9384 as his groomsmen. (Little did the joyous group suspect that Arville would die of wounds on the 3rd July ’41.)

Daisy found work in a factory as all too soon, Eddy was sailing on the Stratheden on the 7th November, arriving in the Middle east on the 17th December. Unfortunately, middle ear infections continued to occur, resulting in several bouts of treatment. Soon after, a cruel blow affected the Riverland group with the wounding and death of Arville. He was returning down a 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. This loss of their close friend and member of their wedding party, remained with Eddy and Daisy.

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 AX

Advertiser Friday 3 July 1942, 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.

Advertiser Monday 3 July 1944, 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

Advertiser Tuesday 3 July 1945TODD.—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).

Advertiser Wednesday 3 July 1946, 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. Charlton. 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 Monday 3 July 1950, TODD.— In memory of Cpl. Arville ('Toddy'). 2/48th Battalion, Died of Wounds at Tobruk. July 3. 1941. Fond memories. — Remembered by Daisy and Eddie Charlton.

Advertiser Tuesday 3 July 1951,  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, 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. 

The month after Arville’s death, in August ’41 Eddy sustained accidental burns to his foot and was hospitalised. He had also earned the title of being a Rat of Tobruk. Designed originally as a derogatory term to destroy the morale of the troops, leaflets had been dropped on the men, encouraging them to surrender from their lives, living like rats in their hand hewn dugouts, infested with dust, rats fleas and poor hygiene. The taunt had the opposite effect with the troops proudly claiming the title and mark of their resilience.

Following the battalion’s return to Australia in February ’43, Eddy’s older brother Albert, organised for Eddy to transfer to Albert’s 2/7th Battalion, training in Queensland. The brothers then heading to New Guinea and Tarakan until the final days of the war. Eddy was discharged on the 9th October ’45, followed days later by Albert’s discharge on the 12th.

Back home that year, three sets of brothers, each with five years’ service, were being welcomed at Moorook following their discharges. They included Harold and Oscar Gogel; Albert and Eddie Charlton, and Frank and Harry Battams. The Murray Pioneer summarised the locals’ feelings “These boys have done a grand job and are all glad to be back.”

Daisy and Harry had three children, Warren, Ian and Karen.

Aged 59, Edward died on the 15th September, 1977. He is now buried in the Enfield Memorial Park Cemetery, Inner Circle 34. His service is honoured in the SA Garden of Remembrance.   Daisy lived to be 89 and died in January 2009.

Researched and written by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes, SX8133, 2/48th Battalion.