Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of William John and Ethel Johanna Chester, of Mortana, South Australia.

REST IN PEACE... IN GOD'S CARE. WE REMEMBER YOU

Profound sorrow was fell when news was received recently that Cpl. Jim Chester had been killed in action on the New Guinea battle front. He was the third son of Mr. and Mrs. W.  J. Chester, of Mortana. Born at Mortana he was educated in the local public school, and was one of the districts most popular young men and took a leading part in all sporting  activities. He was a prominent mem ber of the Calca football and cricket clubs. Later he went to reside with his uncle (Mr. A. A. Chester, 1st A1F), of Nunjikompita, where he was  well known and became a playing member of the football and cricket clubs of that district, and was awarded a gold medal for the fairest and most improved player. In 1938 he  went to Barmera, where he was employed in vineyards, and at the time of his enlistment was in the employ of Mr. Jack Way, of Boothby. He sailed for overseas in 1910, and took  part in those memorable battles at Tobruk and El Alamein. After 26 months in the fighting line he returned to Australia with the fifth Division in March of this year, and together  with other comrades of that Division received a wonderful reception at a social gathering in their honour in the Calca Hall on the evening of March 8. After spending leave with his  parents he returned to duty with his old unit and met his death on September 4 at the age of 20 years, he leaves a widow, formerly Miss Olive Miles, of St. Morris. To his wife,  parents, brothers and sisters the district extends its deepest sympathy in the loss of one of Australia's gallant sons. 

Mrs. W. J. Chester, of Mortana, has received the following letter from the officer commanding the unit in which the late Cpl. Jim Chester was serving: "Dear Mrs. Chester, -It is with great sorrow, Mrs. Chester, that I write concerning your recent great and sad loss, also ours, in the death of your son, while in action. Jim had not been with this company very  long, but in that short time he became one of the most popular and respected members of the corps. His happy disposition was an incentive to all who performed duty with and  under him, he was a great leader, and the troops under Jim would follow him through any action.  He was an acquisition to my company, and I feel his loss greatly. Jim is buried near the scene of our first campaign in this area, where he lies with several of his comrades from this unit amidst other glorious sons of Australia, who have done their duty for  God and country. His duty nobly done. Please accept from his comrades and myself, Mrs. Chester, our deepest sympathy iu your very sad loss.'