Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Arundell was the oldest of two sons born to William George and Ursula Mary Watts on the 17th April 1918 at Payneham, an eastern suburb of Adelaide. His younger brother, named William after their father, was born the following year on the 16th August ‘19. The boys attended the nearby Payneham School before both gained employment, Arundell training as a cabinet maker, with his brother having an apprenticeship as a plumber.
In an horrific accident, 20-year-old young William was involved in a fatal motorbike accident on the 30th March ’40. This was widely reported, including in the Advertiser on April 1st. ‘William Watts, 20 apprentice plumber, of Second avenue South Payneham received fatal injuries near Teatree Gully on Saturday, when the motorcycle which he was riding collided with a post at the side of the road as he was negotiating a turn. He was thrown against the post head first. A civil ambulance conveyed him to the Royal Adelaide Hospital, where he died after admission. Constable Daly submitted a report to the City Coroner (Mr. Blackburn), who decided that an inquest was unnecessary.’ William sustained a severe concussion, fractured skull, broken forehead, and a broken left arm. William’s death was described at the time as one of ‘Five deaths and eight admissions to hospital made last week, the worst of the year for road accidents and increased the toll for the year to 33 killed and 130 severely hurt.’ Arundell’s parents were devastated.
Three months later, 22-year-old Arundell responded to the appeal for young men, enlisting to serve in WWII on the 29th June ’40 in Adelaide. He was allocated the number SX7268 in the newly formed 2/48th Battalion. Arundell’s initial days were spent in the cold of the Pavilions, now part of the Royal Adelaide Showgrounds where unfortunately, in July he contracted rubella in the close conditions. After a week, he was then able to join other new enlistees at Woodside for their preliminary training. Pre-embarkation leave gave him time to return home and to marry Norma Young from Paradise at the Stow Church in Flinders street, on Saturday, the 19th of October, at 3 p.m.
Arundell’s skills as a cabinet maker meant that he was quickly graded as a Group II Carpenter in the army. Returning to the 2/48th the Battalion contingent then embarked on the Stratheden for the Middle East, on the 7th November 1940, arriving on the 17th December 1940 where his Battalion completing a few months training in Cyrenaica. From there, Arundell was soon on his 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 the fierce fighting for Tobruk because of its strategic harbour position, August heralded intense fighting both on land and in the air. John Glenn in his book Tobruk to Tarakan succinctly describes the conditions under which the 2/48th lived and fought. ‘With the proximity of pending battle, enemy fighters were appearing over our lines in increasing strength. On one morning in particular a large number of ME 109s and spitfires met directly overhead, and the troops were treated to several dog fights at varying heights, all taking place at the same time. A little later, on 1st September, two enemy aircraft made a sneak raid over the battalion and straddled headquarters with anti-personnel bombs. Private A. Watts was killed, and Private H.C. Burge was wounded. Fifteen unexploded bombs were later located and destroyed.’ Arundell was just 24.
Back home, the News reported Arundell’s death in September ’42 with SX7481 Lce.-Cpl. Percy G. Dalwood, Torrensville; Ptes. Roy. B. Tilbrook, Norwood 2/43rd: Arundell D. Watts, Payneham, 2/48th.
Norma received the shocking news which was also published in the September Advertiser. ‘Mrs. A. Watts, of Paradise, has been notified that her husband, Pte. Arundell Watts, was killed in action on September 1 while serving with the AIF abroad. Pte. Watts enlisted in July 1940. and sailed in November of the same year. He was the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. W. G. Watts, of South Payneham.’ She also placed a brief notice that same day on behalf of Arundell’s parents and herself.
‘WATTS. —Killed in action on September 1. Arundell beloved husband of Norma Watts, of Paradise, and son of Mr. and Mrs. W. G. Watts, of Payneham.’ At the commencement of October, Norma again placed a notice of thanks from her and the family. ‘WATTS. — Mrs. A. D. Watts, of Paradise, and Mr. and Mrs. W. Watts, of South Payneham. wish to thank all friends for letters and telegrams or sympathy in the death of their husband and son in AIF Abroad.’
Arundell was re-interred in the El Alamein War Cemetery in March ‘45 in Plot A4 Row B Grave 16 where his wife chose the inscription ‘‘Greater love hath no man. Remembered by his loving wife, Norma.’ for his headstone. He now rests with 26-year-old SX8213 Sergeant Lester Johnson and 26-year-old SX7844 Private Donald Macdonald, fellow soldiers from the 2/48th as well as other young men from the 2/2nd 2/3rd 2/23rd 2/28th 2/43rd and three Flying Officers from the RAAF.
Norma continued to remember her husband with whom she had shared just weeks as his new wife.
Advertiser Wednesday 1 September 1943, WATTS. —In memory of Arn. killed In action El Alamein. September 1. A thought for today, a memory for ever — Ever remembered by Norma.
Advertiser Saturday 1 September 1945, WATTS. —In memory of Arn. killed In action Sept. 1 1942. A thought for today, a memory for ever. —Norma.
Advertiser Monday 1 September 1947, WATTS. A. D. SX7268.—In proud and loving memory of Arn (2/48th Batt) killed in action El Alamein September 1 1942. Today is a day of remembrance. A day I will never forget. To one who loved you dearly Your loss is a lifetime regret. Sadly missed by Jim Young.
Researched and written by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133, 2/48th Battalion.