Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Kenneth, known as Ken, was one of nine children born to James and Ellen May Jarvis in the picturesque town of Strathalbyn, nestled alongside the River Angus on the Fleurieu Peninsula. Born on the 5th April 1911 Ken was the sixth child and third son with siblings Daisy May, Ivy Myrtle, Dorothy, Daniel, James Norman, Gladys Olive (Terry), Jack Verdun and Harry Lawrence.
As a young man, Ken was a talented footballer, initially playing for Strathalbyn, then when the family later moved to Murray Bridge, played for both the local team and Jervois with Ken continuing to be a regular and reliable goal scorer in the forward lines. By that stage, the family had lost their small farm holding at Strathalbyn and moved to live at Murray Bridge. The older boys had all gained work as labourers.
The outbreak of WWII provided the opportunity for the sons to earn a regular pay, and they had plans to then buy a home for their parents. 29-year-old Ken was the first of the brothers to enlist at Murray Bridge on the 14th June 1940. He was immediately added to the newly formed 2/48th Battalion with the number SX7142. Just days later, Ken’s two youngest brothers chose Woodside in the Adelaide Hills, to both enlist on the 22nd June ’40. (This may well have been because the brothers, particularly Harry were not well known by the locals.) 19-year-old Harry, manipulated his age, suggesting he was 22 when he enlisted with his next oldest brother, 21-year-old Jack. Harry was allocated the number SX6341 and Jack as SX6343 with both placed in the 2/3rd Machine Gun Battalion.
Ken’s initial days were spent in the cold of the Pavilions, now part of the Royal Adelaide Showgrounds. The enlistees then moved to Woodside in the Adelaide Hills before having pre-embarkation leave with their family. This would be the last time they saw Ken. He embarked on the Stratheden on the 7th November, arriving in the Middle East on the 17th December. His 2/48th Battalion completed a few months training in Cyrenaica before going to Tobruk at the start of April 1941 where the dust, flies, heat, minimal water supplies and constant bombardment were quite a challenge to these fresh new enlistees. Ken was one of the early members of the 2/48th Battalion to be branded with the derogatory term, a rat of Tobruk, for the necessity of living in holes buried in the sandy conditions. The soldiers immediately adopted this term as one of honour, proudly proclaiming themselves as being a Rat of Tobruk.
Back home, Ken’s 32-year-old brother Jim was the last to enlist on the 28th January ’41 and was immediately allocated to Ken’s 2/48th Battalion Reinforcements as SX11135.
The start of the May ’41 offensive had seen the 2/48th men in bitter desert cold conditions and dining on a breakfast of bully beef and hard biscuits before they came under a tank attack and being dive bombed by wavs of German planes. With the 2/48th line thinly spread, weary and well behind the originally planned starting line. The placement of German forces was also unchecked through normally efficient reconnaissance, however the daylight attack still proceeded. The men were taken in trucks to the start line, whilst coming under heavy shell-fire. Inevitably the troops were forced to withdraw, but in doing so also organised a search and collected those soldiers who had been wounded. John Glenn in ‘Tobruk to Tarakan’ conceded that “The 2/48th Battalion had been forced to operate with insufficient information, and, in addition to this, it is beyond the power of infantry to succeed against tanks. The C.O. did not hesitate to admit afterwards that the operation had been hastily planned, and that the plan had not been a good one.” Moreover, the battalion still lacked the training and the experience necessary to drive home a difficult operation in darkness, when leaders had been lost, and where the exact position of the enemy was not established, so the artillery could not be used to full advantage.”
A blinding sandstorm then blanketed Tobruk, with Ken’s battalion staying three days in their position. “three days of wiring and digging in heat and dust. We were now 155 below full strength. Sickness in many cases with exhaustion as one of its causes, was taking toll”. At some stage in this confusion, Ken was wounded on the 3rd May and despite being taken back behind lines, died two days later of these wounds. Aged 30, he was initially buried in the Tobruk War Cemetery in Grave 299 the following day.
Back home, the Chronicle first reported the deaths on the 29th May. More South Australians Killed In Action.— Pte. Douglas E. Bagshaw, SX7468, McLaren Flat; Pte. George T. Brown, SX6935, Barmera; Cpl. Leslie H. Tonkin, SX6911, Paskeville; Pte. William G. Westland, SX7688, Robe; Pte. Raymond G. Young, SX6607, Hoyleton. Died of Wounds.— Pte. Kenneth G. Jarvis, SX7142, Murray Bridge.
On the same day, The Advertiser printed Ken’s photo with a report that “Murray Bridge Man Dies Of Wounds Mr. and Mrs. J. Jarvis have been notified that their son, Private Kenneth G. Jarvis, had died of wounds on active service abroad on May 4. He was a resident of Murray Bridge. He was a prominent footballer, playing with the Jervois Club. He was one of four brothers serving overseas with the A1P. He enlisted last June, and left Australia in November.” A fortnight later, the News added extra information about Ken’s family to also accompany his photo. “Pte. Kenneth Gordon Jarvis, 29. one of four brothers in the A.I.F. has died of wounds. This advice has been received by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. Jarvis. of Rundle street. Kent Town. Pte Jarvis was born at Strathalbyn. and enlisted from Murray Bridge 12 months ago. He was well known as a footballer in the district, having played for the Murray Bridge and Jervois Clubs.”
Ken’s older brother, Jim arrived in the Middle East on the 14th May, just a week after Ken’s death. In a cruel twist of fate, Jim was also not to see his two young brothers either. Ken’s farewell was the last time they would be together. By the time Jim enlisted, Ken was already facing ferocious fighting.
Ken now rests in the Tobruk Cemetery in Libya in Plot 5 Row D Grave 9. Nearby are other young men from the A.A.M.C., Signals, 2/1st 2/9th and 2/12th Battalions, who were injured or killed at a similar time. Ken’s parents chose the simple engraving of ‘Rest In Peace’ for his headstone.
It was not unusual for brothers to enlist, but for four young men from the same family was extremely unusual. Military authorities had designed a ‘Female’s Relative’s Badge’ badge which allowed for up to three stars (for three enlistees) but a specially made one with four stars was made for Ellen May. This announcement was made in the June ’41 issue of the News but also carried the sad announcement of Ken’s death from wounds the previous month. ‘Woman Has Four Sons in A.I.F. On the lapel of her coat, Mrs. J. Jarvis. of Rundle street, Kent Town, has a row of battalion brooches which her four sons, Jim, Kenneth, Harry, and Jack, presented to her before they left with the A.I.F. Topping the row of brooches Is the female Relative's Badge, which, however, has only three stars to its bar. Military authorities at Wayville were unable to supply Mrs. Jarvis with a four-star badge-one for each of her sons. They are having one specially made. Mrs. Jarvis has received advice that one of her sons. Pte. Kenneth Jarvis. 29. died of wounds on May 4th ".
His family continued to remember Ken each year on the anniversary of his death. (Post war, in July ’45 they were also informed of the deaths of their two young sons who had been taken as Prisoners of War whilst serving with the 2/3rd Battalion. 24-year-old Jack SX6343 died on the 29th June ’43 of cholera, a disease caused by insanitary conditions and contaminated food. 21-year-old Harry SX6341 died two months later, on the 29th August ’43 of a similarly preventable disease caused by a vitamin deficiency whilst working on the River Kwai Railroad. Both now rest in the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery.) Despite being injured, older brother Jim was the only son to survive the war.
Advertiser Thursday 22 May 1941, JARVIS. —On the 4th of May, died of wounds received on active service, Private Kenneth G. Jarvis, aged 29 years, dearly beloved son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Jarvis, 41 Rundle street, Kent Town, late Murray Bridge, and loving brother of Jim, Jack and Harry, A.I.F. abroad. Deeply regretted.
Advertiser Saturday 24 May 1941, JARVIS.—On the 4th of May, died of wounds received on active service abroad, Kenneth G. son of Mr. and Mrs. Jarvis. Kent Town (late Murray Bridge), and loving brother of Jim. Jack and Harry (A.I.F. abroad). Dan (Whyalla). Ivy (Wudinna), Daisy and Dot (Murray Bridge), and Gladys (Ade laide). Advertiser Tuesday 27 May 1941, JARVIS.-On the 4th of May. died of wounds received on active service abroad, Kenneth loving nephew of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Nisbett of Strathalbyn.
Advertiser Monday 4 May 1942, JARVIS.—In loving memory of our darling son, Kenneth Gordon, killed in action in Tobruk, May 4, 1941. Beneath the Cross of Sacrifice, Withing a silent grave. His comrades laid him down to rest Among the honored brave. —Inserted by his mother and father, and brothers, Jim, Jack, Harry (serving abroad). JARVIS. —In sad but loving memory of our brother Ken, who died of wounds received on active service at Tobruk May 4, 1941. Beneath a cross of sacrifice. Within a silent grave. His comrades laid him down to rest Among the honored brave. —Forever remembered by his brother Dan, sister-in-law Eileen and family, Whyalla. JARVIS—-In sweet remembrance of my darling brother Ken, died of wounds received in action at Tobruk on May 4, 1941, aged 29 years. Always deep down in hearts Where love burns bright and true There is a light that will burn for ever In memory, dear Ken, of you. —Loved and remembered always by his loving sister and brother-in-law, niece and nephew, Ivy, Jack, Jim, and Betty. of Whyalla. JARVIS.—In sad but loving memory of my darling brother, Ken, who died of wounds at Tobruk, on May 4, 1941. If God would grant me just one gift. From all earth and heaven, too. To take from there whate'er I wish. Dear old Ken, I would ask for you. —Sadly missed by his loving sister, Dot. JARVIS.—In fond and loving memory or my brother, Ken, who died of wounds at Tobruk, on May 4, 1941. What would we give to clasp your hand. Your dear face to see. And be together once again. Just as we used to be. —Ever remembered by his loving sister Dais, brother-in-law, Dick (A.I.F. re-turned), and family.
Advertiser Tuesday 4 May 1943, JARVIS.—In loving memory of dear Ken, killed at Tobruk. May 4. 1941. Our dear one sleeps in a foreign grr.ve, but his name still lives with Australia's brave, —Inserted by his mother and father. JARVIS.—In loving memory of ani brother Ken, who" was killed at Tobruk, May 4. 1941. Not Just today, but everyday. in silence we remember.—inserted by his loving sister Glad and Chris. JARVIS.—In loving memory of our darling brother. Ken. died of wounds, May 4. 1941, at Tobruk. Deep In my heart a memory is kept.—Ever remembered. Ivy. Jack, Jim, Betty Thooay, Whyalla.
Advertiser Wednesday 5 May 1943, JARVIS.—A loving tribute to the memory of our brother. Ken, killed at Tobruk. May 4, 1941. Resting where no shadows fall.—Remembered always by Dan, Eileen, and family. JARVIS.—In sweet remembrance of my brother. Ken, who died of wounds. Tobruk. May 4. 1941. You will always be remembered. Ken, though the years may come and go.—So sadly missed by his sister. Dot. JARVIS.—Loving memories of Ken, died of wounds at Tobruk on May 4. 1941.Deep In my heart a memory is kept of a brother I loved and will never forget.— Ever remembered by Dais.
Advertiser Thursday 4 May 1944, JARVIS.—In fond and loving memory of our brother Ken. died of wounds. May 4. 1941. at Tobruk.—Always remembered by Dan. Eileen and family. JARVIS. —In loving memory of brother Ken. died of wounds. Tobruk. May 4. 1941. Oh for the touch of a vanished hand, and the sound of a voice that Is still.—Sadly missed by Dot and Terry. JARVIS.—In loving memory of Ken. killed in action. Tobruk, May 4. 1941. Memories are golden no one can steal, death is a heartache no one can heal.— Inserted by his loving mother, father. JARVlS.—Sacred to the memory of my dear brother Ken. 2/48th Batt. who died of wounds at Tobruk on May 4. 1941. We who loved you will never forget you.— Forever remembered by Day. Dick, Jim ret. and family. Woods Point. JARVIS. Ken.—Died of wounds. Tobruk. May 4. 1941. Memories are golden no one can steal, death leaves a heartache no one can heal.—Always remembered by. Jack. Jim and Betty. Whyalla.
Advertiser Friday 4 May 1945, JARVIS.— Loving memory of Ken, 2nd 48th, A.I.F., killed in action at Tobruk, May 4, 1941. You died defending us. Ken, the highest price you paid. We pray we may be worthy of the sacrifice you made.—Inserted by his mother, father and brother Jim (ret.) and Harry and Jack (prisoners of war). JARVIS.—In fond memory of our brother Ken, killed at Tobruk, May 4, 1941. A leaf in the book of memories Is gently turned today. —Always remembered by Dan, Eileen, and family. JARVIS.—In loving memory of my dear brother Ken, died of wounds at Tobruk, May 4, 1941. We hoped for his safe return, and longed to clasp his hand. But God postponed that meeting. It will be in a better land. —Ever remembered by his sister Ivy, Jack, Jim and Betty, Whyalla. JARVIS. —In memory or my darling brother Ken, 2/48th Batt., died wounds, Tobruk, May 4, 1941. There's a face that is always with me. And a voice I long to hear; A smile I will always remember. A memory precious and dear. —Ever remembered by sister Dot. JARVIS.—In fondest memory of my dear brother Ken, died of wounds at Tobruk on May 4, 1941. A little token, true and tender. Just to show I still remember. —Ever remembered by Dais, Dick, and family. Woods Point.
Advertiser Saturday 4 May 1946, JARVIS.—In memory of Ken, killed In action at Tobruk, May 4. 1941. A distant grave, a touching thing, where loving hands no flowers can bring; but God alone, in His great care, will guard dear Ken resting there. —Inserted by his loving mother, father, and sister Terry. JARVIS.—In sweet remembrance of my brother Ken, died of wounds, Tobruk, May 4, 1941. You will always be remembered. - Ken, though the years may come and go.—Remembered always by Ivy, Jack. Jim and Betty. Whyalla. JARVIS.—In loving memory of brother Ken. died of wounds. Tobruk. May 4, 1941. I who loved you sadly miss you as it dawns, another year.—Longed for always by sister Dot. JARVIS. —In proud memory of our brother Ken, who gave his life at Tobruk, May 4, 1941. This is a day of remembrance, A day of sad regrets, A day we will always remember When the rest of the world forgets. —Remembered always by Dan and Eileen. JARVIS.—In loving memory of dear brother Ken, killed in action, Tobruk, May 4, 1941 Many a lonely heartache, often a silent tear; but always a beautiful memory, of a brother we loved so dear. —Always remembered by Dais. Dick and family
Advertiser, Saturday 3 May 1947, JARVIS.—In sweet remembrance of Ken, who died of wounds, Tobruk, May 4, 1941. Just a token, true and tender, to show, dear Ken, I still remember.— Sadly missed by sister, Dot. JARVIS.—In loving memory of our dear brother, Ken, died of wounds at Tobruk, May 4, 1941. Memories sweet of one so dear, treasured deep from year to year, he lives within our memory still, not just today, but always will.—Sadly missed by his two sisters, Terry and Ivy, Whyalla. JARVIS.—Treasured memories of my dear brother, Ken, who died of wounds at Tobruk, on May 4, 1942. As long as life and memory last, I will remember you, Ken.—Longed for always by Dais, Dick and family, Naracoorte. JARVIS.—A tribute to the memory of our brother, Ken, died of wounds, Tobruk, May 4, 1941.—Remembered always by Dan, Eileen and family, Whyalla.
Advertiser Wednesday 5 May 1948, JARVIS.—In loving memory of my dear brother Ken, died of wounds, May 4, 1941, at Tobruk. Hearts that loved you will never forget.—Remembered always by Ivy, Whyalla.
Advertiser Wednesday 4 May 1949, JARVIS. Ken.—Killed at Tobruk, May 4, 1941. With so much to remember, How could I forget? —Remembered always by his sister Ivy, Whyalla. JARVIS.—In loving memory of Ken, killed at Tobruk, 1941. —Ever remembered by his loving brother and sister, Jim and Terry. JARVIS.—In loving memory of Ken, killed at Tobruk, 1941. Memory is a golden chain That links us till we meet again. —Ever remembered by his mother and father, Dan and Eileen. JARVIS.—Treasured memories of Ken, died of wounds, May 4, 1941. —Loved and remembered always by sister Dot.
Advertiser Thursday 4 May 1950, JARVIS.— In loving memory of dear son Ken, killed in action, May 4, 1941. Darling we miss you more as days go by. —Inserted by mum and dad. JARVIS. — In loving memory of Ken, died of wounds, Tobruk, May 4, 1941. Memories are treasures no one can steal, Death causes a heartache no one can heal. — Remembered always by his sister Ivy, Whyalla. JARVIS. — In loving memory of Ken, killed at Tobruk, May 4, 1941. — Ever remembered by Dan and Eileen. JARVIS.— Sweet memories of Ken, died of wounds, Tobruk, May 4, 1941. — Lovingly remembered by sister Dot.
Advertiser Friday 4 May 1951, JARVIS.— In loving memory ot Ken. killed at Tobruk. May 4. My love for you will never die As the years roll on and the days go by. —Inserted by his mother.
Tribute researched and written by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133, 2/48th Battalion.