Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Born in Alberton on the 23rd December 1914 to James Liston and Ethel Maud Gynell, Arthur George was the second of three sons with an older brother James Francis and younger brother Stanley Irwin. Living in Queenstown, their father was a waterside worker at nearby Port Adelaide. The three boys all attended Alberton Primary School then the Port Adelaide Central School. Arthur, usually known as George, gained employment with the Woodville Holden Motor Body Builders at Cheltenham which employed over 5,000 workers in the mid ‘30’s. He was a long serving employee in the squab and cushion section.
As a young man, George was unfortunate to be one of three motor cyclists to be carrying a pillion passenger and exceeding the 25 mile per hour speed limit. For a young employee, the fine of £1 with 10/ costs was a salutary lesson. Fellow ‘speedster’ Bertram Hammond who was charged at the same time as George, enlisted just prior to George in March ’40 as SX2112.
George’s older brother James married Nell (Ellen Elizabeth) Crush In October ’37 with the young couple welcoming their first child, Daniel Francis in December the following year. Their joy was shattered with his premature death five days later. However, as WWII loomed, a second son Peter John arrived in March ’40 bring much joy to the extended family. Three months later, both of James’ younger brothers, George, and Stanley enlisted on the 21st June ’40 in Adelaide. They were given the numbers SX6041 and SX6054 respectively. Both were allocated to the newly formed 2/48th Battalion. Arthur became engaged to Shirley Ball and Stan followed suit, proposing to Shirley Webb from Semaphore, on the 29th of June.
The brothers spent their early army days in the close confines and cold of the Pavilions, now part of the Royal Adelaide Showgrounds. They and other new enlistees then headed to Woodside for preliminary training. This area was not a particularly popular winter camp, because of the severe cold and wet, however the enlistees generally enjoyed the life and looked forward to commencing the next phase of their training.
Following leave, George, Stan and the 2/48th contingent embarked on the Stratheden for the Middle East, on the 7th November 1940, arriving on the 17th December 1940. Their Battalion completed a few months training in Cyrenaica before moving 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. They were to become the famed Rats of Tobruk, a title designed to be derogatory but one worn with pride.
John Glenn’s book, Tobruk to Tarakan included a photo of George in a carrier, surplus from the 6th division showing ‘Pompey’ Baker and M. Thomas as part of his crew. 26-year-old George had barely been in the Middle East for 7 months when he was killed in action in Libya on the 11th July ’41. The Battalion had just taken over Post S9. At a similar time, fellow 2/48th soldier, Bob Sunman SX8315 was also injured by shrapnel from a trench mortar. It was well known that the Germans were masters in their creative booby traps for the unwary. Fellow soldier, Corporal Arvil Todd was in the machine gun pit and had just been relieved from his watch when a mortar broke through, severely and fatally injuring him.
Back home the News at the end of that month carried an announcement of George’s death. ‘PORT ADELAIDE MAN KILLED Pte. Arthur George Gynell, 26, who was killed in action on July 11, was the second son of Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Gynell, of Queenstown. He was educated at the Alberton Primary and Port Adelaide Central Schools. He was employed at Holden's for 11 years before he enlisted. Another son of Mr. and Mrs. Gynell is abroad with the A.I.F.’ The Chronicle also listed the fate of those from George’s 2/48th Battalion, Pte. Arthur G. Gynell, SX6041, from Queenstown who had been killed in action and wounded In Action were Pte. William P. Barwick, SX7547, from Port Lincoln and Pte. Robert O. Sunman, SX6315, from Port Augusta.
George now rests in the Tobruk War Cemetery in Plot 4 Row J Grave 8. With him are others from the 2/12th 2/17th 2/24th 2/32nd and the A.A. Pro. Corps who died over four days of fighting in the second week of July. George’s parents chose the simple inscription ‘Till We Meet Again’ for his headstone.
His brother Stan survived the war and was discharged in October ’44.
George’s father, James lived to see Peace declared but died suddenly in August ’49, aged 61. He was buried in the Cheltenham cemetery where the family also added a tribute to ‘Arthur George Gynell, Killed in Action, Tobruk 11th July 1941 In his 27th Year’. (Ethel lived for a further 30 years and died in July ’76.)
George continued to be remembered by friends and family, including his workmates in the squab and cushion section of the Holden factory.
Advertiser Saturday 26 July 1941, GYNELL. —On the 11th of July, Arthur George, killed in action, aged 26 years. Beloved son of Mr. and Mrs. J. L Gynell and brother of Stan, AIF Abroad, and Jim and Nell, uncle of Peter. He gave his life for those he loved, so that we might live freely. He did his bit. GYNELL, Pte. Arthur George. —Killed in action on the 11th of July 1941, dearly loved fiancée Shirley. His duty done. GYNELL. —Died on active service on the 11th of July, A. G. Gynell dearly beloved friend, Shirley Webb. GYNELL, Private Arthur.—Killed in action on the 11th of July. He gave his life for us all Remembered by Mr, Mrs. and Val Gottsh. GYNELL. —Killed in action on the 11th of July. Private Arthur Gynell loving nephew of Ethel and Bert Groth. His duty nobly done. GYNELL. —Killed in action on the 11th of July. Private Arthur Gynell, loving nephew of Edie and Harold Bryant, and cousin of Doreen and Alan. At the going down of the sun we will remember him. GYNELL. —Killed in action on the 11th of July. Private Arthur Gynell, loving nephew of George and Eileen Gynell His duty nobly done. GYNELL.-Killed in action on the 11th of July Private Arthur Gynell a beautiful life came to an end. He died as he lived, everyone's friend. Ever remembered by Ray, Doreen, Murray, Florrie and Charlie. GYNELL.—Killed in action on the 11th of July, Private Arthur Gynell, loving nephew of Laurie and Hilda, and cousin of Allen, Reg, and Max Greer. Ever remembered.
Advertiser Saturday 11 July 1942, GYNELL.—A tribute to the memory of our pal, Arthur, killed in action on July 11 1941. Greater love bath no man than this that he lay down his life for his friends.—lnserted by workmates, GMH. GYNELL.—In loving memory of our nephew and cousin, Arthur, killed in action at Tobruk. July 11, 1941. —Ever remembered by Harold and Doreen, Alan (R.A.A.F.). GYNELL.—In loving memory of our nephew, Arthur killed in action at Tobruk, July 11. 1941. Greater love hath no man." Ever remembered by Ethel and Bert Groth. GYNELL. —In loving memory of our nephew, Arthur, killed In action at Tobruk, July 11, 1941.—Ever remembered by George and Eileen, Port Lincoln. His duty nobly done. GYNELL.—In loving memory of Arthur, killed In action abroad, on July 11, 1941. —Inserted by Shirley Webb. GYNELL.—In loving memory of dear George, who was killed In action at Tobruk. on July 11, 1941. Things have changed in many ways. But one thing changes never. Memories of the happy times That we both spent together. —Inserted by his fiancée Shirley Ball. GYNELL. —A tribute to the memory of Pte. Arthur (George), who was killed in action at Tobruk on July 11. 1941 In our home you are fondly remembered. Sweet memories ding round your name. —Ever remembered. Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Thomas. Melville and Reg. and Ball. GYNELL. —In loving memory of our brother and uncle, Pte. Arthur Gynell (George), killed in action at Tobruk. July 11, 1941. We cannot say, we will not say, That George is dead, he is Just away. —Inserted by Jim and Peter. GYNELL. —In loving memory of our dear son and brother, Pte. Arthur G. Gynell, killed In action on July 11, 1941. In our garden of memories we are always together, yesterday, today, for ever. —Inserted by his parents and brother. Stan (AIF. abroad). GYNELL. —In memory of Arthur, killed in action. Tobruk, July 11. 1941—Always remembered by auntie Hilda. uncle Laurie, cousins Allen, Reg, Max.
Mail Saturday 10 July 1943, GYNELL. — In Loving memory of our dear son Arthur (George), killed In action on July 11. 1941. Resting where no shadows fall. In perfect peace missed by us all. Always remembered by his parents. GYNELL. — In loving memory of Arthur, killed in action at Tobruk. July 11. 1941. Just a token true and tender. To show dear Arthur we still remember. — Remembered by his brother Stan (A I.F.) and sister-in-law Shirley. GYNELL. — In loving memory of Arthur (George), killed In action on July 11. 1941. Not Just today but every day In silence we remember. — Inserted by brother Jim, nephew Peter. GYNELL. — In loving memory of Arthur, killed in action at Tobruk on July 11, 1941. Ever remembered by Auntie Ede, Uncle Harold Alan and Doreen. GYNELL. — in loving memory of Arthur, killed in action at Tobruk on July 11, 1941. Loving nephew of Ethel and Bert Groth. Advertiser Saturday 10 July 1943, GYNELL.—Killed in action on July 11, Private Arthur Gynell, loving nephew of Laurie and Hilda, and cousin of Allen. Reg. and Max Greer. Loved and remembered Always. GYNELL, Arthur (George).—A tribute to the memory or George, who made supreme sacrifice. Tobruk. July 11, 1941. —Inserted by Mr.-Mrs. Thomas, Shirley, Melville (A.LF.). and Reg Ball (R.A.N.).
Advertiser Tuesday 11 July 1944, GYNELL.—A tribute to the memory of Arthur, killed in action. Tobruk. on July 11, 1941. Beneath the Cross of Sacrifice he lies amongst the honored brave.—Ever remembered, Stan and Shirl. GYNELL.—ln loving memory of Arthur, killed at Tobruk July 11. 1941. Always remembered by Allen, Reg and Max Greer. GYNELL.—In loving memory of our dear son Arthur (George) killed in action July 11. 1941. He rests in a hero’s grave amongst Australian brave. Remembered always, mum, dad. GYNELL.—In loving memory of our dear brother and Uncle Arthur (George), killed in action July,11. at Tobruk. Always remembered. Jim, Peter.
Advertiser Wednesday 11 July 1945, GYNELL.—In loving memory of Arthur, killed in action at Tobruk, July 11, 1941.—Inserted by cousins Allen, Peg and Max. GYNELL.—In memory of George, killed in action, Tobruk, July 11, 1941. To be with us in the same old way, would be our dearest wish today.—Inserted by Stan, Shirl and Geoff. GYNELL.- A proud and treasured memory of Arthur (George), killed in action. Tobruk. July 11, 1941.—Inserted by his mum and dad. GYNELL. Arthur (George) in loving memory of our brother and uncle who was killed in action at Tobruk, July 11. 1941.—Always remembered by brother Jim and nephew Peter.
Advertiser Thursday 11 July 1946, GYNELL.—A small tribute to the memory of our workmate Arthur. Killed in action Tobruk. July 11. 1941 - Inserted by squab and cushion section, Holdens. GYNELL.—A treasured memory of our dear son Arthur, killed in action, July 11 1941 Tobruk. The years may dawn and fade away, but loving memories always stay.—Inserted by his mum and dad. GYNELL.—In memory of George, killed in action Tobruk. July 11. 1941. May the sunshine he missed on life's highway be found in God's haven of rest.— Ever remembered by Stan, Shirl and Geoff.
Advertiser Saturday 10 July 1948, GYNELL.—A treasured memory to our dear son Arthur (George), killed at Tobruk, July 11, 1941.Ever remembered by his mum and dad. GYNELL.—In loving memory of our dear uncle, brother (George), killed at Tobruk, July 11, 1941. —Remembered always. Jim and Peter. GYNELL.—In loving memory of George, killed in action, Tobruk, July 11, 1941.—Ever remembered by Stan, Shirl and family.
Researched and written by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133, 2/48th Battalion.