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War Memorial
Australia

Ronald Keith Llewellyn

Religion: Methodist

Early Life

Ronald Keith Llewellyn was born on 19 December 1915 at Casino, New South Wales, to Gordon "Jack" Llewellyn (1890–1963) and Eliza Grace (née Steer) (1888–1957).

His father, a tram conductor from Grafton and First World War veteran, had served overseas in the A.I.F. before returning to South Australia, where the family settled at Medindie and later Mypolonga.

Ronald was educated at Walkerville and Mypolonga Primary Schools, completing his schooling in 1928 and working as a herd tester and dairyman.

Marriage and Family

On 6 July 1940, Ronald married Doris Annie Noles at the Methodist Church, Mypolonga. The couple shared a long and happy marriage, raising four children — Russell, Daryl, Lyal, and Glenys — in the Murray Bridge district.

World War II Service

Ronald enlisted in the Second Australian Imperial Force (A.I.F.) on 23 May 1940 at Adelaide, aged 24 years.

He was allocated Service Number SX3310 and joined the 2/7th Field Regiment of the Royal Australian Artillery.

Trade on enlistment: Herd Tester
Marital Status: Married
Next of Kin: Doris Annie Llewellyn, Mypolonga, SA
Physical Description: 5 ft 8 in, brown hair, blue eyes, medium build, scar over left knee, three moles on back
Religion: Methodist

Ronald trained at Wayville and Woodside, then embarked from Australia aboard H.M.T. Mathedena on 17 November 1940 for service in the Middle East.

He served in Egypt, Palestine, and Syria, providing artillery support for Australian forces during key campaigns. His record notes commendations for proficiency and good conduct and the award of standard campaign medals:

1939–45 Star
Africa Star
Defence Medal
War Medal 1939–45
Australia Service Medal 1939–45

Ronald returned home in 1944 and was formally discharged at Wayville on 9 June 1944, having completed 1,449 days of service. His reason for discharge was A.M.R. 184A(1)(h) – Rural Occupation, allowing him to resume essential agricultural work.

He received his Returned from Active Service Badge No. A48141 on 8 July 1944.

Postwar Life and Legacy

After returning from war, Ronald resumed farming at Mypolonga, continuing in dairying and rural work for several decades. He remained active in local community life, reflecting the discipline and service values formed through his Army experience.

He was a member of the Richmond West Adelaide Football Club, where his name appears on the War Veterans Honour Roll, commemorating players who served their country during the Second World War.

Ronald and Doris later retired to Murray Bridge, where they enjoyed family life surrounded by children and grandchildren.

Passing and Commemoration

Doris Annie Llewellyn died on 9 April 1992, aged 74.
Ronald Keith Llewellyn passed away on 8 November 2003, aged 87.

They were laid to rest together at Murray Bridge Cemetery (Bremer Road). Their headstone reads:

LLEWELLYN

In Loving Memory of

DORIS ANNIE

Died 9th April 1992, Aged 74

Loved Wife of RON

Loving Mother & Father of Russell, Daryl, Lyal & Glenys

RONALD KEITH

Died 8th Nov. 2003, Aged 87

Loved Husband of Doris

"The Lord is my Shepherd."

Sources

National Archives of Australia – Service Record B883, SX3310
Australian War Memorial – Embarkation & Unit Nominal Rolls
South Australian BDM Indexes – Marriage 1940 (Book 413/Page 3327)
Murray Bridge Cemetery Register – Bremer Road Interments
The Advertiser, 10 November 2003 – Death & Funeral Notices
Richmond West Adelaide Football Club Honour Roll
Find a Grave / Family Records – Memorial Plaque and Burial Details

Biography by Trevor Pyatt 10/10/2025