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War Memorial
Australia

Ernest George Howard Wheare

Born: 26 February 1907 • Moonta, South Australia

Died: 16 June 1962 • Port Augusta, South Australia

Buried: Port Augusta General Cemetery

Ernest George Howard Wheare was born on 26 February 1907 in the mining town of Moonta, South Australia. He was the second child of Henry Emmanuel Wheare, later known as Herbert Henry Buzza, and Agnes McRae. Ernest grew up in the copper-mining communities of Moonta and Wallaroo Mines, where his father worked in the mining industry. In his early adult years, Ernest trained as a carpenter and builder — a trade that would become both his livelihood and his contribution to postwar reconstruction.

During the 1930s he relocated to New South Wales in search of employment, settling in the growing industrial district of Chullora near Bankstown. By 1941 he was living at 20 Anzac Street, Chullora, and listed his sister, Mrs. Uneta Olive Fenwick of 9 Cathcart Street, Fairfield, as his next of kin. He was unmarried and of Methodist faith.

Military Service – World War II

4 August 1941

At the age of thirty-four, Ernest enlisted in the Citizen Military Forces (Militia) at Bankstown, New South Wales. His civilian occupation was recorded as builder, and his physical description noted dark complexion, dark hair, and blue eyes. He was assigned to the 35th Battalion for home defence duties.

September–October 1941

Transferred from the 35th Battalion to the 53rd Battalion, serving in training and guard duties across Wallgrove and Singleton camps in New South Wales. His early service was focused on home defence and reinforcement training during the heightened threat of invasion.

27 December 1941

Embarked from Sydney aboard H.M.A.T. Ypora for Port Moresby, New Guinea, as part of an advance reinforcement group. He disembarked on 3 January 1942, serving in the Papuan region during the early stages of the New Guinea campaign.

January–March 1942

Served with the 35th and 53rd Battalions in the Port Moresby area. He was later admitted to hospital suffering from dysentery and treated at 36 Australian General Hospital.

23 January 1943

Transferred to medical care and convalescence following illness. After recovery, he remained on the strength of the 53rd Battalion.

13 August 1943

Re-enlisted for full overseas service with the Second Australian Imperial Force (AIF) at Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, now under the new service number NX154869. He continued to serve as a Private in the 53rd Battalion, later attached to the 2nd Base Infantry Personnel Depot (BIPD).

22 November 1943

Embarked per Katoomba for Bougainville, part of the Solomon Islands campaign. He served in jungle conditions as Australian forces advanced against Japanese positions.

April 1944

Embarked from New Guinea aboard the Canberra for Townsville, Queensland, returning to Australia after extensive overseas service.

July 1945

Re-embarked aboard the Tarooma for Rabaul, New Britain, in one of the final troop movements of the war, supporting post-conflict operations and garrison duties.

29 January 1946

Discharged from the Australian Military Forces on account of demobilisation. His total service was recorded as 1,527 days, including 709 days overseas. He was awarded the War Badge (No. 1737815) and was eligible for the Pacific Star and War Medal 1939–1945.

Postwar Life

After discharge, Ernest returned to New South Wales and resumed his work as a builder in Chullora and Bankstown. His disciplined trade skills contributed to postwar housing and reconstruction during the late 1940s. He remained close to his sister Uneta and other relatives, maintaining a modest and hardworking life.

In later years, Ernest returned to South Australia, settling in Port Augusta. He died there on 16 June 1962 at the age of fifty-five and was buried in the Port Augusta General Cemetery.

Legacy

Private Ernest George Howard Wheare’s life reflects the journey of many ordinary Australians whose service and endurance shaped both the war effort and the rebuilding that followed. From the copperfields of Moonta to the jungles of New Guinea, he served with resilience and dignity, answering his country’s call with quiet determination and leaving behind a legacy of service and integrity.

Biography by Trevor Pyatt 16/10/2025