Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Arthur was born on the 7th of January, 1907, at Yarram in Gippsland, Victoria. He was the first of two sons for George and Sarah Elizabeth Davis. 

After leaving school, Arthur assisted his father at the Shire Office in Tallangatta. Afterwards, he was appointed inspector of noxious weeds and vermin at Leongatha. On the 26th of December, 1937, he married Dorothy Rebecca Ellen Kee at St Mary’s Church in Yarram.  He was later transferred to Corryong, where he was placed in charge of the district. 

In 1938 and 1939 Arthur became a member of the 22nd Militia Battalion, rising to the rank of corporal.  On the 29th of February of 1940 he was appointed a provisional lieutenant in the 22nd. Arthur’s brother, Stan, enlisted in April of 1940 and became a private (rising to the rank of sergeant) in the 2/6th Infantry Battalion. In April of 1941, Arthur transferred from the militia to the 2nd AIF, keeping his rank. He was taken on strength with the RRD (Regional Recruit Depot) and posted to the 6th Reinforcements of the 2/14th Infantry Battalion.

The 22nd of May, 1941, edition of the Upper Murray and Mitta Herald reported that “there was a large and representative gathering at the Memorial Hall in Tallangatta , on Thursday evening last, when the Farewell and Reception Committee entertained Lieut. A. Davis, Sapper Jim Urquhart and Pte. Don. Sanderson. A good number took part in dancing to the music supplied by Miss Jean Wark, while others played euchre the winners being Mr E. Hillas (after a cut with Mr. E. Butler) and Mrs. Arthur Davis (after a cut-off with Mrs. F. Pink) …. Mr Geo. Davis, president of the local branch of the Retunred Soldiers’ Association hoped it would not be long before the boys returned … His son, Arthur Davis would have a greater weed to eradicate than what he had been used to, and trusted he would make his solution much stronger in eradicating Hilterism …”

The 6th Reinforcements embarked at Sydney on the 27th of June of 1941. Two days short of one month at sea, they disembarked in Egypt. Over the next few months Arthur would attend a number of schools, developing his skills as an infantry officer. He was admitted to to the 1st Australian General Hospital suffering from sandfly fever. Although this type of fever only lasted a few days it caused severe head, muscle and joint aches.

On the 19th of January, Arthur was taken on strength with the 2/14th Battalion. Ten days later the battalion embarked on the SS Íle de France. Upon reaching Bombay, the unit was disembarked and enjoyed a short stay on dry land. On the 13th of February it was time to embark on the City of Paris where they sailed for Australia, disembarking in Brisbane on the 24th of March.

For the next five months the 2/14th Battalion underwent jungle training and enjoyed some well deserved home leave.  By the 6th of August the battalion was deemed ready for overseas service. They boarded the James Feinmore Cooper and spent six days travelling to Port Morseby. The troops were ferried by RAN Corvettes from the ship to the shore. American rucks and drivers awaited for them and drove them the 30 miles (approximately 50 kilometres) to Itiki where they debussed. After spending three days here, and being briefed by Brigadier Potts on what was expected of them in the coming campaign, the battalion was transported to a debussing point forward of Ililo. The first stage of their trek overland was about to begin. By the end of the first day the 45lbs (20 kg) load carried by each had a very tiring effect on each man. 

It took the battalion eight days for it to traverse the track from Ilolo to Alolo. On the 27th the weather was fine with occasional mists lower down the valley. Arthur, in charge of No. 14 Platoon of C Company, spent a quiet but wet night, had some activity against small enemy patrols that were trying to move up on the eastern side of the perimeter. Lieutenant Colonel Honner directed C Company to send out a patrol to deal with the Japanese who had shown increased activity of the western side of the track. Arthur and 20 of his men from 14 Platoon went out. Although the patrol ambushed and inflicted casualties on the enemy, it had to withdrawal due to the superior numbers of the Japanese force. Arthur was reported wounded and was last seen making his way back to C Company’s lines. C Company was the first company to meet the full force of the Japanese attack at Isurava. During the Papuan campaign of 1942, all of C Company’s commanders were killed.

It appears from his service records, and the date of his burial, that Arthur’s body was not found until early February the following year. He was buried in the Kokoda War Cemetery, grave A.A.16.

After Arthur had died of his wounds, his brother Stan’s unit was posted to new Guinea. The boy’s mother, Sarah, received a letter from Stan in October of 1942. He mentioned that he thought “the country was somewhat similar to Ceylon, where he spent sometime before coming home. The atmosphere is humid, and smokers use pipe-lights instead of matches. Living conditions are good - the best he has struck since being in the army. He had not met any of his brother Arthur’s mates yet, but hoped to shortly.”

Arthur’s mother was also doing her bit for the war effort. In January of 1943 she recieved a letter from a Mrs. A Jocelyn of Hampshire, England.

“I felt I would like to write to tell you my husband, serving in the British Merchant Service, on convoy duties, has received the pullover (navy blue) which you kindly knitted. I feel sure it is due to kindness, such as yours, which helps to keep our men fit and well. I got your address stitched on the garment. Many thanks and good wishes for our united victory.” The editor of the Upper Murray and Mitta Herald commented that “the above letter proves that the garments, knitted by loving fingers for the men who so bravely carry out their jobs in a great service, are reaching these men. Good luck to them.”

Arthur is remembered on the Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour, and the Yarram WW2 Memorial Pillars. For his service, he was awarded the 1939-1945 Star, the Pacific Star, the Defence Medal, the War Medal 1939-1945 and the Australian Service Medal 1939-1945.