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Australia

William Allan Ovenstone

1900 – 1977

Early Life in Scotland

William Allan Ovenstone was born on 8 March 1900 in St Monans, Fife, Scotland, a fishing village with deep maritime traditions. Growing up in this environment, the sea and service were ever-present influences.

Marriage & Migration

In 1924, William married Elizabeth Tarbert (1904–1971) at Ardrossan Old, Ayrshire, Scotland. Soon after their marriage, they emigrated to Australia, settling in New South Wales, where they raised three children:

John Allan Ovenstone (1925–1984)
Allan William Ovenstone (1926–1983)
Elizabeth Tarbert Marjorie “Beth” Ovenstone (1931–1999)

The couple later divorced, with William remaining in New South Wales and Elizabeth moving to South Australia with their daughter Beth.

Second World War Service

When the Second World War expanded into the Pacific, William offered his service despite being over 40 years of age.

Enlistment & Mobilisation
William was mobilised on 19 January 1942 into the Royal Australian Naval Reserve (R.A.N.R. (S)), based in Sydney. His civilian background and reliability led to his appointment as a Probationary Temporary Warrant Officer on 16 December 1941, confirmed shortly afterwards.
Physical Description
At enlistment he was described as 5’10” tall, with brown hair, blue eyes, medium complexion, and a tattoo on his right forearm. His religion was listed as Presbyterian.
Postings
He served initially at HMAS Rushcutter (Sydney), a training and anti-submarine warfare establishment, from 19 January to 30 November 1942.
He was then posted to HMAS Penguin (Gerard Division) from 1 December 1942 to 17 July 1943, continuing at HMAS Penguin until 4 November 1943.
Duties & Responsibilities
His role as a Temporary Warrant Officer placed him in a supervisory and instructional capacity — overseeing ratings, assisting with training, and providing administrative support to the officers of the shore establishments.
Medical Discharge
In 1943, William underwent a medical survey which diagnosed him with myocardial degeneration and coronary sclerosis (heart disease). On 4 November 1943, he was declared medically unfit for further service and discharged from the Navy. His official appointment was finally terminated on 25 July 1945, near the war’s end.
Recognition
He received a War Gratuity payment (Claim M No. 12039) of £12.4.11, recorded upon his discharge.

Although his time in the Navy was relatively short, William’s service highlights the crucial role of older reservists who stepped forward at a time when Australia faced the threat of Japanese expansion in the Pacific.

Later Life

After discharge, William continued to live in New South Wales. His life was shaped by separation from his wife and the dispersal of his children between NSW and SA.

His sons, John and Allan William, remained in New South Wales, both passing away there.
His daughter Beth later settled in South Australia with her mother, where both were buried at Enfield Memorial Park.

Death & Burial

William Allan Ovenstone died on 24 July 1977 in Sydney, aged 76. He was cremated at the Northern Suburbs Memorial Gardens and Crematorium, North Ryde, NSW.

Legacy

William’s life carried him from the fishing port of St Monans, Fife, to the naval establishments of Sydney Harbour during WWII. His service, though cut short by ill health, reflected a sense of duty at a critical moment in Australia’s defence. His story, split between Scotland, New South Wales, and South Australia.

Biography by Trevor Pyatt 31/08/2025