Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Colin Elder Joyner served in the First World War. He served in multiple units throughout his service.

World War One was a major conflict that started on the 28th July 1914 and ended on the 11th November 1918. The war started due to many alliances and the increase of militarism and nationalism throughout many European countries. The event that caused all these countries to start fighting was the assassination of the archduke of Austria, Franz Ferdinand.The major alliances that were formed were the triple entente and the central powers.

This conflict was the first major war that involved the major European powers. It also involved new technology such as tanks, aeroplanes and new weapons such as machineguns. This conflict caused the most deaths and injuries and new weapons like gas caused lasting damage even after the war finished.

Colin Joyner was born in 1893 in North Adelaide. When he grew up he became a dentist’s assistant and remained in this field of work until the “Great war” He had no previous military service. Colin enlisted for the Australian Military Forces on the 11/9/1914. He was attached to the 16th infantry battalion which embarked on the A40 Ceramic Troopship which left from Melbourne.

Colin’s battalion fought in Gallipoli and their first battle was at the Bloody angle. Colin also later fought in the Dardanelles where he was injured. He suffered a bullet wound to the left foot. This injury put Colin out of action for five months. He spent spent time recovering at the Greek hospital in Alexandria. While recovering Colin was appointed to assist as a dental mechanic. With this he was also promoted to staff sergeant. Once discharged from hospital, Colin was attached for duty in a different unit. This unit was the 3rd light horse field ambulance (3.L.H.F.A for short). Colin served in this unit until the end of the war. Colin also partook in the battle of Romani in Egypt. The battle lasted for three days. During those 3 days Colin and the 3rd L.H.F.A helped retrieve and treat wounded soldiers.

The living conditions during the war that Colin and his battalion dealt with were pretty poor. In the desert, the living areas were small tents in the middle of nowhere.

Colin returned home after the war. He served in World War Two for four years overseas. After the war Colin spent the rest of his life with his wife, Clarice. He had one child, Miriam. Colin liked to go on a trips to Kangaroo Island with his family. They would camp and fish in the outdoors over there.  Sadly, Colin died whilst Miriam was still a teenager.

Colin Elder Joyner’s name is on the North Adelaide M1 World War 1 War Memorial. This memorial displays the names of soldiers that enlisted and lived in the district of North Adelaide.