Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Enlisted for Service in WW1 aged 19 (and 20 days) on 28 May 1918.

Joined the RAAF in 1926 where he served until his death on 06 Oct 1939 from injuries sustained in a motorcycle crash on 04 Oct 1939.

"FLIGHT-SERG. A. T. COLE

Full Air Force honours were accorded Flight-Sergeant Arthur Thomas Cole at his funeral yesterday at the crematorium in the New Melbourne General Cemetery, Fawkner. Flight-Sergeant Cole, who was aged 40 years, died on Friday from injuries received on Wednesday night, when his motor-cycle, on which he was returning home from Laverton, collided with two Militia soldiers. After a service at the chapel of Mr. E. W. Jackson, Ferguson street, Williamstown, the cortege was met by a firing and escort party, and the band of the Royal Australian Air Force. On the coffin, which was draped with the Union Jack, were Flight-Sergeant Cole's Air Force cap, side arms, war medals, and the colours of the 55th battalion, A.I.F., with which he served during the war. Members of the Air Force carried the coffin and acted as pall-bearers. The ashes of Flight-Sergeant Cole will be scattered over the Laverton aerodrome from an R.A.A.F. plane. Services at the chapel and at the cemetery were conducted by Flight-Lieutenant McWilliam. A Masonic service at the cemetery was conducted by Warrant Offlcer N. Dyer, and Flight-Officer A. D. Swan was in charge of the firing party. Chief mourners were Flight-Sergeant Cole's widow, mother, and two young sons. The funeral was conducted by Mr. E. W. Jackson, of Williamstown." - from the Melbourne Argus 10 Oct 1939 (nla.gov.au)

"Flight-Sergeant A. T. COLE.

Flight-Sergeant Arthur Thomas Cole, of 194 Hall-street, Spotswood, died on Friday evening at the local hospital from injuries received which he suffered in Kororoit Creek-Road on Wednesday night while riding his motor cycle home from duty at Laverton Air Force station. His motor cycle struck two militia soldiers, who escaped with minor injuries, but he was thrown heavily to the ground and suffered a fractured skull and internal injuries. He was born at Ladysmith, South Africa, 40 years ago, and had resided locally for three years. Much sympathy is extended to his widow and three young children. The funeral took place on Monday afternoon, leaving E. W. Jackson's chapel, with full Air Force honors. At the corner of Boundary-road and Sydney-road, North Coburg, the cortege was met by firing and escort party and a large number of Air Force mourners, and the band of the Royal Australian Air Force, and proceeded to the Fawkner Crematorium. The coffin, covered by the Union Jack, on which was placed deceased's cap, belt, sidearms and decorations, and the colors of the 55th Battalion. A.I.F., in which he served in the Great War, was carried to the crematorium by six sergeants of the R.A.A.F., whilst eight flight-sergeants acted as pallbearers. Flight-Lieut. McWilliam (Anglican), Air Force chaplain, held a service in the chapel and officiated at the crematorium. Warrant Officer N. Dyer conducted the Masonic burial service. The ashes of the deceased sergeant will be scattered over the Laverton aerodrome from an R A.A.F. plane early next week. The deceased was one of the R.A.A.F. official photographers. E. W. Jackson. was the' undertaker." - from the Williamstown Chronicle 14 Oct 1939 (nla.gov.au)