Unmarked graves honoured at plaque unveiling ceremony

All images courtesy of Lily Zhu, Toowong RSL Sub Branch

On Saturday 23 September, the Toowong RSL Sub Branch, in collaboration with the Australian Remembrance Army, held an official unveiling ceremony to honour 301 WWI veterans whose unmarked graves have recently been identified in the Lutwyche Cemetery.

The plaques commemorate veterans who served in the Boer War, WWI and WWII

Toowong RSL Sub Branch President Peter Gow said the Sub Branch has been very passionate about this project, emphasising the importance of this undertaking to recognise veterans who bravely served Australia.

“This project symbolises our commitment to encouraging commemoration and honouring the service and sacrifice of those who fought for the freedom that we enjoy today,” Mr Gow said.

“The unveiling of these commemorative plaques marks the legacy of hundreds of veterans, allowing their service history to be seen for generations to come.

The unveiling ceremony was held at Lutwyche Cemetery

“There is a wealth of history to uncover behind each and every individual identified, with two awarded a Military Medal, one awarded the distinguished Military Cross and another bestowed with a Meritorious Service Medal.

“Now, we are humbled to be providing fitting recognition for these veterans who were ultimately laid to rest here in the Lutwyche Cemetery.”

Amongst the cohort, 203 of these veterans were born in Australia and 98 are from various countries around the world.

Through meticulous research and the support of the Department of Veterans Affairs’ ‘Unmarked WW1 Graves Program’, Cate Walker and Katrina Trevethan from the Australian Remembrance Army were able to determine each individual’s service background, their origins, and some remarkable military accomplishments.

Kenmore-Moggill RSL Sub Branch member Chris Moon, Australian Remembrance Army researchers Cate Walker and Katrina Trevethan, and Toowong RSL Sub Branch President Peter Gow

“It has been excellent to collaborate with Cate and Katrina on this project and we feel immense pride in bringing this event together,” Mr Gow said.

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