Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

From Australian Remembrance Army

Frederick Joseph Collie an Australian veteran of both World Wars, is among almost 800 previously unmarked WWI veterans’ graves in Lutwyche Cemetery we have now marked with a plaque recognising their service for Australia.

First World War:
1021, Gunner, 36th Heavy Artillery Brigade

Second World War:
Q199884, Australian Military Forces, Northern Command Records Office

We unveiled his plaque in Lutwyche Cemetery on 23 September 2023, along with a further 300 plaques on the previously unmarked graves of Australian World War One veterans:
See Australian Remembrance Army Facebook Page

Frederick Joseph Collie was born on 13 April 1895 at Ipswich, Queensland, Australia, and first entered military service during the First World War, enlisting in the Australian Imperial Force at Brisbane on 22 May 1915. From late 1917, he undertook overseas service, travelling through Egypt, Italy, France, and England. During this period his service was repeatedly interrupted by serious illness, most notably a progressive eye disease diagnosed as trachoma, with complications including granular conjunctivitis, corneal ulceration, pannus, and permanent corneal scarring. Although medical boards noted that he had “weak eyes” prior to enlistment, his condition deteriorated significantly during active service. He was ultimately returned to Australia and discharged from the AIF in July 1919 with lasting visual impairment.

Following the First World War, Collie attempted to re-establish himself in civilian life, working in a variety of occupations including storeman, bootmaker, and casual labourer, though his employment was irregular and affected by ongoing health problems. He married Thelma May Morgan in Brisbane in April 1932. In 1937, he sustained a serious spinal injury while in civilian employment, for which he received workers’ compensation. Despite advancing age and declining health, Collie again volunteered for military service during the Second World War. At 44 years of age, he enlisted in the Australian Military Forces at Brisbane on 18 December 1939. Medical examination restricted him to non-combatant duties, and his service was confined to Australia in records and administrative roles. His period of Second World War service was brief, and he was discharged on medical grounds on 16 September 1940.

In his later years, Collie continued to suffer from chronic illness, impaired vision, and episodes later described by his widow as blackouts. In September 1953, he collapsed during one of these episodes, sustaining a fractured skull. Frederick Joseph Collie died on 11 September 1953, aged 58, and was buried in Anzac Portion 8, Lutwyche Cemetery, Brisbane.
The official cause of death was bronchopneumonia due to chronic subdural haematoma, resulting from the head injury. His widow subsequently applied for a war widow’s pension, arguing that the blackout which caused the fatal fall was linked to disabilities originating in his First World War service. Although some of his eye conditions were accepted as war-related during his lifetime, the Repatriation Board ruled in 1955 that his death was not attributable to war service.

After decades without recognition at his place of burial, his grave now bears a plaque commemorating his service to Australia — ensuring his name endures among those remembered for their duty and sacrifice. His identity and dignity have now been restored.

We have remembered him.
Lest We Forget.