Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

From Australian Remembrance Army

Trooper William Robert Meiklejohn (Service No. 1466), an Australian World War One veteran, is among almost 800 previously unmarked WWI veterans’ graves in Lutwyche Cemetery we have now marked with a plaque in recognition of their service for Australia.

We unveiled his plaque in Lutwyche Cemetery on 20 September 2025, along with a further 161 plaques on the previously unmarked graves of Australian World War One veterans:
See Australian Remembrance Army Facebook page

William Robert Meiklejohn was born on 8 July 1894 in Wallumbilla, to George Meiklejohn and Catherine Meiklejohn (nee O’Rourke). William (known as Bill) enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in Roma in 17 August 1915, stating his occupation as labourer and naming his father George as his next of kin. He enlisted on the same day as his brothers John (“Jack”), service number 1467 and Joseph (“Joe”), service number 1468. On 4 October 1915, Bill, Joe and Jack Meiklejohn embarked for overseas service aboard HMAT Mashroba from Sydney with the 5th Light Horse Regiment.

Medical documentation records multiple hospital admissions for influenza and recurrent febrile illnesses, including malaria, conditions commonly contracted by Australian troops serving in the Middle East and other overseas theatres. These illnesses resulted in prolonged treatment, convalescence, and interruptions to his active service, with care provided by field ambulances and base hospitals. He returned to Australia in mid 1919 and was subsequently discharged from the AIF.

Following his return, Bill is recorded as living in Roma and Surat in Western Qld, where he worked as a labourer. In later years he resided in Brisbane City, continuing employment as a labourer.

Trooper William Robert Meiklejohn died on 17 May 1941, aged 46, after being knocked down by a taxi cab on Mayne Road, Bowen Hills, Brisbane. He was conveyed to the General Hospital by ambulance but died before he could be admitted. He was buried two days later in Monumental General Portion 4 at Lutwyche Cemetery, Brisbane. He was unmarried and had no known children.

His brother Jack died in November 1938 at the age of 50 and is buried in Roma, Qld, while his brother Joe died in Brisbane in September 1956 at the age of 63, with his ashes interred at Mt Thompson Crematorium, Brisbane.

After decades without recognition at his place of burial, the grave of Trooper William Robert Meiklejohn 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.