Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

From Australian Remembrance Army

Australian World War One veteran Private Peter Joseph Nelson (Service No. 5081), is among almost 800 previously unmarked WWI veterans’ graves in Lutwyche Cemetery we have now marked with plaques in recognition of their service for Australia.

We unveiled his plaque in Lutwyche Cemetery on 16 May 2026, alongside 185 plaques on the previously unmarked graves of Australian World War One veterans:
See Australian Remembrance Army Facebook page

Peter Joseph Nelson was born on 26 June 1889 at Brisbane, Queensland, to Peter Joseph Nelson and Ann Nelson, née Healy.

He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force at Brisbane on 28 May 1917. At the time, he was single and working as a dealer. He named his father, Peter Nelson of Cecil Street, South Melbourne, Victoria, as his next of kin.

On 14 June 1917, Private Nelson left Sydney, New South Wales, for overseas service with the 31st Battalion, 14th Reinforcement, onboard HMAT Hororata. During the voyage, he became ill with influenza and was admitted to the ship’s hospital. After reaching England, Nelson’s poor health continued. In August 1917, he was admitted to the 3rd Convalescent Depot with mumps, then treated at Fovant Military Hospital for mumps orchitis. He was later moved to the 3rd Auxiliary Hospital at Dartford and discharged to the 2nd Convalescent Depot at Weymouth.

After recovering, he proceeded to France. In May 1918, he was treated for influenza through the 14th Field Ambulance and 47th Casualty Clearing Station before returning to duty. He became ill again in June, passing through the 15th Australian Field Ambulance and 61st Casualty Clearing Station, and rejoined his unit on 21 July 1918.

On 30 September 1918, Nelson was wounded in action in France, suffering a gunshot wound to his left hand. He was treated by the 132nd Field Ambulance, 50th Casualty Clearing Station and 5th General Hospital at Rouen before being evacuated to England on 4 October. There, he was admitted to the 2nd Western General Hospital, Manchester, then transferred to Dartford and finally to the 4th Convalescent Depot at Hurdcott.

Private Nelson returned to Australia on 20 December 1918 and was subsequently discharged from the AIF.

After returning to Australia, Nelson struggled to find work. A 1921 newspaper article described him as a 34-year-old returned soldier who was charged after trying to get a railway ticket by using a false employment letter. Nelson admitted he had written the letter himself. Police said he was not trying to make money dishonestly, but was desperate to leave Brisbane and find work. He had no money, a good military record, and had previously been of good character. The court treated him leniently and bound him over for 12 months on a £10 recognisance.

In May 1943, Peter Joseph Nelson was admitted to the Dunwich Benevolent Asylum. Dunwich provided institutional care for people who were aged, ill, disabled, destitute, or without family support. His admission record described him as a single labourer, born in Brisbane, who had lived all his life in Queensland. It also noted his two years of war service and stated that he had no money or property. He was transferred to Brisbane Hospital in early 1944.

Peter Joseph Nelson died on 9 February 1944 at Brisbane Hospital, aged 54 years, and was buried three days later in Monumental Portion 4, Lutwyche Cemetery, Brisbane.

He was unmarried with no known children.

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