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From Australian Remembrance Army

Patrick Francis O'Neill, an Australian veteran of both World Wars, 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 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

WWI service file:
2068, Trooper, 1st AIF, 2nd Light Horse Regiment

WWII service:
1. Q187508, Private, 2nd AIF, 1st Garrison Battalion

2. 75535, Leading Aircraftman, 2nd AIF, 2nd Personnel Depot (Staff)

Patrick Francis O’Neill was born on 9 April 1887 at Sydney, New South Wales, to Jeremiah and Annie O’Neill. On 14 September 1915, he enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force at Toowoomba, Queensland. He stated his occupation as jockey and nominated his mother, Mrs Annie O’Neill, as his next of kin.
On 31 January 1916, O’Neill embarked from Brisbane aboard HMAT Wandilla for overseas service with the 2nd Light Horse Regiment, 14th Reinforcement. After arriving overseas, he was taken on strength of the 1st Light Horse Training Regiment on 2 March 1916, then joined the 2nd Light Horse Regiment on 10 June. On 11 June 1916, he was taken on strength of the regiment at Romani, placing him with the Australian Light Horse in the Sinai theatre.

On 19 April 1917, O’Neill was wounded in action. His injury was recorded as a gunshot wound to the groin, with another entry describing it as a gunshot wound to the thigh. The date coincides with the Second Battle of Gaza, when Australian mounted troops were heavily engaged.

O’Neill was admitted to the 2nd Stationary Hospital on 23 April 1917 and transferred to the 14th Australian General Hospital on 29 April. He was discharged from Moascar Convalescent Depot on 27 June and taken on strength from hospital on 10 July 1917.

His casualty form records further medical and administrative movements after the wound. He was sent to an isolation camp on 3 August 1917 and taken on strength from isolation on 9 August. In October 1917, he was marched in from Moascar and transferred from the 1st Light Horse Training Regiment to Australian Depot Stores, suggesting a shift to base or support duties rather than front-line mounted service.

The effects of the wound continued into 1918. On 3 August 1918, a medical-board entry at Depot Stores recorded gunshot wound to the groin and debility, while another entry referred to gunshot wound to the thigh, permanent B2 classification, and disability. That same day, O’Neill embarked at Suez aboard HMT Wiltshire for return to Australia for discharge due to disability. He was discharged from the AIF on 7 December 1918.

Following his return to Australia, Trooper O’Neill is recorded as living at Helen Street, Toowoomba, where he worked as a jockey from about 1925 to the early 1940s.

During the Second World War, O’Neill was mobilised at Gaythorne, Queensland, on 28 June 1940 for service with No. 1 Garrison Battalion. He was allotted service number Q187508 and served as a Private. His mobilisation record described him as a jockey and horse-trainer, living at 31 Helen Street, Toowoomba. His record also noted his previous First World War service with the 2nd Light Horse Regiment in Palestine. He was discharged on 2 October 1940, with weakness of the back and general debility recorded.
On 20 April 1942, O’Neill again enlisted, this time in the Royal Australian Air Force at Brisbane. He was given service number 75535 and served as a Leading Aircraftman. His RAAF records again listed his occupation as jockey and his address as 31 Helen Street, Toowoomba. His RAAF service ended on 27 November 1945, when he was discharged on demobilisation.

By 1949, it appears that O’Neill had moved to Scott Street, Deagon, Brisbane, where he was recorded first as a stable hand and then, from about 1949 to 1958, as a shop assistant.

Patrick appears not to have married. His First World War enlistment papers and his 1940 Army mobilisation record both describe him as single, and no spouse or children have yet been identified.

Patrick Francis O’Neill died on 3 March 1962, aged 74, and was buried in Anzac Portion 9, Lutwyche Cemetery, Brisbane.

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