Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

From Australian Remembrance Army

Australian World War One veterans and brothers,  Private Elijah Haworth (Service No. 5691) and Private Thomas Haworth (Service No. 7491) and are among almost 800 previously unmarked WWI veterans’ graves in Lutwyche Cemetery we have now marked with plaques recognising their service for Australia. Both completed overseas service, returned to civilian life, and are commemorated at Lutwyche Cemetery, with Thomas laid to rest in Anzac Portion 9, and brother Elijah in Anzac Portion 8.

We were fortunate to have received an insight into Elijah’s story, as given by his grandson, Lachlan. Private Elijah Haworth, 15th Battalion
WWI service:
See Australian Remembrance Army facebook page

We unveiled Elijah’s 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 in Anzac Portion 8.

Thomas Haworth was born in 1879 in Bolton, Lancashire, England to parents Rosanna Smith and John Haworth. Thomas, along with his parents and four siblings (Catherine, Walter, Joseph and Lily), emigrated to Australia, sailing from London on the “Chyebassa” on 24 August 1886, and arriving at Brisbane, Queensland, Australia on 19 October 1886. The family settled in Brisbane and on 3 March 1890, Elijah was born, followed by the birth of Eva in 1896.
Elijah enlisted with the AIF in Brisbane, Queensland, on 13 January 1916, at the age of 25 years and 10 months. His occupation was recorded as a butter packer, and he nominated his mother as his next of kin. He embarked for overseas service on 3 May 1916, disembarking at Suez, Egypt, before sailing from Alexandria to England to join the 4th Training Battalion. Elijah proceeded to France on 30 September 1916, marching into Étaples the following day. On 1 February 1917, while serving in the field in France, Elijah was admitted to a Field Ambulance suffering from frostbite. He was transferred to No. 2 General Hospital and later embarked for England, where he was admitted to the 3rd Australian General Hospital in Brighton. Due to the effects of trench feet, Elijah was returned to Australia on 3 July 1917. He was discharged from service on 26 September 1917 as medically unfit.

On his return to Australia, Elijah married Mary Adelaide McDonough and raised six children. After the war he became the founding manager of the Eumundi Butter Factory, earning awards for its produce. Family members recalled him as a skilled marksman who often supplemented the household food with game, but he carried lasting trauma from the war. In later years he struggled with mental health issues and poor financial decisions, leading to long periods of hospitalisation, and when he died the family appears to have lacked the means to properly mark his grave.
The family’s hardship was compounded by the loss of Elijah’s son, Barry, who was killed in action during the Korean War in 1953 and is buried at Pusan. The absence of repatriation brought little closure, and the loss deeply affected the family for decades. In 2015, Barry was commemorated at an Australian War Memorial Last Post service, a moving occasion that highlighted the enduring impact of war on families. Elijah died on 3 February 1957, and was laid to rest at Lutwyche Cemetery, Brisbane in Anzac Portion 8 the following day.

The service of Thomas and Elijah Haworth reflects two brothers who each enlisted and served Australia during the First World War. After decades without recognition at their place of burial, their graves now bear plaques commemorating their service to Australia, ensuring their names are preserved among those remembered for their duty and sacrifice.

Their identity and dignity have now been restored.
We have remembered them.
Lest We Forget.