Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

From Australian Remembrance Army

Francis William Davies, who served for Australia during both World Wars is among almost 800 previously unmarked 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:
Service No. 57947, Private, 15th Battalion

WWII service:
Service No. W27678, Sgt, 5th Veterinary Hospital

Francis William Davies was born on 18 December 1899 at Liverpool, England, to William Joseph Davies and Caroline Davies, née Hawkins. In 1913, Francis emigrated to Queensland, Australia, with his parents and younger brother. Passenger records show that Francis Davies, aged 13, departed London, England, on 5 November 1913, bound for Brisbane, Queensland.

On 21 December 1917, Francis William Davies enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force at Townsville, Queensland. He was 18, single, working as a bookbinder, and nominated his mother, Caroline Davies, of Arthur Street, West End, Townsville, as his next of kin.

Private Davies embarked from Sydney aboard HMAT Borda on 17 July 1918 and disembarked in London on 27 September 1918. In England, he marched in to the 12th Training Battalion at Fovant and was later allotted to reinforcements for the 15th Battalion. His records show that he remained in England during the final months of the war and did not proceed to France before the Armistice.

His service included time with depot, reserve, technical and training units, as well as an attachment to the 16th Battalion and a period on command at a school of instruction. In early 1919, he passed through command depots in England while awaiting return to Australia.

Private Davies returned to Australia aboard Port Napier in May 1919 and was discharged on 28 July 1919. In later correspondence, he gave his post-war address at the time he received his gratuity bond as 40 Villiers Street, Rockdale, Sydney.

In 1928, Francis William Davies married Marguretta Emily McInerney at Swan, Western Australia. Her name was also recorded as Marguerita Emily McInerney, and she was later known as Margaret.

In 1938, while living at Burekup, Western Australia, Davies asked military authorities for proof of his A.I.F. service so he could join the R.S.L. He stated that he had enlisted at Townsville in December 1917, trained at Rifle Range and Enoggera, sailed on HMAT Borda in July 1918, transferred to the 15th Battalion at Hurdcott Camp, and returned aboard Port Napier in 1919. In a statutory declaration made at Burekup, near Bunbury, Western Australia on 7 July 1938, he stated that his original discharge had been accidentally destroyed.

During the Second World War, Francis William Davies again served in the Australian Military Forces. He enlisted at Swanbourne, Western Australia, on 26 February 1941 as W27678. He was 41, married, working as a labourer, and nominated his wife, Mrs M. E. Davies, as his next of kin.

Davies served entirely within Australia. His records link him with the 10th Garrison Battalion, camp staff duties, Rottnest, Marrinup Prisoner of War Camp, and the 5th Australian Veteran Hospital. In February 1943, he was admitted to No. 8 Australian General Hospital and transferred to 102 Australian General Hospital, with tachycardia noted.

Sergeant Davies was discharged on 24 July 1945 on compassionate grounds for family reasons. His discharge papers recorded 1,610 days of effective service, all within Australia. After the war, he and his wife sought confirmation of his service, including for Canteen Relief Fund assistance and a replacement discharge certificate.

Francis William Davies died on 15 October 1960, aged 60, 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