Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

From Australian Remembrance Army

James Morton Ovens (WWI Lieutenant, WWII Flying Officer), an Australian veteran of both World Wars, is among almost 800 previously unmarked WWI veterans’ graves in Lutwyche Cemetery we have now marked with a plaque recognising their service for Australia.

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

James Morton Ovens was born in October 1895 in Boorowa, New South Wales, to Thomas Ovens and Mary Ovens (née Euston).

James was living in Bathurst, New South Wales, when he volunteered for service in the First World War at the age of twenty-one. He enlisted on 11 December 1916 at Moore Park, entering the AIF as Driver 18414 with the Field Company Engineers.
After his initial training, he embarked from Sydney on 2 August 1917 aboard HMAT Miltiades (A28), bound for the Western Front. His early service placed him among the essential engineering units whose labour underpinned the Australian Corps—constructing roads and bridges, maintaining water supply, and supporting the infrastructure of the fighting line.

By March 1918 he had transferred to the 8th Field Company Engineers in France, carrying out difficult and often dangerous engineering work close to the front. His capability led to further advancement, and in September 1918 he proceeded to England for pilot training with the Australian Flying Corps. Upon graduation in March 1919, he was transferred to the Australian Flying Corps and commissioned as a Lieutenant. With the return of peace, he commenced his voyage home on 1 November 1919 aboard HT Nestor, disembarking on 15 December, and later received his discharge in the 2nd Military District on 23 January 1920.

In civilian life he settled in New South Wales and married Doris Seymour at Paddington in 1922. They had four children during their marriage. He later produced a substantial manuscript entitled War Clouds and Wings, for which he sought and received copyright protection in 1931 while residing in Brisbane. The registered work remains preserved in the National Archives of Australia as a testament to his interest in aviation and his desire to record the spirit of the times in which he had served.

When the Second World War threatened Australia a generation later, Ovens once again stepped forward. His RAAF file records his address as Red Hill, Brisbane, and his occupation as motor car and truck salesman. On 1 April 1940 he was appointed an officer of the Citizen Air Force. His service was brief, as his appointment was terminated on 23 August 1940.

In 1958 he is recorded as living at “Albaville”, 179 The Esplanade, Manly, Brisbane, and was employed as a labourer.

James Morton Ovens died on 2 February 1962, aged 66, and was buried four days later in Anzac Portion 9, Lutwyche Cemetery, Brisbane.

After more than six 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 has now been restored.

We have remembered him.
Lest We Forget. 

Address at the time of enlistment was Bathurst, NSW.

Son of Thomas Ovens and Mary Ovens nee Euston via Bathurst of Esrom, NSW

Commenced return to Australia on 1 November 1919 aboard HT Nestor disembarking on 15 December 1919 at Melbourne for onward travel to Sydney.

Medals: British War Medal, Victory Medal

During 1922c James married Doris C. Seymour in Paddington, NSW.