Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

From Australian Remembrance Army

Private George Ellis Metcalf who served under the surname Metcalfe, (Service Numbers: WWI 5425, WWII Q186954), 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.

We unveiled his 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:
See Australian Remembrance Army Facebook page

George Ellis Metcalf was born on 6 November 1881 at Gatton, Queensland, to James Beecher Metcalf and Eleanor Metcalf (née Ellis). He worked as a farmer in the Lockyer Valley and, in May 1906, married Annie Louisa, with whom he had four children. On 17 September 1915, at the age of 33, he enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force and was assigned to the 17th Reinforcements of the 9th Battalion. After training, he embarked from Australia on 20 April 1916, arriving in Egypt in May and then in France in June. He joined the 9th Battalion in the field on 29 July 1916. Within weeks he was wounded in action on 21 August 1916 by a shell burst in France and was hospitalised at Étaples.

After returning to duty in October, he continued to experience medical difficulties through late 1916, including sore feet, fever, and bronchitis, which required several periods of hospitalisation. In early 1917 he suffered further illness, including skin disease and boils, and was evacuated to England on 17 March 1917 for treatment at Bevan Mills Hospital and later the 3rd Auxiliary Hospital, Dartford. On 28 April 1917 he was transferred from the 9th Battalion to the 69th Battalion during an AIF reorganisation. Later that year he again proceeded to France, rejoining the 9th Battalion in Belgium on 20 October 1917. One week later, on 27 October, he was severely wounded in action, sustaining multiple gunshot wounds to his legs, arm, jaw, and face. He was evacuated to England via Cambridge Hospital, and, owing to the seriousness of his injuries, was assessed as medically unfit for further active service. He returned to Australia on 13 May 1918 for discharge.

More than twenty years later, at the age of 57, Metcalf again volunteered for military service during the Second World War. He enlisted on 13 October 1939 at Brisbane, recording his civilian occupation as basket maker and his prior service with the 9th Battalion in France during the First World War. He was posted to the 1st Garrison Battalion, a home-service unit responsible for security, guard duties, and the defence of key military installations within Australia. His Second World War enlistment reflected the common practice of utilising experienced older veterans for essential domestic defence roles, thereby freeing younger men for overseas operations.

1919 to 1949 George is recorded as living with his wife Annie at Deagon, Sandgate, Queensland, and working as a labourer.

Private George Ellis Metcalf died on 11 June 1952, aged 70, and was interred in Anzac Portion 8, 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 has now been restored.

We have remembered him.
Lest We Forget.