Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

From Australian Remembrance Army

Captain Edward Freeman MC, an Australian World War One veteran who served our nation at Gallipoli, and whose previously unmarked grave in Lutwyche Cemetery we have marked with a plaque honouring his service for Australia. We received grant funding for this grave plaque from the Australian Government under the Marking (First World War) Private Graves Grants Program.

On September 23rd 2023, his plaque was unveiled in Lutwyche Cemetery, along with a further 300 plaques on the previously unmarked graves of Australian World War One veterans:

Edward Freeman was born 2 August 1884 in Hobart, Tasmania to Edward (1848-1905) and Mary Jane Freeman (nee Hadley) (1856-1933).

Edward married Madge Singer on 5 June 1909 in Hobart.
In August 1914, at the age of 30, he enlisted as a Private in the AIF and was allotted the service number 556. As he rose in ranks, he was offered a role as a Commissioned Officer.

Edward embarked for overseas with the 8th Battalion from Melbourne on 19 October 1914 aboard HMAT Benalla (A24).

In July 1915, his left eye was wounded by a shell at Gallipoli and caused a corneal ulcer.
In September 1918, Captain Edward Freeman was recommended the award of Military Cross. The Commonwealth of Australia Gazette of 23 May 1919 (page 888) and the London Gazette 1 January 1919 (page 32) list him in the honours:

‘Captain Freeman who has been battalion Quartermaster during the period 25th February to 16th September, 1918, has done invaluable and very often courageous work in connection with the duties of Quartermaster. During the heavy fighting and advance of August 9th and 11th, and during subsequent operations Capt. Freeman’s work was a very large factor towards the success of the operations. Although the rear had not been thoroughly mopped up, he went forward to the front line and reconnoitred routes for his ration parties under heavy artillery and machine gun fire. As soon as the light would permit he led and his convoy as far forward as possible and personally led the ration parties to the line, thus ensuring that the men, even in the most advanced portions of the line, had a hot meal as soon as darkness came on.

His energy, courage and devotion to duty throughout all these operations earned for him the admiration of all ranks and although acting also as Brigade Quartermaster he found time to attend to the most minute details of his Battalion duty. Capt. Freeman throughout the long term during which he has held the appointment of Quartermaster has always carried out his duties without regard to personal risk and with the very greatest judgement and ability. Capt. Freeman has also acted, during this period, as Brigade Quartermaster and carried out his duties very satisfactory.’

On 13 July 1919 Captain Edward Freeman left Southampton, England, on board HMAT Persic (A34) for the return voyage to Australia. The Persic disembarked soldiers in Melbourne on August 29, 1919, marking the end of its role in transporting troops home after World War I. This was the ship's first voyage to Australia after being refitted for commercial service following its use during the war, where it was torpedoed in 1918 but was beached and repaired.

Edwards’ WWI military appointment was terminated on 4 November 1919, and in April 1920, correspondence shows he was living in Hobart Tasmania.

Captain Edward Freeman MC died on 30 July 1950, and was interred in Anzac Portion 8, Lutwyche Cemetery, Brisbane. His wife Madge died in Brighton Victoria two months later. They had no children.
Lest We Forget