Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

From Australian Remembrance Army

Today we remember Australian First World War veterans and brothers, Private Robert Rolf Healy and Private John Eric Healy, who are buried together in Monumental Portion 4 at Lutwyche Cemetery, Brisbane.

The Healy brothers are among almost 800 previously unmarked First World War veterans’ graves at Lutwyche Cemetery that we have now marked with plaques in recognition of their service to Australia.

We unveiled their plaques at Lutwyche Cemetery on 16 May 2026, along with a further 184 plaques on the previously unmarked graves of Australian First World War veterans:
See Australian Remembrance Army Facebook page

WWI service files:
Private John Eric Healy, 809B

Private Robert Rolf Healy, 4515

Private Robert Rolf Healy and Private John Eric Healy were sons of Robert James Healy and Mary Ann Healy, née Walker. Both enlisted in Brisbane, were single at the time of enlistment, and served on the Western Front. They survived the war, returned to Australia in 1919, and were later buried together at Lutwyche Cemetery.

John Eric Healy was born at Tallebudgera, Queensland, on 16 June 1893. Before enlistment, he worked as a fireman, and his address was recorded as Emerald, Queensland. He enlisted in the AIF at Brisbane on 14 January 1916 and served as Private 809B. His initial unit was C Company, 3rd Pioneer Battalion, and his later nominal roll unit was the 3rd Machine Gun Battalion. His next of kin was his father, Robert Healy, of Cullringo via Fernlees, Springsure, Queensland. John embarked from Melbourne on 6 June 1916 aboard HMAT Wandilla.

John’s casualty history was mainly connected with gas exposure. His medical records state that he was gassed at Messines in June 1917 and gassed again in July 1918. Following these exposures, his file noted pain in the left side and, at times, coughing with expectoration. Medical board notes also referred to chest and respiratory effects, including palpitation and friction sounds at the left base of the lung. John was later returned to Australia as medically unfit. He returned aboard H.T. Themistocles on 12 August 1919 and was discharged as medically unfit, on 26 September 1919. He died in Brisbane on 20 September 1966, aged 73.

The brothers’ service files show two different experiences of the same war. Robert’s service was marked by repeated wounds in action, while John’s was marked by gas exposure and later medical discharge. Both men served overseas, returned to Australia, and were buried together in the same grave at Lutwyche Cemetery.

They were both unmarried, with no known children.

In September 2024, we received notification that the Office of Australian War Graves had accepted our application for an official War Graves commemoration for Private John Eric Healy.

After decades without recognition at their place of burial, the Healy brothers’ grave now bears two plaques commemorating their service to Australia.
Their names now endure among those remembered for their duty and sacrifice.

Their identity and dignity have been restored.
We have remembered them.

Lest We Forget