MITCHELL, Edward Francis
| Service Number: | 20844 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 11 November 1915 |
| Last Rank: | Gunner |
| Last Unit: | 3rd Divisional Ammunition Column |
| Born: | Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, 6 May 1894 |
| Home Town: | South Brisbane, Brisbane, Queensland |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Carter |
| Died: | Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, 18 November 1944, aged 50 years, cause of death not yet discovered |
| Cemetery: |
Lutwyche Cemetery, Brisbane, Qld Anzac Portion 7 |
| Memorials: |
World War 1 Service
| 11 Nov 1915: | Enlisted AIF WW1, Gunner, 20844, 9th Field Artillery Brigade | |
|---|---|---|
| 11 May 1916: | Involvement Gunner, 20844, 9th Field Artillery Brigade , --- :embarkation_roll: roll_number: '4' embarkation_place: Sydney embarkation_ship: HMAT Argyllshire embarkation_ship_number: A8 public_note: '' | |
| 11 May 1916: | Embarked Gunner, 20844, 9th Field Artillery Brigade , HMAT Argyllshire, Sydney | |
| 27 Mar 1919: | Discharged AIF WW1, Gunner, 20844, 3rd Divisional Ammunition Column, 1st MD |
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Add my storyBiography contributed by Evan Evans
From Australian Remembrance Army
Australian World War One veteran, Gunner Edward Francis Mitchell (Service No. 20844), is among almost 800 previously unmarked WWI 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 15 April 2023, along with a further 246 plaques on the previously unmarked graves of Australian World War One veterans:
See Australian Remembrance Army Facebook page
Edward Francis Mitchell was born on 6 May 1894 in Brisbane, to John Henry Mitchell and Annie Maria Mitchell (nee O'Boy).
He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in Brisbane on 1 November 1915, aged 21, stating his occupation as a carter. He embarked from Sydney on 11 May 1916 aboard HMAT Argyllshire and arrived in England, where he undertook further training. He proceeded to France on 24 November 1916 and served on the Western Front with the 3rd Divisional Ammunition Column. In early December 1916, he was hospitalised with bronchitis.
On 16 September 1917, during operations in the Ypres sector (near Dickebusch, Belgium), he was recorded as wounded in action, the casualty occurring during an aerial bombing of wagon lines. Casualty records indicate the wound was caused by shrapnel; he was treated and subsequently returned to duty with his unit. He continued service through late 1917 and into 1918.
During 1918, Mitchell experienced multiple periods of illness and hospitalisation. Entries in his casualty form show admissions through field ambulance and general hospital systems, with diagnoses including pneumonia. His condition resulted in evacuation from the front and transfer to England. He embarked for return to Australia in late December 1918 and was discharged from the AIF in March 1919.
Edward married Jennie Rebecca (Jane) Simpson in Queensland on 26 February 1921, and they had six children between 1922 and 1937. Between 1921 and 1925, Edward and Jennie were recorded as living in Stewart’s Creek near Townsville, where he worked as a prison warder.
Gunner Edward Francis Mitchell died on 18 November 1944, aged 50, and was buried in Anzac Portion 7, 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
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