Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

From Australian Remembrance Army

Private Otto Erickson (Service No. 3482), an Australian World War One veteran, is among almost 800 previously unmarked WWI veterans’ graves in Lutwyche Cemetery we have now marked with a plaque in recognition of 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

Otto Erickson was born in 1878 in Carleby, Finland, to Gustav Erickson and Maria Elizabeth Erickson (née Hemming). He emigrated to Australia in 1904 and later enlisted for service with the Australian Imperial Force in Townsville, Queensland, on 30 August 1915. Otto embarked from Brisbane on 3 January 1916 aboard the transport Kyarrra. He subsequently joined the 1st Anzac Entrenching Battalion before being taken on strength with the 26th Battalion in Belgium in July 1916.

Shortly after his arrival on the Western Front, Otto was wounded in action in France on 29 July 1916. He sustained serious injuries to his head, right shoulder, and right leg as the result of a bomb explosion during trench operations. Following his wounding, Otto underwent an extended and difficult period of medical treatment. He was admitted to several hospitals in France and England, including the 1st Canadian General Hospital at Étaples, Bramshott Military Hospital, and later hospitals at Aldershot, Devonport, Weymouth, and Horton War Hospital at Epsom. His condition included severe pleurisy, head wounds, and lasting injuries to his leg, resulting in repeated hospitalisations and periods of invalidation between 1916 and 1917. Although he briefly rejoined his unit and returned to France in 1917, his health continued to deteriorate. Otto was eventually recommended for discharge due to debility and the lasting effects of his wounds. He was discharged from the A.I.F. on 25 April 1918.

On 12 March 1919, in North Queensland, Otto married Annie Josephine Bowen. On 24 March 1922, Annie gave birth to their daughter, Edna Annie May Erickson. Tragically, Annie died on 8 November 1923 in Longreach, Queensland, approximately 18 months after Edna’s birth. Following Annie’s death, Edna was raised by her grandmother, who assumed responsibility for her care and upbringing. Between 1928 and 1943, Otto is recorded as living in Townsville and working as a waterside worker.

Despite his combat service and injuries, Otto later believed he had not received proper recognition for his wartime actions. In correspondence dating from 1939 to 1940, Otto and the Returned Sailors’ and Soldiers’ Imperial League of Australia (R.S.S.I.L.A.) made repeated inquiries on his behalf regarding medals and recognition, particularly in relation to a recommendation for bravery following his actions at Bullecourt in May 1917. Official records, however, indicated that while he was entitled to standard service medals, no record existed of a gallantry award being formally granted.

By 1949, Otto was a resident at Kingshome, a home for returned soldiers and sailors located on Swann Road, Taringa, Brisbane.

Private Otto Erickson died on 2 February 1949, aged 71, and was buried five days later 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 and dignity have now been restored.

We have remembered him.
Lest We Forget.