Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

From Australian Remembrance Army

Private James Edward Parsons (Service No. 580), an Australian World War One veteran who served our nation at Gallipoli, is among almost 800 previously unmarked WWI veterans’ graves in Lutwyche Cemetery we have now marked with a plaque recognising their service for Australia.

On 23 September 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:
See Australian Remembrance Army Facebook page

James Edward Parsons was born on 21 August 1870 in Kent, England, to Thomas James Pass and Mary Gammon. His recorded name at birth was Thomas Edward Pass. In December 1908 he emigrated to Australia.

He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force at Gympie, Queensland, on 5 September 1914 as a single 37-year-old, stating his occupation as clerk and naming his mother in England as his next of kin. Only a few weeks later, on 24 September 1914, he embarked from Brisbane aboard HMAT Omrah.

After training in Egypt, he proceeded with the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force to take part in the Gallipoli campaign, landing there in 1915. On 2 March 1915 he embarked to join the MEF on the Ionian. During his service at Gallipoli, Parsons was admitted to hospital on 26 August 1915 suffering from frontal sinusitis. He was treated by the 1st Field Ambulance and temporarily evacuated but rejoined his battalion three days later, on 29 August. Only a short time afterwards, on 21 September 1915, he was again admitted to hospital sick and subsequently transferred to a hospital ship with symptoms of dysentery—a common and debilitating condition among troops on the peninsula.

Between late September and October 1915, he was moved through several medical facilities as his illness persisted. He was treated at St David’s Hospital in Malta, then transferred to the 5th London General Hospital in Portsmouth on 8 October. After stabilising, he was placed back into the movement system and transferred once again to St David’s in Malta before finally being placed aboard the transport Re d’Italia on 30 September to continue his recovery and await further orders.

By mid-1916 Parsons was no longer fit for frontline duty. On 28 June 1916 he was transferred from Monte Video Camp at Weymouth to Perham Downs, and on 20 July he was moved from the No. 2 Australian Command Depot at Weymouth to Salisbury. His medical condition—now diagnosed as a dislocated cartilage of the left knee—was deemed permanent, and arrangements were made for his return to Australia.

On 8 August 1916 Parsons embarked from Portland on the H.T. Marathon for return to Australia for discharge. The Marathon sailed that same day and reached Melbourne on 24 September 1916. His medical discharge was confirmed shortly afterwards, with final documentation completed on 18 October 1916.

James married Eveline Maud Pacey on 11 January 1917 at Eumundi, Queensland. Throughout most of their married life they made their home on Kennington Road, Coorparoo, Brisbane, where James continued his work as a clerk. They welcomed six daughters between 1918 and 1931, though sadly one died in infancy.

Private James Edward Parsons died on 2 July 1955, aged 84, and was interred in Anzac Portion 8, Lutwyche Cemetery, Brisbane. His cause of death was left cerebral thrombosis.

After seven 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.