Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

From Australian Remembrance Army

Private Harold Joseph Fraser, an Australian veteran of both World Wars, 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

WWI service file: 3079, 47th Battalion

WWII service file: Q124203, 16th Battalion Volunteer Defence Corps

Harold Joseph Fraser was born in Brisbane, Queensland, on 10 April 1895, the son of Thomas Joseph Fraser and Josephine Stanley Fraser (née O’Connell). He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force at Brisbane in September 1915, and embarked for overseas service on 30 December 1915 departing from Brisbane aboard HMAT Itonus.

Fraser served on active service during the First World War on the Western Front. In August 1916, he sustained severe gunshot wounds to both arms, the face, the hip and the buttocks, injuries that necessitated immediate evacuation from the battlefield and prolonged hospitalisation. After recovery and return to duty, he was again wounded in April 1917, on this occasion suffering a gunshot wound to the head. His service record documents repeated hospital admissions and extensive medical treatment, and official military correspondence confirms that his family was notified of his wounds and medical condition while he was overseas. The cumulative effects of these serious combat injuries resulted in lasting physical impairment, and Fraser was returned to Australia and discharged from the AIF on 29 November 1917, his character on discharge recorded as good.

Despite the enduring impact of his First World War wounds, Fraser again volunteered for military service during the Second World War. He enlisted in the Australian Military Forces at Brisbane on 19 January 1942. His previous AIF service and was accepted for service in the Volunteer Defence Corps, undertaking home defence duties within Australia. He was discharged on medical grounds on 25 January 1944, concluding a military career that spanned both world wars.

Private Harold Joseph Fraser died on 1 September 1954, aged 59, and was buried in Anzac Portion 8, Lutwyche Cemetery, Brisbane. He was a single man with no known children.

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.