Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

From Australian Remembrance Army

Australian World War One Gallipoli veteran Private James Joseph Collins (Service No. 1904), 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 16 May 2026, along with a further 185 plaques on the previously unmarked graves of Australian World War One veterans:
See Australian Remembrance Army Facebook page

James Joseph Collins was born in 1888 in Wicklow, Ireland, to Patrick Collins and Catherine Collins, née Healy. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force at Brisbane, Queensland, on 10 June 1915, stating his occupation as labourer and nominating his brother, James Collins, of Sydney GPO, Sydney, New South Wales, as his next of kin. On 16 August 1915, Collins embarked for overseas service from Brisbane, Queensland, with the 25th Battalion, 3rd Reinforcement, aboard HMAT Kyarra.

After arriving overseas, Collins was taken on strength at Gallipoli on 15 October 1915. He later served with the 2nd Pioneer Battalion, a unit whose work involved labouring, construction, trench work, road making and other support duties close to the front line. His service took him from the Gallipoli campaign to the Western Front in France.

On 13 September 1917, while serving in France, Collins was wounded in action. His records state that he was gassed and also suffered shrapnel wounds to the back. He was admitted to hospital but returned to his unit two days later. A month later, on 14 October 1917, he was sent to an Army Rest Camp, rejoining his unit on 26 October 1917.

Collins continued serving in France until October 1918, when illness again removed him from the line. On 3 October 1918, he was sent to hospital sick with an infected bladder. He was admitted to the 74th General Hospital in France on 6 October 1918 and, on 7 October 1918, was evacuated to England. There he was admitted to the 1st Birmingham War Hospital, suffering from cystitis. He was later granted furlough from 4 November 1918 until 18 November 1918.

On 15 January 1919, Collins returned to Australia aboard the troopship City of Exeter. He was discharged at Brisbane on 1 May 1919, his discharge being recorded as demobilisation. His physical condition at the time of discharge was recorded as “incapacity nil”, and he was not receiving a pension.

Following his return to Australia, Collins was recorded in 1921 as being in financial hardship in Mackay, Queensland. He applied to the Repatriation Department for assistance, and records also refer to an application for War Gratuity funds.
James was admitted to the Dunwich Benevolent Asylum in June 1945. The Dunwich Benevolent Asylum was a Queensland Government institution at Dunwich on North Stradbroke Island which operated from 1865 to 1946 and housed people who were aged, infirm, destitute, or otherwise unable to care for themselves. His record stated that he had no money or property, and had been in Queensland since 1908.

Private James Joseph Collins died in Brisbane on 2 October 1952, aged 63, and was buried in Anzac Portion 8, Lutwyche Cemetery, Brisbane. His cause of death was recorded as peripheral circulatory failure, right lobar pneumonia and malnutrition.

He was unmarried and had no known children.

After more than 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 and dignity have now been restored.

We have remembered him.
Lest We Forget