Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

From Australian Remembrance Army

Private Charles Moss (Service No. 3152), 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 recognising their service for Australia.

On 23 September 2023, we unveiled his plaque 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

Charles Moss was born on 16 August 1877 to George and Mary Ann Moss. His birth was recorded at sea (a marine birth registered in Queensland) while the family was en route to Australia from England.

Charles enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force at Enoggera, Brisbane, on 16 August 1915, aged 38 and single, stating his occupation as labourer and naming his father, then living in Toowong, Brisbane, as his next of kin. On 30 December 1915 he embarked for overseas service with the 25th Battalion aboard HMAT Itonus from Brisbane.

He disembarked at Marseilles on 27 March 1916 and was admitted to the 20th General Hospital at Étaples on 31 March. A month later he was taken on strength with his unit at Armentieres. In late July 1916 he was wounded in action in France, suffering a gunshot wound to the right hand, and was evacuated to England, where he was admitted to hospital at Sheffield on 31 July. He returned to France in mid-October 1916 and was transferred to the 49th Battalion in November. He rejoined his unit in the field on 3 February 1917.

In June 1917 he was again wounded in action, and in the days that followed was treated at several medical facilities in France for a gunshot wound to his elbow. On 10 June 1917 he embarked for England, where he was admitted to military hospitals at Colchester, Dartford and Weymouth during June and July. On 1 September 1917 he marched into No. 2 Command Depot from the 3rd Australian Auxiliary Hospital at Dartford, where he remained under treatment while arrangements were made for his return to Australia. He returned to Australia in September 1917 and was discharged from the AIF on 15 November 1917.

It appears that Charles lived a quiet life following his service in the First World War. On 2 December 1929, at the age of 52, he married Jane Davies, formerly Swanson, in Yeppoon, Queensland. Jane died in Yeppoon in March 1933, and the couple had no children. By 1949 he was recorded as residing at the Eventide Nursing Home, Sandgate, Brisbane.

Private Charles Moss died on 15 September 1951, aged 74, and was buried four days later in Anzac Portion 8, Lutwyche Cemetery, Brisbane. His death record states that he died from myocardial degeneration and senility.

His funeral notice published in the Brisbane Courier Mail newspaper on 18 September 1951 read “MOSS.—The Relatives and Friends of the late Charles Moss, of Eventide, late 49th Battn., 1st A.I.F., are invited to attend his Funeral, to leave the Funeral Parlour, 45 Adelaide St., City, Tomorrow (Wednesday) Morning, after Service, commencing at 9.45 o'clock, for the Lutwyche Cemetery.”

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.