Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

From Australian Remembrance Army

Australian World War One veteran Driver William Frederick Charles Shackleton, Service No. 6074, 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 15 April 2023, along with a further 246 plaques on the previously unmarked graves of Australian World War One veterans:
See Australian Remembrance Army Facebook page

William Frederick Charles Shackleton was born in October 1878 at Sunderland, Durham, England, to Job Henry Shackleton and Jane Ann Shackleton, née Hope. By 1901, he was working as a plumber and gas fitter in Sunderland, England. His father died in 1886, and his mother died in 1908. Later that year, William departed from Liverpool on 12 September 1908, eventually settling in Brisbane.

He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force at Brisbane, Queensland on 18 September 1915. At the time of his enlistment, he stated his occupation as plumber and nominated his sister in England, as his next of kin. He was recorded as single, and aged 36 years.

On 20 January 1916, he embarked for overseas service from Brisbane aboard HMAT Runic.

Driver Shackleton experienced postings and movements through Egypt, England, and France. He disembarked at Alexandria in February 1916, proceeded to Tel-el-Kebir, and was later admitted to hospital in June 1916 with undiagnosed sickness. He was treated through locations including Ferry Post, Abbassia, and Montazah, before returning to duty. Later in 1916 he joined the 15th Field Company Engineers in the field in France. He was remustered as a Driver in November 1916 and took leave to the United Kingdom in August–September 1917, after which he rejoined his unit.

During 1918, Driver Shackleton appears to have remained in service with the 15th Field Company Engineers in France. His file notes a short detachment to 28 Company A.A.S.C. in August 1918, after which he rejoined his unit. A later entry in September 1918 indicates that he returned from leave before continuing with his unit until the end of the war.

In 1919, Driver Shackleton was marched out from his unit for return to Australia. He left France for England in March and returned to Australia aboard the Devanha, with his service record noting his return on 8 May 1919 and later disembarkation in Australia in June.

Following his return to Australia, William settled back into civilian life in Queensland. By 1933, he was living at The Towers, Stanley Street, South Brisbane, when he applied to Base Records for a replacement returned soldier’s badge, explaining that the original had been lost from his coat while at work. Later that year, William married Susan Allan in Queensland. They had one child, William.

William and Susan remained in Queensland in the years that followed, with records placing the family at South Brisbane, Wynnum, and in 1943, he and Susan are recorded as living at Rockhampton North where he worked as a plumber.

Driver William Frederick Charles Shackleton died on 15 February 1945, aged 67, and was buried two days later in Anzac Portion 7, 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