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Australia

From Australian Remembrance Army

Sergeant Edward Brockett, MSM (Service No. 424), an Australian veteran of World War One who served our nation at Gallipoli, is among almost 800 previously unmarked WWI veterans’ graves in Lutwyche Cemetery we have now honoured 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

Edward Brockett was born on 30 September 1879 at Bedford, England. He was the youngest of 12 children born to parents Jane May and Solomon Brockett, and had six sisters and five brothers. By the age of 22 years, Edward was working as a barman at the Wellington Public House at Hornsey, and in 1911 was listed as a barman at the Lord Stanley Hotel at Paragon Road, Hackney.

Edward travelled to Australia, arriving sometime between 1911 and 1914. He spent time working as a labourer in Goulburn, New South Wales, before travelling to Liverpool, just outside of Sydney. On 3 November 1914 at the age of 35 years, Edward enlisted for service with the Australian Imperial Force, signing his attestation papers at Liverpool. He was attached to the 20th Battalion and entered the training camp at Liverpool, which was the main camp for the reception and basic training of recruits. Edward embarked at Sydney on 26 June 1915 per HMAT ‘Berrima for overseas service, disembarking at Egypt.
The 20th Battalion trained in Egypt from late July until mid-August before proceeding overseas on 16 August to join the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force at Gallipoli. They landed at ANZAC Cove on 22 August, with the battalion responsible for the defense of Russell’s Top. On 20 December 1915, Edward and the troops of the 20th Battalion withdrew from the peninsula and were transferred to Mudros.

The following is an extract from the 20th Battalion narrative by Captain V.B. Portman:
“December 23rd/24th. On the 23rd extra blankets were issued, and the following day our cup flowed over when great cases of Battalion comforts and Red Cross Stores were opened. We then realized suddenly that it was Christmas Eve and a Great Occasion. The cases from the Battalion Comforts Committee produced vermin-proof, and clean, warm, shirts, which allowed us to become once more clean and self-respecting mortals. Of all the gifts that Christmas brought I think those shirts were easily the best. The Red Cross cases gave each man a bellyful of those little intimate accessories that are only appreciated when scarce, and with each can was a note from ‘back home’. Altogether we spent a happier Christmas than many had ever appreciated before.”

Edward embarked at Mudros in January, disembarking at Alexandria on 9 January 1916 to undertake further training in Egypt. He embarked for France per HMT ‘Ingoma’ on 18 March 1916, disembarking at Marseilles seven days later. Edward was promoted to Temporary Pioneer Sergeant in the field in France on 10 October, reverting to Private on the return of Sergeant Shannon at the end of the month. He was later promoted to Pioneer Sergeant in December 1916.

In October 1917, Edward was involved in operations at Ypres and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for his actions. His MSM citation reads: “Has rendered invaluable service in capacity of Pioneer Sergeant, and during the YPRES operations of October 1917, he erected wherever possible crosses on the graves of those who had fallen, often at considerable personal risk. This N.C.O. has done good work since GALLIPOLI.”

Edward took leave from France in early 1919, travelling to England on 24 January and rejoining his unit in France on 21 February. Whilst on leave in England, Edward visited his sister, Minnie and other family including his nephew Percy (son of his brother Frederick) who was visiting from New Zealand at the time.

On 26 April 1919, Edward proceeded to England from France for return to Australia. He embarked at England on 19 June per ‘Miltiades’, disembarking at Sydney, Australia on 08 August, and was discharged from service on 7 October 1919.

On his return to Australia, Edward settled in Brisbane, Queensland where he gained work as a barman. On 30 October 1935, Edward married Maude Mary Gillett. The couple moved residence a number of times over the years, living in the Brisbane suburbs of Buranda, Spring Hill, Albion and East Brisbane, with Edward continuing to work as a barman.

Edward passed away on 26 May 1949, four months shy of his 70th birthday. He was buried at Lutwyche Cemetery two days later, with the funeral held at 1.45pm on Saturday afternoon in ANZAC Portion 8.

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 dignity and identity have now been restored.

We have remembered him.