Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

From Australian Remembrance Army

Gunner Horace Robert Edwards, a UK Boer War and Australian World War One veteran, 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

Boer War (UK)
Service number 5313, Private, Royal Warwickshire Regiment

WWI
1st AIF, service number 507, Gunner, 11th Field Artillery Brigade:

Horace Robert Edwards (known as Robert) was born in 1877 in Watford, Hertfordshire, England, to Charles William Edwards and Isabella Sarah Jane Edwards (née Johnson). He first saw military service with the British Army during the Boer War, taking part in Britain’s South African campaign at the turn of the twentieth century. This early service placed him among the many experienced British soldiers who later emigrated to Australia and would again answer the call to arms in 1914.

Robert enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force on 27 August 1914, shortly after the outbreak of the First World War. At that time, he was 37 years of age and working as a miner at Sapphire in Queensland’s Central Highlands. He embarked for overseas service the following month and, in May 1915, proceeded to Gallipoli with the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force. His campaign service was cut short when he was evacuated in September 1915, suffering from influenza and debility. From that point onward, respiratory illness became a persistent problem, leading to repeated hospitalisations in Malta, England, and later France.

In January 1916, while stationed at the Australian Intermediate Depot at Abbey Wood, he was court-martialled for being absent without leave for nine days. He stated that he had been suffering from a severe cold or influenza and had gone home to seek treatment. He pleaded guilty and was reduced to the ranks with ten days’ detention. A further brief absence in April 1917 resulted in the forfeiture of pay. Despite these disciplinary matters, Robert continued serving and returned to France later in 1917; however, chronic bronchitis again forced his evacuation to England.
Edwards embarked for Australia in December 1917 and was discharged in March 1918 as medically unfit due to bronchitis and lung fibrosis.

Following his return to Australia, he is recorded as living in the Rockhampton region, where his occupation was listed as prospector. By 1941, he was residing in Brisbane.

Gunner Horace Robert Edwards died on 6 June 1947 in Brisbane, aged 70, and was buried in Anzac Portion 7, Lutwyche Cemetery, Brisbane. He was unmarried and had 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