Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

From Australian Remembrance Army

Sergeant William John Cottell (Service No. 1320), 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.

We unveiled his plaque in Lutwyche Cemetery on 23 September 2023, along with a further 300 plaques on the previously unmarked graves of Australian World War One veterans:
See Australian Remembrance Army Facebook page

William John Cottell was born on 28 May 1892 in Hillgrove, New South Wales, to William Cottell and Elizabeth Jane Cottell (née Nicholls). In 1915 he married Annie Bridges in Victoria. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in Melbourne on 5 August 1915, aged 23, stating his occupation as baker and naming his father, William Cottell of Bracken Street, Hillgrove, as his next of kin. On 11 September 1915 he embarked for overseas service aboard HMAT Itonus from Brisbane.

After arriving in Egypt, he marched into Heliopolis on 26 November 1915 and was shortly after appointed driver. On 29 March 1916 he was attached to the 8th Light Horse Regiment for duty and rations before being transferred from Brigade Training to the 3rd Light Horse Brigade on 7 April 1916.

Later that year he undertook several periods of attachment to other units for trade testing, including the 67th and 68th Australian General Service Reinforcements, before returning to his unit in mid-December 1916. In June 1917 he was taken on strength of the 3rd Light Horse Brigade Headquarters, remaining with the brigade as it moved through the Sinai–Palestine campaign.

From September 1917 his responsibilities increased. On 9 September he was made an air mechanic in the 10th Australian Flying Corps Depot, though he reverted to his unit soon after. On 23 September 1917 he was promoted to Acting Corporal and, on the same day, to Acting Sergeant. During 1918 he continued on active service in the field until November, when he was admitted to hospital suffering from debility. He embarked at Suez on 22 December 1918 aboard H.T. Leicestershire for return to Australia, and was medically discharged from the AIF on 27 April 1919.
Following his return to Australia, he is recorded as living in Brisbane with his wife Annie and working as a glazier.

Sergeant William John Cottell died on 22 July 1956, aged 64, and was buried three days later in Anzac Portion 8, Lutwyche Cemetery, Brisbane. His death registrations records that he and Annie had no 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.