Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

From Australian Remembrance Army

Private David Devlin (Service No. 5105), 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 in recognition of 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

David Devlin was born on 29 July 1892 at Banbridge, County Down, Ireland, the son of Samuel Devlin and Hannah Devlin (née Phillips). He emigrated to Australia in 1911, and enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force on 10 January 1916. On 4 May 1916 he embarked from Brisbane for overseas service with the 25th Infantry Battalion aboard HMAT Seang Choon.

After arriving overseas, Devlin proceeded through Egypt and embarked from Alexandria for service on the Western Front. He disembarked in France in August 1916 and joined the British Expeditionary Force, entering front-line service under the demanding conditions of trench warfare. During this period, he served with the 3rd Battalion and was later transferred back to the 25th Battalion in December 1916. He remained on active service in France through 1917, with periods of leave granted in England.

On 12 June 1918, Private Devlin was wounded in action, sustaining a gunshot wound to his left foot. He was evacuated from the front line and treated at casualty clearing stations and military hospitals in France before being transferred to England for further medical care and convalescence. Following his recovery, he returned to duty during the final months of the war.

After the Armistice, Devlin continued service during the demobilisation period and was taken on strength of the 2nd Machine Gun Battalion. In July 1919 he embarked from England for return to Australia aboard the troopship Chemnitz, arriving in September 1919. He was formally discharged from the Australian Imperial Force in Brisbane on 16 December 1919.

Following his return to Australia, David Devlin settled in Brisbane and worked in a series of labouring and storeman roles. On 15 July 1944 he married Isabella Falconer in Brisbane, Queensland, and the couple lived in Bardon, Brisbane, where he was employed as a storeman.

Private David Devlin died on 26 November 1949, aged 57, and was buried in Anzac Portion 8, Lutwyche Cemetery, Brisbane. He 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.