Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

From Australian Remembrance Army

Corporal Hugo “Harry” Davis, is an Australian veteran who served in both World Wars. He 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 16 May 2026, along with a further 185 plaques on the previously unmarked graves of Australian World War One and Two veterans:
See Australian Remembrance Army Facebook page

Hugo Davis was born on 30 April 1892 at Paddington, London, England, the son of Percy James Davis and Emily Davis, née Richens.

He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force at Townsville on 3 July 1916. At the time of enlistment, he was single, 25 years of age, and employed as an engine-fitter. His address was recorded as the Newmarket Hotel, Flinders Street, Townsville, Queensland. His next of kin was his mother, Mrs Emily Davis, of 4 Pembridge Villas, Bayswater, London, England.

On 21 October 1916, Private Hugo Davis embarked from Brisbane, Queensland, aboard HMAT Boonah with the 31st Infantry Battalion reinforcements. He disembarked in England in early 1917 before proceeding overseas to France.

During his service in France, Hugo had several medical admissions. On 21 August 1917, he was admitted to the 8th Australian Field Ambulance with influenza. He was then transferred to the 7th Canadian Stationary Hospital with foot trouble, recorded in his papers as a deformed foot. He was later admitted to convalescent depots at Ecault and Trouville, where the condition was recorded as deformed toes.

During September and October 1917, Hugo moved between base depot, field unit and medical care. He marched in to the 5th Australian Divisional Base Depot at Havre on 21 September and rejoined his unit on 3 October. Later that month, he was treated for scabies, defective vision and a neck condition, passing through several field and base medical units before returning to the 5th Australian Divisional Base Depot on 2 November 1917.

On 3 January 1918, Hugo was admitted to the 8th Australian Field Ambulance with defective vision and transferred to the 83rd General Hospital in France. He was discharged back to his unit the following day.
In July 1918, he was treated for a cyst affecting his face or neck. He again passed through several field and base medical units, before being discharged to the 1st Australian Base Depot at Havre on 20 July 1918.

Hugo returned to Australia from England on 20 November 1918 for discharge due to defective vision. Medical reports recorded high myopia and astigmatism in both eyes, requiring corrected glasses for constant wear. The specialist noted that his eyesight did not appear to have been caused by active service and that he should not have been enlisted.

Following his return, Hugo is recorded as living at Cloncurry and working as engine fitter. He married Florence Ross on 28 March 1929 in Brisbane, and they welcomed their two children, Ronald and Shirley, over the following three years.

Hugo enlisted in the Australian Military Forces for service in the Second World War on 18 October 1939, naming his wife, Florence Davis of Brighton Road, Sandgate, as next of kin, and his occupation as storekeeper. He served in Australia with 1 Garrison Battalion, Northern Command Provost Company, and the 7 Lines of Communication Provost Company, undertaking home-service garrison and provost duties connected with discipline, security, and movement control. He was promoted to Acting Corporal in October 1941 and was discharged on 8 February 1944 with the rank of Corporal.

Hugo later worked as a taxi owner.

Corporal Hugo “Harry” Davis died on 22 November 1957 at Brisbane Hospital, aged 64 years, and was buried three days later in Monumental Portion 14, Lutwyche Cemetery, Brisbane. His cause of death was recorded as cerebral haemorrhage and cerebral thrombosis.

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