Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

From Australian Remembrance Army

Private Reuben Albert Louis Lacy (also recorded as Lacey), an Australian veteran of both World Wars, 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

Pre WWI Royal Australian Navy service:
1415, Able Seaman, RAN, Royal Australian Navy

WWI service:
5050, Private, 41st Battalion:

WWII service:
Q200175, Private, 1st Battalion Volunteer Defence Corps (QLD)

Reuben Albert Louis Lacy was born on 1 March 1892 in Brisbane, to Charles Jeremiah Lacy and Mary Ann Lacy (nee Bailey). He first entered military service as a teenager, enlisting in the Royal Australian Navy around 1908. Serving as an Able Seaman, he completed several years of naval service before being discharged to shore in 1911. He then returned to civilian life in Queensland.

During the First World War, Reuben Albert Louis Lacy enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in Brisbane on 23 April 1917 at the age of 25. He recorded his occupation as labourer and nominated his sister, Louisa Crockford of Newstead, Brisbane, as his next of kin. On 14 June 1917 he embarked for overseas service with the 31st Battalion, departing Sydney aboard HMAT Hororata. While at sea in July 1917 he was hospitalised with influenza, and in June 1918 he was again admitted to hospital suffering from influenza.

Lacy’s brother, Charles William Henry Lacy, who served under the alias “Alexander Jackson” (Service Number 6997), was killed in action in France on 19 September 1918.

Following the end of the war, Reuben Lacy married Mary Helen Thomson on 9 May 1919 at the Palace Temperance Hotel, Stranraer, Scotland. He returned to Australia on 9 August 1919 aboard HMAT Ceramic, accompanied by his wife. The couple had three children between 1920 and 1924.

By 1925, Lacy was living at the Soldiers’ Settlement at Mount Gravatt, Brisbane, established under the Discharged Soldiers’ Settlement Act 1917 as a post-war initiative to assist returned servicemen, including through poultry farming. Like many settlers, he later left the scheme. He was subsequently employed as a labourer in Brisbane.

During the Second World War, despite his age and prior service-related health issues, Lacy was again mobilised into the Australian Military Forces. He served with the Volunteer Defence Corps in Queensland in a home defence role. Medical examinations during this period recorded chronic conditions, and in 1942 he was medically discharged as unfit for further service.

By 1943, the marriage had broken down. Reuben Lacy was living at 213 Lutwyche Road, Windsor, Brisbane, while his wife Mary was living with their daughter at Albion, Brisbane, and working as a cleaner. Mary Helen Lacy (also recorded as Lacey) died on 23 March 1944 and was buried at Toowong Cemetery, Brisbane.

Private Reuben Albert Louis Lacy died on 29 September 1949, aged 57, and was buried in Anzac Portion 8, Lutwyche Cemetery, Brisbane.

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.