Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

From Australian Remembrance Army

John Thomas Malley, an Australian veteran of both World Wars, 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 23 September 2023, along with a further 300 plaques on the previously unmarked graves of Australian World War One veterans:
See Australian Remembrance Army

WWI service:
15939, Driver, Mounted Divisional Train

WWII service:
Q67804 Corporal 2nd AIF 3rd Training Battalion
Q268164 Sergeant 2nd AIF Northern Command Records Office

John Thomas Malley was born on 19 April 1897 in Dalby, Queensland, to Frederick Thomas Charles Malley and Mary Malley (née Burne). He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force on 16 July 1917 at Rockhampton at the age of 21, and was employed as a postman at the time. He embarked for active service abroad from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT Port Darwin on 30 April 1918. During his service at Moascar, Egypt, his unit provided supply and transport support to the Desert Mounted Corps during the Sinai and Palestine Campaign. In late December 1918, he embarked for return to Australia and was discharged from the AIF in February 1919.

By 1925, John, along with his parents and sister Ethel, had moved to Thorndale in the Stanthorpe region, where his father worked as an orchardist and John as a farmer. In April 1932, John married Ivy Olive Isabell Gimm in Stanthorpe, and over the following years they had three children. By 1937, the family was living in Brisbane.

Despite having already served in one global conflict, he again volunteered for military service during the Second World War. He first enlisted on 9 August 1940 at Grovely, Queensland; however, having been medically classified as fit only for limited duties, this period of service was brief and ended with his discharge in November 1940.

Malley re-enlisted on 23 February 1942 in Brisbane and was assigned to the 112 Australian Garrison Battalion, serving in a home defence role. His duties likely included guarding key installations and supporting internal security within Australia during a period of heightened wartime threat. Classified as fit for restricted service, he remained on domestic duties and continued in this capacity until his discharge in September 1947.

John Thomas Malley died on 24 September 1955, aged 58, 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