Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

From Australian Remembrance Army

Australian World War One veteran Trooper Laurence Matthew Shannon (Service No. 3432)Australian Remembrance Army, 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 Facebook page

Laurence Matthew Shannon was born on 09 August 1886 in Gulgong, New South Wales, to Laurence Shannon and Mary Shannon (née Judge), although his military attestation papers record his birth as 9 August 1887 in Sydney, New South Wales.

He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force at Brisbane, Queensland, on 11 June 1917, stating his occupation as clerk and nominating his mother, Mrs Mary Shannon of Gulgong, New South Wales, as his next of kin. On 3 September 1917, he embarked for overseas service with the 2nd Light Horse Regiment aboard HMAT Kyarra from Sydney.

During his service overseas, Trooper Shannon was admitted to the Government Hospital at Suez on 19 October 1917, suffering from mumps after disembarking from the Kyarra. He was discharged from hospital on 26 October 1917 and later rejoined the 2nd Light Horse Regiment on 30 November 1917. In July 1918, he was again admitted to hospital while serving in the Middle East. His records also note treatment at Gaza, Kantara, Moascar, and other military hospitals and depots. On 7 October 1918, he was medically classified because of an old injury to his right elbow, and on 22 December 1918 a Medical Board at Moascar classified the injury as “Class C.” His records also indicate that he suffered from malaria during his service.

On 1 January 1919, Laurence Shannon returned to Australia aboard the troopship HT Aeneas, which arrived in Australia on 5 February 1919.

Before the First World War, Laurence Shannon married for the first time and had one child from the marriage; following its dissolution, he later remarried and had a second child, though this marriage also ended in divorce.

Following the First World War, Laurence Shannon was recorded living in Brisbane in 1925, where his occupation was listed as traveller. By 1936 and 1937, he was residing in Maryborough, Queensland, and in 1943 he was living at the Camp, Dutton Park, South Brisbane, working as a clerk. In April 1954, he was residing at the War Veterans’ Home in Caboolture, Brisbane.

Trooper Laurence Matthew Shannon died on 11 May 1954, aged 67, and was buried two days later in Anzac Portion 8, Lutwyche Cemetery, Brisbane. An obituary notice published in the North Coast and Stanley District News (Caboolture) on 20 May 1954 reported that the residents of the War Veterans’ Home were saddened by the death of Laurence. The article noted that he had acted as the residents’ postman for some time and was well remembered for the humorous remarks he made while delivering the mail.

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