Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

From Australian Remembrance Army

Australian World War One veteran Private John Raven Stick, Service No. 2243, 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 15 April 2023, along with a further 246 plaques on the previously unmarked graves of Australian World War One veterans:
See Australian Remembrance Army Facebook page

John Raven Stick was born on 28 December 1898 at Charters Towers, Queensland, to Charles Stick and Mary Stick, née Raven.

On 13 March 1916, John Raven Stick enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force at Townsville, Queensland. Although his enlistment papers recorded his age as 18 years and 3 months, his date of birth shows that he was actually 17 years old when he enlisted. He was recorded as single and nominated his foster mother, Mrs Annie Graham, as his next of kin.

Private Stick was first allotted to the 47th Battalion, 4th Reinforcement. On 16 August 1916, he embarked from Brisbane, Queensland, aboard HMAT Boorara for overseas service, disembarking at Plymouth, England, on 13 October 1916. After arriving in England, he passed through the Australian Imperial Force reinforcement and training system, including service at Codford, Wiltshire, and Wool, Dorset, before being allotted to proceed overseas to France.

In May 1917, Private Stick proceeded to France via Folkestone. He joined the Australian Base Depot at Étaples and, the following month, was taken on strength with the 15th Battalion in the field.

On 20 August 1917, while serving in France, he was wounded in action, sustaining a shrapnel wound to the head, also recorded in his file as a gunshot wound to the head. He was evacuated from the field and passed through medical and casualty channels, including treatment at Rouen. On 5 October 1917, he rejoined the 15th Battalion in the field.

Private Stick was wounded in action for a second time on 26 February 1918, sustaining a shrapnel wound to a finger. He again passed through casualty administration.

After recovering from his second wound, Private Stick continued to move through units, medical or convalescent channels, and training-related establishments. He was associated for a period with the Australian Corps School and was later returned from the Australian Corps School in France to the 15th Battalion.

By 1919, after the Armistice, Private Stick was being processed for return to Australia. He embarked aboard H.T. Argyllshire on 1 August 1919 and disembarked in the 3rd Military District on 22 September 1919. He was formally discharged from the Australian Imperial Force on 8 November 1919.

Following his return to Australia, Private Stick settled in Brisbane. On 1 April 1926, he married Elizabeth Schmidt. Between 1928 and 1943, John was recorded as living in the Fortitude Valley and Teneriffe areas of Brisbane, with his occupation listed as carter and later storeman.

Private John Raven Stick died on 10 November 1946, aged 47, and was buried two days later in Anzac Portion 7, Lutwyche Cemetery, Brisbane.

After almost eight 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