ELLIS, Edward Robert

ELLIS, Edward Robert – A Southern Downs Veteran

CONFLICT : WWI
SERVICE NO : 3551
RANK : Private
UNIT : 31st Battalion
ENLISTMENT DATE : 6/01/1916
AGE : 33
PLACE OF ENLISTMENT : Warwick, Queensland
PLACE OF BIRTH : Goondiwindi, Queensland
RELIGION : Church of England
OCCUPATION : Labourer
DATE OF DEATH : 5/05/1967
PLACE OF BURIAL : Yelarbon, Queensland

MEMORIALS : Yelarbon War Memorial, Yelarbon Roll of Honour, Goondiwindi War Memorial

View Veteran’s Service File : ELLIS, Edward Robert

NOTES : Born in Goondiwindi, Edward Robert Ellis was one of nine children born to Richard and Margaret (nee Dewhurst) Ellis. He and his brother Richard Ellis 641 both enlisted within two and a half weeks of each other in January 1916.

In August 1916 he embarked from Brisbane aboard the A42 Boorara bound for Plymouth. After four months training, he proceeded overseas to France aboard ST Golden Eagle. During his time in France, he suffered bouts of trench feet, rheumatism and trench fever before being wounded in action in September 1917. Edward was sent to Kitchener Military Hospital in England for treatment for a gunshot wound to the right forearm.

The severity of his wound required him to be returned to Australia aboard A14 Euripides on 21 March 1918. He received his discharge on the grounds of being wounded and unfit for further service on 8 June 1918. Thankfully, his brother Richard also returned to Australia at the end of the war.

Upon his return to the Yelarbon district after the war, Edward became a member of the Yelarbon Queensland Sub Branch of the RSL and continued to be a member for many years.

As Edward was unable to read or write, a common thing among people of that era, on 11 March 1957, his friend John wrote requesting medals Edward was entitled to be sent to him at the Veterans War Home in Caboolture.

Copyright 2026 Deborah C Wheeler and Duncan McLean, Southern Downs Military History

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