Streets of Remembrance

Cotlew Street*

Richard Graham Cottew – WWII

Cotlew Street was named in honour of Sergeant Richard Graham Cottew (Service No. 426547). Richard enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force in 1942, age 19. Born in Auckland, the family are noted as moving to Southport in 1934 to take up residence at Cable Cottage in Bauer Street, Southport. Richard's father, Mr Leslie Cottew, was the manager of the Pacific Cable Board, Southport at the time. Richard was a single man living in Brisbane at the time he enlisted. He served as both aircrew and navigator. Richard was killed in action on 9 June 1944.

*Cotlew is likely a misspelling of Cottew.

Cran Street

Colin Lilley Cran – WWI

Cran Street was named in honour of Technical Sergeant Colin Lilley Cran (Service number: 3149). Colin enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, age 23. He joined the 8th Reinforcements 49th Battalion. Born in Yengarie, Queensland, he worked as a sugar chemist at the time he enlisted. His mother, Ethel Cran, lived in Southport at the time. Colin returned to Australia on 23 June 1919.

Burrows Street

Percival George Burrows – WWI

Burrows Street was named in honour of Private Percival George Burrows (Service number: 2390A). Percival enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, age 19. He joined the 5th Reinforcements 47th Battalion. Born in Southport, he worked as a labourer at the time he enlisted. Percival was killed in action on 8 June 1917.

Lergessner Street

Walter Henry Lergessner – WWI

Lergessner Street was named in honour of Gunner Walter Henry Lergessner (Service number: 3355). Walter enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, age 19. He joined the 11th Reinforcements 15th Battalion. Born in Brisbane, he worked as a draper at the time he enlisted. Walter was killed in action on 20 September 1917.

Parr Street

George Henry Parr – WWI

Parr Street was named in honour of Corporal George Henry Parr (Service number: 2698). George enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, age 25. He joined the 6th Reinforcements 47th Battalion. Born in Nerang, he worked as a schoolteacher at the time he enlisted. George was killed in action on 29 September 1918.

Taylor Street

Bertie James Taylor – WWI

Taylor Street was named in honour of Private Bertie James Taylor (Service number: 5490). Bertie enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, age 18. He joined the 17th Reinforcements 12th Battalion. Born in Dalby, Bertie listed his widowed mother, Clara James of Southport, as his next of kin. He worked as a labourer at the time he enlisted. Bertie was killed in action on 8 October 1917.

Thompson Street

John Thompson – WWI

Thompson Street was named in honour of Private John Thompson (Service number: 3102). John enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, age 24. He joined the 10th Reinforcements 15th Battalion. Born in Rockhampton, John listed his mother, Sarah Thompson of Southport, as his next of kin. He worked as a hall porter at the time he enlisted. John was killed in action on 5 April 1918.

Campbell Street

Donald George Campbell – WWII

Pilot Officer Donald George Campbell (Service number: 405623) enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force in 1940, age 18. Donald was a single man living in 'Montevideo' in Pacific Street, Southport when he enlisted. He worked as a rubber works assistant in Kelvin Grove, Brisbane. On 2 June 1942, Donald was listed as presumed dead, killed in air operations.

McCleary Street

H.J. McCleary

Corporal Harold James McLeary (Service number: QX14533) enlisted in the armed forces in July 1940, as part of the 2/3 Ordinance Stores Company. Harold was 'Reported missing in Malaya' before it was confirmed that he died as a Prisoner of War (POW) in a Japanese camp in Malaya (now Myanmar) on 27 July 1943.

Panitz Street

Gordon (Peter) Panitz – WWII

Gordon (Peter) Panitz (Service number: 404891) enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force in 1940 at the age of 25. Born in Boonah, Queensland, Gordon was a single man living in Surfers Paradise and working as a master baker at the time he enlisted. He was killed in action on 22 August 1944.

Beattie Road

Research indicates that Beattie Road, Coomera is named after the Beattie Family of Lower Coomera and their early contribution to the social and economic development of their community.

George Beattie – WWI

Private George Beattie (Service number: 2388) enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, age 27. He joined the 5th Reinforcements 47th Battalion. Born in Coomera, he worked as a farmer at the time he enlisted. George was killed in action on 28 March 1918.

Edwin Beattie – WWI

Private Edwin Beattie (Service number: 2389) enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, age 22. He joined the 5th Reinforcements 47th Battalion. Born in Coomera, he worked as a farmer at the time he enlisted. Edwin died of pneumonia during WWI on 1 January 1917.

Foxwell Road

Research indicates that Foxwell Road, Coomera is named after the Foxwell Family of Coomera and their early contribution to the social and economic development of their community.

William John Blizard Foxwell – WWII

William John Blizard Foxwell (Service number: Q203645) enlisted in 1942, age 40. He was a single man working as a farmer in Coomera at the time he enlisted. In 1945, he was discharged, when A. Company, 5th Battalion, Volunteer Defence Corps was disbanded.

Norman Foxwell – WWII

Norman Foxwell (Service number: QX657) enlisted in 1939, age 24. He was a single man at the time, working as a farmer in Coomera. He married in 1942 and was discharged from service in 1945.

Robert Henry Howard Foxwell – WWII

Robert Henry Howard Foxwell (Service number: Q203644) enlisted in 1942, age 30. He was a married man working as a farmer in Coomera at the time of his enlistment. In 1945, he was discharged, when A. Company, 5th Battalion, Volunteer Defence Corps was disbanded.

Birds Road

Research indicates that Birds Road, Guanaba is named after the Bird Family of Upper Coomera and their early contribution to the social and economic development of their community.

William Bertram (Bert) Bird – WWI

Private William Bertram (Bert) Bird (Service number: 4689) enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, age 30. He joined the 12th Reinforcements 26th Battalion. Born in Coomera, he worked as a farmer at the time he enlisted. William returned to Australia on 21 March 1919.

Clyde Russell Bird – WWII

Private Clyde Russell Bird (Service number: QX23503) enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force on 17 June 1940, age 20. He was a single man working as a farm labourer at the time of he enlisted. He gave his next of kin as his father, Roland Charles Bird of Upper Coomera. Clyde was discharged in 1944.

William Stuart Bird – WWII

Private William Stuart Bird (Service number: QX14397) enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force on 9 July 1940, age 21. He was a single man working as a farmer at the time he enlisted and gave his next of kin as his mother, Marty Bird of Upper Coomera. He was discharged in 1943.

Brown Street

Ernest Edmund Brown – WWI

Brown Street was named in honour of Sapper Ernest Edmund Brown (Service number: 6916). Ernest enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, age 27. He joined the 2nd Australian Tunnelling Company. Born in Southport, he worked as a wool classer at the time he enlisted. Ernest was killed in action on 10 February 1918.

Frank Street

Francis (Frank) Frederick Beitz – WWI

Frank Street is named in honour of Private Francis (Frank) Frederick Beitz (Service number: 595) who enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, age 18. His parents were born in Queensland and later moved to Southport. Frank was killed in action on 20 September 1917.

Freeman Street

Norman David Freeman – WWI

Freeman Street was named in honour of Lieutenant Norman David Freeman. Norman enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, age 20. He joined the 36th Battery 9th Brigade. He was born in Southport, to parents Ernest Albert and Kedron Freeman. Norman was killed in action on 31 July 1917.

Turpin Road

Sydney Henry Turpin – WWI

Turpin Road was named in honour of Private Sydney Henry Turpin (Service number: 5417). Sydney enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, age 24. He joined the 14th Reinforcements 26th Battalion. Born in Benowa, he was married with one child and worked as a labourer at the time he enlisted. Sydney was killed in action on 2 April 1918.

Bignells Road

Research indicates that Bignells Road, Maudsland is named after the Bignell Family of Maudsland and their early contribution to the social and economic development of their community.

Robert Stanley Bignell – WWI & WWII

Private Robert Stanley Bignell (Service number: 3520) enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, age 18. He joined the 8th Reinforcements 31st Battalion. Born in Coomera, he worked as a farmer at the time he enlisted. Robert returned to Australia on 22 May 1919.

Robert (Service number: Q203612) also enlisted for service in WWII on 8 April 1942, age 44. He was a captain in the Volunteer Defence Corps. He gave his next of kin as his wife, Olive Bignell.

Sydney Kingston Bignell – WWI

Private Sydney Kingston Bignell (Service number: 3526) enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, age 23. He joined the 8th Reinforcements 31st Battalion. Born in Coomera, he worked as a farmer at the time he enlisted. Sydney was killed in action on 10 April 1918.

Sidney Kingston Bignell – WWII

Private Sidney Kingston Bignell (Service number: QX21930) enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force on 2 July 1941, age 21. He was a single man working as a farm labourer at the time he enlisted. He gave his next of kin as his father, Samuel Stanley Bignell of Upper Coomera. Sidney was taken a prisoner of war by the Japanese in Singapore and died in a Prisoner of War (POW) camp in Burma in October 1945.

Walter Bignell – WWII

Private Walter Bignell (Service number: QX699) enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force on 4 March 1940, age 27. He was a single man working as a farmer in at the time he enlisted. He gave his next of kin as his father, Samuel Stanley Bignell of Upper Coomera. Walter was killed in action at Tobruk, Libya in August 1941. He is buried at the Tobruk War Cemetery.

George Kingston Bignell – WWII

Private George Kingston Bignell (Service number: QX721) enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force on 3 April 1940, age 29. He was a single man working as farm labourer at Coomera at the time he enlisted. He gave his next of kin as his mother, Amy Alice Bignell of Surfers Paradise. In 1942 he married, and he changed his next of kin to his wife, Edith Charlotte Bignell. George was deployed to New Guinea where he contracted malaria and was medically discharged from service in 1944.

Geoff Wolter Drive

Geoffrey James Wolter – WWII

Gunner Geoffrey James Wolter (Service number: QX2096) enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in 1941, age 28. Born in Southport, Geoffrey was a single man working as a boot repairer at the time he enlisted. He listed his next of kin as his mother Kate Wolter of Rawlins Street, Southport. In 1943, Geoffrey was captured and sent to the Japanese Prisoner of War (POW) camp, Sandakan, in Borneo, where he died in 1945.

Peachey Road

Research indicates Peachey Road, Ormeau was named after the Peachey Family of Ormeau and their early contribution to the social and economic development of their community.

John William Peachey – WWI

Private John William Peachey (Service number: 263) enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, age 21. He joined the 47th Battalion. Born in Brisbane, John worked as a labourer at the time he enlisted. His family are noted as living in Ormeau at the time. John was killed in action on 12 October 1917.

(Charlie) Benjamin Charles Peachey – WWI & WWII

Private Benjamin Charles Peachey (Service number: 265) enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, age 23. He joined the 47th Battalion. Born in Brisbane, Charlie worked as a farmer at the time he enlisted. His family are noted as living in Beenleigh at the time. Benjamin returned to Australia on 5 March 1919.

Charlie (Service number: Q11451) also enlisted for service in World War II, age 45. He was married, living in Eumundi and worked as a labourer at the time he enlisted. In 1944, he was discharged after serving his enlistment period.

Frederick Isaac Peachey – WWI & WWII

Private Frederick Isaac Peachey (Service number: 266) enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, age 23. He joined the 47th Battalion. Born in Brisbane, Frederick worked as a farmer at the time he enlisted. His family are noted as living in Ormeau at the time. Frederick returned to Australia on 5 March 1919.

Frederick (Service number: Q69268) also enlisted for service in WWII in 1940, age 45. He was married, working as a fruit grower in Yandina at the time he enlisted. He was discharged in 1946.

Stewarts Road

Research indicates Stewarts Road, Ormeau was named after the Stewart Family of Ormeau and their early contribution to the social and economic development of their community.

George Stewart – WWI

Private George Stewart (Service number: 6392) enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, age 23. He joined the 25th Battalion. Born in Nerang, George worked as a farmer at the time he enlisted. His family are noted as living at Ormeau at the time. George was killed in action on 17 July 1918.

William Stewart – WWI

Private William Stewart (Service numbers: 2442, 2442A) enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, age 28. He joined the 9th Battalion. Born in Goodna, William did not list an occupation when he enlisted. His family are noted as living at Ormeau at the time. William was killed in action on 1 November 1917.

Robert Stewart – WWI

Private Robert Stewart (Service number: 1611) enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, age 29. He served in the 15th Field Ambulance. Born in Brisbane, Robert worked as a Methodist missionary at the time he enlisted. His family are noted as living in Ormeau at the time. Robert was wounded in action and died of his injuries on 9 October 1917.

Charles Stewart – WWII

Charles Stewart (Service number: Q204075) enlisted in 1942. He was married and working as a labourer in Ormeau at the time he enlisted. He was discharged in 1944.

Barrs Avenue

Research indicates that Barrs Road, Oxenford is named after the Barrs Family of Upper Coomera and their early contribution to the social and economic development of their community.

James William Bozier Barr – WWI

Private James William Bozier Barr (Service number: 3115) enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, age 25. He joined the 2nd Machine Gun Battalion. Born in Coomera, James worked as a motorman at the time he enlisted. James died of pneumonia in Belgium while waiting to return home on 12 February 1919.

Laver Drive

Research indicates Laver Drive, Robina was named after the Laver Family of Merrimac and Mudgeeraba and their early contribution to the social and economic development of their community.

Alexander James Laver – WWI

Trooper Alexander James Laver (Service number: 3005) enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, age 23. He joined the 5th Light Horse Regiment. Born in Mudgeeraba, he worked as a farmer at the time he enlisted. Alexander returned to Australia on 27 June 1919.

Arthur Henry Laver – WWI

Private Arthur Henry Laver (Service number: 58193) enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, age 18. He joined the 6th Reinforcements 9th Battalion. Born in Mudgeeraba, he worked as a dairyman at the time he enlisted. Arthur returned to Australia on 7 April 1919.

William Samuel Laver – WWII

Private William Samuel Laver (Service number: Q141818) enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force on 15 May 1942, age 48. Born in Mudgeeraba, he was married and working as a dairy hand at the time he enlisted. He gave his next of kin as his wife, Annie Elizabeth Laver of Nanango. He was medically discharged from service in 1944.

Alexander Lesley Laver – WWII

Private Alexander Lesley Laver (Service number: 425449) enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force on 28 February 1940, age 17. He was a single man working as a dairy hand at the time he enlisted. He gave his next of kin as his father, Thomas Lesley Laver of Mudgeeraba. He was attached to the Royal Air Force in the United Kingdom. Alexander was declared missing in action, and then presumed dead, in February 1944 during air operations at Leipzig, Germany.

Priddeys Road

Research indicates Priddeys Road, Robina was named after the Priddey Family of Merrimac and their early contribution to the social and economic development of their community.

Alfred George Priddey – WWI

Private Alfred George Priddey (Service numbers: 6593A, 7180) enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, age 18. He joined the 57th Battalion. Born in Blackall, Alfred worked as a dairyman at the time he enlisted. His family are noted as living in Mudgeeraba at the time. Alfred returned to Australia on 6 October 1919.

Harry Priddey – WWII

Harry Priddey (Service number: Q203702) enlisted in 1942, age 47. He was a single man working as a dairy farmer in Mudgeeraba at the time he enlisted. He was discharged in 1945 when the A. Company, 5th Battalion, Voluntary Defence Corps was disbanded.

Howard Street

Robert Howard – WWI

Lance Corporal Robert Howard (Service number: 565) enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in 1914, age 38. Robert was a single man working as a sawyer at the time of his enlistment. He listed his sister, Mrs Foxwell, of Coomera as his next of kin. Robert was killed in action on the Gallipoli Peninsula between 6 and 9 August 1915.

Birtwistle Street*

Neville Watson Bertwistle – WWII

Neville Watson Bertwistle (Service numbers: 127394 and NGX53) enlisted in the Australian Military Forces (Militia Forces) in 1931, age 18. In 1940, age 28, he enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force. Born in Toowoomba, Neville was a single man living in Rabaul in the Territory of New Guinea at the time he enlisted. He became a bombardier in the 1st Anti-Tank, 2nd Regiment. He listed his next of kin as his father George Bertwistle of White Street, Southport. Neville was killed in action on 13 May 1941.

*Birtwistle is likely a misspelling of Bertwistle.

Gilmour Lane

Hugh Edward Gilmour

Pilot Officer Hugh Edward Gilmour (Service number: 22776) enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force in 1940, age 20. Hugh was a single man living in Stevens Street, Southport. He worked as a carrier at the time he enlisted. Hugh was reported missing and then later, on 21 July 1944, presumed dead as a result of air operations over Germany.

Graham Street

George Graham – WWI

Graham Street was named in honour of Private George Graham (Service number: 6077). A local Aboriginal man, George was born in Southport to Andrew and Jane (Jenny) Graham. George enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, age 28. He joined the 17th Reinforcements 26th Battalion. George worked as a labourer at the time he enlisted. He was married to Emily and they had one child. However, records indicated that George lived with his mother. George was wounded in action on 7 July 1918 and died from his injuries on 9 July 1918.

Percy Street

Percy Norman Lather – WWII

Percy Street was named in honour of Gunner Percy Norman Lather (Service number: 26297). Son of Lieutenant Colonel William Lather, Percy enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, age 26. He joined the 4th Field Artillery Brigade. Born in Southport, he worked as a clerk at the time he enlisted. Percy was killed in action on 29 September 1918.

Pohlman Street

Ernest Henry Pohlman – WWI

Pohlman Street was named in honour of Private Ernest Henry Pohlman (Service number: 5896). Ernest enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, age 25 and joined the 16th Reinforcements 25th Battalion. Born in Southport, he worked as a clerk at the time he enlisted. Ernest was killed in action on 4 October 1917.

Shaw Street

William John Shaw – WWII

Corporal William John Shaw (Service number: QX20824) enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in 1941, age 38. Born in Rochester, England, William was married to Elsie, lived in Brisbane and worked as a fireman at the time he enlisted. The couple had no children. During his service, William's wife Elsie moved to Southport and lived in 'Romani' in Lloyd Street. In September 1942, William was reporting missing, believed to be capture and sent to the Japanese Prisoner of War (POW) camp in Burma, where he died from dysentery in August 1942.

Slatyer Avenue

Gordon Slatyer – WWII

Gordon Slatyer (Service numbers: Q303199 and QX20114) enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in July 1940. He was discharged in August 1940 (services no longer required). He enlisted again, in 1941, age 20. Born in Springsure, Queensland, Gordon was a single man working as a clerk in Rockhampton at the time he enlisted. He listed his father Francis Slatyer of 'Carinya' in Southport as his next of kin. Gordon was killed in action on 3 August 1942.

Allan Slatyer – WWII

Allan Slatyer's service record has not yet been digitised. The Virtual War Memorial Australia notes that Allan was killed in a flying accident in Wagga Wagga, NSW on 29 August 1941, age 19.

Surch Court

James (Jack) Richard Surch – WWI

Surch Court was named in honour of Private James (Jack) Richard Surch (Service number: 6167). Jack enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, age 28. He was married to Ada Edwards and lived in Southport. At the time he enlisted, Ada and Jack had one child. Jack was killed in action on 11 August 1918.

Lanes Road

Research indicates Lanes Road was named after the Lane Family of Wongawallan and their early contribution to the social and economic development of their community.

Solomon James Lane – WWI

Private Solomon James Lane (Service number: 2348) enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, age 21. He joined the 4th Reinforcements 41st Battalion. Born in Brisbane, he worked as a musterer at the time he enlisted. Solomon died of capillary bronchitis during World War I on 11 February 1917.

Albert Lane – WWII

Albert Lane (Service number: 414701) enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force in 1941, age 26. He was a single man working as a farmer in Wongawallen, Upper Coomera at the time he enlisted. He was reported missing and presumed dead in 1943.