Date Captured:
Date Repatriated:
Awards/Honours: BWM, VM, MP, MS, WAR.
Veteran Story: George Laurie (1889-1918) was born at Comet Downs to Harry and Marie Laurie. His father was ‘Cinghalese’ and his mother an Aboriginal woman. Laurie enlisted in November 1915 and trained at Thompson's Paddock, Enoggera before embarking for England with the 42nd Infantry Battalion, in June 1916. The battalion arrived in Outersteene, south-west of Bailleul in November and soon saw action in the front lines. During his service Laurie was hospitalised for 'trench fever' and influenza; but on the eve of 12 August 1918 near Mericourt Laurie was killed in action. Laurie is buried at Heath Cemetery, 13 kilometres from Villers-Bretonneux; his service medals, memorial scroll and plaque were issued to his only known relative, his sister Violet, who placed the following inscription on his grave "Far away from all who loved him, in a hero’s grave he lies".
