What’s happening?
A local community campaign has raised enough money to install a military headstone for Private William Arthur Mobbs at Cleveland Cemetery.
Federal Member launched the Redlands Remembers campaign for Bowman Henry Pike MP and the volunteer group Australian Remembrance Army.
The campaign reached its initial target of $4,800 in less than 24 hours.
That funding will help permanently mark the grave of Private Mobbs, whose service had gone unrecognised in the cemetery.
Mr Pike said the response had been swift and meaningful.
“This is what remembrance looks like,” Mr Pike said.
“To see the community rally so quickly to ensure Private Mobbs is properly honoured is something we can all be proud of.”
Why it matters?
Private Mobbs served Australia in both world wars, yet until now his grave remained unmarked.
He enlisted in 1916 and served more than three years overseas, including on the Western Front.
More than two decades later, he stepped forward again during the Second World War at 49 years of age.
After his service, he lived quietly in Birkdale and worked as a labourer.
He was later buried in an unmarked grave at Cleveland Cemetery, with nothing to show that he had served his country twice.
Mr Pike said the campaign is helping correct that.
“Thanks to the efforts of volunteers from the Australian Remembrance Army, this oversight was uncovered and with the support of Private Mobbs’ family, I am proud to join with our community to come together to put it right,” he said.
Local Impact
This story has struck a chord in Redlands because it centres on a local veteran buried in the community.
It also points to a wider issue at Cleveland Cemetery, where other local veterans remain in unmarked graves.
While the first fundraising target has been met, the campaign is continuing.
There are three more unmarked graves of local veterans at Cleveland Cemetery now moving through the approvals process.
Mr Pike said the goal is now broader than one grave.
“If we can do this for one, we can do it for others,” Mr Pike said.
“Additional funds raised will go directly towards ensuring three more local veterans, all buried at Cleveland Cemetery, receive the recognition they deserve.”
By the numbers
- The campaign raised its first $4,800 in less than 24 hours, covering the resources needed for a proper military headstone.
- Private Mobbs enlisted in 1916 and served more than three years overseas, including service on the Western Front.
- More than two decades after his first service, he enlisted again at 49 during the Second World War.
Zoom In
The campaign focuses on restoring dignity to Private Mobbs’ final resting place.
A contribution is available through the Australian Government’s Marking (First World War) Private Graves Grants Program.
However, that funding covers only a small part of the full cost.
That is why local fundraising has been needed to manufacture and install a fitting military memorial headstone.
Zoom Out
The Redlands Remembers effort shows how local volunteers, families and the wider community can help correct long-overlooked gaps in remembrance.
It also highlights the role of groups such as the Australian Remembrance Army in identifying veterans whose service has not been properly marked.
What began as an effort for one man may now support broader recognition for others in the same cemetery.
What To Look For Next?
With the first headstone now funded, the Redlands Remembers campaign is likely to keep its momentum as three other unmarked veteran graves at Cleveland Cemetery move through the approvals process.
Fundraising is also set to continue, with extra support going towards giving those local veterans the same recognition now secured for Private Mobbs.
Redlanders who want to support the effort can find more details through the Australian Remembrance Army fundraiser page.
