Next of Kin Plaque: Private Edward Donoghue, 26th Battalion, AIF

Bronze next of kin plaque, showing on the obverse, Britannia holding a laurel wreath, the British lion, dolphins, a spray of oak leaves and the words 'HE DIED FOR FREEDOM AND HONOUR' around the edge. Beneath the main figures, the British lion defeats the German eagle. The initials 'ECP', for the designer Edward Carter Preston appear above the lion's right forepaw. A raised rectangle above the lion's head bears the name 'EDWARD DONOGHUE'. A checker's mark, '61', is impressed behind the lion's rear left paw and tail.

Born in Brisbane, Queensland, Edward Donoghue was employed as a labourer according to his own account, but a postal assistant according to his family, when he enlisted in the AIF on 15 November 1915. After initial training he was posted a private, service number 4714, to the 12th Reinforcements for 26th Battalion. The unit embarked for overseas service from Sydney aboard HMAT Mooltan on 9 March 1916.

After training in England and a period of hospitalisation Donoghue Joined his battalion at Steenvoorde, France, on 28 September. He was wounded in the foot at Flers on 14 November and evacuated to England for medical treatment. After he was discharged from hospital at the end of February 1917 Donoghue underwent further training before rejoining his battalion near Bapaume, France.

Donoghue was reported missing in action on 5 October 1917, at Broodseinde Ridge, Belgium, but was later confirmed killed, aged 25. His body was later recovered and is buried in the Tyne Cot Cemetery.

This commemorative plaque was sent to his father, Lawrence, in 1922.