Next of Kin plaque : Private J W Eyles, 13 Battalion, AIF

Bronze next of kin plaque in original cardboard container, 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 'JOHN WILLIAM EYLES'

John William Eyles was born at Paddington, Sydney and was working as a storeman when he enlisted in the AIF at the age of 31, on 1 May 1915. He had previously served for 3 years in the Citizens' Military Force, in the 2nd Australian Infantry Regiment.

After initial training he was assigned as private, with the service number 2151, to the 6th Reinforcements for 13th Battalion, part of the 4th Brigade. He sailed from Sydney for Egypt on 14 June aboard the troopship HMAT A62 Wandilla. A brief period of further training took place in Egypt before the reinforcements landed on Gallipoli to join their battalion.

On 7 August the battalion moved to Australia Valley, one of the northern branches of Aghyle Dere, where they dug in. Between 21 and 29 August they took part in the unsuccessful assault on Hill 60. On 21 August the 13th Battalion sustained 74 casualties. The following day, reinforced by the newly arrived 18th Battalion, it sustained 27 casualties. One of these casualties was Eyles, who was killed in action fighting at No. 3 Post in Australia Valley. Further heavy fighting for Hill 60 began again on 27 August. Five thousand British, Australian, Indian and New Zealand troops took part in the attempt to capture the hill; half became casualties.

John Eyles's body was not recovered and his name is commemorated on the Lone Pine Memorial. His widow, Theresa, received this plaque in 1923. He was also survived by his children, Arthur Stanley and Eileen Elizabeth. His cousin, also Arthur Stanley Eyles, was killed at Pozieres, France,on 29 July 1916, while serving with 26 Battalion AIF.