Dr Joseph Leathom Wassell Print Page 
The monument erected over the grave commemorates Dr Joseph Leathom Wassell who was a medical practitioner on Thursday Island. A memorial tablet which was mistakenly delivered to Torrens Island in South Australia, was found in 1996 and returned to Thursday Island and placed on the tombstone in 2005.
Dr Wassell was a medical practitioner, military medical officer and quarantine officer on Thursday Island until his untimely death at the age of 42 in April 1915 as result of stonefish envenomation.
A graduate of Sydney University, Dr Wassell worked for 15 years in the Torres Strait and was so highly regarded that a memorial was erected on Thursday Island in his honour in front of the Town Hall.
Dr Wassell, Government Medical Officer died on the 7th April 1915 from sepsis after a week's illness. Business on the island was practically suspended and few people were absent from the funeral which took place on the 8th April, the ceremony being of a masonic and military character.
Cairns Post, 9th April 1915.
Location
| Address: | Aplin Road, Cemetery, Thursday Island, 4875 |
|---|---|
| State: | QLD |
| Area: | AUS |
| GPS Coordinates: | Lat: -10.575689 Long: 142.216797 Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate. |
Details
| Monument Type: | Grave |
|---|---|
| Monument Theme: | People |
| Sub-Theme: | Medicine |
Dedication
In loving memory of Joseph Leathom Wassell M.B., CH. M Captain A.A.M.C.
Who departed this life
7th April 1915
Aged 41 years
Greater love hath no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friends.
Plaque :
In memory of Joseph Leathom Wassell M.B., M.S.
Quarantine Officer
Thursday Island
Died April 7th 1915.
Joe. L. Wassell M.B., CH. M. Sydney
Comrade of the past with memories
For ever dear, taken in the prime
Of life we now mourn our loss
At Rest
Thy will be done
Right Wor. Bro, Joseph Leathom Wassell
A.M.D.G. SUP.
Held in grateful remembrance with worthy honour and reverent esteem by his fellow brethren of Lodge Torres Strait No. 620 S.C.
