2960 Vernon Lorimer enlisted at Maryborough on 31 March 1915 and embarked on HMAT A31 Ajana on 31 May 1915 as a member of 5 Field Ambulance. During the war, he transferred to the Artillery and was commissioned as a 2/Lieutenant just after the Armistice. On enlistment he gave his profession as Artist.
He is known as an early 20th century Melbourne trained cartoonist, illustrator and commercial artist. Most of Lorimer's illustrative work was done for the NSW Bookstall Company. He began illustrating their books in 1908; a second followed in 1913, While serving in WWI he contributed to a servicemen’s anthology. Eleven known illustrated books appeared after the war, in 1919-25, with his busiest period being 1922-23.
Over 20 of Lorimer's water colours and pen and ink illustrations were on display at the Australian Army Museum of WA until August 2023 as part of an exhibition exploring the dual impact of combat stress and exceptional gallantry. The collection and supporting interpretation is now available for touring.
