Thanks to Gary Mitchell for permission to share this post.
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17th November 2021
Served bravely and suffered during The Great War, resting at Sandgate Cemetery, have I been forgotten?
71 years ago today, on the Friday afternoon of the 17th November 1950, Private Robert Smith (M.M.), 30th Battalion (Reg No-2495), wheeler from "Maudville", 93 Teralba Road, Adamstown, New South Wales, was laid to rest at Sandgate Cemetery, age 57. ANGLICAN 2-141. 71.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article134386077 - funeral notice states service.
Born at Catherine Hill Bay, New South Wales on the 24th August 1893 (as Richard A) to George Robert and Clara Smith, Robert enlisted August 1915 at Newcastle, N.S.W.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137105449 - farewell from Kitchener Hall, Adamstown, N.S.W. (as H. Smith).
Admitted to hospital 14.4.1916 (mumps).
Wounded in action - 29.9.1917 (GSW right arm, Battle of Polygon Wood).
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article138735930 - reported wounded.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article138740099 - report that Robert being discharged from hospital.
Robert returned home July 1919, being discharged on the 13th September 1919.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139441607 - welcome home.
Awarded Military Medal, 15th September 1919.
'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in the operations near NAUROY from 29th September to 1st October 1918. This man is a stretcher-bearer, and with [2733] Private WHYATT, M.M., rendered untiring service in carrying wounded men under intense shell and machine gun fire. On 30th September an intense barrage fell on our front line posts, which were under direct observation from the enemy who was only 300 yards away. Two men were severely wounded by the barrage and Private SMITH with Private WHYATT immediately rushed forward from Company Headquarters passing through the barrage and in spite of heavy machine gun fire directed at them carried one wounded man back and returning a second time, again passed through the barrage and came under concentrated fire from at least 4 enemy machine guns. With the utmost determination and disregard of personal danger they stuck to their task and brought the second wounded man back. Though exhausted, Private SMITH stuck to his task, and before the Company was relieved, carried out several wounded men passing over an area which was continually under the direct fire of enemy field and machine guns.'
Mr. Smith’s name has been inscribed on the Adamstown Citizens' Memorial, Adamstown Municipal District Roll of Honor and The Capt. Clarence Smith Jeffries (V.C.) and Pte. William Matthew Currey (V.C.) Memorial Wall. Name possibly inscribed on the Adamstown St. Stephen's Church of England Roll of Honour (possibly names inscribed are only the Fallen), whereabouts unknown.
I have placed poppies and a 1914-1918 WAR label at Robert’s gravesite in remembrance of his service and sacrifice for God, King & Country.
Contact with descendants would be greatly appreciated.
Lest We Forget.
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