Robert Orlando Cowey

Robert Cowey was born in Victoria and joined the Australian Army in 1910.

When war was declared Robert was single, 26 years old, a Lieutenant and area officer in Wollongong, N.S.W.  He soon enlisted with the AIF and embarked from Sydney on HMAT A14 Euripides with B Company, 3rd Battalion on 19th October 1914. 

He arrived in Egypt in December and after training embarked for Gallipoli landing on 25th April with 9 Platoon, B Company.  On 27th April, four days after being promoted to Captain, Robert was fighting at Quinns Post when he was wounded.  He was evacuated to hospital with a severe gun shot wound to his right arm and eventually ended up in hospital in England for treatment.

While in England he married Ruby Craig in late 1915.

Robert was recommended for a Mention in Despatches Award on 30th Nobermber 1915 and this was granted and promulgated in the London Gazette 11 July 1919.  Robert returned to Egypt in February 1916 and was attached to 55th Battalion.

On 3rd May 1916 Robert was promoted to Major and arrived in France on 20th June 1916.  He was sent to various schools in Egypt and England.  

Robert saw service on the Western Front  until 11th May 1917 when he was wounded in action a second time and was evacuated to hospital for treatment of a severe gun shot wound to his left foot.  He finally returned to France on 18th November 1917.

Robert and Ruby finally returned to Australia in May 1919 and Robert was discharged from the AIF on 20th August 1919.

He returned to Victoria and raised a family with Ruby.

Robert served in World War II in Australia.

He died in Victoria in 1970.