Robert Alfred Harris

Submitted by Mt Kembla Minin... on Fri, 16/06/2017 - 10:13

First Name:

Robert

Middle Name:

Alfred

Last Name:

Harris

Mother's Name:

Emily Harris nee Campbell

Father's Name:

Russell Harris

Date Enlisted:

Tuesday, August 17, 1915

Rank at Enlistment:

Private

Rank at Discharge:

Private

Unit:

13th Battalion

Service:

Infantry

Awards:

British War Medal

Victory Medal

Date of Death:

Tuesday, September 25, 1945

Place of Death:

Wollongong Hospital, Wollongong, N.S.W.

Details:

Robert Alfred Harris (Service No 3788), was born in Balgownie, N.S.W., around 1889.

At enlistment, he was single, 26 years old and worked as a miner.

Robert embarked on HMAT A29 Suevic, with 13th Battalion,12th Reinforcement, on 20th December 1915. After stopping in Egypt, he arrived in France, on 8th June 1916. On 29th August 1916, he was fighting on the Somme, when he was wounded in action. Robert was evacuated to hospital for treatment of a severe gun shot wound to his arm. In September 1916, his arm was amputated and he became dangerously ill. He was repatriated to Australia in July 1917, and discharged medically unfit with a pension, on 6th October 1917.

Robert did not marry and worked for many years for the Caldwell Brothers butchery.

Robert died in 1945.

Robert is commemorated for his service on the Balgownie War Memorial.

Robert's brother, David (Servcie No 3702), also served.

Sources:

NAA: B2455, HARRIS R A