Robert Gladstone Fenwick

First Name: 
Robert
Middle Name: 
Gladstone
Last Name: 
Fenwick
Mother's Name: 
Barbara Fenwick
Father's Name: 
James Fenwick
Date Enlisted: 
Saturday, July 17, 1915
Rank at Enlistment: 
Private
Rank at Discharge: 
Private
Unit: 
30th Battalion
Company: 
D
Service: 
Infantry
Awards: 
1914/1915 Star
British War Medal
Victory Medal
Date of Death: 
Thursday, July 20, 1916
Place of Death: 
Fromelles, France
Cause of Death: 
Killed in action
Details: 

Private Robert Fenwick (Service no. 882) was born in Bulli circa 1894. He attended Helensburg Public School and was serving in the 37th Illawarra Infantry when he enlisted. He was a single 21 year old miner.

Robert embarked on HMAT A72 Beltana on 9th November, 1915 with D coy 30th Battalion. He may have been able to meet up with his brother James in Egypt when he arrived there. Not long after he received sad news that his Father had passed away in February 1916. As his brother was married, this left Robert the sole support of his Mother. He saw service on the Western Front and was involved in the Battle of Fromelles. He was listed as missing in action after the battle and his death was advised to the Army from information provided by the Germans.

Robert was one of the men identified in the exhumation of the mass pits resently located. Along with others he was buried in the new Pheasant Wood Military Cemetery Plot I, Row C, Grave 11. He was one of the first group identified.

The war was very sad for Barbara Fenwick, as she lost her husband and two sons.

Sources: 
NAA: B2455, FENWICK R G