Robert Jackson

Submitted by Mt Kembla Minin... on Mon, 18/07/2016 - 11:09

First Name:

Robert

Last Name:

Jackson

Date Enlisted:

Thursday, November 9, 1916

Rank at Enlistment:

Private

Rank at Discharge:

Private

Unit:

1st Pioneer Battalion

Service:

Infantry

Awards:

British War Medal

Victory Medal

Details:

Robert Jackson (Service No 3457/ 3457A) was born in Wishaw, Scotland around 1869.

At enlistment Robert was married and the family lived at Thirroul, N.S.W. He stated his age to be 40, although he was probably 47 at the time. Robert listed his wife, Jane, as next of kin. Robert had served 8 years in the Militia.

He embarked from Sydney on HMAT A72 Beltana with 8th Reinforcements, 1st Pioneer Battalion, on 25th November 1916. The troops arrived in England on 29th January 1917 and robert was sent on to France on 11th May 1917.

He saw service on the Western Front and as soldier with the Pioneer Battalion, the work he would have carried out heavy labour under difficult conditions.

Robert was wounded on 7th March 1918 and evacuated to hospital in England for treatment, having been gassed.

He was returned to Australia in May 1918 and discharged medically unfit on 25th September 1918 due to myalgia and debility.

Sources:

NAA: B2455, JACKSON ROBERT