S63658
DRURY, Robert Henry
| Service Number: | 12609 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 8 January 1916 |
| Last Rank: | Private |
| Last Unit: | 11th Field Ambulance |
| Born: | Houghton, South Australia , April 1884 |
| Home Town: | Inglewood, Adelaide Hills, South Australia |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Builder |
| Died: | 10 February 1965, cause of death not yet discovered, place of death not yet discovered |
| Cemetery: |
North Road Cemetery, Nailsworth, South Australia |
| Memorials: | Burra District WW1 Honor Roll, Houghton War Memorial |
World War 1 Service
| 8 Jan 1916: | Enlisted AIF WW1 | |
|---|---|---|
| 31 May 1916: | Involvement AIF WW1, Private, 12609, 11th Field Ambulance, --- :embarkation_roll: roll_number: '23' embarkation_place: Adelaide embarkation_ship: HMAT Suevic embarkation_ship_number: A29 public_note: '' | |
| 31 May 1916: | Embarked AIF WW1, Private, 12609, 11th Field Ambulance, HMAT Suevic, Adelaide | |
| 12 Feb 1919: | Honoured Military Medal, On the 4th of July 1918, Robert Henry Drury, spent hours throughout the day and overnight, bringing the bodies out the front and back to the R.A.P. whilst under heavy gunfire, Robert showed exceptional bravery and compassion which led to him receiving the Military Medal on the 12th of February 1919. |
Military Medal Citation
'At 5 a.m. on 4th July, 1918, near HAMEL east of CORBIE, Private DRUY showed conspicuously in courage, resource and devotion to duty in collecting wounded from Front Line to R.A.P. whilst under heavy shell fire. His dash in carrying this out stood out from his comrades. Later he carried from the RA.A.P. to Motor Loading Post over shell swept ground. On the night of the 5th July, 1918, he voluntarily collected many wounded from the front line and carried them to the R.A.P. all the while under shell fire. He worked for two days carrying continuously with untiring energy.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 23
Date: 12 February 1919
Submitted 4 August 2015 by James Fitzroy
Biography contributed by Kathleen Bambridge
Robert was awarded his Military Medal by General Birdwood, visiting from England, in Adelaide on 6 March 1920.
Biography contributed by Modbury High School
In the month of April 1884, Robert Henry Drury was born in Houghton, South Australia. Robert’s Mother, Elizabeth Jane Drury, was born in Houghton in 1862, Elizabeth passed away in 1956 in Houghton South Australia. Robert’s father, Samuel Drury was born in Campden, Gloucestershire, England, around 1852, Samuel passed away in 1922 in Houghton. Robert had 6 siblings, 4 boys and two girls. William Edward Drury, Robert’s younger brother born 1895, also served in WW1 in the 5th Divisional Headquarters. Before the war, Robert worked as a builder and his religion was Church of England. Presumably he spent time living near Burra as he is commemorated there on the District Roll of Honour
Robert Henry Drury enlisted for the war on the 8th of January 1916. The medical examination for war was recorded on February 4th, 1916, at the time Robert was 31 years and 9 months of age. Robert was described as 5 feet 8½ inches, approximately weighing 141lb (63.9kg), blue eyes, brown hair, with a “fresh” complexion.
Robert embarked on board HMAT A29 Suevic on the 31st of May 1916. Robert’s unit was the 11th Field Ambulance, Robert and his unit most likely spent most of their time on the Western Front in France. The unit’s role primarily revolved around running sector medical posts and stations, operating Advanced Dressing Stations, and managing rest areas. They also played a crucial role in moving wounded soldiers from the battlefield to advanced dressing stations. Robert’s rank throughout the war was private.
Robert Henry Drury was awarded the Military medal on the 12th of February 1919. At 5 a.m. on the 4th of July 1918, near Hamel, east of Corbie, Private Robert Henry Drury displayed remarkable courage, resourcefulness, and unwavering devotion to duty. Under intense shell fire, he tirelessly collected wounded soldiers from the front line and brought them to the Regimental Aid Post (R.A.P.). His boldness and determination in performing this dangerous task set him apart from his fellow comrades. Later that day, he continued his brave work by carrying the wounded from the R.A.P. to the motor loading post, again crossing ground swept by shellfire. On the night of the 5th of July 1918, he voluntarily returned to the front line, gathering and carrying numerous wounded men to safety — all while still under heavy bombardment. For two full days, Private Drury worked without rest, driven by tireless energy and selfless commitment to saving lives. This led to Robert being awarded the Military Medal, this medal was established on the 25th of March 1916 by King Henry V.
On the 16th of May 1918 Robert contracted Influenza and was admitted to a hospital two days later the 18th. On the 2nd of June 1918 Robert for a second time contracted Influenza and was admitted to a hospital on the same day in France.
Robert Henry Drury was discharged from WW1 on the 19th of August 1919. After the war he married Kathleen Mary Tilmouth. During the 1930’s he lived in Whyalla according to the Electoral Roll. He died in 1965 and is buried at North Rd Cemetery, Nailsworth. He is commemorated on the Houghton War Memorial and Burra District Honour Roll.
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