ROBSON, Ewan Murray
| Service Number: | NX349 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 29 September 1939, Embarking for Scotland with the 2nd/5th Field Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery (RAA), in May 1940, he disembarked at Gourock, Scotland, on 18 June 1940. |
| Last Rank: | Lieutenant Colonel |
| Last Unit: | 2nd/31st Infantry Battalion |
| Born: | Ashfield, New South Wales, Australia, 7 March 1906 |
| Home Town: | Rose Bay, Woollahra, New South Wales |
| Schooling: | Newington College, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia |
| Occupation: | Solicitor |
| Died: | Heart attack, Rose Bay, New South Wales, Australia, 26 August 1974, aged 68 years |
| Cemetery: |
Northern Suburbs Memorial Gardens and Crematorium, NSW |
| Memorials: | Kokoda Track Memorial Rose Garden |
World War 2 Service
| 29 Sep 1939: | Enlisted Australian Military Forces (WW2) , Lieutenant, NX349, 2nd/5th Field Regiment, Embarking for Scotland with the 2nd/5th Field Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery (RAA), in May 1940, he disembarked at Gourock, Scotland, on 18 June 1940. | |
|---|---|---|
| 29 Dec 1939: | Enlisted Australian Military Forces (WW2) , Lieutenant Colonel, NX349, 2nd/31st Infantry Battalion | |
| 3 Mar 1941: | Transferred Australian Military Forces (WW2) , Lieutenant, 2nd/31st Infantry Battalion, Transferred to the 2nd/31st Infantry Battalion of the 7th Division and was trained in the AIF School. On 3 March 1941, he left Britain, arriving in the Middle East on 9 March. | |
| 9 May 1941: | Promoted Australian Military Forces (WW2) , Captain, 2nd/31st Infantry Battalion, On 9 May 1941, he was appointed to the rank of Captain. | |
| 18 Jun 1941: | Wounded Australian Military Forces (WW2) , Captain, NX349, 2nd/31st Infantry Battalion, Syria - Operation Exporter, Whilst fighting he received a shrapnel wound to the foot. | |
| 8 Oct 1942: | Promoted Major, 2nd/31st Infantry Battalion, In June 1941 he received a shrapnel wound to the foot while fighting in Syria. Attached to the Middle East Tactical School, he re-joined his unit in February 1942 and served with distinction in North Africa, being promoted to Major on 8 October 1942. | |
| 11 Jun 1943: | Promoted Australian Military Forces (WW2) , Lieutenant Colonel, 2nd/31st Infantry Battalion, On 3 December 1942, he departed North Africa with his unit, disembarking at Brisbane, on 8 January 1943. On 11 June 1943, he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel. | |
| 6 Mar 1945: | Honoured Companion of the Distinguished Service Order, In August 1943 he sailed with his unit to New Guinea. He was Mentioned In Dispatches three times. On 6 March 1945 he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order on a recommendation by his Commanding Officer, Major General George Alan Vasy DSO CBE Mentioned in Dispatches (MID) (Commander of the 7th Division, his unit is under his command). | |
| 6 Jul 1945: | Involvement Australian Military Forces (WW2) , Lieutenant Colonel, NX349, 2nd/31st Infantry Battalion, Borneo - Operation Oboe July - August 1945, In July 1945, he led his unit in the invasion of Balikpapan, Borneo, and in September accepted the surrender of Japanese forces under Major General Michio Uno at Bandjermasin in the Dutch East Indies. | |
| 21 Nov 1945: | Discharged Australian Military Forces (WW2) , Lieutenant Colonel, NX349, 2nd/31st Infantry Battalion |
Non Warlike Service
| 1 Jan 1966: | Honoured Commander of the Order of the British Empire, Awarded on the Honours list. |
|---|
THE PASSING OF COLONEL MURRAY ROBSON
Although we all knew that Murray had been having a bad trot healthwise it was a great shock to learn of his passing on the 26th August. The southern press has covered his death with liberal praise and men of the moment like Sir Robert Askin, Premier of NSW, likewise, so there is probably little more that we can say except this:
We of the 2/31 Battalion probably knew ‘The Big Punisher’ better than most. In the years that we knew him there was no time or need for front or wheedling as there is in civvy street and particularly in political circles. Murray was a man. He was one of Australia’s best soldiers – maybe a little ambitious – but still a leader of men. We remember a statement he made just outside Jezzine after the French had re-entered Merdjayoun. We were two sections of A Company (Murray was Officer in Charge, A Company) on a standing patrol. We were attacked early one morning by the French in strength. We retired to the bottom of the hill where Robby met us. ‘What is the position Sergeant Boston?’ he said to Eric Boston. ‘We estimate that they are battalion strength, Sir,’ said Eric. ‘How many have we here?’ said Robby. ‘Thirty,’ said Eric. ‘Well let’s go up and attack the bastards,’ said Robby, ‘each one of us is as good as ten of them.’ We did attack and finished up taking 80 prisoners.
This was the make of the man. After the war he gave a lot of his time to the 2/31 Battalion Association. George Disney has been the Honorary Secretary since the inception of the Association and here is what he has to say:
Murray never forgot those years of war. He didn’t forget because deep down Murray hated war and violence. He made this known to the NSW branch of the battalion on numerous occasions in his little Anzac Day and after dinner pep talks which he at times gave with a degree of considerable emotion.
Murray was the heart around which the NSW branch of the Association revolved. He was so dependable and adamant (as we all know he could be) that the Association should continue to exist even if only two members were able to come along to a re-union.
The passing of Murray Robson is a blow that has stunned us all. He is a part of the Battalion that cannot be replaced. We in New South Wales have been enriched over the years by his presence and we know that much of this has rubbed off on Associations in other States. We looked to Murray Robson as our inspiration and with his passing his image will always remain with us.
Murray Robson will always be the password whenever members of the 2/31st Australian Infantry Battalion congregate.
It was Murray’s wish that no fuss or lavish arrangements be made for his funeral. He had simply said that all he wanted was the members of his family and the boys from the Battalion if they were able to attend.
The funeral was held at the Northern Suburbs Crematorium and notwithstanding short notice more than 100 boys from the Battalion and sister units were present. It was a moving scene as Archdeacon Robinson (a former Battalion padre, specially flown in from Lismore) opened the service. The Archdeacon, at an appropriate point in the service, called upon Major-General KW Eather to speak on behalf of the ex-servicemen present. This was followed by the RSL service. The Archdeacon concluded the service by paying special tribute to the outstanding qualities and character of Murray Robson, our former Commanding Officer.
Murray Robson will never be forgotten by the boys of the 2/31 Battalion. It seems almost superfluous to add – ‘Lest we forget.’
Submitted 1 October 2024 by Rayon Boby
Biography contributed by Hamish Robson
Ewan Murray Robson CBE DSO MID #3 ‘Poppy’ (7 March 1906 – 26 August 1974) Grandfather
-Born in Sydney and educated at Newington College (Greater Public School GPS) and the University of Sydney, where Poppy gained degrees in arts and law and rowed in the Sydney University Rowing VIII.
-Poppy was born in Ashfield Sydney NSW on 7 March 1906, the second son of long-serving NSW politician William Elliott Veitch Robson and Mabel Jackson Wise. Poppy was admitted as a solicitor on 4 June 1930 and practiced with his father at Robson & Cowlishaw. Poppy married Lesley Alison Martin in 1931 at St Stephen's Presbyterian Church, Sydney and had two sons (Murray and Campbell). When sitting United Australia Party (UAP) MP (member of parliament) Poppy stood as an Independent UAP candidate at the resulting by-election in Foster's vacated Legislative Assembly seat of Vaucluse. At the by-election on 29 August 1936, Poppy emerged successful, with 62.63% of the vote, becoming the third generation of his family to serve in the NSW Parliament.
Soon after his election Poppy joined the UAP but soon joined a group of government backbenchers who were unhappy with the Bertram Stevens government's economic management and the party's control over preselection, becoming prominent in the struggle that led to the resignation of the Premier Stevens and his replacement by Alexander Mair in August 1939.[2] At the 4 March 1938 election, Robson retained his seat uncontested.
-18th Leader of the Opposition NSW17 August 1954 – 20 September 1955.
- After working several years as a solicitor, Poppy stood for, and was elected to, parliament on 29 August 1936 at a by-election for the seat of Vaucluse. Poppy served many years on the back benches.
Military Career
-NX349
- World War II 1939-1945
- 2nd Australian Imperial Forces (2nd AIF) Australian Army
-When the Second World War broke out, Poppy initially enlisted as a Lieutenant in the Militia from 29 September 1939.
-On 25 December, Poppy was granted a leave of absence from the NSW Parliament, with his father dealing with his affairs, and enlisted in the 2nd AIF on 29 December. Embarking for Scotland with the 2nd/5th Field Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery (RAA), in May 1940, he disembarked at Gourock, Scotland, on 18 June 1940.
-Transferring to the 2nd/31st Infantry Battalion in the 7th Division and was trained in the AIF School. On 3 March 1941, Poppy left Britain, arriving in the Middle East on 9 March. On 9 May 1941, Poppy was appointed to the rank of Captain
-In June 1941 Poppy received a shrapnel wound to the foot while fighting in Syria. Attached to the Middle East Tactical School, he re-joined his unit in February 1942 and served with distinction in North Africa, being promoted to Major on 8 October 1942. On 3 December 1942, Poppy departed North Africa with his unit, disembarking at Brisbane, on 8 January 1943.
-On 11 June 1943, Poppy was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel (LT COL) -In August 1943 Poppy sailed with his unit to New Guinea where he suffered bouts of malaria. Poppy was Mentioned In Dispatches three times.
-On 6 March 1945 Poppy was awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) on a recommendation by his Commanding Officer, Major General George Alan Vasy DSO CBE Mentioned in Dispatches (MID).
DSO Citation
Government House, Canberra. 27th April 1944.
The King has been graciously pleased to approve that the following be Mentioned in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the South-West Pacific: — LT COL E. M. Robson (NX 349).
‘For courage, coolness, determination and resourceful leadership in the field. Throughout the New Guinea Campaign LT Col Robson was outstanding in his leadership. His efficient handling of his command down Markham Valley to Lae, when his battalion carried out a major outflanking movement, was largely responsible for the rapid overpowering and destruction of the enemy. During the four months of the campaign, he continually made his early recess, and was constantly among his most forward troops. By his actions he inspired complete confidence in all under his command.’
In July 1945 Poppy led the 2nd/31st Infantry Battalion in the invasion of Balikpapan, Borneo, and in September accepted the surrender of Japanese forces under Major General Michio Uno at Bandjermasin in the Dutch East Indies.
-Relinquishing command, he returned to Sydney and was placed on the Reserve of Officers in November before being discharged on 21 November 1945.
Post War Career
-Poppy as a member of his Army unit after the war.
-Upon demobilisation, Poppy returned to his political career. His long absence during his war service had put pressure on his marriage and ended when his wife divorced him in 1947. He remarried soon after to Naomi Priscilla Gee.
-Maomi was a Voluntary Aid Detachment (VAD) member was that of nursing orderly in hospitals, carrying out menial but essential tasks - scrubbing floors, sweeping, dusting and cleaning bathrooms and other areas, dealing with bedpans, and washing patients. They were not employed in military hospitals, except as ward and pantry maids; rather, they worked in Red Cross convalescent and rest homes, canteens, and on troop trains.
-Poppy continued where he left off before the war up until 1956, he, however, did not stay long afterward; on 26 July 1957, he resigned his seat, and returned to his legal practice until he retired.
- He was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the 1966 New Years Honours. On 26 August 1974, Poppy died of a heart attack at his in Rose Bay, Sydney home and was cremated.
Biography contributed by Hamish Robson
Ewan Murray Robson (7 March 1906 – 26 August 1974)
-Born in Sydney and educated at Newington College from 1918 - 1923. He then studied at the University of Sydney, where he achieved degrees in arts in 1927 and law in 1930, he also rowed in the 1925 Sydney University Rowing VIII.
-He was born in Ashfield Sydney NSW on 7 March 1906, the second son of long-serving NSW politician William Elliott Veitch Robson and Mabel Jackson Wise. He was admitted as a solicitor on 4 June 1930 and practiced with his father at Robson & Cowlishaw. He married Lesley Alison Martin in 1931 at St Stephen's Presbyterian Church, Sydney, and had two sons (Murray and Campbell). With the United Australia Party (UAP) MP, he stood as an Independent UAP candidate at the resulting by-election in Foster's vacated Legislative Assembly seat of Vaucluse. At the by-election on 29 August 1936, he emerged successful, with 62.63% of the vote, becoming the third generation of his family to serve in the NSW Parliament.
Soon after his election, he joined the UAP but soon joined a group of government backbenchers who were unhappy with the Bertram Stevens government's economic management and the party's control over preselection, becoming prominent in the struggle that led to the resignation of Premier Stevens and his replacement by Alexander Mair in August 1939. On the 4 March 1938 election, he retained his seat uncontested.
- He was the 18th Leader of the Opposition NSW from 17 August 1954 – 20 September 1955.
- After working several years as a solicitor, he stood for and was elected to, parliament on 29 August 1936 at a by-election for the seat of Vaucluse. He served many years on the back benches.
Military Career
-He enlisted in the army, on the 29th of September 1939 as a Lieutenant (NX349) in the Militia (army reserve).
-On 25 December, he was granted a leave of absence from the NSW Parliament, with his father dealing with his affairs, and enlisted in the 2nd Australian Imperial Force (2nd AIF) on 29 December. Embarking for Scotland with the 2nd/5th Field Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery (RAA), in May 1940, he disembarked at Gourock, Scotland, on 18 June 1940.
-Transferring to the 2nd/31st Infantry Battalion in the 7th Division and was trained in the AIF School. On 3 March 1941, he left Britain, arriving in the Middle East on 9 March. On 9 May 1941, he was appointed to the rank of Captain.
-In June 1941, he received a shrapnel wound to the foot while fighting in Syria. Attached to the Middle East Tactical School, he re-joined his unit in February 1942 and served with distinction in North Africa, being promoted to Major on 8 October 1942. On 3 December 1942, he departed North Africa with his unit, disembarking at Brisbane, on 8 January 1943.
-On 11 June 1943, he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and given command of the 2/31st Infantry Battalion.
-In August 1943, he sailed with his unit to New Guinea where he suffered bouts of malaria. he was Mentioned In Dispatches three times.
-On 6 March 1945 he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO), on a recommendation by his Commanding Officer, Major General George Alan Vasy DSO CBE Mentioned in Dispatches (MID) (Commander of the 7th Division, his unit is under his command).
DSO Citation
Government House, Canberra. 27th April, 1944.
The KING has been graciously pleased to approve that the following be Mentioned in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the South-West Pacific: — LT COL E. M. Robson (NX 349).
‘For courage, coolness, determination, and resourceful leadership in the field. Throughout the New Guinea Campaign LT Col Robson was outstanding in his leadership. His efficient handling of his command down Markham Valley to Lae, when his battalion carried out a major outflanking movement, was largely responsible for the rapid overpowering and destruction of the enemy. During the four months of the campaign, he continually made his early recess and was constantly among his most forward troops. By his actions, he inspired complete confidence in all under his command.’
In July 1945 he led his unit in the invasion of Balikpapan, Borneo, and in September accepted the surrender of Japanese forces under Major General Michio Uno at Bandjermasin in the Dutch East Indies.
-Relinquishing command, he returned to Sydney and was placed on the Reserve of Officers in November before being discharged on 21 November 1945.
Post War Career
- He was a member of his Army unit after the war.
-Upon demobilisation, he returned to his political career. His long absence during his war service had put pressure on his marriage and ended when his wife divorced him in 1947. He remarried soon after to Naomi Priscilla Gee.
-She was a Voluntary Aid Detachment (VAD) member.
- He continued where he left off before the war up until 1956, however, he did not stay long afterward; on 26 July 1957, he resigned his seat, and returned to his legal practice until he retired.
- He was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 1966 New Year Honours. On 26 August 1974, he died of a heart attack at his Rose Bay, Sydney home and was cremated. He is survived by his second wife and both his sons.
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