Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Robert Struthers is my mothers Great Uncle.
I have been researching my families war history as related by my mother and I have found the following information about Robert.
Robert was born in Cardross, Scotland March 1892.
He served 6 months with H.L'I - Lanakshire, Scotland, I am not aware of the date or if the spelling is correct.
He enlisted in Brisbane, Queensland Australia on 17 August 1915 @ 23 years and 5 months of age and joined the 5th Reinforcements/ 26th Battalion / 2nd Division of the Australian Infantry Forces (AIF). Regimental No. 2405.
He arrived in Egypt (Ismailia and Alexandria) 5.3.1916 and proceeded to join the B.E.F in Alexandria.
Leaving Alexandria and arriving in Marseilles (France) 21.3.1916.
Assembled with the 2nd Division in Boulogne (France) date unknown.
Moved to Etaples (British training camp) 17.6.1916
From June to August exact movements are unknown the 26th was engaged in Pozieres between 28 July and 7 August.
Robert was Wounded in Action (WIA) 5.8.1916, actual battle not cited only states 'France'.
Returned to unit 'France' 13.8.1916.
WIA again 28.8.1916 and again battle not cited - only states 'France' perhaps Pozieres again - unknown.
Rejoined unit 1.10.1916
The 26th had a short spell in Belgium and the 2nd Division came south in October 1916 to attack in the Somme Valley. The 26th took Part in two attacks to the east of Flers and in early 1917 the 26th joined the follow-up of the German withdrawal to the Hindenberg Line and attacked at Walencourt 1-2 March 1917.
Robert was Killed in Action 4.3.1917. The records do not show where Robert was or what battels he was involved in between his return to unit 1.10.1916 and his recorded death 4.3.1917 , he may have been killed at any battle between that period.
There is no mention of where he died or if he has a grave, I believe he is on the Villers-Bretonneux memorial.

I am not sure if Robert ever met his nephew (my Grandfather) William Struthers, Robert would have been 15 when grandad was born.
My Grandad (Bill) was born in Leslie Scotland 20.02.1907
Bill enlisted with the AIF in Subiaco Western Australia (WA) 23.10.1940 @33 years of age.
Moved to the Northam Training camp WA 26.1.1940 and joined the 2/4 Machine Gunners Battalion.
Not sure which transport ship he was on he embarked for 8MD 30.12.1941 and disembarked Singapore 27.01.1942.
Bill was recorded Missing - Malaya 16.02.1942 and 18 months latter 30.08.1943 he is recorded as a POW.
There is no record of where he was between the time he landed in Singapore 27.01.1942 up until the time he was recorded POW 30.08.1942. There has been no correspondence or record of where he was held as a POW, my mother said he was on the Burma railroad.
Bill was received from the Japanese @ Siam (Thailand) 20.08.1945 a total of 3 years and 6 months missing and POW or approx. 1385 days o/s.
Bill left Singapore 06.10.1945 and arrived in Fremantle WA 15.10.1945 and discharged 08.02.1946.
Bill received the 1939/45 Star; The Pacific Star; War Medal and ASM.
Grandad was never the same when he returned home and lived by him self for the rest of his life.

I am finding it difficult to find the facts of what actually happened to both Robert and Bill.