Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of Joseph ROBINSON and Ellen Olivia (Nellie) ROBINSON nee DAVIES, Denney Street, Warrnambool, Vic.

Military Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. On October 20th when carrying rations to his Battery position at TOKIO (East of YPRES), a heavy barrage was put down by the enemy. One of his horses being wounded by a shell, Driver C.F. ROBINSON distributed his load between himself and the remaining horse, and in spite of the continued heavy shell fire and his horse being repeatedly bogged, he stuck to his work until he succeeded in delivering the rations to the Battery. Similar gallant and timely service has been repeatedly rendered by this Driver throughout the period from 10th September to 28th October 1917.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 95
Date: 27 June 1918

Married Ivy Veronica JOHNSTON nee BURNS in 1928

ROBINSON - On July 24, 1939, at Alfred Hospital (result of accident), Charles Fenton Robinson, the dearly loved husband of Ivy Veronica and loved father of Gregory, Geraldine and Bryan.  Aged 43 years.  Late A.I.F. Rest in peace.  Remains at Herbert King Mortuary Chapel, Lennox Street, Richmond.

THE LATE MR. CHARLES F. ROBINSON
Referring to the death of Mr. Charles F. Robinson a linesman for the State Electricity Commission who was well known in Bairnsdale and died from injury received when he fell 32  feet after accidentally touching a high tension wire at Glen Iris, the “Ringwood Mail” states'-

Charles Robinson celebrated his 43rd birthday on Friday last. On Saturday, he went to work in his, usual good health and spirits, and at about l p.m, just as he was preparing to leave his work the accident occurred with tragic suddenness. As far as can be ascertained, Robinson was completing work on a pole sub-station in Kerferd road, Glen Iris. It is  thought that he must have touched a high-tension line, and he fell 32 feet to the ground, sustaining extensive injuries. He was taken by ambulance to the Alfred Hospital, where  he lingered in an unconscious condition till 2.15 a.m. on Monday. 

AN EPIC OF THE WAR.
The deceased was a returned soldier, and served with the 4th Field Artillery. He enlisted at the age of 18 from Warrnambool, and was at the landing at Gallipoli. He went through the whole of the war and was the first Warrnambool man to be welcomed home. He was met by his fellow members of the rowing club, football and cricket clubs, and carried shoulder high to the Town Hall, where he was given a civic reception. 

Amongst those at the funeral was a Digger from Charlton, Mr. H. Roberts, whose life Robinson saved. The incident happened at Bullecourt, in April, 1917, when in the heavy  shelling in an attack the 4th Field Artillery suffered heavy losses. Roberts was badly wounded with a 5.9 shell, and gave up all hope, when “Robbie” came through the firing, picked him up and carried him on his back for two miles through shot and shell to a field dressing station. On the way back, Roberts relates that "Robbie" stopped to give two wounded  Germans water from his flask. For this and another deed of valor "Robbie” received the military medal.

He had been with the commission for 17 years, and had  been a resident of Ringwood for seven years, where he made a host of friends. His genial, cheery disposition, his even  temperament, and  open and frank nature made him a general favorite with all who were privileged to know him, and who sincerely mourn his untimely end. To his wife and  three children is extended the deepest sympathy in their tragic bereavement. 

Requiem Mass was celebrated at St. Mary’s, Ringwood, by Father O’Toole. Messrs. A. McArthur and L. J Coyle were a guard of honor by the coffin, which was draped with the Union Jack. Amongst those present were many relatives from different parts of the State, including Mrs. Robinson's mother and father (Mr. and Mrs. D. Burns, Bairnsdale), six brothers  from various parts of the State, three brothers-in-law, many other relatives, and the Digger from Charlton, Mr. H. Roberts, whose life was saved by “Robbie” at Bullecourt. The  church was filled to capacity with reverent and sorrowing, friends. After Mass the absolutions were pronounced, and the cortege, a lengthy one, left for the place of interment in  the Box Hill cemetery. The many beautiful floral tributes were an indication of silent sympathy of friends. 

The cortege was met at the cemetery by approximately fifty returned soldiers and nearly 100 representatives and workmates from the Electricity Commission, who followed the remains to their last resting place. Every soldier of "Robbie’s" brigade who was able to be present was there, including one from the Caulfield Hospital. Their wreath was inscribed  with the words “From the boys of the Old Brigade."  Representing the Commission were Messrs. E. E. Milroy and Walker (head office), and Messrs. Short and Webb. Mr. Hudson  represented the Trades Hall and the post office staff was represented by Mr. Murphy. 

So passes on in the burly burly of life one who will long be remembered —a kind and tender husband, a loving father, a faithful friend—and as our slow steps crunched the gravel,  as we took the last look, as the last sad was placed over the remains, it was said, "Here lies a man." The pall-bearers included six of his brigade comrades—H. Cracknell (Regent).  J. D. Morrison (Hawthorn), C. Hamilton (Caulfield), G. Morris (Toorak), Roy Burkes (St, Kilda) and Norman Smith (Richmond). The others were two brothers-in-law, Stan and Henry Burns, and two local returned soldiers, Messrs. A. McArthur  and R. Stoney. The service was conducted by Father O’Toole, parish priest, assisted by Father J. McManus, M.S.C., a schoolmate of Mrs. Robinson. 

Following the burial service, the Diggers filed past the open grave and reverently dropped red poppies on the coffin.