Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Robert Edward Wilson #3626 41st Battalion

Robert Wilson was born in Grafton but by the time of his enlistment, both he and his parents, Henry and Mary Ann were living at Dugandan outside Boonah. Robert presented himself for enlistment at Ipswich on 9th February 1917. He claimed his age was 18years and three months, however his father when completeing the Roll of Honour Circular stated Robert ‘s age was 18 years and 8 months when he was killed in September 1918.

It is most likely that Robert was just 17 when he enlisted; in spite of the fact that his parents had given written permission for his enlistment. In any event Robert presented as a slight youth with a height of 5’ 3” and weighing just 118 pounds. The height restrictions had been lowered just a few weeks before. Robert told the recruiting officer that he had previously been rejected as he was “under standard.” He gave his occupation as blacksmith having been apprenticed to a Mr Abel for two years.

Robert spent the best part of a year in a depot battalion at Enoggera before being assigned as a reinforcement for the 41st Battalion. He embarked on the “Ormonde” in Sydney on 2nd March 1918 for overseas service. While Robert was at sea, the Germans launched a big spring offensive along the western front, driving forward from the Hindenburg line and retaking in a matter of days all the ground won at such great cost during the Somme campaigns of 1916 and 17.

Robert disembarked in Southampton on 15th May and was marched out to a transit camp at Fovant. He finally joined his battalion in billets near Harbonnieres on 13th August. By this time, the tide had turned for the French and British with the German forces being soundly defeated at Amiens. The 41st Battalion as part of the 11th brigade of the 3rd Division continued the pursuit of the German forces as they retreated back to the Hindenburg Line. During this advance the 41st saw action at Mont Saint Quentin before coming up against the formidable defences of the Hindenburg Line at Bony.

Part of the German defensive line was the St Quentin Canal which ran roughly north south. At Bony, the canal passed through a 3 kilometre long tunnel. The roof of the tunnel provided the best opportunity of crossing the canal and the 11th Brigade was charged with pushing through these defences, supported by two American divisions who were best described as “Keen but Green.”

The attack took place on 29th September and the brigade successfully captured enemy trenches and dugouts, but at considerable cost in casualties. Among those listed as killed in action on 29th September was Robert Wilson. He was buried in the Unicorn Cemetery at Vendhuile north east of Peronne.

The attack by the 41st on 29th September was to be the battalion’s last action. It was withdrawn from the order of battle and disbanded a month later due to a critical shortage of available men. Robert Wilson, who had worked so valiantly to join up would fall on the last day of his battalion’s war.