Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Another of the fine officers of the 31st Battalion was one, Bobby Aland. He was the grandson of the Honourable Robert Aland, Toowoomba Alderman and Mayor, and Queensland MLA for Drayton and Toowoomba. Robert Clegg Aland was born on 13th Nov 1895, at Toowoomba, Queensland, the eldest son of Edwin Robert Aland and Mary Ann (nee Sewell) Aland, of West St, Toowoomba. He followed in his father’s footsteps with an education at Toowoomba Grammar School, thence University education and a 3-month course at Duntroon. Following his enlistment on 14th Oct 1915, he was appointed as an original member of ‘A’ Coy, 31st Battalion and sailed with them to Egypt and France.

His father, Edwin Robert Aland, would also enlist as Pte 3451, with the 25th Battalion on 25th August 1915, and sailed with them also to Egypt and France. Whilst Bobby would distinguish himself at Fromelles and be awarded a MC, a ten days later his father, Edwin, would be KIA on 29th July 1915 at Pozieres. Edwin’s body would not be recovered until 1936 and now rests at Sucrerie Military Cemetery, France.

Awarded MC for actions at Petillon/ Fromelles on 19-20 Jul 1916

“At Petillon on 19th/20th July 1916, displayed coolness and gallantry in taking command of the remaining men of his company after both his Captain and Second-in-command were wounded. This Officer also, when retiring, assisted to carry a wounded man back over a fire-swept zone for nearly 200yards. He acted during the night with marked determination and by his cool behaviour encouraged his men who were more or less badly shattered.”

Post Fromelles, Bobby Aland was promoted as OC ‘A’ Coy and oversaw the most successful ‘Franks Force’ raid, led by Lieut Frank Ryan Smith, of 12th October 1916 at Armentieres.

In 1917, Bobby was assigned to the 8th Training Bn in England, and following his return to France was detached to liaise with the newly arrived 130th American Infantry Regiment and their introduction to fighting on the Western Front.

In the lead up to the Battle of Amiens, Bobby was wounded in action, though was soon to return to command ‘D’ Company through the actions at Villers Carbonnel and Nauroy, where he would be awarded a Bar to his MC.

Awarded Bar to MC for actions: “During the 29th/30 September and 1st October 1918, this officer was in command of a company, and throughout exhibited an initiative and resource worthy of the highest praise. An attack having been ordered on the SUGAR FACTORY at NAUROY, he made a personal reconnaissance in daylight of the position, under heavy machine gunfire, and brought back detailed information of vital importance. His tactical handling of the Company throughout the operation contributed largely to success, and his dash and bearing under heavy artillery and machine gun fire set a splendid example to the men under his command. This Officer showed an utter disregard for his personal safety.”

Upon his departure for RTA, the A/CO 31st Bn, Capt Vaux Liddiard Morisset, recommended the award of Brevet Major for services to the Battalion.

Award of Brevet Major: “Has held a Commission in the AIF since August 1915, and has been with the Battalion since its inception. Took part in the engagement at FLEURBAIX and was awarded the MC for his conduct therein. Went through the SOMME 1916 Campaign, including the taking of BAPAUME. He has been in the various operations since March 1918, being slightly wounded whilst proceeding to the line prior to the attack on 7th/8th August 1918. Commanded his Coy throughout the operations of 26th/30th August 1918 and 29th/30th Sep & 1st Oct 1918.”                                 Recommended by A/CO Capt Vaux Liddiard Morisset

A brevet is a warrant that gives a commissioned officer a higher rank title as a reward, but which may not confer the authority and privileges of real rank. The promotion would be noted in the officer's title (for example, "Bvt. Maj.”)

Then on return to Brisbane, Bobby married Marjorie Gilchrist Miller on 7th July 1921 and they were to reside at 173 Main St, Kangaroo Point, Brisbane. Resuming service as a Civil Servant with the Dept of Trade and Customs, Bobby would die of pneumonia at Buka Passage, New Guinea (Bougainville) on 23rd Mar 1932, aged 36 years. Marjorie survived him until 1st Aug 1966.