HARPER, Robert Rainy
| Service Number: | Officer |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 17 May 1915 |
| Last Rank: | Lieutenant |
| Last Unit: | 20th Infantry Battalion |
| Born: | Melbourne, Vic., 18 February 1894 |
| Home Town: | Not yet discovered |
| Schooling: | Sydney Grammar School, St. Andrew's College, Sydney University |
| Occupation: | Student |
| Died: | 2 May 1941, aged 47 years, cause of death not yet discovered, place of death not yet discovered |
| Cemetery: |
Springvale Botanical Cemetery, Melbourne |
| Memorials: |
World War 1 Service
| 17 May 1915: | Enlisted AIF WW1, Lieutenant, Officer, 20th Infantry Battalion | |
|---|---|---|
| 6 Jun 1915: | Involvement Lieutenant, 20th Infantry Battalion, --- :embarkation_roll: roll_number: '13' embarkation_place: Sydney embarkation_ship: HMAT Berrima embarkation_ship_number: A35 public_note: '' | |
| 6 Jun 1915: | Embarked Lieutenant, 20th Infantry Battalion, HMAT Berrima, Sydney |
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Add my storyBiography contributed by Faithe Jones
Son of Andrew and Barbara HARPER
Son of Rev. Dr. Harper, Principal of St. Andrew's College. Lieut, Harper, who is 22 years of age, was educated at the Sydney Grammar School and St. Andrew's College, and was a medical student. His first military knowledge was obtained from his connection with the University Scouts. As an athlete has won promlnence as a footballer and oarsman.
Distinguished Service Order
'For conspicuous gallantry in action. He led an attack on the enemy trenches, and, though wounded before reaching the enemy, stuck to his command, and entered theirr trenches. He was almost immediately again wounded by a bomb, but remained at his post for over an hour. He refused to be removed till he had seen all his men in safety.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 184
Date: 14 December 1916
Medaille Militaire (Frane)
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 62
Date: 19 April 1917
CAPT. R. R. HARPER
DIES AGED 47
Captain Robert Rainv Harper. D.S.O. Melbourne manager of Holden's Service Station, a division of General Motors-Holdens Ltd, died this afternoon in a private hospital in East Melbourne. aged 47. He was the son of the late Rev. Professor Andrew Harper, D.D.. formerly Principal of St. Andrew's College. University of Sydney. A native of Melbourne. he was educated in Edinburgh Academy and Sydney University and served with the A.I.F. in the last war on Gallipoli. in Egypt and In France. He was twice wounded, was mentioned in despatches, and gained the Distinguished Service Order and the French Croix de Guerre. He had been associated with Holdens since 1922. He is survived by Mrs Harper and son. There will be a private cremation at Springvale tomorrow. Arrangements are in the hands of A. A. Sleight Pty. Ltd.
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