Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Robert Oswald HENDERSON

DSO 

Eric Fairey, the History of the 38th Battalion A.I.F wrote: - ‘Among those who fell in the fight for the Hindenburg Line was Lieutenant-Colonel R. O Henderson , commanding the 39th Battalion. Great sorrow was expressed when the news of his death reached the 38th battalion. Lieut-Colonel Henderson sailed from Australia with the 38th Battalion, and in February, 1917, was appointed commander of the 39th battalion. Throughout the whole of the Division he was admired as a clever and fearless leader, and was idolized by his men’. [1]  

The three Bendigo Newspapers reflected the city’s loss when news filtered through. The Bendigo Independent published the following on October 7, 1918.

DISTINGUISHED MILITARY CAREER.

‘By the death in action, on September 29, of Lieut. Colonel Robert Oswald Henderson, D.S.O. commanding officer of the 39th (Ballarat) Battalion, and proprietor of the Beehive Stores. Bendigo, the Empire lost a fearless and gallant soldier, and the city a valued citizen. Official notification of his death was received on Saturday afternoon, by the Rev. J. Crookston; who conveyed the sad news to the relatives. Mrs. Henderson, senr. and Miss F. L. Henderson, are, at present on a visit to another daughter, Mrs. Shrimpton, of Sydney, and a message was forwarded to them. Sincere regret was expressed throughout the city when the news was circulated, and at the Beehive and other institutions with which Lieut.-Colonel Henderson was prominently associated; flags were flown half- mast as a mark of respect’.

The paper went on extol his impact on the city: -‘Prior to enlistment Lieut –Colonel Henderson took a deep interest in philanthropic and other worthy institutions. For 18 years be was a member of the board of management of the Benevolent Asylum and occupied the presidential chair in 1907. He was also a valued member of the Bendigo Hospital board of management, and when accepted for service abroad the committees of both Institutions granted him leave of absence. He was also a staunch member of the Bendigo Art Gallery committee; a past grandmaster of the Golden and Corinthian Lodge; one of the oldest members of the Bendigo Tennis Club: a trustee of the Bendigo Chamber of Commerce; a member of the committee of the Bendigo Agricultural Society; and a member of St. Andrew's Church.[2]

The 39th Battalion was formed on 21 February 1916 at the Ballarat Showgrounds in Victoria and drew most of its recruits from the state's Western District. It became part of the 10th Brigade of the 3rd Australian Division.The 39th participated in its last major action of the war between 29 September and 2 October 1918 as part of the Australian-American operation that breached the formidable defences of the Hindenburg Line along the St Quentin Canal. Along with much of the AIF, the 39th was resting out of the line when the war ended in November. It was disbanded in March 1919. 

SERVICE DETAILS:  

Place of birth:  Bendigo, 27 March 1875
Religion: Presbyterian
School: Camp Street & Bendigo High School                           Occupation: Merchant

Address: 'Lorne Villa', Forest Street, Bendigo
Age at embarkation 41
Next of kin: Wife, Mrs Maude Anderson Henderson, 'Lorne Villa', Forest Street, Bendigo
Enlistment date: 1 May 1916
Rank on enlistment: Major
Final Rank: Lieutenant-Colonel
Unit name: 38th Battalion, Headquarters, 39th Battalion
Embarked: HMAT A54 Runic on 20 June 1916
Fate: Killed in Action 29 September 1918, Buried: Templeux-le-Guerard British Cemetery, France.

Killed in Action 29 September 1918: - At around 10:30 am. The Commanding Officer of the 39th Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Robert Henderson, while observing the way ahead from a shell hole was killed with a bullet to the head.[3]

[1] The 38th Battalion A.I.F by Eric Fairey, Published by the Bendigo Advertiser & Cambridge Press, Bendigo 1920. Page 81
[2] The Bendigo Independent, October 7, 1918. Page 6. KILLED IN ACTION. LIEUT-COLONEL R. O. HENDERSON, D.S.O.

[3] Australians on the Western Front 1918, Vol 2. David W. Cameron. Penguin / Viking. 2018.

Robert Oswald Henderson was the managing proprietor of the Beehive Stores.     Born on the 27th March, 1875, he was the second son of Thomas Hope and Marion Henderson.   Thomas Hope Henderson was formerly part owner of the Beehive store, in the firm of Henderson and Goodisson.    After the death of his father in 1899, Robert Oswald Henderson assisted Mr. J. R. Goodisson in the management of the Beehive.    The Stores passed into the ownership of the Henderson family after the retirement of Mr Goodisson and Robert Oswald Henderson was appointed managing proprietor.   Some years later he took over the business from the family.

Robert Oswald Henderson lived with his wife, Maude Anderson Henderson, and their children, Dorothy and Keith, at ‘Lorne Villa’, Forest St, Bendigo.    Of Scottish descent, he was a member of St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church and a member of the Bendigo Caledonian Society.     His other commitments were many and varied: member of the Benevolent Asylum Board of Management; member of the Bendigo Hospital Board of Management; member of the Bendigo Art Gallery committee; past grand master of the Golden and Corinthian Lodge; member of the Bendigo Tennis Club; trustee of the Bendigo Chamber of Commerce; member of the Bendigo Agricultural Society committee.

He was actively involved in military matters, and, in 1915, was Temporary Commanding Officer of the 67th Bendigo Infantry, with the rank of Major.   He had previously served 16 years and 10 months in the Commonwealth Military Force, having qualified at a competitive examination for his first appointment as 2nd Lieutenant on 16th May 1899.

On 28.10.15 Robert Oswald Henderson applied for a Commission in the AIF.    He was 40 years & 7 months old.   He joined the AIF on 23.2.16.   On 1.5.16 he was appointed to Head Quarters of 38th Battalion as Major and second in command of the battalion.

"At the Town Hall last evening the staff of the Beehive bade adieu to Major R. O. Henderson, who, as second in command to Lieut.-Colonel G. H. Davis, will be leaving shortly with the 38th (Bendigo) battalion.   The farewell took the form of a complimentary banquet, the basement of the hall being tastefully decorated.   About 170 guests, the majority of whom were Beehive employes and ex-employes, partook of the excellent bill of fare . . . . Mr. A. Mackay presided, and proposed the loyal toast, which was enthusiastically honored.    Mr. Mackay, in proposing the toast of “The Guest” said he rose with mingled feelings of pride and pleasure linked with regret to propose the toast of their honored friend and guest, Major Henderson.   “He is going forth to fight so that we may live in peace,” said Mr Mackay, “and so that the British Empire may flourish and the freedom of the world be maintained.   All who had had the honor of associating with Major Henderson knew his good qualities.   (Applause.)   You have all grown to like him, to admire him – I almost said love him.   (Applause.)    There must now be a deeper feeling seeing that he is going forth to fight for those who remain behind, and I am sure we all sincerely hope that he will be spared to return.   (Applause.)   We know he will acquit himself on the battlefield like a man, and do his duty honorably, fearlessly and courageously.   It is only fair to say that he is not going late to the war by his own choice.   Early in the war he confided in me, and said he was torn by conflicting emotions.   He had tender home ties, which could not be easily broken. . . . . .   Now he is going to do his duty, and you can depend upon him doing it thoroughly and well.   (Applause.)   . . . .    I sincerely hope, and I am sure you all do, that Major Henderson will return safe and sound, and with high honors upon him. .”   . . . . . . .       The toast was honored  with the utmost enthusiasm, the gathering cheering Major Henderson to the echo again and again.   Mr T. McWhirter then presented Major Henderson, on behalf of the Beehive employes, with a Colt’s automatic revolver.    On rising to respond Major Henderson was greeted with a remarkably enthusiastic ovation, the audience rising again and cheering lustily, the demonstration finishing with the singing of “He’s a Jolly Good Fellow,” followed again by cheers for Major and Mrs Henderson.   When the cheering had subsided Major Henderson said he was deeply moved and deeply grateful to all for their kind expressions towards him.   He had no idea he was such a marvel.   (Laughter.)   He was nothing but a man, and was prepared to do his duty.   He thought it his duty, having served 17 years as an officer of the forces to offer his services to the empire.   He may be of service and do something to down the enemies.   “War is a cruel game,” he said, with emotion.   “It brings out the worst in man, and that is a very vile thing.   It is an ugly thing, war, and something into which no man goes for the love of it.   I feel it has been a wrench to me to leave my wife and family and my dear old mother.   But someone has to do their duty, and I am going.   I am sure I am deeply grateful to you all for your kind assistance during the years you have been with me at the Beehive and I have deeply appreciated the loyalty you have shown me.   Perhaps at times you may have thought me hard, but believe me, I was always just.   (Applause.)   I have to thank you for the revolver you have given to me, and I can assure you I won’t fail to use it if required.   (Applause.)    . . . . .    I am sorry to leave you all, but I can assure you I will come back if I can.   (Applause.)   My thoughts will often go back  to the many happy days spent at the Beehive.   . . . .   I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for the many kind words spoken on my behalf.”   Major Henderson resumed his seat amidst another storm of applause.  . . . . . .    The very successful function terminated with the singing of Auld Lang Syne, and the National Anthem.”    [Bendigo independent   18 May 1916]

Major R. O. Henderson embarked for overseas on 20.6.16, on board HMAT “Runic”.   Following disembarkation in England he entered Training Camp with the 38th Battalion.    He embarked for France on 22.11.16.

On 6.2.17 Major R. O. Henderson was attached to the 39th Battalion as Temporary Commanding Officer, with the Temporary rank of Lieutenant Colonel.    The rank was made permanent on 15.2.17.    From 15th – 21st April, 1917, Lieut-Col. R. O. Henderson attended a School of Instruction.

“That Major R. O. Henderson, managing proprietor of the Beehive, who went away last year with the 38th (Bendigo) Battalion, had been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel, was announced by the State Commandant (Brigadier-General Williams) when speaking at the “welcome home” to returned soldiers in the Town Hall on Monday, the announcement being greeted with applause.”     [Bendigonian   16 August 1917]           

The 39th Battalion participated in the Battle of Messines, Belgium, 7 – 9 June, 1917.    The battalion suffered from a German Gas bombardment during the approach to the start line, with heavy casualties.   The battalion, however, succeeded in capturing all its objectives.

On 17.9.17 Lieut.-Col. Henderson was admitted to 10th Australian Field Ambulance suffering from defective vision.   A notation on his Service Record reads “Lt. Col Special man see Sir Douglas (? illegible)”   He was transferred to No 4 Stationary Hospital where he presumably saw the specialist mentioned and was able to return to the 39th Battalion on the same day.                          

In October, 1917, the 39th Battalion participated in two major battles.   For his actions in each of these battles Lieutenant Colonel Henderson was recommended for Honors.

4-5th October, 1917.    The Battle of Broodseinde, Belgium.     The events of October 4th, 1917, were recorded in the Unit War Diary, which said, in summary, that the battalion left the bivouac area East of Ypres at 11 p.m. on the 3rd and moved up in single file.  Enemy shell fire was encountered along the track which caused delay but no confusion.    All were in position at the Assembly Point by 2.30 a.m. on the 4th.     At 6 a.m. the Allies’ barrage opened and at 6.5 a.m. the advance commenced.    It was impossible to maintain formations due to the bad light and Battle Smoke and all Battalions of the Brigade became mixed.   Some reorganization was done as each objective was reached.   Serious gun fire was encountered from the enemy line to the left.    The 39th Battalion reached its Line of Consolidation at 8.30 am.    During consolidation there were casualties from enemy machine gun fire and snipers.   

12-13 October, 1917.   The Battle of Passchendaele, Belgium.    This was a disastrous battle.   An advance toward the Passchendaele Ridge was ordered for 12 October, 1917.   In the resultant heavy fighting the Brigade was forced to withdraw when its’ flanks were threatened because other units had been unable to advance.

The Unit War Diary includes a report of this Battle.   At 10.45 p.m. on the night of October 11th, the 39th Battalion left its’ billets near Hussar Farm and proceeded to the point of Assembly which was reached about 4 am on the morning of the 12th.   For part of the approach the men were bombarded with enemy gas and other shells “but owing to a strong wind blowing and also the softness of the ground the gas had no effect and we reached the Assembly Point with only very slight casualties.     Just prior to our arrival at the point of assembly the enemy shelled us heavily and continued to do so during the operation and also while we were holding the Consolidated Line.      About 8 am on the 12th Inst I received word that men were bunched together behind pill boxes and did not know what to do as they had no officer with them.   I immediately sent forward Lieutenant Nicholas & Edwards to organize them and lead them forward; both these Officers became casualties.   It was then reported to me that the former troops were held up by snipers and machine gun fire which I reported to Brigade and was ordered by the Brigadier to send forward the reserves.  I sent Captain A. T. Paterson with what troops remained to me.     About midday men began to filter back who on being questioned stated that they were told to get back.   I ordered them forward and also went forward myself to ascertain what was the matter.   I found men of both Brigades coming back in large numbers, I ordered them to dig in on the present line . . . . .  After digging in the Brigade was reorganized.   Standing Patrols were put out on the ridge in front of Consolidated Line but were ultimately with-drawn under instructions.   Relief of the Brigade by the 11th Brigade commenced at about 7 p.m. of the 13th Inst., and was completed about 8.30 p.m.     The return journey was made under great difficulties owing to the state of the track and took about 5½ hours to complete.    Through the operations the weather was very cold and wet and severely taxed the strength of the men.    (Sgd) R. O. Henderson.  Lieut-Col.   C.O. 39th Battalion A.I.F.     23.10.17”

 “Recommendation for the Distinguished Service Order                                                                  Lt. Col. Robert Oswald HENDERSON    39th Bn., A.I.F.

East of Ypres, both during operations of the 4/5th and 12/13th Octr. 1917, this officer stood out conspicuously on account of his absolute indifference to danger and of his leadership.    On the 4th when he and his Battalion had reached their objective he personally supervised the digging in and re-organisation.   He then remained in the shell holes with his men – his cheerfulness and high spirits having a wonderful effect in keeping up their courage and spirits.    On the 12th his Battalion was in Reserve but was quickly absorbed as reinforcements owing to very heavy casualties.   The various units had become mixed up and many Officers had become casualties so that it needed vigorous action by a senior officer on the spot to re-organise.   This task was carried out admirably by Lt. Col. HENDERSON in spite of the great difficulty due to marshy nature of the ground and to the heavy enemy shell fire and perfect hail of machine gun bullets which were enfilading the position.    His example was a great incentive to all troops not only of his own but of other units.”

“LIEUT.-COLONEL HENDERSON

 AWARDED DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDER

On Saturday morning Mrs R. O. Henderson received a cable, stating that Lieut.-Colonel R. O. Henderson had been awarded the Distinguished Service Order.   Lieut.-Colonel Henderson is the second son of Mrs and the late T. H. Henderson, and is the proprietor of the Beehive Stores.   He is the commanding officer of the 39th Battalion in France.   Lieut.-Colonel Henderson left Bendigo in August, 1916, as a major of the 38th (Bendigo) Battalion, commanded by Lieut.-Colonel C. H. Davis, who was recently awarded the D.S.O.   While in France Lieut.-Colonel Henderson was transferred to the 39th Battalion, which with the other Australian units, are taking part in the heavy fighting in France.   Before enlisting, Lieut.-Colonel Henderson was attached to the 67th Battalion of the Citizen Forces, and prior to embarking for the front was the commanding officer at the Bendigo Military training Camp, and also for a time at Royal Park.    Lieut.-Colonel Henderson is a very popular officer with all ranks.   . . . . . . . ”     [Bendigonian   6 December 1917]

The Award was promulgated in the London Gazette 18 January 1918  and in the AIF List 22.1.18.    Details of the award were printed in the London Gazette 5th Supp. No 30651. 23 April 1918.

On 28.March, 1918, the 39th Battalion was at Heilly, a village 8 km from Albert, France.    According to the Unit War Diary, Company commanders were informed at 2.30 p.m. that the 39th Battalion would make an advance at 7 p.m.   The battalion moved out at 4.30 p.m. and was in position by 7.40 p.m. when the signal for the advance was given “the advance being led by the colonel  . . . . The whole advance was made through a hail of machine gun bullets.”     The Line of Consolidation was completed.

29 March, 1918.   “After breakfast Col. Henderson visited the line again and inspected the posts in conjunction with Lt August and whilst in one of the posts was struck thro’ the thumb with a piece of anti aircraft shell.   The wound was sufficiently severe to cause his evacuation.   Major Paterson then took charge of the Battn.”          

Lieut. Col Henderson was admitted to 11th Australia Field Ambulance with a GSW Left Thumb – High Explosive.   He was admitted to 1st Red Cross Hospital at Le Touquet on 30.3.18.            

“Official news received in Bendigo on Saturday conveyed the information that Lieut.-Colonel R. O. Henderson, D.S.O., was in the Duchess of Westminster’s hospital at Le Touquet, in France, suffering from gunshot wounds to left thumb (severe).”      [Bendigonian   18 April 1918]

He was Invalided to England on 3.4.18 and admitted to 3rd London Hospital.

Mentioned in Despatches    (AIF List)  

Sir Douglas Haig’s despatch of 7th April, 1918, submitted names deserving of special mention.   These included: “Lieutenant-Colonel R. O. HENDERSON, D.S.O.”    This was promulgated in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette no 165, 24 October, 1918.

A Medical Board Report dated 22 April 1918 stated that the wound had been cleaned and a fragment of the bone removed.   There was an open wound in the back of the left thumb which was septic.   He still had a dressing applied with a splint.   On 24.4.18 he was transferred to Cobham Hall, England.   A medical report dated 29.5.18 stated that he had no pain and beyond the stiffness of the interphalangical joint there was no disability.   This stiffness would be permanent.   He was pronounced Fit for General service.

On 3.6.18 the AIF List included the announcement that R. O. Henderson was “To be Brevet Lieut Colonel for specially meritorious service rendered during war.”   (The designation “brevet” was given as an honour for outstanding service.   It indicated Promotion to a higher rank without an increase in pay or privilege.)

Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel R. O. Henderson, D.S.O., was discharged from hospital on 5.6.18 and embarked for France on 10.6.18.   He re-joined the 39th Battalion on 13.6.18.

On 10.8.18 the 39th Battalion participated in an Attack on the village of Proyart, France.   This was described as “an ill-conceived attack that failed to capture the village.”    [awm: 39th Australian Infantry Battalion]

Lieut.-Col. R. O. Henderson enjoyed 7 days’ Leave from 18-26 September, 1918.    He re-joined the battalion in time to prepare for the joint Australian/ American attack against the Hindenburg Line, on 29.9.18.  

Operation Order No. 31: 39th Battalion, directed that the 37th American Division would attack the HINDENBURG LINE at Zero hour.  The 3rd and 5th Australian Divisions would follow and exploit their success.   The attack would be made with the assistance of tanks.    The 39th Battalion, (10th Brigade, 3rd Australian Division) would be on the left of the line.

Unit War Diary:- “29th October.   Barrage opened for Americans at 5.40 a.m.    Bn guided by Lt Shaw left camp at 7 am in artillery formation to forward area about 2500° due East of Raissey.   With the exception of some gas in valley north of Raissey Wood nothing occurred until the Battalion arrived in the vicinity of Luncan Post at this point much hostile machine gun fire was encountered the source of which was a mystery as we were then just over a 1000* short of Brown Line from which the Americans were supposed to hop off at 5.40 am.   The battalion remained under cover whilst Lt Shaw and Sgt Matthews proceeded forward to find out the situation.   After reconnaissance the battalion (?) moved forward in a Sth Easterly direction from the (?) just north of Luncan Post across the valley where heavy MG fire was encountered, up to (?)   The battalion took cover in this trench whilst a reconnaissance was made of forward area.   It was found that the hostile MG fire was too intense to permit of the occupation of the Brown Line . . .  Guillemont Farm ruins . . . . .  Orders were then given to make a defensive line and long trench whilst the situation remained obscure.   Batt Hqrs in a signal . . . .    about 11 am Lieut Col Henderson whilst reconnoitring the front line was sniped through the head and killed instantly.”    (Note: Much of this report is illegible)

Robert Oswald Henderson was Killed in Action on 29th September, 1918.

“1.10.18             ‘Advising that Lt-Col R. O. HENDERSON, D.S.O., was Killed in action on the 29.9.18 during the operations on that day at BONY-LE-CATELET on the “HINDENBURG LINE”.       He was buried at ST EMILIE Cemetery, RONSOY, by Chaplain the Rev. W. A. Moore on the 1st October, 1918.

Signed L. L. Beauchamp, Capt.

Adjutant for Major, C.O. 39th Bn”

He was Buried at St Emilie Cemetery, 8¼ miles NE of Peronne.       Plot 2   Row M   Grave 11.

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission later removed all AIF war Graves from St Emilie for re-burial in Templeux-le-Guerard British Cemetery, which was situated in the vicinity of Ste Emilie.   

His grave is now located at Plot 2, Row F, Grave 44.

Memorial Stone:                                       

LIEUTENANT COLONEL

R O HENDERSON DSO

39TH BN AUSTRALIAN INFANTRY

29TH SEPTEMBER 1918

AGE 43

HE LOVED CHIVALRY

TRUTH & HONOR

FREEDOM & COURTESY

“KILLED IN ACTION

LIEUT.-COLONEL R. O. HENDERSON,  D.S.O.

 DISTINGUISHED MILITARY CAREER

By the death in action, on September 29, of Lieut.-Colonel Robert Oswald Henderson, D.S.O., commanding officer of the 39th (Ballarat) Battalion, and proprietor of the Beehive Stores, Bendigo, the Empire lost a fearless and gallant soldier, and the city a valued citizen.      Official notification of his death was received on Saturday afternoon, by the Rev. J. Crookston, who conveyed the sad news to the relatives.  . . . .      Sincere regret was expressed throughout the city when the news was circulated, and at the Beehive and other institutions with which Lieut.-Colonel Henderson was prominently associated, flags were flown half-mast as a mark of respect.      Lieut.-Colonel Henderson, who was in his 45th year, was the second son of the late Thomas Hope Henderson, formerly proprietor of the Beehive Stores . . . . .     Possessing a genial disposition he was a favourite among his companions, and his popularity of later years was unbounded. . . . .    He received his first commission as lieutenant in the 5th Infantry Battalion, on May 16, 1899, and on July 1, 1903, was appointed to the same rank in the 8th Battalion, A.I.R.   His appointment as captain was gained on November 2, 1904, and that of major on November 10, 1910.   When the designation of the 8th A.I.R. was changed to the 67th Battalion on July 7, 1912, he was promoted to the rank of major, and later was in command of this, the Bendigo regiment.   He had passed for a lieutenant-colonel, but as no vacancy existed, he did not receive promotion.   . . . . . He took over the establishment of the A.I.F. camp in Bendigo in August, 1915, and his wonderful organising capabilities were demonstrated by the fact that it was prepared for the reception of the troops from Seymour in two days.   . . . .   Lieut.-Col. Henderson was of splendid physique and beloved by his men.   He was a most popular officer and fearless of death.   He was wounded towards the end of March of this year and returned to the lines on June 5.   For conspicuous bravery in the field he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order . . .    It is presumed that he was killed in the intense fighting north of St Quentin, when the Australians were associated with their American comrades in the attack on the Hindenburg system.    . .     Prior to enlistment Lieut.-Colonel Henderson took a deep interest in philanthropic and other worthy institutions.   For 18 years he was a member of the board of management of the Benevolent Asylum and occupied the presidential chair in 1907.   He was also a valued member of the Bendigo Hospital board of management, . . . . .   He was also a staunch member of the Bendigo Art Gallery committee; a past grand master of the Golden and Corinthian Lodge; one of the oldest members of the Bendigo Tennis Club; a trustee of the Bendigo Chamber of Commerce; a member of the committee of the Bendigo Agricultural Society; and a member of St Andrew’s Church. . . . . ”         [The Bendigo Independent   7 October 1918]

"THE GREATER LOVE.

 LIEUT.-COL. HENDERSON FALLS.

GALLANT AND POPULAR OFFICER.

To help uphold the honor of his country, another of Bendigo’s most prominent and loyal citizens, in the person of Lieutenant-Colonel R. O. Henderson, D.S.O., has made the supreme sacrifice on the battlefields of France.   This sad intelligence was received in Bendigo on Saturday, and provoked expressions of widespread and sincere regret, for in military circles and in private life alike there is no citizen in Bendigo who commands greater respect than did the late colonel.   As senior proprietor of the Beehive drapery and furniture warehouses, he was a conspicuous figure in business circles, whilst he was associated with several public institutions in the city, giving freely of his time and his practical support to innumerable movements for the advancement of the district.      Born on the 27th March, 1874, Lieutenant-Colonel Henderson was the second son of the late Mr. T. H. Henderson, of the firm of Henderson and Goodisson, former proprietors of the Beehive.   On the death of his father in 1899, he assisted Mr. J. R. Goodisson in the management of the Beehive.   Some years later, on Mr Goodisson retiring, the Henderson family took over the business, and the late colonel being appointed manager of the business.   Ten years ago he took over the business from the family, but upon his leaving for the front his four sisters became partners in the business.   Although his large business responsibilities engaged much of his attention, he found time for many years to take an active interest in public matters pertaining to the welfare of the city and district.   . . . . .     It was on 16th May, 1899, that the late Lieutenant-Colonel Henderson entered upon his military career, obtaining on that date his first commission as a lieutenant in the 5th Infantry Battalion.   On 2nd November, 1904, he was promoted to the rank of captain in the 8th Australian Infantry Regiment, and after fulfilling this office for six years he was made a major of the regiment on 10th November, 1910.   For over twelve months he was in command of “A” Company of the 67th Infantry, while he was subsequently elevated to the position of second in command, and later to the command of that unit.   The deceased officer was extremely popular in military circles, having won his popularity by the manner in which he worked for the benefit of the men in his charge.   The encouragement which he repeatedly gave to soldiers in the old militia, and to youths serving under the compulsory training system, was much appreciated by them, and, as a result he had the honor of commanding companies which won distinctions on many occasions, bringing credit both to themselves and their officer.   He had an extensive knowledge of military affairs, and was a strict disciplinarian.   Every man under his command was fully aware of the one desire of his C.O.- that of producing the finest body of men in the battalion, whose discipline and alertness were beyond reproof.   And the fact that his desires were gratified was on more than one occasion demonstrated during encampments, when his troops were favorably commented upon by visiting staff officers.   On the government deciding to establish an A.I.F. training camp in Bendigo in August, 1915, Lieut.-Col. Henderson, who was then C.O. of the 67th Infantry, was detailed to equip and organise a camp on the Epsom racecourse.   Although only the extremely short notice of two days was given the colonel he had the camp fully equipped and ready for occupation by the troops from Seymour within forty-eight hours.   This was only one instance when his ability and organising powers were demonstrated, and it was these qualifications, combined with original bravery, which won for him such an enviable reputation on the battlefield.  . . . . .       Possessed of splendid physique and true soldierly bearing, he was in every way a model officer – just the man to inspire his men with confidence and emulation.   When he left Bendigo in June, 1916, he was second in command of the 38th, (Bendigo) Battalion, but he was subsequently transferred to the command of the 39th (Ballarat) Battalion.   The date on which he met his death was 29th September.        In rifle shooting circles the death of Lieut.-Col. R. O. Henderson will be much regretted.   For several years he was a leading figure amongst rifle shooting enthusiasts, and was deservedly popular.   Of late years he did perhaps more than any other person to help on shooting.   In the old militia days many a militia man was by his example and enthusiasm induced to take more interest in the rifle, and quite a number “made good.”   When company clubs succeeded the Half Battalion Rifle Club, his company club was one of two which became a success, and many remember with pleasure E Company Rifle Club.   On the advent of universal training he tried many times to induce trainees to become efficient rifle shots, but they were indifferent to his appeals.   He was an honorary member of the Bendigo Rifle Club, and had for some years been a vice-president.   The late Colonel Henderson was a competitor at Williamstown and other meetings.   His company teams were always represented in the field firing matches.   . . . . .     Mr Thomas Henderson, a brother to the deceased officer, is at present on active service with the Canadian forces.   He holds the position of Regimental Sergeant-Major in the 27th Canadian Regiment, and has been awarded the Military Medal.   The other brother, Mr J. C. Henderson, is well known in Bendigo.   In 1905 the late Colonel Henderson married Miss Maude A. Bush (youngest daughter of Mrs and the late Mr. A. Bush).   There are two children of the marriage, a girl aged 10 years, and a boy of 5 years.   The heartfelt sympathy of citizens will go out to his aged mother, his widow, and his young children in their distressing bereavement. ”   [Bendigonian   10 October 1918]

"Members of the Beehive Staff who Served in the Great Wwar": Larna Malone

Robert Oswald Henderson was a lieutenant colonel in the 38th infantry battalion. Henderson was born on the 27th of March 1875 in Bendigo, a small city in Victoria. He attended Bendigo high school and studied geography, Latin, French, and English. After graduating in year 12 he went on to become a merchant. Robert then married Maude Anderson Henderson.

When he enlisted in the 1st of May 1916 to fight in the war, he already had prior military experience. He was a major and had temporal role as C.O in the 67th infantry. When he first started out in the war, he was a major in the 38th infantry battalion. He embarked for WWI on the 20th June 1916. Robert O. Henderson sailed aboard the HMAT A54 Runic, from Melbourne, Victoria. The vessel had another use for it originally, but was made into a troop ship, where people would take all the luxuries out of it, and make more space for the soldiers.

In 1918, he received a Distinguished Service Order, which was recorded in the London gazette and the Commonwealth Gazette.

“'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When his battalion had reached its objective he personally supervised the digging in and remained in the shell holes with his men. On another occasion, when his battalion was brought up from reserve to replace casualties, he did excellent work in re-organising the various units under heavy fire after many officers had become casualties. He set a splendid example to his men.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' 
Date: 23 May 1918”

On the 29th of September, Robert was ordered to breach the Hindenburg line, where he watched over his soldiers on the digging-in, as well as coming in as reinforcements. He was killed in action.

"SOLDIERS' DECORATIONS. OFFICIAL ACCOUNTS.

The official account of the deeds for which a bar to the D.S.O. was conferred on Lieut.-Colonel Robert Oswald Henderson, of Bendigo, is as follows:-

"For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When his battalion had reached its objective he personally supervised the digging-in and remained in the shell holes with his men. On another occasion, when his battalion was brought up from reserve to replace casualties, he did excellent work in re-organising the various units under heavy fire after many officers had become casualties. He set a splendid example to his men." - from the Bendigonian 03 Oct 1918 (nla.gov.au)