ROBERTSON, John McPherson
| Service Number: | 37912 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 17 May 1917 |
| Last Rank: | Gunner |
| Last Unit: | 5th Divisional Ammunition Column |
| Born: | Inverell, New South Wales, Australia , 5 June 1880 |
| Home Town: | Inverell, Inverell, New South Wales |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Drover, bushman, stockman |
| Died: | Brisbane General Hospital, Queensland, Australia, 11 July 1952, aged 72 years, cause of death not yet discovered |
| Cemetery: |
Lutwyche Cemetery, Brisbane, Qld Anzac Portion 8, |
| Memorials: |
World War 1 Service
| 17 May 1917: | Enlisted AIF WW1, Gunner, 37912, Field Artillery Brigades | |
|---|---|---|
| 5 Nov 1917: | Involvement Gunner, 37912, Field Artillery Brigades, --- :embarkation_roll: roll_number: '4' embarkation_place: Sydney embarkation_ship: HMAT Port Sydney embarkation_ship_number: A15 public_note: '' | |
| 5 Nov 1917: | Embarked Gunner, 37912, Field Artillery Brigades, HMAT Port Sydney, Sydney | |
| 1 Sep 1919: | Discharged AIF WW1, Gunner, 37912, 5th Divisional Ammunition Column, 2nd MD |
Help us honour John McPherson Robertson's service by contributing information, stories, and images so that they can be preserved for future generations.
Add my storyBiography contributed by Evan Evans
From Australian Remembrance Army
Gunner John McPherson Robertson (Service No. 37912), an Australian World War One veteran, is among almost 800 previously unmarked WWI veterans’ graves in Lutwyche Cemetery we have now marked with plaques in recognition of their service for Australia.
We unveiled his plaque in Lutwyche Cemetery on 23 September 2023, along with a further 300 plaques on the previously unmarked graves of Australian World War One veterans:
See Australian Remembrance Army Facebook page
John McPherson Robertson was born on 5 June 1880 in Inverell, New South Wales, to Sampson Marshall Ripley Robertson and Jessie Eliza Robertson (née McDonald). He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force at Inverell, NSW, on 9 May 1917, aged 36, stating his occupation as drover, bushman, and stockman, and nominated his father as next of kin.
On 10 August 1917, The Inverell Times reported on a farewell held in the Council Chambers for Gunner J. McP. (“Mac”) Robertson, who was home on final leave. Presided over by Mayor Ald. G. B. Ring, the gathering drew a representative group of townspeople to wish him well. Ald. W. Swan praised Robertson’s determination, spoke of his strong fighting lineage, and expressed confidence that he would uphold the honour of Inverell and Australia. Mrs. Charles pinned on the citizen’s medal, and the Mayor presented the customary pair of socks, wishing him a safe voyage and return. Robertson briefly replied, and the ceremony concluded with the National Anthem and cheers.
On 5 November 1917 he embarked from Sydney for overseas service aboard HMAT Port Sydney. During the voyage he was admitted to the ship’s hospital suffering from influenza. He disembarked at Suez on 12 December 1917, where he was again hospitalised, this time with measles, and was discharged to duty nine days later. Between March and November 1918, he served with his unit in France. In April 1919 he attended an Anti-Aircraft Gunnery course at the School of Gunnery, Shoeburyness, Essex.
Gunner Robertson commenced his return to Australia on 23 June 1919 aboard HT Orita, disembarking on 9 August 1919. He was discharged from the AIF on 1 September 1919.
Gunner John McPherson Robertson died 11 July 1952, aged 72, and was buried in Anzac Portion 8, Lutwyche Cemetery, Brisbane. His obituary noted that he had served for many years as manager of Bucki Pastoral Company (via Moree NSW), that he died in Brisbane General Hospital and emphasised that he was well known in Inverell, where he had many friends and was widely respected.
John was a single man who had no known children.
After decades without recognition at his place of burial, the grave of Gunner John McPherson Robertson now bears a plaque commemorating his service to Australia — ensuring his name endures among those remembered for their duty and sacrifice. His identity and dignity have now been restored.
We have remembered him.
Lest We Forget
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