HUON, Robert Edward
| Service Number: | 35902 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 19 February 1917, Melbourne, Victoria |
| Last Rank: | Gunner |
| Last Unit: | 3rd Divisional Ammunition Column |
| Born: | Kew, Victoria , 1885 |
| Home Town: | Huon, Indigo, Victoria |
| Schooling: | Dookie Agricultural College |
| Occupation: | Farmer |
| Died: | Natural causes, Rochester West, Victoria , 17 April 1971 |
| Cemetery: | Not yet discovered |
| Memorials: | Yackandandah Memorial Gates |
World War 1 Service
| 19 Feb 1917: | Enlisted AIF WW1, Private, 35902, Melbourne, Victoria | |
|---|---|---|
| 9 Nov 1917: | Involvement AIF WW1, Gunner, 35902, Field Artillery Brigades, Enlistment/Embarkation WW1, --- :embarkation_roll: roll_number: '4' embarkation_place: Melbourne embarkation_ship: HMAT Port Sydney embarkation_ship_number: A15 public_note: '' | |
| 9 Nov 1917: | Embarked AIF WW1, Gunner, 35902, Field Artillery Brigades, HMAT Port Sydney, Melbourne | |
| 15 Apr 1918: | Transferred AIF WW1, Gunner, 3rd Divisional Ammunition Column, TOS in the field, 3 D.A.C. | |
| 18 Dec 1919: | Embarked AIF WW1, Gunner, 35902, 3rd Divisional Ammunition Column, Embarked England. RTA per Konigin Luise, arrived Melbourne 4-2-1920. | |
| 5 Mar 1920: | Discharged AIF WW1, Gunner, 35902, 3rd Divisional Ammunition Column |
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Add my storyBiography contributed by Karen Standen
Robert (Bert) Edward Huon was the second son of John Francis Huon and Sabina Jane Huon. He was born to be a farmer, graduating from the Dookie Agricultural College in 1904. Prior to and during the first years of World War One, Robert farmed in both the Huon district, in north east Victoria, and at Dandenong.
Robert’s brothers, Charles (/explore/people/284451) and Harold (/explore/people/318720), were among the first from the Huon district to enlist in the A.I.F.. In 1916, Harold was invalided home, having been wounded at Lone Pine. The following February, both Harold and Robert travelled to Melbourne to enlist. Robert was accepted for overseas service and was under training at the Maribyrnong army camp, when his sister Ada (/explore/people/342261) sailed for India with the A.A.M.C., and news came through that Charles had been killed at Broodseinde Ridge.
Embarking from Melbourne aboard the Port Sydney in November, Robert arrived in Southampton on the 4th January 1918. Three months later, having completed further training and recovered from a three week stint in hospital with bronchitis, Robert proceeded to France and was “taken on strength” in the field by 3 D.A.C. (3rd Divisional Ammunition Column).
In May, Robert succumbed to another common ailment among the troops, mumps. He rejoined his unit in June, just as the Division was preparing for what is known as, the “one hundred day offensive”, which began with the Battle of Amiens in August. Robert was detached to another 3rd Division Artillery unit, the 8 F.A.B. (8th Field Artillery Brigade) during September and October 1918. This coincided with the Divisions last major battle, the Battle of St Quentin Canal. The victory was the first real breach of the Hindenburg Line and a significant point in the war.
Robert remained in Europe with his unit after the armistice and was granted leave in Brussels and Paris, before returning to England in May 1919. In August, still waiting for a transport home, Robert was granted leave to study Forestry at the Bangor University in Wales. He eventually sailed from London on Christmas Eve 1919, arriving in Melbourne on the 4th February 1920. Robert was discharged from the A.I.F. a month later.
On the 27th April 1921, at Wesley Church, Melbourne, Robert and Mary Foxcroft were married by Rev. W. Hunt. The following year, Robert made his first application to the Soldier Settlement Board for land in Rochester West. It was also the year, Robert and Mary expectantly awaited the arrival of their twin daughters, who tragically passed away. Three years later, The Argus newspaper announced the arrival of a son, and another in 1927. In a cruel twist of fate, a farm accident in 1936 resulted in the death of their eldest son.
Despite their personal tragedies and business difficulties, caused by another war, government policy and drought, the resilient Robert and Mary persevered and made Rochester West their home.
WW1 Memorials:
On the 9th June 1924, the Yackandandah Shire Soldiers' Memorial Park in Yackandandah was unveiled. Four pillars, fixed with marble tablets and inscribed with names, formed the entrance to the memorial garden and rotunda. The inner pillars listed Fallen Soldiers’ and included Robert’s brother, Charlie Huon. The outer pillars were dedicated to Returned Soldiers’, including Robert, his brother Harold, and their sister, Ada.
In addition, the four siblings have been included on the Kiewa RSL Honour Roll (Yackandandah Shire) and the City of Caulfield Honour Roll (First World War) (North Wall) (Part B).
Karen Standen 2017.