Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

"It is with much regret that we have to report the death of Digger Horace (Bob) Smith (late 32nd Battalion), who, with his brother Ernest, a married man with two children, lost their lives at Boatsn’ns Point, between Robe and Kingston, on 3rd September.

"What really happened will forever remain one of the secret tragedies of the sea, although many conjectures have been put forward as to how the two men lost their lives. Bob and Ern, with another brother Charlie (also a returned man), were engaged in fishing and Charlie had come into the township on 2nd September with a lorry load of fish for the train on Friday.

"On his return to the camp on Friday he could see the empty dinghy, but there was no trace of the two brothers. The common supposition is that the boat overturned in a heavy sea among rocks, and Ern, who was a strong swimmer, had perished in an attempt to save Bob, who had lost the use of one arm as the result of a wound received in France. A diligent search was made without success for the missing men and on 9th September the body of Bob was discovered and brought to Kingston, where it was interred in the local cemetery on the following day. Twenty Digger comrades marched in front of the hearse, which was followed by a large concourse of townsfolk. The Rev. W. Gibson conducted the service at the grave. Much sympathy is felt for the aged parents and the widow and children of Ernest Smith. The body of Ernest Smith was found near the rocks on Monday, 13th inst. The attention of those on the shore was attracted by a number of gulls hovering over a rock. The body was recovered and brought to Kingston on Monday night, and buried in Kingston cemetery besides the remains of the brother. Rev. W. Gibson conducted the graveside service."