SWEETLAND, Robert Henry
| Service Number: | 25712 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 24 February 1942, Melbourne, VIC |
| Last Rank: | Able Seaman |
| Last Unit: | Not yet discovered |
| Born: | Port Pirie, South Australia, 20 January 1924 |
| Home Town: | Not yet discovered |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Not yet discovered |
| Died: | 30 March 2018, aged 94 years, cause of death not yet discovered, place of death not yet discovered |
| Cemetery: | Not yet discovered |
| Memorials: |
World War 2 Service
| 24 Feb 1942: | Involvement 25712 | |
|---|---|---|
| 24 Feb 1942: | Enlisted Melbourne, VIC | |
| 24 Feb 1942: | Enlisted Royal Australian Navy, Able Seaman, 25712 | |
| 26 Mar 1946: | Discharged |
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Add my storyBiography contributed by Trevor Pyatt
Robert Henry "Bob" Sweetland
Born: 20 January 1924, Port Pirie, South Australia
Died: 30 March 2018, Williamstown, Victoria (aged 94)
Burial: Cremated
Early Life and Family
Robert Henry Sweetland was born in Port Pirie, the son of William Stanley Sweetland and Esther Muriel Gunn.
In 1946, in Victoria, he married Nean May Paxman. Together they had at least four children, including:
Kevin Robert Sweetland (12 March 1955 – 18 November 1973)
Robert Anthony Sweetland (28 January 1961 – 16 June 2009, interred at Fawkner Memorial Park, Victoria)
Two other children (names not yet confirmed)
Robert and Nean's marriage ended in divorce on 15 July 1976.
Later, Robert shared his life with Wanda Mary, who described him as "the light of my life."
Military Service – World War II
Robert enlisted in the Royal Australian Navy on 24 February 1942 at Melbourne, Victoria.
Service Number: 25712
Rank: Able Seaman
Occupation on Enlistment: Salesman
Physical Description: 5 ft 11½ in, brown hair, blue eyes, fresh complexion, with scars on chest and appendix
Religion: Methodist
Ships and Establishments Served
HMAS Cerberus (training, 1942)
HMAS Penguin, HMAS Moreton (1943)
HMAS Ladava, HMAS Madang, HMAS Finschhafen (New Guinea postings 1943–45)
HMAS Porpoise / Wewak postings (1945)
HMAS Torrens (1946)
Service Record
Rated Very Good in character and efficiency.
Awarded one Good Conduct Badge (17 February 1945).
Discharged/Demobilised: 26 March 1946.
Police Career and Recognition
After the war, Robert joined Victoria Police in 1947, where he rose to the rank of Detective Sergeant No. 13207.
His police service was recognised with the National Medal:
First Award: 9 February 1981
Subsequent Recognition: 8 June 1988
Later Life and Legacy
Robert endured personal loss, including the tragic early deaths of his sons Kevin Robert in 1973 and Robert Anthony in 2009, yet he remained a source of strength and influence for his family.
He passed away peacefully in Williamstown in 2018 at the age of 94. His obituary described him as a "treasured, loved and respected father, grandfather and great-grandfather" whose influence was lasting and profound.
Summary
Robert Henry "Bob" Sweetland lived a long life of service and devotion. He was an Able Seaman in the Royal Australian Navy during WWII, later a Detective Sergeant in the Victoria Police, honoured with the National Medal. Above all, he was a family man remembered with deep love, his legacy carried forward through his children and grandchildren.
Biography by Trevor Pyatt 7/09/2025
Click images to start slideshow.