Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Completed by Willunga High School

Robert "Bob" Pearson was born on June 17, 1920, in Port Adelaide, South Australia. Port Adelaide, a bustling maritime hub, was renowned for its shipbuilding and industrial activities. Although Bob’s early years were spent in this vibrant port city, his formative years unfolded in Willunga, a small town known for its vineyards.

Bob was the youngest son of Andrew and Hilder Pearson. Andrew worked as a train driver, managing the steam train routes in and out of Willunga. His role was significant in connecting different regions, and his later career as a blacksmith at the Islington Rail Yards highlighted his versatile skill set. Hilder Pearson’s work history is not extensively documented, but she played a crucial role in her community by being part of the school committee at Bob’s primary school, in Willunga. Bob’s older brother, Hugh "Hughey" Pearson, was also a notable figure in his life, contributing to his upbringing and development.

Bob’s educational journey began at Willunga Primary School and continued at High School in Rosewater. His time at both schools were marked by active participation in a range of extracurricular activities. Bob immersed himself in various sports, including basketball, boxing, and football. He even managed to play for Port Adelaide in the South Australian National Football League (SANFL). These achievements not only showcased his physical capabilities, but also developed a strong sense of teamwork and resilience.

Upon completing his schooling, Bob began working as a body fitter and car maker at the Woodville car factory. This job was significant in shaping his technical skills and work ethic. The experience he gained from this role was vital during his military service. His early career experiences, combined with his athletic achievements, laid a strong foundation for his future contributions, both in the military and in civilian life. After five years of working in the Woodville car factory, Bob decided he would enlist to help his country during World War II.

At just 22 years of age, Bob enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) at Wayville on August 13, 1942, during a critical phase of World War II.

Australia was heavily involved in the Pacific Theatre, engaged in intense combat with Japanese forces. Bob was assigned to the 2/10th Infantry Battalion of the 7th Division. His military service spanned 1,483 days, 898 of those in Australia and the remaining 585 days in New Guinea. This extensive service in war shows his true dedication and resilience.

Bob’s military service took him to several key locations, including Port Moresby and Balikpapan in New Guinea. Port Moresby was a strategic base for Allied forces, while Balikpapan was known for its fierce combat operations.

Bob’s role in these locations was crucial, and his efforts were instrumental in the success of the Allied forces in these challenging environments. His commitment and resourcefulness were evident in the way he handled various situations during the war.

One of the most notable moments of Bob’s service occurred when his brother Hugh played a vital role in saving his life. As Bob prepared to head into battle on a truck, Hugh, who was driving another truck, stopped to reconnect with him. This unexpected meeting led Bob to return with Hugh, thus avoiding a tragic incident. The truck Bob was initially on was struck by an American plane which struck a tree on take-off, resulting in 62 Australian fatalities and 90 more were severely injured. This incident illustrates the unpredictable nature of war and the profound impact of family connections during such critical moments.

Bob’s experiences in Balikpapan were particularly challenging. At one point, his battalion found themselves trapped on a beach with the ocean on one side and a dense rainforest on the other. The soldiers faced constant threats from enemy forces and severe shortages of supplies. To protect themselves, they had to dig a trench to shield from a nearby Japanese air force base. Despite the harsh conditions, the help of their team chef was remarkable. The chef managed to bake scones in a makeshift oven, providing essential nourishment and lifting the soldiers' spirits.

Another significant aspect of Bob’s wartime experience was the friendships he formed with fellow servicemen. A young man by the name of Anthony Noblet happened to be in the same battalion as Bob. Years after the war Anthony started up his own roasted nuts company, named Nobby’s Nuts, a nation-wide renowned nut company.

After being discharged from the AIF on September 3, 1946, Bob Pearson transitioned to civilian life with a renewed focus on his family and community.

His wartime service earned him several honours, including the Pacific Star, the 1939-45 Star, and the Australian Service Medal.

These awards recognized his bravery and dedication during a challenging period and celebrated his significant contributions to the war effort. The medals served as a mark of his courage and commitment to his country.

Bob’s post-war career was marked by a strong commitment to infrastructure development and public service. From 1945 to 1959, he worked with the Department of Works in Woomera, a remote area in South Australia known for its role in defence and scientific research. His work involved constructing essential roadways, which contributed to the development of infrastructure. Bob’s efforts in Woomera were crucial for the region’s growth and the broader national interests, showing his dedication to public service.

Following his work in Woomera, Bob took on roles with the Adelaide City Council and worked part-time at the OG Hotel in Klemzig. Bob was a Transport Foreman while he worked with the city council and was responsible for the purchasing and selling of items such as vehicle, fuel and repairs. These positions reflected his ongoing commitment to public service and community engagement.

In 1950, Bob married Maureen Worrall, and together they had four children: Scott, Louise, Rick, and Robert “Wayne” Pearson. Bob’s family life was marked by love and devotion, and he was a dedicated father and husband. Despite his significant achievements and wartime experiences, Bob remained humble about his service. He never shared his war stories even with close family members, reflecting his modest nature and personal values.

Bob kept quiet and to himself regarding his war experiences, that was until his son Scott joined the military and served in Cambodia. During this period, Bob’s reflections on his own wartime experiences became more pronounced. He shared valuable insights and war stories with his family, enriching their understanding of the sacrifices made during the war. Bob’s experiences and wisdom were passed down to his children, helping them appreciate the significance of their family’s history and the broader impact of wartime sacrifices.

Bob passed away on December 8, 2002, at the age of 82 due to complications associated with cancer, likely related to his work in Woomera. His death marked the end of a life devoted to service and family.

Bibliography

Websites:

Australian War Memorial (2016). Kokoda Trail Campaign. [online] Awm.gov.au. Available at: https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/E84663

Department of Veterans’ Affairs; (n.d.). The defence of Moresby | Anzac Portal. [online] anzacportal.dva.gov.au. Available at: https://anzacportal.dva.gov.au/wars-and-missions/world-war-ii-1939-1945/events/japanese-advance-december-1941-march-1942/defence-moresby

Diggerhistory.info. (2024). Balikpapan; was this battle necessary? [online] Available at: http://www.diggerhistory.info/pages-battles/ww2/balikpapan.htm [Accessed 8 Aug. 2024].

education.nationalgeographic.org. (n.d.). World War II in the Pacific | National Geographic Society. [online] Available at: https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/world-war-ii-pacific/

State Library of South Australia. (2024). World War Two. [online] Available at: https://digital.collections.slsa.sa.gov.au/nodes/view/3248

The National WWII Museum (n.d.). The End of World War II 1945. [online] The National WWII Museum | New Orleans. Available at: https://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/topics/end-world-war-ii-1945

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (2019). World War II in the Pacific. [online] Ushmm.org. Available at: https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/world-war-ii-in-the-pacific

Wa.edu.au. (2012). library. SCOTCH: Impacts of World War II on Australia: Pacific Theatre. [online] Available at: https://library.scotch.wa.edu.au/individualsandsocieties/year10/history/impactsofww2onaustralia/pacifictheatre

www.awm.gov.au. (n.d.). | The Australian War Memorial. [online] Available at: https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/PL1913

www.nps.gov. (n.d.). A Guide to the War in the Pacific: The First Year. [online] Available at: https://www.nps.gov/parkhistory/online_books/npswapa/extContent/wapa/guides/first/sec5.htm

Books:

Department Of Veterans Affairs, Australia (2020). Shifting tides : Australia and the Pacific in the Second World War.

Terry O’Brien, Melbourne (1984) From the Source: Book 3

Interviewees:

Scott Pearson (Son of Robert Pearson) face-to-face interviewed on May 25, 2024.