Robert Thomas (Bob) CHRISTIE

CHRISTIE, Robert Thomas

Service Number: SX8273
Enlisted: 6 July 1940, Adelaide, SA
Last Rank: Private
Last Unit: 2nd/48th Infantry Battalion
Born: Mount Gambier, South Australia, 18 March 1916
Home Town: Angaston, Barossa, South Australia
Schooling: Sacred Heart College, Glenelg, South Australia
Occupation: Chemist (assist)
Died: Died of wounds, Libya, 7 May 1941, aged 25 years
Cemetery: Alexandria (Chatby) Military and War Memorial Cemetery
N. 182.
Memorials: Adelaide WW2 Wall of Remembrance, Angaston District WW2 Roll of Honour, Angaston War Memorial, Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour
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World War 2 Service

6 Jul 1940: Involvement Craftsman, SX8273, 2nd/48th Infantry Battalion, Enlistment/Embarkation WW2
6 Jul 1940: Enlisted Adelaide, SA
6 Jul 1940: Enlisted Australian Military Forces (Army WW2), Private, SX8273, 2nd/48th Infantry Battalion
18 Apr 1941: Involvement Private, SX8273, 2nd/48th Infantry Battalion, El Alamein
Date unknown: Involvement

A Community Remembers

The local paper, 'Leader' honours and remembers one of their own, gifted sportsman Robert Thomas Christie.
Leader (Angaston, SA: 1918 - 1954), Thursday 14 November 1940, page 1 Angaston Social to Pte. R. Christie, Sportsman Pte. Bob Christie, popular district sportsman, was given a social at Angaston on Monday; Mr H. F. Lock (R.S.A. pres.), presiding over the large gathering in the Institute. Bob, be said, was a worthy son of his father, who had made the supreme sacrifice in the same great cause. CR. G. W. Chinner, who spoke for district citizens, said they were losing a sportsman of high calibre, and one whose manly spirits and stamina was of the kind that produced the finest soldiers. They wished him the best of luck, and looked forward to the new era of peace when they would be able to welcome Bob and the other district boys back home safe and well.
Rev. F. J. Lehmann spoke for the Church, stating that, as Christians, they hated and abhorred war and desired peace within their borders and with other nations. They must do all they could to promote it. So long, however, as there were leaders of nations ready to resort to force for their evil ends, so long would it be necessary to take up arms in defence of high principles and liberty. He added that it was their right and duty to bear arms in defence of their property, their homes and their people. He wished Bob God's protection and a safe return.
Mr Len Plush, speaking for the R. S.A., said they felt that if they had continued the last war for a further fortnight, this war might have been prevented. The German army would have been cut in two, the war forced right into Germany, and the people would not have tolerated another war. District Diggers, he said, joined in wishing Bob a speedy and victorious return.
Mr H. H. Young spoke for the Football Club and business people. At work or in sport, Bob had always given of his best. He had been one of the Football Club's key men, and a good, clean sport. Their guest would carry with him the good wishes of the whole community.
Mr M. Hum, for the Cricket Club, said Bob was their fifth member to answer the call. He then went on to refer to Pte. Christie's achievements on the sporting field, culminating in his winning the cup for a century in 58 minutes—fastest time in S.A. cricket for that season. They were proud of Bob, and wished him health, the best of luck and a happy return.
Miss P. Stephens (V.S.D.) handed the guest a parcel of comforts, and the chairman asked him to accept an inscribed gold pencil. Mr Chinner responded on Bob's behalf, after which Bob added a brief expression. Miss S. Lawrence, Mr F. Holmes, and Angaston Band contributed musical numbers; Mrs W.R. Dempster and Mr N. Blenkiron being the accompanists. The ladies were responsible for effective decorations and for the supper arrangements. Diggers W. S. Smith, P. Earl, T. (THOMAS) Liddle and H. Linton took up the collection, £5/12/6.
Leader (Angaston, SA : 1918 - 1954), Thursday 24 July 1941, page 6 Late Pte. Bob Christie Praised in Three Letters from Officers and Padre at Front In an inspiring letter to Mrs Friend, Angaston, Capt. F. A. Tucker, 2/4-8th Battn., abroad, praises her son, Pte. Bob Christie, who died as a result of wounds received during heavy artillery fire west of Tobruk. He says, "Bob was severely wounded, and after going to hospital showed every promise of recovery for several weeks; then received a setback. After being severely wounded, Bob displayed the finest spirit of bravery and fortitude I have yet seen, typifying the highest ideals of the A.I.F. He was very popular among the company, and I am very proud to have had the command of such a brave soldier, whose passing is deeply mourned by all who have associated with him. I take this opportunity of offering my most sincere sympathy to you and your relatives who no doubt will find it hard to realise such a loss. May God comfort you in your time of grief and pain."
Lieut.-Colonel Windeyer, the commanding officer, has also written, adding that Bob was on duty at the headquarters of his company which at the time was holding the front line, when a shell struck and Bob was severely wounded. The Padre has also written, and follows his expression of sympathy on behalf of officers and men with a fine tribute. "We can ill afford to lose men of his stamp," he added.
Leader (Angaston, SA : 1918 - 1954), Thursday 27 September 1945, page 1 GIVES MEDAL TO COMMEMORATE CRICKET HERO Mr H. H. Young, Angaston, has donated a medal for batting in B & L Assn. cricket this season. It is to be known as the "Bob Christie Medal," in honour of brilliant Angaston batsman who won the State cup for fastest country century in Adelaide district cricket in 1939; making 100 in 58 minutes for Glenelg. Bob, who was employed by Mr H. H. Young at the pharmacy, died of wounds in North Africa in 1941.
Additional media articles added by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133

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Bob Christie, Angaston, Pays Supreme Sacrifice

Mrs R. Friend, Angaston, has been advised of the death of her son, Pte. Robert Thomas Christie, as result of wounds received in North Africa. He was 24. His father, the Late Pte Christie, was killed in France during the last war; Bob being his only son. He was born at Mt. Gambier on March 18. 1917, and was educated' at Sacred Heart College, Glenelg. To his many line characteristics he added brilliant sportsmanship in football, cricket and baseball. For years he was one of Angaston's key men in cricket and football, being an excellent wicket keeper and quick-scoring batsman.

He played district cricket with Adelaide and later with Glenelg, and was with the latter team in 1939 when he won the "Mail" Cup for quickest century of the season. Don Bradman, with a century in 80 minutes, had a big lead for the cup; but in the season's last match, Bob in a dazzling display made a chanceless century in 58 minutes, going on to 138 in 80 minutes. He was associated with Mr H. H. Young's Angaston Pharmacy when he enlisted with the A.I.F., and went overseas. This bright young man with sterling character and adventurous spirit, has passed on: but his sacrifice and heroism will live on in a wonderful, inspiring memory.

Taken from the Leader (Angaston, SA) Thursday 15 May 1941.

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