Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Robert was born at Gilberton on the 30th December, 1908 to Harold John and Olive Marie Carey. Robert was the oldest son in a family of four brothers, Jack, James Edwin, Earnest Frank, Ross Maxwell and Maurice Henry and sister Joyce. Robert’s father, Harold was a veteran of WWI, having enlisted just prior to his 31st birthday. He was a horse driver and a Private with the Australian Camel Brigade Field Ambulance, serving in Egypt. He was unfortunate to contract a severe case of malaria which caused him to be discharged in March 1919 being awarded the 1914/15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal. Robert was 9 years old when his father returned.
The family lived in Port Adelaide where all the siblings attended the Nailsworth Public School. Post school Robert was employed as a driver for Port Adelaide based Pulliene and Company with whom he worked for 12 years. While there, Robert married Florence Elizabeth Gill (Floss) with the couple living in Langham Place, Portland, close to Port Adelaide where they had three daughters, Audrey, Aileen and Judith and a son, Robert.
Tragically, in January 1940 their 2-year-old son, Robert was behind a stationary car and went to cross the road to his home. The Advertiser reported that unfortunately, at that time a delivery lorry driver saw ‘children playing at the side of the road, changed into second gear and sounded his horn several times He was doing about 10 mph. He noticed a shadow moving towards the side of the lorry, and applied his brakes. When he got down from the cab he saw the body of a small child on the roadway’. Robert was taken by ambulance to the Port Adelaide Casualty Hospital before being transferred to the Children's Hospital, with severe head injuries and shock, but died soon after admission. An inquest was held but found that the driver was exonerated from causing the death. Bob and Florence were devastated. The Chronicle of Thursday 11 January 1940, advised of the family’s loss ‘CAREY. — On the 6th or January (result of accident), Robert Victor, dearly loved son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Harold Carey, of No. 90 Langham place, Portland, aged 2½ years.’ Each year the extended family placed memorial tributes to him including in the Southern Cross Friday 10 January 1941, ‘CAREY. —Of your charity, pray for the repose of the soul of our dear son and brother, Peter, who departed this life on January 1, 1940. May his soul rest in peace. —Inserted by his parents, sister, and brother.’
With the outbreak of WWII and five months after his son’s death, Robert enlisted on the 5th July 1940. At a similar time, 18-year-old Allan Porter SX7315 from Kent Town (who gave his age as 20), 18-year-old John Marshall SX7759 from Hawthorn (who also gave his age as 21) and 26-year-old, newly married John Christerson SX7791 from Kadina also enlisted. Despite not knowing each other, their lives became inextricably linked. They were all to be assigned to the newly formed 2/48th Battalion, and, despite their different ages and backgrounds, their lives were to be inextricably linked. Their initial days were spent in the cold of the Pavilions, now part of the Royal Adelaide Showgrounds, before the new enlistees headed to Woodside for their preliminary training. After pre-embarkation leave, the 2/48th contingent embarked on the Stratheden for the Middle East, on the 7th November 1940, arriving on the 19th December 1940.
Their 2/48th Battalion completed a few months training in Cyrenaica before going to Tobruk at the start of April 1941 where the dust, flies, heat, minimal water supplies and constant bombardment were quite a challenge to these fresh new enlistees. They were to become the famed Rats of Tobruk.
Within a month, the four men, Robert, John Marshall, Allan Porter and John Christerson were all killed in action on the same day, just 10 months after enlisting. John Glenn in his book, ‘Tobruk to Tarakan’ described conditions at Dimra :“At 3:50 am on 1st May the men of the 2/48th stood-to to await the outcome of the battle which had raged all through the night. In thick mist, darkness, and bitter cold they snatched a quick breakfast of bully beef and hard biscuits.”
The remainder of that day was chaotic, information scant, the men weary and under heavy fire and a sandstorm raged. The next morning there was a terrific dust storm but a foot patrol set out to find their soldiers who had not returned. For a few of those missing men it was some time before their fate was confirmed. Mark Johnson in his recent book, ‘Derrick In His Own Words’ explained that ‘On 1 May the 2/48th suffered 51 casualties, including 16 killed. Besides Allan, these included Herbert Neumann SX8014 from Aldgate, Robert Carey SX7943 from Portland, John Christerson SX7791 from Yorketown, John Marshall SX7759 from Hawthorn, William Gates SX6867 from Brompton and Allan Glanville Porter SX7315 all from the 2/48th Battalion. A tragic day.
Back home, the Advertiser reported the casualties on the 21st May ‘41. SOUTH AUSTRALIA Abroad Killed in Action— Pte. George M. Best. SX1391, 2/10th Murray Bridge; Pte. Robert H. Carey, SX7943, Inf., Portland; Pte. John W. Christerson, SX7791. Yorketown; Pte. William T. Gates, SX6867. 2/48th Brompton: Pte. John H. H. Marshall. SX7759. 2/48th Hawthorn; Pte. P. R. Miller, SX9101, 2/8 Field Med., Lucindale; Pte. Allan G. Porter. SX7315, 2/48th, Kent Town.
Robert and his fellow 2/48th soldiers were re-buried on the 17th May ’44 at the Knightsbridge War cemetery, Acroma, Robert in Grave 14, Plot VII, Row A and surrounded by others from the 2/48th Battalion including Sergeant Leslie K. Tonkin, SX6911, Private Raymond J. Cooke SX8862, Pte Douglas E. Bagshaw SX7468, Private John H Marshall SX7759, Private Walter A. Birrell SX6060, and Private Raymond G. Young SX6607 all of whom lost their lives on May 1st. The inscription on Robert’s headstone now reads ‘Greater Love hath No Man’.
Florence died on June 28 1977 aged 66. She is interred at the Cheltenham Cemetery with her young son, Robert and her headstone also carries a tribute to husband and father, Robert.
31-year-old Robert and his young son continued to be remembered each year by his family and friends:
Advertiser Friday 1 May 1942, CAREY. —In loving memory of our dear son and brother. Bob. killed in action on May 1. 1941. Only a heart's sad longing and a sigh for a face unseen; But a constant thought that God alone Knows best what might have been. We always remember you smiling the way you used to do: And we have tried to keep smiling the way you would want us to. —Ever remembered by mum, dad, and brothers, and sister Joyce. CAREY. —In loving memory of Bob. killed on active service May 1, 1941. To be with us in the same old way Would be our dearest wish today. —Inserted by sister-in-law and brother in-law. Ivy and Bern. CAREY. Robert. —Killed in action abroad. May 1, 1941. 2nd A.I.F. —Ever remembered. Edna and Billie. CAREY. —In loving memory of Bob, killed, in action abroad. May 1, 1941. God will link the broken chain Closer when we meet again. —Inserted by his mother-in-law. father in-law. Lizzie and Vic Gill CAREY. —In loving memory of dear Bob killed in action. May 1. 1941. His duty nobly done. In God's keeping. — Inserted by his sister-in-law. Girlie and Maxie. CAREY Bob. —ln loving memory of Pte. R. H. Carey, killed in action May 1, 1941. 2/48 Battalion. Beneath the Cross of Sacrifice. Within a silent grave. His comrades laid him down to rest Among the honored brave. —Inserted by his sister-in-law, brother in-law, Glad, Jim Hay and family. CAREY Bob. —ln loving memory of my dear husband and father, Pte. Robert H., killed in action abroad (2/48 Btn.) May 1, 1941. What would we give to clasp your hand. Your dear face to see. And be together once again, just as we used to be? —Ever remembered by his loving wife and daughters. CAREY. —In memory of Bob, killed in action May 1. 1941. When last we saw your smiling face You looked so bright and well; Little did we think that day Would be our last farewell. —Inserted by Hilda and family. CAREY. —In loving memory of Uncle Bob, killed in action May 1, 1941. Silent memories, true and tender. Just to show we still remember. —Ever remembered by Nance and Mick. CAREY, Robert. —Killed in action abroad. May 1, 1941, 2nd A.I.F. Beneath the Cross of Sacrifice In a faraway grave. Where no flowers we can place. Bob's comrades laid him-down to rest Among the honored brave. —Inserted by his sister-in-law and brother-in-law. Alice and Jack Liccioni.
Advertiser Saturday 1 May 1943, CAREY. —In loving memory or my dear husband and father. Pte. Bob, killed in action. May 1, 1941. God's greatest gift, remembrance. —Inserted by his loving wife and daughters. CAREY In loving memory of Bob. killed in action. May 1, 1941. Memories are treasures no one can steal. —inserted by mother-in-law and father-in-law. E. Gill. CAREY In loving memory of Bob, killed in action May 1, 1941. Treasured memories linger for ever. —inserted by sister-in-law brother-in-law, nephew. Ivy. Bern, Kevin. CAREY In loving memory of Bob. killed in action. May 1. 1941. Ever remembered. —inserted by sister-in-law Girlie and Max. CAREY. —In loving memory of Bob. killed in action, May 1, 1941. Gone from as his smiling face those loving, cheerful ways. —inserted by sister-in-law. brother-in-law. Glad, Jim, family. CAREY In loving memory ot our dear son and brother, killed in action. May 1. 1941. A thought today, a memory for ever. —inserted by his mother, father, brothers, and sister Joyce. CAREY Sweetest memories of Bob. killed on active service, 2nd A.I.F. abroad. May 1, 1941. —Always remembered by Alice and Jack. CAREY In loving memory of Uncle Bob. killed in action at Tobruk. May 1, 1941. Years roll by but memories live for ever. —Ever remembered by Nance and Mick (A.I.F.). CAREY In fond memory of Bob. killed in action May 1, 1941. Days and years go past, but memory of you will always last. —inserted by his sister-in law Hilda and children.
Advertiser Monday 1 May 1944, CAREY. —In loving memory of our son-in-law Bob, killed in action May 1, 1941. God's greatest gift, remembrance, inserted by Mr. and Mrs. V. E. Gill CAREY. —In loving memory of my brother-ln-law. Bob. killed in action May 1 1941. His duty nobly done. —inserted by Girlie and Max. CAREY - In loving memory of our brother-ln-law, Bob killed in action May 1, 1941. Beneath the cross of sacrifice he lies among the honored brave. —inserted by Glad, Jim and family. CAREY In loving memory of our dear husband and father, killed at Tobruk. May l. 1941. In silence we remember. —Ever remembered by Floss and girls. CAREY In loving memory of Bob. killed May 1. 1941. Time drifts on but memories stay. —inserted by Ivy and Bern. CAREY In memory of Bob. killed in action. May 1 1941, He sleeps in a hero's grave. —Remembered always by Hilda and family. CAREY In loving memory of our brother-in-law. Bob. killed in action abroad. May 1. 1941. Just a memory, fond and true, to show, dear, we still remember. —inserted by Alice and Jack. CAREY. —In loving memory of our son and brother Bob, killed In action May 1, 1941 Years roll on but memories stay as near and dear as yesterday. —Remembered by mum, dad, brothers and sister Joyce.
Advertiser Tuesday 1 May 1945, CAREY. Pte. R. H.—ln loving memory of our dear husband and father. killed in action at Tobruk, May 1, 1941. A leaf in the book of memories is gently turned today. —Always remembered by his wife and daughters. CAREY. —In loving memory of our dear son and brother Bob 2/48th_ Btn. killed in action. May 1, 1941. Years roll on but memories stay as near and dear as yesterday. —Sadly missed by mum, dad, brothers and sister Joyce. CAREY. —In loving memory of our brother Bob (A.I.F.). 2/48th Btn. who was killed May 1 1941. To be with us today in the same old way Would be our greatest wish today. —Inserted by Eileen, Jim. CAREY. —In memory of my brother-in-law Bob. killed in action May 1. 1941. —Ever remembered by Hilda and family. CAREY. —In loving memory of Bob, killed in action May 1, 1941. We hoped for his safe return and longed to clasp his hand; but God postponed that meeting. it will be in a better land. —inserted by mother-in-law. father-in-law. V. Gill. CAREY. —In loving memory of mv brother-in-law Bob. killed in action May 1, 1941. A little token, true and tender, just to show we still remember. —Inserted by Girlie and Max. CAREY. —In loving memory of our brother-in-law Bob. killed in action May 1, 1941. No one you loved was by your side to hear your last faint sigh, or whisper Just a loving word before you closed your eyes. When last we saw your smiling face you looked so bright and well; little did We think that was our last farewell —Inserted by Alice and Jack. CAREY. —In loving memory of our brother-in-law Bob. killed in action May I 1941. Things have changed in many ways, but one thing changes never, the memory of those happy days when we were all together, —inserted by Glad, Jim, children.
Advertiser Wednesday 1 May 1946, CAREY, Pte.—In loving memory of our dear husband and father, killed in action, Tobruk, May 12 1941. The passing years can never dim cherished memories of you. Ever remembered by wife and daughters. CAREY. —In loving memory of Bob, 2/48th who fell at Tobruk on May 1 1941. Memories so dear will always remain. Always remembered by your loving brother, Jim and Eileen. CAREY, in memory of my brother-in-law Bob Killed May 1 At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember him. Inserted by Hilda and family. CAREY Private Robert. —In loving memory of my brother-in-law, killed in action. May 1, 1941. We win always remember him as a hero and treasure the life he gave as a sweet memory. Inserted by Alice, Jack. CAREY. —In loving memory of Bob, killed May 1, 1941Calm and peaceful he is sleeping in a grave so far away. Inserted by Ivy and Bern CAREY. —In loving memory of Bob, killed 1st May 1941 Years pass by but memories stay, Inserted by Girlie and Max. CAREY. —In loving memory of Bob, killed May 1, 1941 No greater sacrifice. —Inserted by Glad, Jim and family. CAREY. —In loving memory of son-in-law Bob. Killed May 1. 1941. May the sunshine yon missed in life's highway be found in God's garden of rest. Inserted by V.E. Gill
Advertiser Thursday 1 May 1947, CAREY. —In loving memory of my brother-in-law. killed in action. May 1, 1941. Years may dawn and fade away; loving memories will always stay. —Ever remembered by Alice and Jack. CAREY. —In loving memory of our dear husband and father, killed at Tobruk. May 1, 1941. A beautiful memory is all we have left. —Ever remembered by his wife and daughters. CAREY. —In memory of Bob, killed May 1, 1941. Time rolls on. but memories stay. —Ever remembered by Hilda and family. CAREY. —In loving memory of Bob, killed ln action. May 1, 1941. —Ever re-membered by mum and dad. Gill. CAREY. —In loving memory of our brother-in-law Bob. killed in action. May 1, 1941. No greater sacrifice. —Inserted by Glad. Jim. children. CAREY. —In loving memory of Bob, killed in action. May 1,1941. His duty nobly done. —Inserted by Girlie and Max. CAREY. —In loving memory of our dear son and brother Bob. killed in action. May 1, 1941, A thought today, a memory for ever. —inserted by his mother, father, brothers and sister Joyce. CAREY. —In proud and loving memory of Bob. For ever in our hearts: he gave his life that we might live. —inserted by Jim and Eileen.
Researched and written by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133, 2/48th Battalion