Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Robert John Easton
Robert was a local of the Unley district, educated at the Unley School. Born on September 18th 1919, he was one of two sons of Ethel and R.P. Easton.
Robert enlisted just prior to his 21st birthday in July of 1940 being allocated the number SX7585 and eventually joining the newly formed 2/48th Battalion as a Private. He was in the early group which became the basis of the now famous Rats of Tobruk. Under the command of Captain W. Forbes a huge attack was planned for Robert’s C Company early on the morning of the 22nd April at Tobruk. In the book ‘Tobruk to Tarakan’ John Glenn describes the success C company had in clearing the dead ground behind Carrier Hill, capturing 16 officers and 353 other ranks. In military terms, the attack was a huge success. For C Company there were ‘just’ two deaths and seven wounded.
Teddy Boxer, one of the seven survivors of the C Company attack was severely injured and had fallen next to Robert and Albert Tanner. Teddy’s right leg was lost through a hit by an anti-tank shell and his left received a bullet wound. He recounted how he could see his foot, boot and all, lying about six feet away. He used two scarves he had been carrying to stop the bleeding.
In the midst of the action, Teddy saw a Bren carrier heading towards his position, signalling it when it was just 6 ft away, causing it to swerve and miss him by inches on the return. They hooked up an out of petrol utility, placing Teddy in the back as no stretcher bearers were around. All Teddy could see was enemy soldiers ostensibly coming after them. In reality they were captured Italian prisoners who had surrendered in all directions, several more came charging after the rest, being anxious not to be left behind.
For his personal leading of the attack, Capt Forbes was awarded the Distinguished Service Order, and Sgt Bob McGee the military medal for his personal example and bravery in the face of the enemy. Bob Easton and Albert Tanner contributed to this success. However, for their families, the two young Privates killed in the attack, the date 22 April 1941 was seared in their lives.. Both young men were aged just 21 years.
The local Adelaide ‘News’ reported the death, adding that Robert was “interested in greyhound racing, and owned Lady Bright, which he raced here.” His parents, brother Stewart and extended family continued to remember this young man, taken too early.
Advertiser (Adelaide, SA: 1931 - 1954), Wednesday 22 April 1942, EASTON—In loving memory of Bobby who was killed In action on April 22 1941. His duty nobly done. lnserted lovingly by his father.
EASTON. —In loving memory of Bobby, who was killed in action on April 22 1941. "Lest we forget his supreme sacrifice. Remembered by Les, Eva and Laurence.
EASTON—In loving memory of my loving son Bobby, who was killed in action at Tobruk on April 22 1941 (2nd/ 48th Batt.). Sad Is my heart. In silence alone, I cherish sweet memories that are only my own. My memories go back to the days that have been, A silent thought brings many a tear of one I miss and loved so dear. Always so loving, unselfish. and kind. What a beautiful memory to leave behind. " —Inserted by his loving mother.
EASTON.—In loving memory of my dear brother, who was killed In action at Tobruk on April 22. 1941. One sad year of thinking. Of a loving brother whom we lost: Only God In heaven knows What that parting cost. At the heavenly gate he’ll meet us With his same sweet, loving smile; For we are only parted, brother dear. Just for a little while. —Inserted by his loving brother. Stewart.
EASTON. —In loving memory of Bobby who was killed In action on April 22 1941. Beneath the cross of sacrifice. Among the honored brave. We have him in our memory. God has him In His care. Inserted by his loving grandma, uncles, aunties and cousins.
EASTON. —In loving memory of our dear friend, Bobby, who died in action on April 22. 1941 A little token, true and tender. Just to show we still remember. Safe In the arms or God. Inserted by Ron, Bill, and all the boys and Gwen.
Advertiser (Adelaide, SA: 1931 - 1954), Thursday 22 April 1943, EASTON. —In loving memory of my dear son. Robert, killed in action at Tobruk on April 22. 1941. Time takes away the edge of grief, but memory turns back every leaf. Ever remembered by loving father.
EASTON. —In loving memory of Bobby, killed in action at Tobruk April 22. 1941. Tears roll by but memories live for ever. —Inserted by Eva and Les.
EASTON. —A tribute of honor to our pal Bob. killed in action Tobruk, 1941. Ever remembered by Bill, Ron, John.
EASTON. —Loving memory dear son Bobby, killed in action Tobruk April 22, 1941. aged 21. Memories are treasures no one can steal; death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Inserted by loving mother, gran, brother Stewart A.I.F
EASTON. —In loving memory of our dear nephew Bob, killed in action Tobruk April 22, 1941. —Ever remembered by his Aunt Kath, Uncle Dick (2nd A.I.F. ret.), and cousins.
Advertiser (Adelaide, SA: 1931 - 1954), Saturday 22 April 1944, EASTON. —In loving memory of our dear son and brother, killed in action, April 22. 1941. Not today, but every day. in silence we remember. —Inserted by mother, Stewart, grandmother.
EASTON In memory of Bobby, who was killed April 22. 1941. Tobruk. For ever In our thoughts. —By Aunty Kath, Uncle Dick A.I.F., and cousins.
EASTON. —In loving memory of Bobbie, killed in action. Tobruk. April 22. 1944. Lest we forget—Ever remembered by Eva, Les, Laurence.
Advertiser (Adelaide, SA: 1931 - 1954), Monday 23 April 1945, EASTON. —In loving memory of my brother Bob. killed at Tobruk on April 22. 1941. Four years ago today he gave his life away for King and country; but though he is gone, his memory lingers on. and will never fade. —lnserted by his brother Stewart. 2nd AIF., returned.
EASTON. —In loving memory of my dear son, Bobby, killed in action at Tobruk on April 22. 1941. A face we loved is missing, a voice we loved is still, a place is vacant in our home which never can be filled. —lnserted by mother and gran.
EASTON. —In memory of Bobby, killed at Tobruk on April 22. 1941.—Ever remembered by his friend Gwen.
EASTON. —In memory of Bob, killed at Tobruk, 1941. His duty nobly done. — Inserted by Bill, Ron. John.
EASTON. —In loving memory of Bobby, killed in action, Tobruk, April 22, 1941. —Ever remembered by Uncle Les, Auntie Eva, and Cousin Laurence.
EASTON. —In loving memory of Bobby killed at Tobruk. April 22, 1941. A leaf in the book of memory Is gently turned today. —Ever remembered by Kath and ' Dick AIF, ret.
Advertiser (Adelaide, SA: 1931 - 1954), Tuesday 23 April 1946, EASTON—In memory of Bob, 2/48th. Bn. killed ln action. Tobruk. April 22. 1941. In God's care he was taken, but his memory is not foretaken—lnserted by brother Stewart, sister Sophy.
EASTON—In loving memory of my dear son Bobby killed in action, Tobruk. If all the world were mine to give. I’d give It all and more. if I could see dear Bobby’s face Come smiling through the door -Inserted by mother and gran.
Advertiser (Adelaide, SA: 1931 - 1954), Thursday 22 April 1948, EASTON. —In proud and loving memory of Robert, killed in action at Tobruk, April 22, 1941, 2/48th Btn. Treasured memories of one we loved and will never forget. —Inserted by loving mother, brother Stewart, and gran.
EASTON. —In loving memory of my nephew Bobby, killed Tobruk, April 22, 1941. —Always remembered by Uncle Bill, Gwen and Robert.
Advertiser (Adelaide, SA: 1931 - 1954), Friday 22 April 1949, EASTON. —In loving memory of my darling son Bobby, killed in action, Tobruk, April 22, 1941. In a soldier's grave in a foreign land, Lies one we held so dear, A smiling face that didn't come home When they sounded the last all clear. He is sleeping with his comrades In a hallowed grave unknown, But his name is in golden letters In the hearts of those at home. —Inserted by mother, brother Stewart and gran.
EASTON, R. J. (Bunny). —In loving memory of our dear nephew, killed Tobruk, April 22, 1941. —Always remembered by Uncle Bill, Gwen, Robert.
Advertiser (Adelaide, SA: 1931 - 1954), Saturday 22 April 1950, EASTON. —In loving memory of my darling son Bobby, killed Tobruk, April 22, 1941. I think of you in silence, I often speak your name, But all I have to answer Is your photo, in a frame. —Ever remembered by his loving mother, brother Stewart and gran.
EASTON. —In loving memory of Bobby, killed in action, Tobruk, April 22, 1941. —Ever remembered by auntie Kath, uncle Dick and family.
EASTON. —In loving memory of our dear nephew Robert, late 48th Batt., killed Tobruk, 1941. —Always remembered by uncle Bill, Gwen, Robert.
Robert is buried in the Knightsbridge War Cemetery, Acroma, LIBYA.
Researched and written by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Homes SX8133 2/48th Battalion.