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Robert was born in the Riverland town of Berri on the 24th September 1915, to Ada Minnie and John James Tipper. His parents were amongst the early settlers of the area, arriving in 1912 from Broken Hill. They had a block on the outskirts of Berri on the Barmera Road. John worked for the Irrigation Department, where he was engaged in developmental work. He very quickly became an essential part of the new community, becoming a member of the Berri Lodge of Buffaloes, and held an official rank of Marshall in that order. He also held an official position in the Berri Racing Club and was a strong supporter of the local football club for which the boys played. Robert (known as Bob) was the third of four sons with brothers, Jack, Gordon Leonard and Murray George plus a sister, Hazel.
The children all attended the local Berri Public School, enjoying picnics at different locations including the Winkie Park racecourse, generously provided by the Berri Racing Club. The excited children were taken to the picnic by an assortment of family motor cars and lorries. Aged 12, Bob won the sack race and came second in the flat race in his age group.
Bob was eight when his 46-year-old father died in November ’23. John had been helping a local bring in his hay crop when he felt unwell. On the doctor’s advice, John was encouraged to go home to bed to avoid catching pneumonia but died a week later. The close-knit community ensured the funeral was well attended, including by the Buffalo fraternity.
Two years later, the family was dealt another tragic blow with the death of Gordon. Following his father’s unexpected death, Gordon, as the oldest son, became the main support for his mother and the four young siblings. He initially found local work, including putting in the ceiling for the Renmark Institute. He then worked at Seacliff when it appeared he had caught a ‘slight chill’, which he ignored. This developed into tuberculosis (then called consumption) and he was hospitalised at Barmera for ten months before his death in December ’25, aged just 19.
Murray and Bob became a team, working together as gardeners in the local community until the outbreak of WWII.
A huge recruitment drive was conducted in country areas to attract young, single, fit young men to enlist. Robert’s older brother, Murray, was the first to heed the call, enlisting on the 30th May ’40 and was placed in the 2/27th Battalion, with the number SX4153. 24-year-old Bob also answered that call the following month at Glossop on the 18th June, 1940, becoming SX7278 in the newly formed 2/48th Battalion. His early 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.
Pre-embarkation leave saw the Riverland young men return to be farewelled. A huge crowd gathered at the Berri Rivoli Theatre to farewell the twenty-five local enlistees. It was a massive event, causing the main hall to be so crowded locals flowed up into the dress circle to watch the memorable proceedings. The evening was also combined with a farewell to a well-known local, a very active organiser and helper, Mrs. Knappstein, who coordinated farewell socials for newly enlisted soldiers. Of those farewelled were SX7278 Robert Tipper, SX8119 Frank Todd and his brother, SX9384 Arville Todd with others from the 2/48th being SX8010 William C. Westley, SX7964 Tom (Diver) Derrick, SX8063 John Hood, SX7997 Harold R. Jenkinson, SX9562 Charles H. Butcher, SX7067 Peter M. Anderson, SX5218 Albert H. Smith, SX6832 Walter J. Fennell, SX8411 Allan R. Rix, SX7242 Paul A. Pfeiffer, SX7773 Samuel D. Parbs. Of these young men, Arville died of wounds on the 3rd July ’41, ‘Diver’ Derrick also died of wounds on the 24th May ’45 after being a VC recipient, and John Hood died of illness on the 4th September, ’43.
In farewelling the young men, the chairman of the Soldiers' Farewell Committee commented that “although the spirit of adventure might have played some part in the enlistment of the boys, deep down in their heart there was the love of their country, and they as citizens of Berri were proud to do honour to the lads of the district who were with them that evening. It was the largest muster of men they had yet honoured at one time. It was noticed that many of the men on this occasion were members of the Berri Football Club. and among them was the captain, Jock Hood. The district wished them all well and would now look forward to their homecoming after a successful victory on the other side.” A presentation was made to each of the soldiers of a money belt, a £1 note, and a pair of socks from the Comforts Fund.
A representative from WWI also spoke saying They “all fully realized the' boys were not going on a holiday and everybody appreciated the sentiments which prompted their enlistment. Remarks had been passed by the enemy about the "polyglot armies" of the Empire, but all he said was "God help them when they met that polyglot army". He assured the boys of the best wishes of all returned soldiers, who would look after, their interests while they were away.”
The large 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.
Whilst ‘Diver’ Derrick was recovering from mumps in January ’41 he wrote a diary entry on the 20th ‘Have 12 in this tent with me must get their names tomorrow and make a note of them.’ From the 2/48th these included Derrick SX7965, J. Marshall SX8238, A De Caux SX7467, Bob, A Pegler SX7727 and two from the 2/7th S Anderson SX4571, A Sharp WX4338 others from the 2/16, 2/14 and 2/23rd The contagious condition of mumps was also shared with Bob who then spent two weeks in hospital before he was able to re-join his battalion. Over a year later in March, Bob was then diagnosed with another staph infection, or boils from the less that sanitary conditions in the desert.
As often happened, locals from a particular country area met up overseas and spent time together. Berri man, SX9384 Arville Todd farewelled with Bob was also part of the 2/48th Battalion. In early July ’41, John Glenn in Tobruk to Tarakan wrote of the randomness of tragic death. Whist holding Post S9 on the Salient, it received much attention because of its strategic position. Wally Prior recounted that the 2/48th had taken over from the 2/1st Pioneers. ‘It was on the third day of holding this post that a very fine soldier, Corporal Avel Todd was killed by a mortar fire by one of those million-to-one chances that happen in war. Corporal Todd had been on duty in the machine gun pit and at about 8a.m. was relieved by Private Bob Tipper. Arvel was returning down the concrete trench when a mortar broke through the flimsy covering and landed at his feet. He was severely wounded, and later died at the Regimental Aid Post.’ His record states that he received gunshot wounds to his right leg and arm.
In an horrific time for his family back home, news was received that Bob’s 28-year-old brother, Murray was killed in action in Papua on the 8th September, ’42. Ada had then lost her husband and two older sons. The local Murray Pioneer in November reported ‘L/Cpl. Murray George Tipper, who was killed in action in New Guinea on September 7, was born at Berri 28 years ago. He enlisted in 1940 and saw service in Syria, from where he returned to Australia. In August of this year, he went to New Guinea. He was well known at Berri, having lived there all his life, and attended the Berri School. Prior to enlisting he had been gardening with his brother Bob, who is now in the 2nd A.I.F. in the Middle East. His parents were among the early residents of Berri, arriving there about 1912. His father was the late Jack Tipper, and his mother, Mrs. A. Tipper, resides with her son Jack at Berri.’
Bob was wounded in action early in November ‘42 with gunshot wounds to his left buttock. At the time, his battalion had seized Trig 29, a key location in the Battle of El Alamein. John Glenn in Tobruk to Tarakan painted an image of those days. ‘The troops had never been more tired. Yet, notwithstanding the fact that they had not slept for three nights, all were grimly determined to put everything they had into the fight to hold what had been won. Their spirits were high. All-round teamwork, cooperation, and an eagerness to be dug in by dawn caused every man, irrespective of rank or his particular task, to throw his whole weight behind the battalion.’ Heavy fighting helped capture this feature, but the challenge was in ‘digging in’ to the rocky ground. Glenn added ‘The 2/48th had stirred up a real hornet’s nest; from first light until nine o’clock, the enemy turned all their fury on the Trig area, with particularly heavy fire on 29 itself, hiding the position in dust and smoke.’ In a later comment the men of the battalion were justifiably praised ‘Truly it can be said of these men, “They fought themselves and their enemy to a standstill until flesh and blood could stand no more, then they went on fighting.”’
With so many wounded, on the 7th November plans were put in place for the survivors in the 2/48th to visit their injured mates in hospital. Such was the close camaraderie of the battalion. Bob spent just over a month recovering before he was again able to return to the 2/48th.
Back home, The Chronicle painted a raw image of the extensive effects on the 2/48th Battalion. Killed in action were SX8468 Pte. Patrick H. Hoare, North Broken Hill (NSW); SX13570 Pte. Charles Holman, Broken Hill; SX7771 Pte. Henry O. Lohmann, Murray Bridge; SX6848 Cpt. Alfred F. Meyer. Renmark: SX3149 Col. Arthur H. Peters, Macclesfield; . SX11768 Pte. John R. Smith, Wardang Island; SX13535 Pte. Allan L. Thessinger, Jamestown. Died Of Wounds SX7917 Pte. Leslie A. King, Adelaide. Wounded In Action.— SX7830 Cpl. Kingsley G. Albrecht, Kingston-on-Murray: SX10571 Pte. William G. F. Barnett, Reedy Creek : SX8128 Pte.- Ivan G. Braidwood, Adelaide; SX8749 Pte. K. W. Dack, Med., Clare; SX7559 Pte, Maxwell. C. Fuss, Kimba; SX13602 Pte. George H. G. Gallagher. Paulco Station; SX12854 Pte. Sydney V. Goodes. Curramulka; SX8483 Pte. William T. Harris, Caltowie; SX10527 A-Cpl. Harold E. Hobbs, St. Peter; SX8497 Pte. Charles H. Lawrie, Naracoorte; SX7959 Pte. Edward Lehmann, Lameroo; SX7028 Pte. Murray V. McFarlane, Cobdogla; SX7721 A-Cpl. Hedley H. Pratt, Korunye; SX7244 Pte. Richard Ramsdale, Meadows; SX11154 Pte. R. F. Reed, Cummins; SX11152 Pte William Reed, Cummins; SX8366 S-Sgt. William W. Statton, Alberton; SX7933 Cpl. Walter H. Stewien, Verdun; SX8576 Pte Arnold R. Thomas, Campbelltown; SX11289 Pte. Keith W. Tilmouth, Cleve; SX7278 pte. Robert Tipper, Berri; SX13755 Pte. Eric M. Waye, Victor Harbor; SX7212 Pte. T. L. Woodall Exeter; SX10514 Pte. Allan. W. Wylie Sefton Park.
The local paper again shared the sombre news. ‘Bob Tipper, son of Mrs. A. Tipper and the late Mr. J. Tipper of Berri, has been wounded in the Middle East. He served in Tobruk, Syria, and Egypt. L/Cpl. Murray Tipper (a brother) was recently killed in action in New Guinea.’
With their time in the Middle East over, the 2/48th returned to Australia via Melbourne in February ’43, arriving at the end of the month before then travelling home to South Australia where Bob headed to Berri to see his mother. A huge welcome was held in the local Rivoli Theatre to welcome home the servicemen on leave. The Ode of Remembrance was recited, followed by the singing of "Abide with me", in memory of the fallen. A representative of the Council extended a very hearty welcome to all the returned service men present, and said the whole district was proud of what these men had accomplished. Most of the soldiers present had taken part in the battles for Tobruk and El Alamein, others had fought in Syria and New Guinea, and some had been on active service in North Australia.
Training in Queensland followed as the soldiers prepared to meet a very different enemy in the tropical conditions of New Guinea. Bob arrived in August ’43 but he soon contracted malaria, then an extremely high temperature (Pyrexia of Unknow Origin) followed by dengue fever. By February ‘44 he returned to Australia. The gunshot wound in his left hip prevented Bob from being fully fit for duty, eventually returning to Wayville where he was finally discharged on the 13th November ’44 and able to return to Berri with the prospect of working as a packer for the Berri Coop Packing Union.
The following year, Bob acted as best man for Louis Seekamp, a close family friend from Berri, at his marriage to Olive Andrews in August.
Ada, Bob’s mother, lived to see Bob return home injured but safe. Aged 78, she died on the 23rd September 1958 and now rests in the Berri cemetery with her husband.
Meanwhile, Murray’s family continued to remember him each year on the anniversary of his death, as did Bob. They also chose an engraving for his headstone ‘His Duty done, In peace he sleeps’. He is now surrounded by others from his 2/27th battalion.
Murray Pioneer and Australian River Record Thursday 22 October 1942, Died on Active Service TIPPER- On September 7th, in New Guinea, L/Cpl. Murray Tipper, killed in action. Dearly beloved brother of Bob, A.I.F. Abroad.
Advertiser Wednesday 21 October 1942, TIPPER,—KiIIed In action on Sept. 7. New Guinea. L/Cpl. G. M. Murray, beloved son of Mrs. and late J. Tipper. Berri, brother of Jack, Hazel, Bob (AIF abroad), brother-in-law of Hilda; Gus, aged 23 years. Ever remembered.
Murray Pioneer Thursday 9 September 1943 TIPPER — A loving tribute to our dear son and brother L/Cpl. Murray killed in action N.G., September 7th, 1942. In our garden of memories, we meet every day. Lovingly remembered by Mother, and Brother Bob (AIP).
Murray Pioneer Thursday 14 September 1944, TIPPER-In loving memory of our dear son and brother Murray, killed in Action in N.G. September 7th, 1942. Memories are treasures, no one can steal, death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Inserted by loving mother and brother Bob, AIF.
Murray Pioneer Thursday 6 September 1945, TIPPER —A loving tribute to the memory of Murray, killed in action, New Guinea, September 7th, 1942. Dearest of memories, loving and true, We cherish for ever, dear Murray of you. Inserted by Mum and brother Bob.
Murray Pioneer Thursday 5 September 1946, TIPPER—In loving memory of Murray, killed in action in N.G. September 7, 1942. It takes no special day dear Murray, To bring you back to mind; The days we do not think of you Are very hard to find. Loved and longed for always by Mum and Brother Bob.
Advertiser Saturday 7 September 1946, TIPPER.—In loving memory ot our dear Murray, killed in action N.G. September 7, 1942. Four years have passed, our hearts still sore, as time goes on we miss you more.—Never to be forgotten by mum and brother Bob.
Murray Pioneer Thursday 11 September 1947, TIPPER—In loving memory of our dear Murray, killed in New Guinea, Sept. 7, 1642. Two loving hands are resting, A heart we loved is stilled, A place is vacant in our hearts, Which never can be filled. Lovingly remembered by Mum and Bob. Advertiser Monday 8 September 1947, TIPPER.—In fond and loving memory of our dear son and brother, Murray, killed in action in N.G., September 7, 1942. Five long years of longing, and still a silent tear. Sleep on, beloved, I would not wake you, dear.—Fondly remembered by Mum and Bob.
Advertiser Tuesday 7 September 1948. TIPPER In fondest memory of our dear son and brother Murray, killed in action, N.G. September 7, 1942. God took him home to peace and rest.—Always remembered by mother, brothers and sisters.
Murray Pioneer Thursday 8 September 1949, TIPPER, Murray — Treasured memories of our dear son end brother, killed In action N.O., Sept. 7, 1942. Ever remembered by his loving family.

Bob died on the 20th August 1969. He is remembered at Centennial Park Cemetery.

Researched and written by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133, 2/48th Battalion.