Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Born in West Melbourne, Victoria on the 12th July, 1900, Robert was the youngest son in his family, and remarkably, served in both World Wars.
Educated at Dorcas Street State School South Melbourne, Robert left school at 14 to become part of the staff of patent attorneys, Tori and Company. To help advance his work skills, Robert enrolled at the Working Men’s College in Melbourne to study draftsmanship. Within three years, aged 17, he enlisted with the 3rd Pioneer Battalion, of the Australian imperial forces. joining on the 9th June 1916. By September, Isabella, his mother, had to certify that she gave her permission for Robert to enlist prior to the age of 19. With his father deceased. Robert had been ‘creative’, listing his date of birth as the 22 May 1998. The ‘Khamseen Kronicle’ of Match 1991 gave some of his background. “He embarked with the 3rd Pioneer Battalion on the 21st of October 1916 on the ship A16 at Port Melbourne. He spent some time at Salisbury Plains, then went to France in March 1917, and served there until the end of the War in 1918. He was discharged on the 20th of July 1919 after serving 465 days overseas. “
Bob married May Hannah Caroline Craig in 1921 and by 1922 he had moved to work at South Plympton where he was involved with most of the public movements in the district. He worked in the Hydraulic Engineer’s Department as a draftsman in the Engineering and Water Supply Department. Robert immediately and readily immersed himself in contributed to his community, taking on a variety of roles including Secretary of South Plympton Progressive Society for five years, then President for two terms. With the birth of his daughters, Enid Mary, Marge and Billie, naturally Robert then became interested in education, becoming secretary of the local Plympton School Committee, and was also the inaugural President of Plympton sub-branch of the Returned Sailors and Soldiers’ Imperial League with the initial meeting held in his dining room in 1920 and he became the foundation President. Added to this impressive portfolio he was active in the Australian Labour Party on the local committee, as treasurer, holding meetings in his home for past Presidents as well as being secretary of the Sturt Electorate Committee of the Australian Labour Party.
Robert was particularly community minded, being appointed as a Justice of the Peace in 1930 while living at Plympton Park.
Having already seen service as youth during WWI Robert again enlisted when WWII erupted. He became a highly respected member in the newly formed 2/48th Battalion as SX7038 on the 29th June 1940, giving his age, correctly. He was a month off being 40 years old. Had pre-embarkation leave before sailing on the Stratheden in November heading for the Middle East.
Robert very quickly rose to the rank of A/Sgt by October 1940. His experience during the first Great War contributed to the manner in which he worked with other younger enlistees where his integrity and personal courage became an inspiration for his fellow soldiers. For example, in April 41 Robert was involved in fierce machine gun and rifle fighting with the Italians. After 30 minutes, white flags began to be raised as the Italians realised they were out manoeuvred and chose to surrender. Robert, then a sergeant, headed a patrol which brought in the prisoners, including several Germans as well as two officers and 105 other ranks. In his book Tobruk to Tarakan, John Glenn includes a photo of the long line of prisoners.
By June 41 Robert had been awarded the Military Medal, receiving a congratulatory letter from Moreshead, written from Tobruk fortress 23/24th April. His citation read:
‘His bravery and determination in leading his men during a raid by C. Company 2/48 Bn on an enemy position on a ridge known locally as Carrier Hill at Tobruk on 22April 41. The raid which was made at daybreak had as its object the clearing of the enemy position and the destruction of a battery of artillery which had been established there. The operation resulted in the capture of the battery by the killing or capture of the gun crews, the destruction of some if not all of the guns, the capture of 368 prisoners, the infliction of heavy casualties on the enemy and the destruction of a quantity of enemy war material. Sgt McGee was platoon Sgt of No 15 platoon which during the engagement came under heavy fire from the enemy position. His personal example and bravery together with the initiative he showed at a critical stage had a marked effect on his platoon which encouraged by his leadership and determination, rallied and went forward and took its part in the final assault. Sgt McGee’s conduct undoubtedly contributed materially to the success of the operation as a whole.’
Bob was then shipped back to Australia to train soldiers for the South Pacific Island campaign. He then rejoiced his fellow 9th Division men on their return from the Middle East as they moved to Milne Bay and fighting at Lae and Finschhafen. By Aug 23 he had again been promoted, rising to the rank of Class I Warrant Officer. As did so many of the men, Bob contracted Malaria and a digestive complaint, dyspepsia.
Aged 68, Robert died on the 16th March, 1967. He is buried at Centennial Park at Pasadena, SA. In his memory, his wife joined the War Widows Guild of Australia two months later and was an active participant. She died in 1997.
Researched and written by Kaye Lee daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133, 2/48th Battalion.