Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

From Gallipoli, 1915

Lieutenant Colonel Robert Gartside, V.D., 8th, attached 7th Battalion Australian Infantry, was killed in action at Cape Helles on 8th May 1915. He is buried in Redoubt Cemetery.

“THE LATE LIEUT.-COLONEL GARTSIDE

“TRIBUTES TO HIS WORTH.

“LETTERS OF SYMPATHY TO MRS. GARTSIDE.

“Among the many letters of sympathy received by Mrs. Gartside in connection with the death of her husband, Lieut.-Col. R. Gartside, the following extracts are of particular interest: —

“From Brigadier J. W. McCay:

“Though no message from anyone can help you in the great sorrow that has come upon you by your husband's death, yet I feel I must write to tell you that he died as he would have wished, leading his battalion into battle. He was in command of the 7th Battalion, and on Saturday, 8th, we were ordered to advance. The 6th and 7th went forward first; I was near the 7th, and saw your husband, leading his men, brave man that he always was. There was a hail of shrapnel and bullets, and a little later Colonel McNicol, of the 6th, was shot through the body, and my dear friend, your husband, was shot through the head, and died in a little while. You have this at least, the proud memory of a husband who died for his country in the forefront of the fight, fearless, doing his duty as always. For thirty years, I have known and loved Robert Gartside; I mourn for my lost friend, bit I am proud co the brave soldier who gladly gave his life for his country; whom I trusted, whom his men had fullest faith in, and whose example on that fiery afternoon took his battalion forward with a dashing courage that every soldier envies who knows of it.”

“From Colonel Williams, Ballarat: —

“I knew him well enough to respect and appreciate him very highly. He was for some time an officer of my Brigade, and I know what a loss his death must mean to you and his country. His example as a fearless and devoted officer and soldier will never be forgotten by those who have served with him.”

“From Mr W. J. Strong, solicitor, Melbourne, who was a fellow officer with Lieut-Col. Gartside, in the South African war: —

“No better or braver man could one wish to be associated with. I have ever since then held him in high esteem and respect, and although I did nor latterly come much into touch with him I still had that warm, friendly feeling for him. I am very greatly distressed at losing such a dear and worthy comrade.”

“From Mr. Andrew Ross, of Minyip, who was a member of the Bushmen's Corps in South Africa. Mr Ross was wounded on the same occasion as Lt. Col. Gartside. at Wolvenhoven, on February 14th, 1901. In writing of Lt.-Col. Gatside, Mr. Ross states that no officer of the Corps was held in higher esteem than was (then) Lieut. Gartside. His memory will long remain with the surviving members of the Bushmen's Corps.

“From Mr. Harris, Kinglake: —

“Mr. Harris was beside Colonel Gartside when he was wounded in South Africa, and went through that war side by side with him. The Colonel was dearly loved by all of his men. He was a gallant, fearless soldier, and never to be forgotten by anyone who knew him. He was held in the higher esteem by all ranks.”

“From John Slade Headlam, 8th A.l.E.F., Ballarat: —

“It is with deepest regret, that I pen these few lines, sympathising with you in your sad and sudden bereavement. I have been connected with the 8th Battalion since its inception until being invalided home to Australia recently through an accident. I became well acquainted with your late husband. To me he proved a himself a true and faithful friend. We were always in touch with one another, and spent many pleasant hours together. When I was an inmate of the Mena House Hospital, he was a constant visitor to see me, for which I was very grateful. I am sure mat the 8th Battalion are grief-stricken at losing such a fine and capable officer.”

“From the two companies of Maldon Senior Cadets: —

“While realising the great loss you have sustained, we too feel that we have lost a genuine friend and adviser. Lieut.-Col. Gartside was our area officer for several years, and we were brought much in touch with him. We respected him dearly, and truly believe his one aim and desire was always further our interests and welfare. He was always considerate and kind to us all. It will be some little consolation to you and us, too, to know that he died doing his duty faithfully in the cause of his country.”

“From a schoolmate: —

“With great regret I read of the death of dear old Bob, and when reading it my memory flashed back to the days when he and I stayed together as schoolmates at New Gisborne. Nearly half a century has passed by, and some of our schoolboy acquaintances have already passed into area unknown, some without making any mark to record save on the headstone in God's acre. Australia can ill spare men of his repute.” [1]

He was the 52 year-old son of James Gibson Gartside and Frances Mary Gartside; husband of E. Gartside, of "Rockbank," 88 Cunningham Street, Westgarth, Victoria, Australia.

[1] 'Mount Alexander Mail' (Victoria), 26th June 1915.