Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

see story in Mercury Newspaper below 30/08/2018

Robert Stanley Thorpe (www.news.com.au) (www.news.com.au)

100 Days of Heroes: Hobart love story was interrupted by World War I
ONE of the most poignant stories of love and devotion along the Soldiers’ Memorial Avenue involved a young messenger for the Legislative Council and a typist with the Hobart City Council.

THERE are many stories of love and devotion to be found along the Soldiers’ Memorial Avenue in Hobart but one of the most poignant is that of Robert Thorpe and Hazel Outten. Robert was a messenger for the Legislative Council and Hazel was a typist with the Hobart City Council.

Robert was born in Sydney but educated at the Trinity Hill State School in North Hobart. He was a member of the army cadets for several years as well as serving with the local militia for two years.

His parents Robert and Martha Thorpe and their large family lived at 294 Elizabeth St, North Hobart.

Bob Thorpe pictured in 2006 at the unveiling the new plaque in memory of his uncle, Corporal Robert Stanley Thorpe.Source:News Limited
Robert, 19, was very close to Hazel and wrote to her often after embarking from Hobart with reinforcements for the 12th Battalion in October 1915, including a postcard at Christmas, possibly sent from Fremantle — his last Australian port.

Robert was badly wounded in the fighting at Mouquet Farm, France, on September 3-4, 1916.

He was treated by the 2nd Canadian Field Ambulance for gunshot wounds to his forehead and chest before being transferred to the 49th Casualty Clearing Station.

Chaplain Donald Blackwood, who knew Robert and Hazel through North Hobart’s Holy Trinity Church, saw Robert in hospital and wrote to Hazel to report on his condition.

“I write to you by special request of one who is deeply interested in you — my dear boy Robert Thorpe,” the Reverend Blackwood wrote.

“He received a very nasty wound in back of shoulder, and it may have penetrated his lung. However, he seemed a lot better when last I saw him, some few days since.

 
“I was so delighted to hear of your friendship (more isn’t it?) for I think the world of you both. We must be thankful he was spared in this great action — for we lost so many many dear lads.”

Robert Thorpe’s grave in the Contay British Cemetery in France.Source:Supplied
Mr Blackwood did not know Robert’s condition had worsened and he died the day after the chaplain wrote his letter.

Robert was buried at Contay British Cemetery at the Somme. Hazel eventually married another soldier but she kept many of Robert’s cards and also transcribed the diary he kept throughout his war service.

Their story only came to light when Hazel’s daughter, Valda Haley, attended the dedication of Robert’s new plaque on the Soldiers’ Memorial Avenue in 2006, and met the Thorpe family there.

Robert’s death was reported in several of the state’s daily newspapers due to his association with the Legislative Council.

A keen sportsman, he was an active member of the Derwent Rowing Club and the Life Saving Society. His appointment as a parliamentary messenger in February 1914 had required the approval of the Executive Council.

The Mercury reported on October 6, 1916: “In the Legislative Council last evening the President (Hon. Tetley Gant) stated that information had been received of the death of Robert Stanley Thorpe, the junior messenger of the Legislative Council, who had been killed while fighting in France. He said that the late messenger had been a most promising and exemplary officer, and he felt sure that all members of the Council would regret his early decease.”

In Mermoriam notices appeared in the Mercury for a number of years, placed by family members and friends. On the first anniversary his friend Stanley Pickford of Collingwood wrote in verse:

I pictured you safe returning, Rob,

I longed to clasp your hand;

But death has postponed our meeting,

‘Twill be in a better land.

Corporal Robert Stanley Thorpe is remembered at tree 276 on the Soldiers’ Memorial Avenue, and on honour boards at the Hobart Town Hall, Holy Trinity Church and St David’s Cathedral.