STEVENS, Robert John
| Service Number: | 1611 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 17 September 1914, Sydney, New South Wales |
| Last Rank: | Driver |
| Last Unit: | 8th Australian Army Service Corps |
| Born: | Inverell, New South Wales, 1888 |
| Home Town: | Inverell, Inverell, New South Wales |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Motor driver |
| Memorials: | Inverell & District Memorial Olympic Pool WW1 Honour Roll |
Biography contributed by Paul Trevor
'Private R. J. ("Johno") Stevens, writes to his mother, Mrs. Stevens, of Belgravia, from - "Somewhere in Flanders" under date 12th Sept.: -
"Your paper to hand yesterday for which I was very grateful, but regretted to see chronicled therein the death of poor Mary McMahon; I assure you I read that paper to a word, and noticed many changes in business, etc; also I noticed that several more of the lads, have seen and taken the right path of duty. There are a few more there yet that should enlist, I reckon. But it was ever thus. We will extend the glad hand to those that are enlisting, and they can rely on being received with open arms wherever it is their lot to be sent.
We are having a rest the last day or two, but while on guard last night all else being quiet I could hear, all through the long night till 9.30 am this morning the incessant rattle of rifle and machine gun fire, mingled with the occasional roar of the big guns. Some nights here when the big guns start bombarding heavily it is like "hell let loose." One continual roar from beginning to end. I could not on paper give, you the slightest impression of what it is like. Ah I how I wish I were right among the boys at Gallipoli. I feel that we are not doing enough here, but, of course, some one has to do it, so there you are. We must resign ourselves as best we can, and "leave it to the 'eads."
Well, dear here is a four verse poem written at the front. I don't know whether it is good, bad, or indifferent. I leave that for others to pass an opinion on. Send me along another 'Times' dear, won't you. I am always hungering for news of old Inverell and district. Write soon dear, and tell me all the news. I have sent you several papers lately. I hope you get them, and:
Scorn the bluff of braggart Prussia,
Waving flag's and ringing bells,
While you cheer for dauntless Russia.
Don't forget the Dardanelles.
Good-bye, and God bless you all; hoping' to hear from you soon. - Your loving son, Jack." - from The Inverell Times 5 Nov 1915 (nla.gov.au)
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