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Robert Brown - Information

Robert migrated to Australia from Wales, where he was an apprenticed sailor. He then settled in Picton, finding work as a labourer. He joined up to serve the Empire on the 14th of October 1916 in Picton. He headed overseas on the 25th of November 1916, departing Sydney on the HMAT Beltana, as a Private with the 45th Battalion.

Robert disembarked in Devonport in late January 1917. After further training, he left Folkestone for France in early May. He joined the 45th Battalion in the lines on the 7th of May. However, five days later, reported to hospital with lumbago. Rejoining his unit in June, he was then transferred to the 4th Australian Division Signal Company the following month. In November, he returned to the 45th Battalion for another dreadful winter. But after three weeks, was admitted to hospital with severe gastritis. He was taken to England in December. His continuing illness deemed him unfit for active service. He was invalided back to Australia on the 10th of March 1918 onboard the Durham Castle. When he reached Australia, he began a new life at 47 Brown St in Newtown.