Francis ROBERTSON

Regimental number2228
Place of birthCarlingford Victoria
ReligionRoman Catholic
OccupationFarmer
AddressBerriwillock, Victoria
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation22
Next of kinFriend, John B Hackey, Osbourne Street, South Yarra, Victoria
Enlistment date14 April 1916
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll1 May 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name58th Battalion, 4th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/75/3
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A67 Orsova on 1 August 1916
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll58th Battalion
FateReturned to Australia 10 June 1919
Miscellaneous information from
  cemetery records
Plaque in Victorian Garden of Remembrance
Medals

Military Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during our tour of duty in the PERONNE area from 1st September till 2nd September 1918. During the preliminary reconnaissance carried out by the officers of his Company Private ROBERTSON was attached as a runner. At this time the town of PERONNE was under constant heavy shell fire and in parts drenched with gas, nearly every street also being swept by machine gun fire. Under these very difficult and dangerous circumstances this runner succeeded in getting back to battalion headquarters with several important messages. On the day of the attack this runner did very valuable work in keeping touch as a runner with Battalion Headquarters. When the Company gained its final objective under an intense enemy barrage Private ROBERTSON succeeded in getting through on two occasions with most important messages from Company to Battalion Headquarters a distance of half a mile. His efforts were untiring and he set a magnificent example of courage and devotion to duty.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 115
Date: 10 October 1919

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Date of death28 January 1970