The AIF Project

Robert James ESTELL

Regimental number155
Place of birthNewcastle New South Wales
ReligionPresbyterian
OccupationLoco. fireman
AddressHigh Street, Plattsburg, Newcastle, New South Wales
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation23
Next of kinMother, Mrs Alicia Jane Estell, High Street, Plattsburg, Newcastle, New South Wales
Enlistment date16 July 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name30th Battalion, B Company
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/47/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A72 Beltana on 9 November 1915
Rank from Nominal RollSergeant
Unit from Nominal Roll30th Battalion
FateReturned to Australia 19 February 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'East of YPRES at Polygon Wood on the morning of 28th September an enemy counter-attack was made on the front of 32nd Battalion and the right half of our line. The attack was beaten off, but several enemy posts remained in the vicinity. This N.C.O. showed exceptional initiative and fearlessness in approaching and capturing enemy parties, the bold front displayed having a great effect on the enemy morale as they commenced to surrender all along the line. Later in the evening Sergeant Estell went forward and made an excellent reconnaissance of the pill-boxes at JUNIPER TRENCH with a view to rushing this position. When his Company Commander was wounded, Sergeant Estell took command of the platoon in a very efficient manner. his absolute disregard for his own safety has been a source of inspiration to the whole of his platoon, and I consider him worthy of special recognition.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 31
Date: 7 March 1918

Family/military connectionsBrother: 14179 Driver Thomas Henry ESTELL, 6th Field Artillery Brigade, returned to Australia, 10 April 1919; Uncle: 4484 Pte Harry ESTELL, 4th Bn, returned to Australia, 13 February 1919.
Other details

War service: Egypt, Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal

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