Lieutenant Thomas ROBERTSON
15th Battalion Australian Imperial Force
Killed in Action on his 21st Birthday
By Robert Simpson
Thomas Robertson was born on 27 April 1894 at Rockhampton, Queensland. His parents, Robert Cochran Robertson and Sophia Stephens, had married on 5 May 1892 in South Brisbane. They married at her family home. She was a daughter of the Hon. T B Stephens MLC. Robert had been born on 5 January 1856 in Govan, Scotland. Sophia had been born on 18 October 1870 in Brisbane. They were living in Wellington Street, Manly in the 1903 electoral roll and Robert was an agent. In the 1919 electoral roll they were living at ‘Wyetha’, Mowbray Street (a lot of the rolls have Street instead of Terrace and Wyetha instead of Wyetah) and he was a merchant. Robert passed away on 7 August 1928 in Brisbane. He is buried in Mount Gravatt Cemetery and Crematorium in Mon-4E-9-632. A New South Wales deceased estate file shows he was a Manufacturer’s Agent from East Brisbane and he also had a probate record in Victoria. A newspaper article showed his funeral left the family home at 3pm, to arrive at the cemetery at 3.45pm. Sophia passed away on 3 August 1956 and is buried with her husband.
Their first child, Robina Cochran (Ina) Robertson was born on 7 April 1893 in Queensland. In the 1919 electoral roll, she was still living at home at ‘Wyetha’, Mowbray Terrace, doing home duties. On 16 March 1920 she married William Roy Cowley (1888-1942) with Presbyterian rites at the home of her parents in Mowbray Terrace. William Roy (‘Roy’) Cowley served as a Gunner in the 7th Field Artillery Brigade during WW1. His story is recorded here – http://heritage.saintandrews.org.au/william-roy-cowley/ . His brother Campbell also served as recorded here, with details on their parents also included – http://heritage.saintandrews.org.au/campbell-cowley/ . William is buried in Toowong Cemetery in plot 8-9-16/17. They were living at ‘Coondoo’ Wilson Street, Taringa in the 1937 electoral roll. William was a sugar worker. In the 1958 and 1963 rolls she was living at 82 Taunton Street Annerley and doing home duties. Robina was living at 421 Annerley Road Annerley in the 1977 and 1980 electoral rolls. She had no occupation listed. Robina passed away on 7 January 1982 in Queensland.
After Thomas, John Stephens ‘Jack’ Robertson was born on 4 October 1897 in Rockhampton Queensland. As part of the 8th Queensland Reinforcements, he embarked on SS Carpentaria in Sydney on 7 November 1918. John was a Private with the service number 65119. In the nominal roll he was listed as a single 20-year-old Engineers Cadet (5 years with Queensland Government Railways) of Brisbane. His next of kin was his father, R C Robertson of Wyetah, Mowbray Terrace East Brisbane. Presbyterian was his religion and he had previous AMF service with 2nd Battalion 15th Infantry (4 years Senior Cadets Area 6 BASC and 2 years Citizens Forces 8th Infantry). John was paid 6 shillings a day of which he deferred 1 shilling, took 2 and allotted 3 shillings. He was 5 foot 10 inches tall, weighed 155 pounds, had a chest measurement of 34 to 37½ inches and had a fair complexion with blue eyes and dark hair. After trying out for the Australian Flying Corps at Laverton as a 3rd Class Air Mechanic, he failed a test and was transferred to 8th Reinforcements. The ship was recalled and he disembarked in the 2nd Military District on 28 November 1918 and was discharged in the 1st Military District on 23 December. He is recorded in the Brisbane Grammar School book under ‘Robertson, Jno. Stephens (1909). Sergt., C.C.T., 1914 – 100 yds. C., 1914 – M.O.B.A. – Ry. Eng. Cadet – Construction Staff, Innisfail – With Harding Frew, civil engineer 1922. Pte., A.I.F., April to December 1918.’ John was entitled to the British War Medal. He passed away in 1988.
Jane Robertson was born on 6 April 1900 in Queensland but unfortunately passed away on 9 April 1900.
Their last son and child was Robert Bruce Robertson, born on 14 August 1903 in Manly, Queensland. Robert married Kathleen Maude Grimes on November 1929. In WW2 he served as Q226682, enlisting in Stanthorpe on 11 April 1942 and being discharged on 17 July 1944 as a Corporal with the 8th Battalion Volunteer Defence Corps. He died on 29 May 1992 and was cremated, with a memorial plaque on Columbarium Wall 1 G41, with his wife, at Bundaberg Crematorium.
Thomas was educated at the State School and Brisbane Grammar School in Brisbane. He served 2 years in the old Junior Cadets, 1 year in the old Senior Cadets, where he was Colour Sergeant and had confirmed his appointment as a 2nd Lieutenant. His first appointment as 2nd Lieutenant was qualified at a competitive exam in March 1913.
Regimental lists of the 1st Military District on 1 January 1914 list under 8th Infantry (Oxley Battalion), whose headquarters were in South Brisbane, that 2nd Lieutenant T Robertson (1.9.13) was with D Company, whose location was ‘Paddington – Ithaca – Red Hill’.
His application for a commission in the 2nd Expeditionary Force showed he was single, a junior Salesman, of Mowbray Street (Terrace?), East Brisbane, Queensland. Thomas was a British subject, born 27 April 1894, age 20 years and 4 months. His next of Kin was listed as: father; R C Robertson, mother; Mrs R E Robertson, of Mowbray Street, East Brisbane. The address was changed to Commerce House, Adelaide Street, Brisbane on 15 May 1936. In the Medical Certificate section, he is recorded as being 5 foot 11 inches tall, weighing 163 pounds, having a chest measurement of 35½ to 38½ inches and having 6/6 eyesight in both eyes. He was recommended by the District Commander on 30 September 1914. His term of service was for the duration of the war and 4 months with his service reckoning from 26 September 1914.
Thomas was appointed to the AIF on 23 September 1914 as a 2nd Lieutenant with the 15th Infantry Battalion, 4th Infantry Brigade in Brisbane, Queensland. The Graduation List of 6 December 1914 has his name and birth details and adds that he was a 2nd Lieutenant with the 8th Infantry Commonwealth Military Forces from 1 September 1913 and the same rank with the AIF from 23 September 1914 with 15th Battalion.
On 22 December 1914, Second Lieutenant Thomas Robertson, 15th Infantry Battalion, E Company embarked on HMAT Ceramic at Melbourne.
He was recorded on the embarkation roll as 20 years old, a salesman who was single, with his address and that of his next of kin, his mother, Mrs R C Robertson, as “Wyetuh”, (sic) Mowbray Street East Brisbane, Queensland. His religion as Presbyterian. Enlisting on 23 September 1914, his previous AMF unit he was serving in when he enlisted was 8th Infantry. Thomas was paid 15 shillings a day, he took 14 shillings 6 pence, with 3 pence as deferred pay.
‘Group portrait of officers of the 15th Battalion prior to embarkation overseas. Captain (later Major) Quinn [of Quinn’s Post, Gallipoli], is second from right, third row. Identified in back row, left to right: Second Lieutenant (2nd Lt) Francis Leofric Armstrong (killed in action 10 May 1915); 2nd Lt John Anderson Good; 2nd Lt John Hill; 2nd Lt Thomas Robertson (killed in action 27 April 1915); 2nd Lt Leo George Casey; 2nd Lt Leslie Norman Collin (killed in action 9 May 1915); 2nd Lt Archibald Douglas. Third row: Captain (Capt) Douglas Herman Cannon; Capt Cyril Frederick Corser; Lieutenant (Lt) Henry Charles. Davies; Lt Nikolai Theodore Svensen; Capt John Foulkes Richardson; 2nd Lt Douglas Stephen Freeman; Capt John Francis Walsh (killed in action 28 April 1915); Capt Hugh Quinn (killed in action 29 May 1915); 2nd Lt George Frederick Dickinson. Second row: 2nd Lt Norman Dickson (died of wounds 27 April 1915); Major (Maj) Robert Eccles Snowden; Maj Hubert Reginald Carter; Lieutenant Colonel James Harold Cannon; Capt William Organ Willis (killed in action 3 May 1915); Honorary Lt Frederick William Craig. Front row: 2nd Lt Cecil Edwin Snartt; 2nd Lt Samuel William Harry; Lt Harry Kessell; Lt Francis Moran (died of wounds 20 August 1915); Lt Leslie John Walters; 2nd Lt Nicholas O’Brien; 2nd Lt Arthur Gurr Hinman.’ From AWM A03576, taken at Broadmeadows, Victoria in December 1914.
A03577. Group portrait of officers and men of E Company, 15th Battalion. Front row, 6th
from left, Second Lieutenant (2Lt) Thomas Robertson (killed in action at Gallipoli 27 April 1915).
While in Egypt the battalion was re-organised, changing to four rifle companies, each of four platoons, with 10 Platoon under 2nd Lieutenant Thomas Robertson. On 1 February 1915 he was to be a Lieutenant. He proceeded to join the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force to the Gallipoli Peninsula on 12 April 1915. Thomas was reported as being wounded in action and missing at Gallipoli on 28 April 1915.
On 4 May 1915 Sophia Robertson of Woolloongabba sent a telegram to the Officer Commanding Base Records asking ‘Wire me address Lieut Tom Robertson 15th battalion wounded reply paid’. It was in reply to a cable she had received from Base Records on the same day which said ‘regret reported Lieutenant Q. Robertson wounded will cable free receipt your request’. They made an error with his name. She sent another telegram on 5 May asking ‘Inquire for lieut Thomas Robertson 15th Battalion fourth infantry brigade reported wounded’, and added Mowbray Street to her address. Another telegram from her on 6 May asked ‘Did you send cable yesterday Lieut Robertson have you got reply yet’. On 15 May Base Records sent a cable that Egypt reports all wounded progressing satisfactorily will advise on receipt further particulars. Another cable said that they can only suggest to cable care of Stralis Cairo. Egypt reports all wounded progressing satisfactorily.
The Daily Standard of Brisbane on Friday 7 May 1915 in page 3 had an article titled ‘Rowing’ which includes in the article ‘Another well-known oarsman in the list of casualties was genial Tom Robertson, of the C.R.C., but Tom was more fortunate that the University rower, he being reported as wounded. He will be remembered as one of Dick Billington’s under twenty crew, which performed so well a couple of years ago when that crew won almost all the races started in.’
A Court of Enquiry held on 23 May 1915 at Monash Valley, Gallipoli ‘was of opinion that as there was a possibility of his having been taken prisoner on 27/4/15 (either wounded or unwounded) he should continue to be shown as Missing.’ One of the witnesses that day was No 707 Sergeant William Harold Nicholls, 15th Battalion, who stated ‘About 6 p.m. on 26.4.15, I was with part of No. 10 Platoon, 15th Battalion. We were sent to a position approximately E.S.E. of JOHNSTONE’S JOLLY (Map Anzac Position, 6” – 1 inch) by a Major Irwin, who took command and led us out. I do not know what Battalion he belonged to, the troops in the firing line were all mixed. The position was approximately 250 yards in advance of the firing line on ridge. We dug in under fire and remained there through the night. At daylight on 27.4.15 we could see a number of troops on the ridge facing us. We had been told when we went out to this position that the Indian Troops would be on our right. I do not know who was responsible for this information. Lieut. Robinson (sic) said to me that he thought the men in front of us were Ghurkas. He had a look at them. He ordered the Company Signaller to signal them. They answered and Lieut. Robinson told them to come on. They exhibited a white flag and came towards us, about a dozen of them. On getting within about ten yards, their officers said in English “Come on, you are prisoners” Lieut. Robinson gave the order to open fire on them. Later he gave the order to retire. The party under Lieut. Robinson numbered 26 or 27. Six got back to the firing line unwounded. I did not see Lieut. Robinson after he gave the order to retire. As far as my knowledge goes he was not wounded. The Signaller above was not seen again.’ A note under that statement says ‘Enquiries made by the Court lead them to the opinion that no evidence showing whether Lieut. Robinson was taken prisoner, wounded or killed, is available.’ Colonel Monash, who was commanding the 4th Infantry Brigade forwarded a list to Headquarters from Monash Valley, Gallipoli on 25 May 1915 in which he concurs on the opinion of the Court that Lieutenant T Robertson 15th Battalion was missing.
On 21 September 1915 the ‘Report was confirmed by letter in reply to our enquiry of’ 31 August 1915, as sent to the Commanding Officer of the Battalion.
His Father wrote to The Secretary, Defence Department, Commonwealth Office, Melbourne on 30 September 1915. They received it on 5 October and passed it on to Base Records who received it on 6 October. He had written ‘In the issue of the “Sunday Times” September 12th, there appeared a photograph of “two unidentified Australian prisoners of war in Constantinople”. As the figure on the right had a resemblance to my son, Lieut. T. Robertson, of E. Coy. 15th Battalion, 4th Infantry Brigade, who was reported by the Defence Department on the 27th May last as missing, I wrote to the Manager of the above Newspaper, asking him if he could lend me the original photo, as the one is his paper was rather indistinct. He replied enclosing a print copy of the original which enable me and my family to feel all but confident that the figure on the right is that of my son. Not being content with this, I showed the photo to a number of his companions, asking them if they saw any resemblance to any one they knew, they all pointed to the same figure saying it was my son. Now in a further communication from Mr. Topliss, manager of the “Sunday Times”, this gentleman informs me that the picture was forwarded to them by you, and I now address you in the hope that you will be able to furnish me with some further particulars as to how this photograph came into your possession, or if you can advise me what steps I can take to prove whether I am correct in my assumption, that he is my son. As a matter of further information for you regarding the disappearance of my son, I enclose copy of particulars supplied by his Sergeant Major, and sent to me by Colonel Cannan.’ He signed it R C Robertson and added ‘In replying please address, R. C. Robertson, Fitzroy Buildings, Adelaide Street, BRISBANE.’ The letter also had their private address embossed on it as Wyetah, Mowbray Terrace, East Brisbane. A letter to him on 14 October from Base Records stated ‘With reference to yours of the 30th ult., concerning a photograph of two Australian prisoners of war in Constantinople, which appeared in the “Sunday Times”, I have to inform you that the two soldiers have been identified, consequently, neither of them is identical with your son.’ They went on to discuss how reports of missing are immediately reported to next of kin and reviewed daily by authorities.
Mr R C Robertson, Fitzroy Buildings, Adelaide Street, Brisbane wrote to T Trumble Esq., Secretary Defence Department, Melbourne on 13 December 1915 asking “Concerning Lieut. T. Robertson, E. Coy. 15th Battalion 4th Infantry Brigade, A.I.F. reported wounded 5th May and missing 27th May. Referring to the verbal conversation I had with you when in Melbourne about a fortnight ago re my son. I enclose one or two statements which have been given me at different times lately, by some of the returned wounded. A perusal of these by you will give you all the information I have regarding the missing boy, and if there is anything you can do to clear up the doubt as to whether he is alive and a prisoner or not, I will be very grateful. I might say that Colonel Cannan commanding the 15th Battalion, in a personal letter to me, stated that they had had a strict search made for his body at the time of the armistice, but could not find it. This seems to confirm Pvt. Brayley’s statement. It was the Colonel also who from Gallipoli sent me Nicholls account of the outpost affair. At the suggestion of the Defence Department, Melbourne I sent a cable on 5th June to “Stralis” Cairo, on the 5th June, asking if they could give me any information regarding my son, and paid for a reply. This is over 5 months ago and no reply to hand I put in a claim for a refund, and in the latest communication from the Deputy Post Master General here, dated 7th inst., he says, “That before a claim can be allowed the addressee must prove to the Administration in Cairo, that he has not made use of the reply Voucher.” Please do not bother over this latter matter if it will cause you any trouble, the only thing is, I think the Post Office people are quibbling rather unnecessarily over the matter. Thanking you for your kindness in allowing me to address you personally re the foregoing’.
Published in Sydney Mail 19 May 1915 page 8.
A note from 15th Battalion on Lieutenant T Robertson who had been reported wounded and missing on 25 May 1915 recorded a ‘Court of Enquiry found if not Prisoner of War must be missing.’ It was certified by Australian Interm. Base at Cairo on 30 December 1915. A report for the Red Cross Society, contains three letters about Lieutenant Thomas Robertson. The first one reads ‘Informant states that on Apr. 28th at Courtney’s Post, Anzac, Lieut T. Robertson, 15 C. Aust. Imp. Force was sent out in charge of a patrolling party, being pulled up by the enemy, dressed as Gurkas who instructed them “not to shoot as they were Gurkas”. They attempted to surround Lieut. Robertson and party and told them they were prisoners, however Lieut Robertson attempted to fight his way out, one of the enemy’s machine guns was trained on them and only 7 or 8 returned. Lieut Robertson was seen wounded by some of these men. Cpl Nicholls and L/Cpl Seacombe who returned told informant. Reference: Sergt Robert Hunter, 451, 15 C. Aust. Imp. Force Hanworth Red X Hospital, Middlesex. Home address: Maryborough, Queensland, Australia. London 13th January, 1916. C.N. Reid.’ The second one reads ‘Court of Inquiry held on 28.5.15 found if not prisoner of war must be missing, 27.4.15. Cert. by: – 3rd Echelon Record Office, Alex. CAIRO. 17.1.16’. The last one read that Lieutenant Thomas Robertson, 15th Battalion, 4th Brigade AIF was ‘Killed in Action 27.4.15. No burial. Cert. by Hqrs List 26.8.19. London 23.10.19’ A copy of the report given by Sergeant Hunter is included in a document which also adds at the bottom that a ‘Court if Inquiry held on 28.5.15 found if not prisoner of war must be missing 27.4.15.’ It was certified by 3rd Echelon Record Office at Alexandria and dated 17 January 1916. The nominal roll lists him as Lieutenant Thomas Robertson 15th Battalion, who was killed in action on 27 April 1915. The Casualty list in the Sydney Town & Country Journal of 12 May 1915 in page 16 lists Thomas as being ‘Wounded in action.’ His father’s name is recorded differently in following account in the Kalgoorlie Miner of 6 May 1915 in page 5: ‘Lieut. T. Robertson is the son of Mr. Herbert Robertson, of East Brisbane, well-known in bowling circles.’ A correction was made in newspapers the next day, as the original report had confused him with another person.
Photo in ‘Annals of The Brisbane Grammar School.’ (plate xlix p 260) – attributed to State Library of Queensland.
Notes in his file deal with an extract of BR.35401 that was sent to ‘Stralis’ on 4 January 1916 regarding ‘Lt Robertson 15th Bn Reported missing 43 Reynolds 15th Bn states buried alone’. Another note dated 28 February asks ‘What is result (of) investigations’. His father wrote a letter to Base Records in December 1915, which was replied to on 3 January 1916 letting him know ‘that in view of your representations a cable message has been despatched to Egypt asking verification’ and he would be notified. The letters he sent them would be held until the result of the investigation and then returned to him. On 14 January 1916, Base Record wrote to his father telling him that a cable had been received and it said that ‘the matter is being investigated. Upon receipt of the result you will be promptly advised.’ Thomas was placed on the supernumerary list in AIF orders on 20 February 1916. A note from the Commanding Officer of the Battalion on 16 March 1916 stated ‘“Missing 27/4/15” no further Details’. Finally, a Court of Enquiry with the 4th Australian Infantry Brigade on 6 April 1916 recorded he was killed in action on the Gallipoli Peninsula on 27 April 1915. A form filled out by 3rd Echelon, General Headquarters, MEF, Australian Records Section on 22 February 1916 recorded that with Lieutenant Thomas Robertson 15th Battalion, the latest report was missing and effects package 7010 contained his field service records book and a letter. Base Records sent a letter to his father on 30 March 1916 letting him know that a ‘further cable requesting the expedition of investigations concerning your son … a reply has been received stating that he is reported missing and there is no reliable evidence yet to hand upon which an alteration of the above report can be made.’ Base Records sent the Commanding Officer, 8th Infantry, Peel Street, South Brisbane a letter on 14 August 1916 which reads ‘Herewith Record Books, C.M. Forms M7-8 (with A.I.F service entered) relating to Lieutenant ROBERTSON, Thomas, 15th Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, and formerly of your Command, reported as – Killed in action 27th April, 1915. Please acknowledge receipt hereon.’ On 16 May 1916 Stephens and Tozer Solicitors wrote to Base Records asking if they could forward them a copy of the death certificate for Lieutenant Thomas Robertson, late of 15th Battalion, Queensland at their early convenience as a ‘Board lately found him killed.’ A report of the death of an Officer form was filled out on 17 May 1916 at Alexandria and shows that Lieutenant Thomas Robertson 15th Battalion was reported by a ‘Court of Enquiry held at Serapeum 6-8-28/4/16 4th Australian Infantry Brigade Headquarters’ to have been killed in action at Gallipoli on 27 April 1915. Form B7862 was filled out confirming those details and added ‘Cable No. M.F.C. 41604, from the Officer Commanding Intermediate Base, dated Alexandria, 5th May 1916, confirmed by Arm Form B 104-52, and Army Form B 2090A.’ A letter received by Base Records in Melbourne on 20 May 1916 marked private and confidential was sent by Captain Llewellyn Stephens. He wrote ‘Kindly excuse me writing privately to you. I am O/C Records at Enoggera & in my private capacity I am Solicitor for my sister Mrs R C Robertson. Her son Lieut. Thomas Robertson of the 15th Bat was reported missing on 26th April 1915. A couple of days ago she was notified that he had been boarded and declared killed. Presumably we can get a certificate of death and prove his will. My firm will write you officially for the P/D, but what I want is a copy of the board proceedings on which he was found to be killed. Would you be as kind as to send me a copy.’ Their reply on 27 May 1916 stated ‘In reply to your communication received 20th inst., the Board Proceedings in connexion with Lieutenant T. Robertson, 15th Battalion, have not yet come to hand, nor is it expected they can arrive for some weeks yet. It appears the whole of the cases of the 4th Brigade have been dealt with by one board, but there will be no objection to an extract of the portion relating to Lieutenant Robertson being supplied if required. Certificate of report of death cannot be furnished prior to the receipt of confirmation by mail of the cabled advice.’ Base Records sent a letter to the Solicitors on 25 May 1916 advising them that they had not received official confirming documents covering the report of his death but would reply at the earliest possible date. They sent the Solicitors a note enclosing a certificate of report of death of Lieutenant Thomas Robertson on 17 July 1916. On 5 August 1916 his father signed for a package of personal effects from Lieutenant T Robertson that had been sent from Egypt on Itonus by Thomas Cook and Sons. His mother signed for two packages from them, a trunk and a valise, that had come on Port Macquarie on 21 October 1916. The contents of the valise and trunk are listed below.
Base Records sent the Commanding Officer 8th Infantry at Peel Street, South Brisbane a letter and a list of the service of Thomas as shown below.
Messrs Stephens and Tozer, Solicitors at Union Trust Buildings, corner of George and Queen Streets, Brisbane requested from Base Records two copies of his death certificate for insurance purposes on 24 November 1916. A reply to the solicitors from Base Records on 1 December 1916 included a letter acknowledging their request and enclosing in duplicate the certificate of the report of his death, which read ‘Lieutenant Thomas Robertson 15th Battalion, Australian Imperial Force’ … ‘was killed in action’ ‘Gallipoli’ ‘27th April 1916.’ ‘Cable No. M.F.C. 41604, from the Officer Commanding Intermediate Base, dated Alexandria, 5th May 1916, confirmed by Army Form B 104-52, and Army Form B2090A.’
On 13 December 1916 National Mutual Life wrote to Base Records asking if they could have details of Thomas Robertson for the purpose of identification. They wanted to know his place of birth, age, height and next of kin.
Base Records wrote a list about Lieutenant T Robertson 15th Battalion on 19 December 1916. It stated he was 20 years and 4 months, commissioned on 16 September 1914, his next of kin was his mother, Mrs R C Robertson of Mowbray Street East Brisbane Qld, he was 5 foot 11 inches tall; but they put ‘No record’ for place of birth, complexion, colour of eyes, colour of hair and distinctive marks. They also sent a letter to the insurance company with the list.
A letter from CQMS W H Nicolls in the Memorial Book for the school reads: ‘On April 26th Lieutenant Robertson with half his platoon was sent on outpost duty. At daybreak April 27 the lookout reported a party of men advancing waving the white flag. The party on being signalled to replied that they were Gurkhas, but on nearer approach they were seen to be enemies. Their officer recognising the fact calling out in English, ‘Surrender you are our prisoners.’ Lieutenant Robertson said, ‘Prisoners be damned! Let them have it boys.’ We accounted for a good few but as they were seen to be coming on in hundreds Lieutenant Robertson gave the order to get back to the firing line. Only four of the little company got back. Lieutenant Robertson was last seen standing facing the enemy with his revolver.’
He was killed on his 21st birthday, while retiring from a forward post to the main Australian lines: ‘At dusk, however, a party had been sent out on to the Jolly by the portion of the 15th Battalion near the Razorback. This party, 25 men under Lieutenant Robertson, took position on the south-eastern edge of the Jolly, dug a circular, shallow trench, and remained there all night. It was still there when the Turks attacked at 7.30 a.m. next day. The Queenslanders watched them coming in numbers up Legge Valley, from which, covered by intense machine-gun fire, the enemy attacked. On reaching a point immediately below the trench, the Turks called upon Robertson’s party to surrender, but he refused. He had instructed his men that, when the machine-guns stopped, they should pour three rounds of rapid fire into the enemy and then withdraw to the Australian line. By this means certainly seven, one or two more, of Robertson’s party got back; he and the majority, however, were killed. Their resistance explains the enemy’s claim, not previously understood, that on April 27th he ‘captured’ Johnston’s Jolly.’ (Bean preface to 3rd edition xviii and vix). A footnote adds ‘Lieut. T. Robertson, 15th Bn. Salesman; of East Brisbane; b. Rockhampton, Q’land, 27 April, 1894. Killed in action, 27 April, 1915. (The information, which has been confirmed, comes from Pte. H. L. L. Smith, of Toowoomba and Imbil, Q’land, a survivor of the party which held the post.)
A letter in the Brisbane Courier of 15 July 1915 on page 8 from Private Robert E Stephens 15 Battalion who was in the 1st Field Hospital at Lemnos to his cousin in Sandgate reads ‘‘Stormie’ is flourishing, he is Platoon Sergeant now. Tom Robertson was his Platoon Commander, and ‘Stormie’ tells me that he (Robby) went out with a party of 26 on outpost duty the second or third night after landing, and they got cut off, only about six returning, and nothing has been heard of the others. We lost nearly all our officers.’
In the Army Journal “Quinn of Quinn’s Post” it records: ‘That night a strange event occurred. Lieutenant Robertson, an original E Company officer, and 25 men of his 10 Platoon were led forward by a guide and told to dig in. One account says that the guide was a German and that he lured Robertson into a trap. Later Quinn wrote that the orders came from the brigade major of 1 Brigade who was to be killed the next day. When dawn of 27 April came, Robertson and his men were dug-in to a depth of four feet but they had Turks on three sides. The Turks called upon them to surrender. Robertson refused to do so and when they tried to escape only about seven got back. Robertson (it was his twenty-first birthday) and the others were killed.’
A letter from Base Records on 29 October 1919 to his mother at their East Brisbane address, saying it was their ‘painful duty to transmit herewith one form of Commission which has been issued by the British War Office covering the appointment of your son, the late Lieutenant T. Robertson, 15th Battalion, as a temporary 2nd Lieutenant, in the regular forces of the British Army. This refers to the first appointment to Commission and not to his later rank.’ She signed for it on 2 December 1919.
His memorial scroll was sent to his father on 12 July 1921. At some time a cemetery register was also despatched after a circular and booklet on graves was sent on 12 December 1919. On 3 September 1920 his 1914-15 Star was sent to the Commandant in the 1st Military District, as was his British War Medal on 6 May 1921. His Victory Medal was sent to his father on 12 September 1922. His father signed for his Victory Medal on 25 September 1922. The Memorial Plaque to Thomas was signed for by his father on 5 December 1922.
In The History of the 15th Battalion AIF 1914-1919 by Lieutenant T P Chataway records on pages 14 and 15: ‘During the late hours of Monday, April 28, to No. 10 Platoon under Lieut. Tom. Robertson which did not participate in the fighting upon the Razorback, but was in support to the troops holding the line behind Johnston’s Jolly, came disaster. An officer, now believed to have been a German in the guise of an English Engineer Major, approached Lieut. Robertson, and asked him if he belonged to the 15th Battalion. Upon receiving assurance that Robertson did, he then exclaimed: “Colonel Cannan said you were to go with me!” Suspecting nothing, Robertson detailed the number of men the “Major” required for the party and, leaving Sergeant S. L. Stormonth in charge of the remainder of the platoon, followed the stranger. With no knowledge of the country, the party quite unsuspectingly passed through the front line into No Man’s Land, and being shown a position were told to dig a line of trenches. The “Major” then left them and the lads, setting to work with a will, were down a little more than four feet by daylight. Some time after daylight, a Turk officer walked over to the trench and pointed out to the occupants that they were surrounded on three sides and had better surrender. Robertson said:” “No!” and firing his revolver into the Turk, gave the order for his men to get back as quickly as possible. When the men started their run back they found nearly two hundred yards of country ahead of them. The enemy’s machine guns opened fire, and seven men only managed to reach the Australian line. Robertson’s tall form was last seen to dodge behind a clump of bush, where he stopped and turned as if to see how his men were faring. The seven men who survived the trap were Corporal W. H. Nicholls, Privates Stan Cousens, H. Cooper, A. J. Small, R. T. Owens, H. L. L. L. Smith (who was badly wounded), and F. J. Merrell, who had an astonishing escape from death. Merrell had a bandolier slung across his back, and when half-way home a machine-gun bullet struck his bandolier, and cartridge after cartridge exploded, luckily inflicting only slight injuries. Two of these men, Corporal Nicholls (who was afterwards killed in France), and Private Jack Merrell, were to receive their commissions at a later date. H. L. L. Smith, who was shockingly wounded in the retirement, with a bullet in each thigh, a smashed shoulder and a bullet through the lungs, forwards the following version of what happened. The other version was supplied by Sergeant Stormonth, who stated he was with Robertson when the order arrived, and the other details were supplied to him by Nicholls and others after the incident:- “About dusk on the night of 26/4/15, Mr. Robertson and 28 volunteers were asked to go out on outpost duty, and were taken out to the position by a Staff Officer – a big, stoutly built, florid, light-haired man. When just in front of our lines I overheard Mr. Robertson ask: ‘Is this an order from H.Q.?’ and the Staff Officer replied, “Yes,” and then proceeded to take us out. We went out to the S.E. edge of Johnston’s Jolly, overlooking Legge Valley, and dug a shallow circular trench around a small rocky knoll, just over the edge of the Jolly. I should say from memory, about eight feet below the level of the Jolly. We stayed there that night, and waited till daylight, when we were supposed to be relieved, but no one came. In the meantime we had been exchanging shots with the Turks on our left front, and had been getting the best of it. The Turks then opened up with a couple of machine-guns from about opposite to us, and this kept our heads down, but did not stop some of the men from the back of the knoll spotting a company of Turks advancing up Legge Valley on our left. Still covered by intense machine-gun fire, the enemy advanced until opposite and just below us, and spread out in a half-moon shape, when the machine-gun fire stopped. A Turkish officer jumped up with us and called upon Mr. Robertson to surrender. Now, while keeping low under the intense machine-gun fire, Mr. Robertson had summed up the position, and told us we were in a tight corner, and that when the machine-guns stopped, to fire three rounds rapid at the enemy and then bolt for our lines. If any man dropped two men were to pick him up and take him to safety. When the Turk officer called upon Mr. Robertson to surrender, he said: ‘Surrender be damned,’ and shot the Turk officer with his revolver. Then hell broke loose, and we had to climb up the slope we were exposed to the enemy machine guns as well as rifle fire. We temporarily checked the enemy when we opened fire, but not for long, and most of us were either killed or wounded. I do not think Mr. Robertson ever left the trench alive, but whatever happened he certainly did not get anywhere near the line.”’
He is listed in the Nominal Roll as Lieutenant Thomas Robertson, 15th Battalion, KIA 27.4.15. His name also appears in the Annals of the Brisbane Grammar School as ‘Robertson, T. (1909). Lieut., 15th – Killed, Gallipoli, 27-4-15.’
His brother, J S Robertson, filled out the Roll of Honour of Australia in the Memorial War Museum. He filled out the Lieutenant Thomas Robertson, 15th Battalion, was chiefly connected with East Brisbane in Queensland. He had been born in Rockhampton and died on 27 April 1915 on Gallipoli. His calling was listed as ‘salesman – warehouse’, his age at time of death was 21 and his school was Boys Grammar Brisbane. No other details were entered other than his brother stating his address was “Wyetuh”, (sic) Mowbray Terrace, East Brisbane.
The Memorial at Mowbray Town Presbyterian Church Honour Roll 1914-1919 has his name on their honour board. The church also published a book, which includes his name as ‘ROBERTSON, Thomas, Lieutenant, “Wyetah,” Mowbray Street, East Brisbane.’ He is also in a list in the book under the heading ‘Men who have made the Supreme Sacrifice’. Unfortunately, it is no longer a church and has been sold a few times in the last twenty years. It is not known if the memorial is still in the building. The Presbyterian Church was at 22 Mowbray Terrace East Brisbane. The former church sold in November 2020 for $2,200,000.
Current picture of the former church.
His name is recorded at the war memorial at East Brisbane and on the Lone Pine Memorial on Panel 43.
His will is at Queensland State Archives under 583, ITM2820546 and is open. An intestacy file is also open there under 501/1916, ITM451888. Both are accessed here – Search records (archivessearch.qld.gov.au) but have to be paid for.
On 7 December 1923 a note was added in his file which noted as a communication, dated 26 November 1923, from ‘the Historian, Tuggranong, re date of death’.
Thomas Robertson’s name is located at panel 77 in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial. His name was projected onto the exterior of the Hall of Memory on:
Tue 21 December 2021 at 3:07am
Tue 15 March 2022 at 3:42am
His medals are the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medals.
The museum just has his Victory Medal.
ANZAC Biographies
On our website you will find the biographical details of ANZAC (as well as British) servicemen & women whose medals or other memorabilia form part of the collection on display at the Maryborough Military & Colonial Museum, Maryborough, Queensland, Australia.
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