War Memorial Hall c1929
Robert William HUNTER
Robert Hunter was born on 25 December 1895 in Port Melbourne, Victoria. His parents were Daniel Ross and Christina (née Gibson) Hunter. He attended Scotch from 1910 to 1911. Robert was Class Captain of Remove B in 1911 (see photo below).
Robert was an electrical engineer when he enlisted on 16 November 1915 in Melbourne. He served in the 37th Battalion with the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. His Regimental Number was 1103.
Robert died on 23 April 1917 at Armentieres, France. He was 21 years of age.
Service record
Robert had been in the pre-war militia. At just over 6 feet, he was unusually tall for recruits of that era. He was made an Acting Corporal at his Depot Battalion in January 1916, and then a Sergeant when he was allotted to the newly formed 37th Battalion in March. He sailed with his unit for England on 3 June 1916, arriving on 27 July. He was at the Hayling Island School of Instruction in August 1916 and then proceeded with his unit from Southampton to France on 22 November.
A week later he went to hospital with pneumonia. He was transferred to the 1st Canadian General Hospital with bronchitis on 28 December. He was in hospital or convalescing until 20 February 1917, a period of 83 days. On 25 February he went to a 3rd Division School at Etaples, and rejoined the 37th Battalion on 11 March. On 5 March he had been promoted to 2nd Lieutenant.
He was killed in action at Armentieres on 23 April. His name is mentioned in an appendix to the battalion war diary which tells of an abortive enemy raid presaged by heavy artillery fire. Robert was probably killed by the artillery fire. There is no Red Cross Wounded and Missing file on him, and no substantial obituary in The Scotch Collegian.
Robert Hunter is buried in the Cite Bonjean Military Cemetery (Plot VI, Row A, Grave No. 8), Armentieres, France.
Photographs and Documents:
Robert Hunter is at rear left in this 1911 photograph
Extract from Appendix to April 1917 war diary of the 37th Battalion. Lieutenant Hunter is the only casualty of the events of 23 April who is mentioned by name, but no detail is given as to how he died.
Sources:
- Australian War Memorial – Roll of Honour and War Diary of the 37th Battalion, April 1917, AWM4 23/54/10 - April 1917
- Mishura Scotch Database
- National Archives of Australia – B2455, HUNTER R W 1103
- Scotch Collegian 1917
- The AIF Project - https://www.aif.adfa.edu.au/showPerson?pid=147566
