GAMBLE, Robert and Lorne

Robert and Lorne were the sons of Alexander and Margaret Gamble who had a property near Oakwood, north of Inverell. Robert’s birth was registered at Inverell in 1897; Lorne in 1900.

Robert attended Inverell Public School.  By April 1915 his father had leased their property and moved to Sydney.

When Robert enlisted in Sydney in September 1916 he stated he was a twenty one year old farmer and gave his address as Lower Botany NSW.  He joined the 60th Battalion, 7th Reinforcement and sailed from Australia on HMAT A19 Afric in November, arriving in England in January 1917.  Three months later he was sent to France.  On 25 September 1917 he was wounded in action near Polygon Wood and the following day died at the 10th Casualty Clearing Station. He was buried at Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Belgium. His personal effects, which included a disc, letters, photos, cigarette holder, metal watch and bible, were returned to his Father.

Lorne enlisted at Toowoomba, Queensland, in August 1917. He was a twenty one year old Labourer at this time. He joined the 52nd Battalion, 10th Reinforcement and sailed from Australia on HMAT A14 Euripides in October.  He arrived in England at the end of December and undertook further training until sent to France in April 1918.  Lorne returned to Australia in March 1919.

The names of Robert and Lorne are recorded on the Oakwood Honor Roll.

Private Robert Gamble’s name is inscribed on the Inverell Anglican Church Honor Roll, Inverell Town Honor Roll and Cenotaph.  In 1919 he was one of the men for whom a memorial tree was planted in Kurrajong Parade Inverell. 

Photo: R. A. Gamble, courtesy Sydney Mail, 7 Nov 1917