ROBERTSON, John, Hubert and Walter

The Robertson boys were the sons of Samuel (Sampson) and Jessie Robertson of Casino NSW. The three boys and their siblings were born in the Inverell District, John in 1880; Hubert 1886; and Walter 1888.

Hubert was the first to enlist, joining up at Inverell in February 1916, the day before the Second contingent of Kurrajongs departed the town. At this time Hubert was a twenty nine year old Labourer at Tin Tot near Graman, north of Inverell. He was given a farewell at Graman and presented with a shaving set in a silver case. A few days later he was one of several men farewelled at Inverell Town Hall where they were presented with the Inverell Medal and socks from the Ladies Sock Committee.

Hubert joined the 36th Battalion, 1st Reinforcement and left Australia on HMAT A72 Beltana in May 1916.  He became ill during the voyage and was disembarked at Cape Town suffering from pneumonia.  After three months recuperating, he arrived in England in time to be sent to France in November with other members of his Battalion. Within a few days he was wounded at Armentieres and had to return to England for treatment for a gunshot wound to his thigh. Eight months later, he returned to France and was wounded a second time during the Battle of Passchemdaele. Again Hubert was invalided to hospital in England, returning to France in March 1918. He was then transferred to the 33rd Battalion.

Hubert returned to Australia and was medically discharged in 1920.  He returned to the Inverell district for a few years. By 1930 he was a farmer living at Wyalong NSW with his wife.  

Hubert’s brother, Walter, enlisted in October 1916 at Lismore NSW and served with the 33rd Battalion, 6th Reinforcement. He returned to Australia in June 1919 after twice being wounded in action in France. John enlisted at Toowoomba, Queensland, in June 1917 and served as a Gunner with the Field Artillery Brigade, Reinforcement 31. He returned to Australia in June 1919.

Private Hubert Robertson has his name inscribed on the Inverell Honor Roll.  Both Walter and Hubert have their names recorded on the Ashford and Graman Honor Roll and the new Anzac memorial at Delungra.