HEATH, Robert, William and Henry

Robert, William and Henry were the sons of William and Emily Heath. Robert’s birth was registered at Cowra NSW whilst William and Henry were registered at Inverell.

Henry, aged twenty one, was the first to enlist. He joined the 6th Light Horse Regiment, 19th Reinforcement and served in Egypt and Gallipoli where he became ill and was returned to Egypt. In January 1916 he was sent back to Australia for three months change. He soon reenlisted and in July left Australia for Egypt. He then served with the 2nd Machine Gun Company until transferred to the 1st Light Horse Brigade in January 1917. Henry was Killed in Action on 14 July 1918 and buried in Palestine. His personal effects which included clothing, money belt, wrist watch and letters were returned to his sister at Gravesend where a memorial service was held for him.

William enlisted at Narrabri in August 1915 when he was twenty two. He joined the 13th Battalion, 14th Reinforcement and left Australia for Egypt on HMAT A70 Ballarat in December. He was transferred to the 54th Battalion and sent to France in June. The following month he was listed as missing, later confirmed as Killed in Action near Fromelles. He is buried at the Australian Cemetery, VC Corner, France.

Robert was twenty four when he enlisted at Inverell in December 1915. As a member of the 1st Light Horse Regiment, 18th Reinforcement he sailed from Australia on HMAT A20 Hororata in May 1916. He served in Egypt and returned to Australia in March 1919.

Another brother, Charles, tried to enlist and was rejected several times.

Robert, William and Henry all have their names on the Gravesend War Memorial. Robert’s name is also inscribed on the Inverell Honor Roll.