BRODIE Robert Arthur

Robert Arthur Brodie was the second child of John Brodie and Charlotte Ann Walden. He was a man of 25 years and 1 month when he enlisted for the Great War on 04 September 1916 at Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. His occupation was a carpenter at the time. He was described as 5 feet 8 ½ inches (174cm) tall. He weighed 160 pounds (72.6kg) and had a medium complexion with blue eyes and brown hair. Robert noted his religion as Presbyterian. He was a single man and listed his mother who was living at Riverview Terrace, Fairfield, Brisbane at the time, as his next of kin.

On 24 January 1917, Private Robert A. Brodie of 4 Pnr. Bn. (Pioneer Battalion) boarded the HMAT “Ayrshire” at Sydney, New South Wales, Australia to serve his King and country. He was appointed VO/Cpl (Voyage Only Corporal) whilst on board “Ayrshire” and reverted to his rank of Private once he disembarked at Devonport, England on 12 April 1917. Robert marched in to Pnr. Tng. Bn. (Pioneer Training Battalion) at Fovant the same day. Robert was attached to 9 Tng. Bn. on 24 May for a week, and returned to Pnr. Tng. Bn. On 11 June, Robert was transferred o Engineers Details where his rank changed to Spr. (Sapper). He proceeded overseas to France on 25 August from Southampton. Robert had taken on strength of 9 F.C.E. (Field Company Engineers) in the first week of September.

On 04 October 1917, Robert was wounded in action when he suffered a gunshot wound to his left hand which had fractured his index metacarpus. He was transferred to England aboard H.S. “Panama” where he remained, coming down with myalgia, debility, bronchitis and chronic rheumatism while there. On 05 April 1918, Robert boarded the H.T. “Borda” for his return to Australia and arrived on 02 June. He was discharged from the A.I.F. medically unfit on 02 July 1918 with partial incapacity of the left hand.

Robert’s younger brother, Gilbert Campbell Brodie #9438 also served during WW1. He was decorated with the D.C.M. (Distinguished Conduct Medal) for “conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. This N.C.O. was in charge of a party detailed to construct a strong point immediately behind the furthest objective. He showed conspicuous gallantry in taking his men through the enemy barrage, and exceptional skill in organizing the work and carrying it to a successful conclusion. His conduct throughout was a very fine example and encouragement to the men.” Gilbert was wounded in action and was 25 years when he died of wounds in France on 26 August 1918. He was buried at the Chifilly Communal Cemetery Extension, France.

• France
• France
• France

Shire of Noosa Roll of Honor, Shire Council Chambers, Pelican Street, Tewantin;

Cooran District Soldiers Poster - No 16 in Returned Soldiers.

Photo extract "Boys of the Cooran District" poster, John Oxley Library, SLQ, Neg 52168