Contributed by Ron Inglis, October 2021:
Robert Webster, 22, born in Charters Towers, Queensland, was a carriage builder having completed a five-year apprenticeship with Ritchie Brothers of Auburn, NSW. On enlistment, he nominated his mother Cecilia of 22 Mary Street, Auburn as his next-of-kin. Robert was also a member of the St Philip’s Anglican Church, Auburn.
Robert enlisted at Holsworthy on 24 August 1915 and embarked on the Medic in December 1915. On board were fellow Auburn Memorial men William Harris, Alexander Hickin, Leslie Quinn and former Auburn Mayor William James Johnson. In Egypt, Private Webster was allocated to the 3rd Battalion, 1st Australian Divisio,n and he moved off with them to France, arriving at the port of Marseilles on 28 March 1916.
The 1st Australian Division was launched into the Battle of the Somme at Pozières on 23 July 1916 and Webster was killed in action on 16 August 1916, 10 days after being promoted to corporal. His body was never found, therefore his name was inscribed on the Australian National Memorial at Villers-Bretonneux.
Webster’s mother received her son’s effects: wallet, letters, photos, identity disk, cigarette case, piece of ring, notebook, necktie, writing case. Webster’s father was alive and living in Victoria in 1922, but he wrote to the authorities saying that his son’s medals could be issued to his mother.
Robert Webster is honoured on the following memorials in Australia:
- Auburn War Memorial
- Municipality of Auburn 1914-1919 Honour Roll
- St Philip's Anglican Church Auburn First World War Honour Roll
- Roll of Honour Australian War Memorial Canberra
His decorations:
- British War Medal 1914-20
- Victory Medal
