13099 Private Robert Robson, (3-11/1895-6/1/1938). "never really recovered"

SOUTH OTAGO NOTES

[From Our Balclutha Correspondent.] 

OBITUARY. 

The death took place at Balclutha on Sunday of Mr .Robert Robson, of Manuka Island (near Balclutha), at the early age of 41 years. The deceased was the fourth son of Mr and Mrs James Robson, of Tokonui (Southland) and late of Niagara. He was born at the latter place and educated at the school there. He worked on different farms for a time and left New Zealand with the 12th Regiment, N.Z.E.F. He was wounded on the Somme in 1916, and he never really recovered. On returning from the war he went to Australia, where he worked at wood and cane cutting. On returning again to New Zealand he married Miss Helen McLellan, of Wyndham, and shortly afterwards they took up residence at Manuka Island. By dint of hard work Mr Robson converted what had hitherto been practically a wilderness into a compact farm. He was a member of the Clutha branch of the Farmers’ Union and Loyal Dalton Lodge, M.U. He is survived by his widow and three young children.   -Evening Star, 19/1/1938.

Robert Robson served with the NZ Rifle Brigade and was receive gunshot wounds in the face an shoulders 0n September 30th, 1916.  The Brigade's Official History describes the events of that date: "During the afternoon of the 30th, the 2nd Battalion, under orders from the G.O.C. 2nd Brigade, took part with the 19th London Regiment on our left in a bombing attack on Flers Trench and Flers Support beyond the High Wood-Ligny Thilloy Road. The attack, vainly attempted by the Londoners alone on the previous evening, was this time completely successful, excellent work being done by Capt. H. E. Barrowclough, Lieut. G. A. Avey, and Sergeant A. McLeod. At one point in this attack the advance was brought to a standstill through the skill and tenacity with which an enemy post was held, till finally Lance-Corporal J. W. Voyle, taking a few bombers, moved round its flank in the open and kept the garrison inactive, thus enabling the post to be rushed from the front."

Balclutha Cemetery.