RETURNED SOLDIERS
PRIVATE RAE.
Private Robert Rae (wounded in the head and back about August 8) is the second son of Mr Robt. Rae, 35 Hawthorn terrace, Mornington, and was educated at Kensington, learning the trade of pattern-making at Mr Sparrow's foundry, after which he settled in Wellington. He joined the Otago Infantry Third Reinforcements, and was an instructor in rifle practice in Trentham. While at Gallipoli on outpost duty he is reported to have done good service with his rifle against the Turkish snipers. -Otago Daily Times, 1/9/1915.
Robert Rae was wounded during the big push against Turkish positions in early August. His back wound was received from a bayonet, an indication of the kind of fighting he was part of.
Lance-corporal Robert Rae, 35 Meadow street, Mornington, died of wounds in France on February 16, aged 32 years. He had maintained an interest in military matters since his school cadet days, and will be remembered by the Dunedin Engineer Volunteer Company as an efficient marksman. While in Masterton he enlisted in the Otago Infantry, 3rd Reinforcements (Main Body), and served with the Anzacs until wounded on August 8, 1915. From Gallipoli be returned to Dunedin. After a few months' spell in Mornington, he again felt well enough to rejoin his brother and mates at the front, and managed to get back there with the 10th Reinforcements, and arrived in France. He got through without sickness or mishap till he received his fatal wounds. He was one of the comparatively few Main Body men left in the firing line. -Evening Star, 6/3/1918.
On the day he received his fatal wound Robert Rae's Battalion (2nd Otago) was coming out of the line, having been relieve by the 1st Otago's. He suffered a compound fracture of the tibia on February 16 and died at the Casualty Clearing Station behind the line.
IN MEMORIAM.
In loving memory of 8/1610 — Lance-corporal Robert Rae (Main Body, Otago Infantry), who was killed at Poperinghe, Belgium February 16, 1918.
Anzac — "Ne'er shall their glory fade"
— Inserted by his mother, sister, and father. -Otago Daily Times, 15/2/1919.
Southern Cemetery, Dunedin.
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