ROBB, John Alexander

ROBB, John Alexander – A Southern Downs Veteran

CONFLICT : WWI
SERVICE NO : 2970
RANK : Private
UNIT : 52nd Battalion
ENLISTMENT DATE : 14/09/1916
AGE : 37
PLACE OF ENLISTMENT : Warwick, Queensland
PLACE OF BIRTH : Moulamein, New South Wales
RELIGION : Roman Catholic
OCCUPATION : Farmer
DATE OF DEATH : 24/04/1918
PLACE OF BURIAL : No Known Grave

MEMORIALS : Yelarbon War Memorial, Yelarbon Roll of Honour, Goondiwindi War Memorial, Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour, Villers-Bretonneux Memorial

View Veteran’s Service File : ROBB, John Alexander

NOTES : ROBB, John Alexander – By Duncan McLean

John Alexander Robb, known as Jack, enlisted at Warwick on 14 September 1916, at age 37. He was born in Moulamein, New South Wales, the second oldest of nine children to William Robb and Flora Robb (nee McRae).

His parents were still living at Moulamein at the time of his enlistment, whereas Jack appears to have been living in Yelarbon, likely at Allendoon, his brother’s property. His sister Jean was married to Norman Cameron, brother of Ron and Herb Cameron, who also served, and are commemorated on the Yelarbon Memorial.

Jack embarked at Brisbane on 27 October 1916, arriving at Plymouth on 9 January 1917. After multiple admissions to hospital with bronchitis, he arrived in France on 14 August 1917, joining his unit on 29 August.

Jack was killed on Wednesday, 24 April 1918. It was noted in his military file that he was killed by a shell whilst digging in a forward position on the line. He was originally buried where he fell (approximately 1200 yards northwest of Marcelcave, which is 24 km east southeast of Amiens, France). His grave was marked with a wooden cross. However, it appears the location of his grave was subsequently lost, and he is therefore commemorated on the Villers Bretonneux Memorial.

The recipient of his Will (lodged in Brisbane on 26 October 1916) was his friend (likely girlfriend) Emily Louisa Geary of Auckland, New Zealand. His personal effects were returned to Australia on 21 June, 1918, and included: a religious book, a notebook, a French vocabulary book, a writing pad, letters, souvenir cartridges, two brass caps, a spoon, and two badges. Jack’s older brother James died in 1950, and is buried in the Yelarbon Cemetery.

Copyright 2026 Deborah C Wheeler and Duncan McLean, Southern Downs Military History

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