FAMILY LIFE

Robert Anthony Bruce was born in 1895 in Sutton Forest, son of William & Mary Jane (Hayman) Bruce. He was brother to 8 siblings, including William, who enlisted in 1915 & John who enlisted in 1916. Their parents had brought the family to the Byron/Tweed area of the North Coast when the region was being opened in the late 1890s and early 1900s. William leased the property known as Fernhill in South Murwillumbah in 1913 and successfully farmed it for 20 years. The family lived in Church St Murwillumbah

BROTHERS IN ARMS

The first of this Bruce family to go to war was William who enlisted in July 1915 aged 21. He was a school teacher and was attached to the 9th Infantry Battalion. He served in Egypt and France. John, a labourer, enlisted in November 1915 aged 24 and joined the 9th Infantry Battalion. He was later transferred to the 49th Battalion and served in Egypt and France.

APPLICATION

Robert, a farmer, joined on 13^th November1916 aged 21 and was attached to the 2nd Light Horse Regiment, serving in Palestine. His next of kin was his mother, Mary. He had spent 3 years with the Citizen Forces Light Horse. He had travelled to Brisbane to complete his application and medical examination. Robert was 5ft 10inches tall (1.78M) and weighed 162lbs (73kgs) with a fresh complexion, blue eyes & black hair. His eyesight was good and he had a scar on the palm of his right hand and another on his right leg. He required dental treatment. Robert was Roman Catholic

2^ND LIGHT HORSE REGIMENT

The 2nd Light Horse Regiment was a mounted infantry unit of the Australian Army during World War I. Raised in August 1914; it was part of the 1st Light Horse Brigade. The regiment fought exclusively against the Ottoman Empire. The regiment was composed of mounted infantry, known for their mobility and versatility, and played a significant role in campaigns across Gallipoli, Egypt, Sinai, and Palestine.

They had the reputation of being the most glamorous arm of the Australian Imperial Force. The Light Horse was organised along cavalry lines in regiments of about 600 men. It functioned more like a mounted infantry, with the horses used as transport or, if required, to carry the men swiftly away from the battlefield. The men mostly fought dismounted. The favoured horse was a mixed breed known as the Australian Waler and when fully loaded, they often carried between 130kg and 150kg.

LIVERPOOL MILITARY CAMP

His training began soon after enlistment. Liverpool Military Camp was the main centre in New South Wales to provide basic military training. Conditions at the camp were generally poor throughout the war. For many it was their first time away from home. Men from every walk of life, from clerks and teachers to factory and shop workers, were crammed together.

Firstly, a recruit had to be inducted into military forms of discipline, command, and order. This was partially achieved through a program of basic training carried and, in a sense, was maintained for a long as a man was in the service. It involved marching and drilling with the rifle, cleaning and caring for personal equipment and being supervised and inspected in ways quite different to ordinary civilian life. For example, no boots should be allowed to get in a bad state of wear but must be sent to the bootmaker without delay for repair. Men who were found with hair long and unshaven had to have a haircut and shave

Secondly, after basic training there followed the far more serious exercise of turning a man into a fighting soldier at least partially prepared for the kind of warfare he was about to experience overseas. The topics and exercises in the syllabus of training were a world away from their former lives and included daily physical training, entrenching, wiring, firing rifle grenades, firing the Lewis light machine gun, dealing with gas attack, using hand grenades, using the bayonet, and the routines to be followed in the trenches.

This training was then put into practice during what were called ‘Field Days,’ when men would practice using the skills they had acquired in mock attacks both by day and by night. How well men had learnt to use their weapons, in cooperation with each other in training, would be tested in the harsh reality of the front line. Training would take several months.

VOYAGE OVERSEAS

His unit embarked from Sydney on board HMAT Karmala on 3^rd February, 1917. The epic voyage across the ocean has been described as “the longest journey to war in the history of the world.” They thought it was the start of a new adventure- for many it was their first time so far away from home. However, after some time at sea the biggest problem turned out to be boredom. On-board, Officers organised rigorous training drills and exercise sessions for the men. They were expected to do their own washing, sweep the decks and carry out other chores

Attempts at breaking up the boredom, apart from the regular drill, varied. Shipboard activities included regular church parades and concerts. Troops engaged in lifebelt drill; a cookhouse on deck; soldiers on fatigues peeling potatoes 'spud bashing'; going to the dentist; barber, pay day; soldiers cleaning personal equipment; medical inspection. Sports and recreation included boxing, deck quoits, draughts. Also, the commanding officer's morning inspection; kit inspections; submarine drill; recreation such as the on deck 'open air' library, deck billiards, pillow fighting and card games including Nap. As well, conditions on the ships were cramped and the risk of illness was constant. 

Three hearty meals a day were served; breakfast usually consisted of porridge, stew, and tea. Lunch included soup, meat, vegetables, and pudding. Meat, bread with jam and tea was served for dinner. Many of the troops experienced bouts of seasickness on the voyage. The crossing the Equator ceremony, ‘Neptune’s Journey,’ was played-out on each troopship.

MOASCAR ISOLATION CAMP

They disembarked on the Suez 11^th March 1917. The unit then went to the isolation camp in Moascar. During World War I, this camp provided the final preparation for entrainment to Alexandria and the Western Front. The isolation camps screened soldiers arriving in Egypt as reinforcements for two weeks, checking for any illnesses such as measles which can break out when people are crowded together for long periods. Ismailia is a city in north-eastern Egypt, situated on the west bank of the Suez Canal. 

They had already completed their basic training in Australia but over many more tough months, in the training camp, the volunteers left their old lives farther behind. They began their training with physical fitness exercises, they were taught individual and unit discipline, how to follow commands, how to march, some basic field skills and how to safely handle his weapons.  Later, as soldiers specialised in a particular area (for example, machine gunner or signaller) they would be trained in specific skills and would take part in practice manoeuvres and sham fights. They would spend many hours learning training in the use of bayonets, anti- gas training and guard duty along with lectures on camouflage or trench warfare and much more. Training would normally last 3 months.

TAKEN ON STRENGTH MAY 1917

He was taken on strength on 1 May 1917 at Shellal. The Sinai and Palestine campaign was part of the Middle Eastern theatre of World War I, taking place between January 1915 and October 1918. Robert would have been part of the Stalemate in Southern Palestine was a six-month standoff between the British Egyptian Expeditionary Force and the Ottoman Army. The two hostile forces faced each other along the Gaza to Beersheba line during the Sinai and Palestine Campaign, with neither side able to force its opponent to withdraw

SCHOOL OF INSTRUCTION MARAKEB SEPTEMBER 1917

On 8^th September 1917 he attended the School of Instruction at Marakeb, for 2 weeks, which specialised in machine gun instruction. He rejoined his unit in Fukhari, then attended the Hotchkiss Gun Course. The Mle 1914 Hotchkiss machine gun chambered for the 8mm Lebel cartridge became the standard machine gun during the latter half of World War I.

THE THIRD BATTLE OF GAZA OCTOBER – NOVEMBER 1917

The 2nd Light Horse Regiment played a supporting but important role in the Third Battle of Gaza, a major Allied offensive during the Sinai and Palestine Campaign in October–November 1917. The battle was part of a broader strategy to break the Ottoman defensive line that had stalled British and Commonwealth forces earlier in the year. The 2nd Light Horse was heavily involved in the fighting to the east and southeast of Beersheba, particularly in the rugged high ground. Their task was slow and gruelling, involving dismounted assaults under heavy fire in rocky, open terrain. After Beersheba fell, the regiment moved northward, participating in actions designed to harass retreating Ottoman forces, secure strategic points, and support advancing infantry. While the main assault on Gaza was led by British infantry and artillery, the Light Horse units — including the 2nd LHR — helped maintain pressure on flanks and cut off escape routes

WOUNDED IN ACTION 3^RD NOVEMBER 1917

One of the casualties of this action was Robert, who was wounded in action on 3^rd November 1917 with a gunshot wound to his right foot.

HOSPITALISATION & REST CAMP

He was admitted to the 14^th Australian General Hospital in Cairo on 4^th November then transferred to a rest camp on 17^th November 1917.  Here he would convalesce but continue with drilling & training as the technology and techniques were rapidly changing and soldiers had to be up to date when they were ready to rejoin their units. This ensured they did not lose their sharpness for battle and that a unit’s cohesiveness was retrained.

TAKEN ON STRENGTH JANUARY 1918

On 12^TH January 1918 he was taken on strength. Between January and May 1918, the 2nd Light Horse Regiment was actively involved in the advance through Palestine following the successful Third Battle of Gaza. This period included a mix of front-line holding duties, patrolling, minor engagements, and preparation for further operations as Allied forces pushed toward the Jordan Valley and Amman.

JANUARY–FEBRUARY 1918: HOLDING THE LINE

They were stationed in the Jordan Valley and around Jericho (captured in February 1918) and conducted reconnaissance patrols, protected lines of communication, and dealt with harsh environmental conditions (malaria, extreme heat, poor water).

MARCH 1918: FIRST TRANSJORDAN RAID

The 2nd Light Horse took part in the First Raid on Amman (21 March – 2 April 1918). The objective was to destroy the Hejaz Railway and sever Turkish logistics. They advanced across the Jordan River and fought heavy engagements at Es Salt and Amman. Despite brave efforts, the raid failed; terrain, supply issues, and stiff resistance forced withdrawal.

APRIL 1918

In April 1918, the 2nd Light Horse Regiment was engaged in operations in the Jordan Valley, near Es Salt in modern-day Jordan. This period was part of the lead-up to the Second Transjordan Raid, which commenced later that month. The regiment's activities included reconnaissance, securing supply lines, and preparing for the forthcoming offensive against Ottoman forces.

WOUNDED IN ACTION

On 11^th April Robert was again wounded in action with a gunshot wound to his shoulder

HOSPITALISATION AND REST CAMP

He was admitted to the 14^th Australian General Hospital with a gunshot wound to his left shoulder and on 6^th July he was marched into the Moascar rest camp. He rejoined his unit on 20^th July 1918

BETWEEN JULY AND OCTOBER 1918

Between July and October 1918, the 2nd Light Horse Regiment was actively involved in the final and decisive phase of the Sinai and Palestine Campaign. This period saw the regiment transition from static operations in the Jordan Valley to high-speed offensive action during the Battle of Megiddo — one of the most significant and successful mounted operations of World War I.

JULY–AUGUST 1918: JORDAN VALLEY GARRISON & PATROLS

The 2^nd was stationed in the Jordan Valley and was tasked with:

·      Holding the front line

·      Conducting patrols and raids across the Jordan River

·      Managing harsh conditions, including extreme heat and malaria outbreaks

The unit operated in coordination with Arab irregulars under T.E. Lawrence to monitor Turkish activity east of the river. This period was relatively quiet militarily but physically demanding due to the terrain and disease.

SEPTEMBER 1918: BATTLE OF MEGIDDO (19–25 SEPTEMBER)

The Australian Mounted Division, including the 2nd Light Horse, played a key role in this massive breakthrough offensive. The battle began with a deception campaign in the Jordan Valley to pin down Ottoman forces, in which the 2nd LHR participated by creating the illusion of a larger force. When the main attack launched near the coast, the Light Horse swiftly advanced north via the Esdraelon Plain toward Nazareth and Beisan.

October 1918: Pursuit to Damascus

The regiment continued pursuing retreating Ottoman forces into Syria. They reached and participated in the entry into Damascus on 1^st October 1918. The 2nd Light Horse helped round up thousands of prisoners and secure key roads and communication points.

HOSPITALISATION MALARIA OCTOBER 1918

On 12th October Robert was admitted to 31st General Hospital with malaria. Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease caused by parasites, which are transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female mosquitoes. Australian troops, including the 2nd Light Horse Regiment, suffered many cases while serving in the Jordan Valley, which was a notorious malarial zone. Poor sanitation, standing water, and lack of mosquito control made military camps breeding grounds for disease.

At the time, malaria treatment was limited, but several methods were in use:

·       Quinine- the primary treatment available during WWI.

Extracted from the bark of the cinchona tree, quinine helped reduce fever and kill the parasite. Given orally, or by injection in more severe cases. Side effects included nausea, tinnitus (ringing in ears), and vision disturbances.

·      Rest and Hospitalization- infected soldiers were often sent to convalescent hospitals or malaria wards to recover

REST CAMP AND DISCHARGE

Robert went to the rest camp at Boulac and was discharged to duty on 28^th December 1918

WAR ENDED

At 11 am on 11 November, 1918, the guns fell silent. The November armistice was followed by the peace treaty of Versailles signed on 28 June 1919. Between November 1918 and May 1919, the men of the 2nd Battalion returned to Australia for demobilisation and discharge. 

HOSPITALISATION MALARIA FEBRUARY 1919

He was admitted to hospital again on 1st February 1919 with a recurrence of malaria.

GOING HOME- HOSPITALISED AT SEA

He embarked on 13^th March on the Ulimaroa bound for home, but again was hospitalised at sea on 28^th March but discharged 5^th April.  He disembarked on 15^th April 1919 and was discharged 29^th May 1919.

FOR HIS SERVICE

For his service, Arthur was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, and the Victory Medal and his name is recorded on the Murwillumbah War Memorial

AFTER THE WAR

All the brothers were lucky enough to return to Australia although John was invalided back in 1917 after having one of his legs amputated. He spent the rest of his life in Murwillumbah. After the war most of the family remained in the Mullumbimby or Murwillumbah area but Robert and a younger brother became cane-cutters in Queensland.

Robert was a selector in the Malanda area after he returned from the war. He never married and drowned in the flooded Johnstone River on 29^th February, 1936, aged 41. He and his younger brother Harold had been working as cane-cutters and when the harvesting was finished, they had gone gold prospecting at Deep Creek. To get to their claim they had to cross the river. Both brothers were strong swimmers but the river was running fast and Robert was swept away. He is buried at Innisfail Cemetery, Plot Sec 4 L 11 R 10

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