FAMILY LIFE

Robert James Boland was born in 1897 in Murwillumbah. He was one of 6 children of William & Bridget (Creegan) Boland. 2 of his brothers, Paul & Thomas also enlisted and returned home. His parents are commemorated on the memorials on Banner St Memorial Park and both were buried in Murwillumbah Old Cemetery.  On the 6th August 1974 Tweed Shire Council (C H Jarvis President) resolved that the area be re-developed into a sacred park. The headstones were destroyed and the human remains are still at the site. Robert’s brother, Thomas, had enlisted in July 1915

APPLICATION

He was single farmer, living in Murwillumbah, eager to do his bit. He travelled to Brisbane on 4^th February 1916 to complete his application which showed his next of kin as his brother Paul Boland, of Murwillumbah, as both his parents were deceased by this time. Normally, a man of his age needed his parents’ permission to enlist, but he stated he had been keeping himself for the past 4 years, so he was allowed to enlist

His medical which showed he was 18 years 3 months old, 5ft 5 inches tall (1.65m), weighed 125 lbs (57kgs), with a fresh complexion, blue eyes & fair hair.  His eyesight was good. He was Roman Catholic and had a scar on the of his right leg.  He was enlisted as a private into the 25 Infantry Battalion – 11^th Reinforcements with service No 4389

25TH INFANTRY BATTALION

The 25th Infantry Battalion, part of the 7th Brigade, 2nd Division of the Australian Imperial Force, was raised in March 1915 at Enoggera, Queensland. Their service is remembered for their resilience and contributions to key victories.

VOYAGE OVERSEAS

On the 31^ST March 1916, the recruits left Sydney, sailing upon the HMAT Star of Victoria. 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. 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. 

HOSPITALISED- VENEREAL DISEASE JUNE 1916

Robert arrived in Heliopolis and was admitted to No 1 Auxiliary Hospital on 13^th June with Venereal disease. Since the early dawn of military manoeuvres and activities, sexual hygiene and behaviour have proven to be a major problem for the Worlds’ Armies, and WW1 proved to be no different. Soldiers on assignment overseas were often lonely, had time to spare, got homesick, or were just looking for female companionship.  VD was a great source of military inefficiency: although it had a low mortality rate, it resulted in loss of manpower, and the cure was expensive, time-consuming, and often ineffective.

MEDICALLY UNFIT JULY 1916 & RETURNED HOME

In July, it was decided that Robert that the disease had weakened his heart & he would return to Australia. His brother was advised that he had been admitted to hospital suffering with cardiac, mild.  On 10^th July 1916 he boarded the Clan McGilvray for home. He was discharged on 6^th September

FOR HIS SERVICE

Robert received the Victory Medal, Active Service Badge & the 1914/1915 Star but was ineligible for the British War Medal.

HOME LIFE

On June 12, 1940, Robert married Hannah Kane and approximately a year later, the pair moved to a farm above Seneca on Highway 61, on which he lived the rest of his life. Eight children were born to them, four of whom passed away as infants. Robert died 19 January 1970, aged 71 was buried in Lutwyche Cemetery, Kedron, Plot Monumental-6-5-30

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