Leiutenant Robert Ernest Brewer
Service #: 382
Summary
Lieutenant Robert Brewer
Robert Brewer was born in Grafton, New South Wales, and raised in Corndale, Lismore Municipality. He attended Lawrence Lower Public School and later trained at Blackfriars Teacher Training College, preparing for a career as a school teacher. At the time of his enlistment on 31st December 1915, he was 27 years old and single, with his home address listed as Corndale via Lismore. His father, Robert W. Brewer, served as his next of kin. Robert was initially assigned the rank of Private with the 41st Infantry Battalion, B Company, and embarked from Sydney on HMAT Demosthenes on 18th May 1916. During his service, he rose through the ranks, eventually becoming a Lieutenant.
Military Service and Honors:
Lieutenant Brewer served on the Western Front with the 41st Battalion. His exceptional service was recognized with a “Mention in Despatches,” as noted in the London Gazette on 28th December 1917 and the Commonwealth Gazette on 18th April 1918. He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal for his contributions.
Final Engagement and Death:
Robert Brewer was killed in action on 29th September 1918 at the Hindenburg Line in France, at the age of 30. He is buried in Unicorn Cemetery in Vendhuile, France, Plot IV, Row B, Grave 24. His headstone bears the inscription: “HE DIED AT HIS COUNTRY’S CALL AND LEFT A MEMORY LOVED BY ALL.”
Family and Connections:
Robert’s parents, Robert and Theresa Brewer, resided in Corndale, New South Wales. He also had two cousins who served in World War I and were killed in action: Clive Brewer (53rd Battalion) on 24th September 1917, and Company Sergeant Major Harold Brewer (53rd Battalion) on 26th September 1917
Memorials: Robert Brewer’s name is honored on multiple memorials, including:
• Alstonville Public School Great War Roll of Honour
• Brisbane 41st Battalion Roll of Honour
• Lismore & District Memorial Honour Roll
• Lismore Corndale Loyal Empire Lodge No. 226 M.U.I.O.O.F. Great War Roll of Honour
• Parramatta NSW Public School Teachers KIA Honour Roll
• Parramatta NSW Public School Teachers Who Served Abroad Honour Roll
• Australian War Memorial, Panel 133
If you have any additional information about this individual, we invite you to email us at rsl@msmc.org.au.
Memorial Location
We do not know the memorial location of this individual
Buried Location
Unicorn Cem, France
