The AIF Project

Robert GILLESPIE

Regimental number1657
Place of birthRandallstown, Ireland
ReligionPresbyterian
OccupationLabourer
AddressBrindabella, Queanbeyan, New South Wales
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation44
Height5' 6"
Weight138 lbs
Next of kinBrother, John Gillespie, White Inch, Glasgow, Scotland
Previous military serviceServed for 4 years in the Highland Light Infantry, British Army. Previously rejected for AIF enlistment on account of varicose veins.
Enlistment date3 January 1916
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll1 December 1915
Place of enlistmentGoulburn, New South Wales
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name55th Battalion, 2nd Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/72/3
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A40 Ceramic on 14 April 1916
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll55th Battalion
FateReturned to Australia 17 March 1917
Discharge date8 June 1917
Other details

War service: Egypt, Western Front

Disembarked Port Said, 16 May 1916.

Admitted to 15th General Hospital, Alexandria, 22 June 1916 (no wound); transferred to Ras el Tin, 5 July 1916; discharged, and marched in to 14th Training Bn, Tel el Kebir, 19 July 1916.

Embarked Alexandria, 29 July 1916; disembarked Southampton, England, 9 August 1916.

Proceeded overseas to France, 31 August 1916; taken on strength, 55th Bn, 23 September 1916.

Admitted to 36th Casualty Clearing Station, 9 December 1916 (bronchitis); transferred to 18th General Hospital, Camiers, 10 December 1916; to England, 15 December 1916, and admitted same day to 1st Eastern General Hospital, Cambridge; discharged on furlougfh, 3 February 1917, to report to No 1 Command Depot, Perham Downs, 10 February 1917. Marched out to No 2 Command Depot, Weymouth, 14 February 1917.

Commenced return to Australia from Plymouth on board HT 'Beltana', 17 March 1917; disembarked Sydney, 12 May 1917; discharged Sydney, 8 June 1917.

Medals: British War Medal, Victory Medal
SourcesNAA: B2455, GILLESPIE Robert

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