Robert Rainy HARPER

Place of birthMelbourne, Victoria
ReligionPresbyterian
OccupationStudent
AddressThe Lodge, St Andrews College, Camperdown, New South Wales
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation21
Next of kinFather, Rev. Professor Harper, The Lodge, St Andrews College, Camperdown, New South Wales
Enlistment date17 May 1915
Rank on enlistmentLieutenant
Unit name20th Battalion, 1st Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/37/2
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A35 Berrima on 6 June 1915
Rank from Nominal RollCaptain
Unit from Nominal Roll20th Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Croix de Guerre


'For coolness and bravery while leading attack. (Pozieres).'
Recommendation date: 18 August 1916

Mention in Despatches


Awarded, and promulgated, 'London Gazette', second Supplement, No. 29890 (2 January 1917); 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 103 (29 June 1917).

FateReturned to Australia 12 April 1916
Miscellaneous information from
  cemetery records
Parents: Andrew and Barbara HARPER
Medals

Distinguished Service Order

'For conspicuous gallantry in action. He led an attack on the enemy trenches, and, though wounded before reaching the enemy, stuck to his command, and entered theirr trenches. He was almost immediately again wounded by a bomb, but remained at his post for over an hour. He refused to be removed till he had seen all his men in safety.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 184
Date: 14 December 1916

Medaille Militaire (Frane)


Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 62
Date: 19 April 1917

Other details

Medals: 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal

Date of death2 May 1941
Age at death47
Place of burialSpringvale Cemtery, Victoria