Francis James Kearsey Robertson (1688)
Researched by: Tthe Social Science Department, Brigidine College,
Indooroopilly
Main Student Contributor: Meg Willmington
The plinth in Keating Park, Indooroopilly, commemorates the ultimate sacrifice made by those who were
connected to the Indooroopilly region. On 26 February 1921, the memorial was unveiled by His Excellency Sir
Matthew Nathan, KCMG, Governor of Queensland. One of those remembered is Trooper Francis James
Kearsey Robertson.
Francis Robertson enlisted on 3 August 1915 and served for
nearly two years before making the ultimate sacrifice for his
country.
1ST Light Horse
Machine Gun Squadron
Patch
Robertson joined the 11th Reinforcements of the 2nd Light
Horse Regiment as a private. His prior experience being a
station hand and stockman would prove valuable for the role.
Robertson and his unit was transported to Sydney and on 4
October 1915 and were expected to embark to Gallipoli
aboard the HMAT A47 Mashobra.
AWM
HMAT 47 Mashobra
http://alh-research.tripod.com/ships_lh.htm
However, as the Anzac forces had been withdrawn the reinforcements were sent to Cairo where they became
part of the full regiment.
Throughout June and July (while still based in Romani), Robertson patrolled various outposts in the Sinai.
On 13 July, HE was hospitalised for with septic sores and did not take part in the battle of Romani. On 10
September 1916, he was back into action and drafted into the 1st Light Horse Machine Gun Squadron (formed
from various machine gun units from different regiments).
Unidentified members of the Machine Gun Squadron of the 1st Australian Light Horse Regiment at
gun drill.
On 23 December he survived the Battle of Maghdaba but was killed in action at Rafa on 9 January 1917.
The Unit Diary entry summed up the day’s events in five lines:
0600
Arrived about 11/2 miles south of enemies entrenched position near RAFA attack
commenced at 1000 and after a hot engagement lasting all day enemy surrendered
at 1730 our casualties were 6 killed and 20 wounded (see list attached)
We captured 4 Guns, 4 MGuns & about 1800 prisoners. Our force left battleground
at 2200 & Bivouaced at SHEIKH ZOWHID
The official place of death was listed as El Arish. In 1921, Trooper Robertson was reinterred at the Military
Cemetery at Kantara, Egypt. (Plot F, Grave 372). His name appears on Panel 180 in the Commemorative Area
at the Australian War Memorial.
In 1921, it was hoped that Francis James Kearsey Robertson’s sacrifice in WW1 was not in vain and that peace
would prevail.
Sources
Print:
Bean, C.E.W. (1948). Anzac to Amiens. Canberra: Australian War Memorial.
Gibson, J. (2013). Forgotten Heroes. Keperra, Australia: James W. Gibson.
Electronic:
http://www.aif.adfa.edu.au (The AIF Project)
http://alh-research.tripod.com/ships_lh.htm
Australian War Memorial:
Embarkation Rolls
Nominal Rolls
Roll of Honour Cards, 1914-1918 War, Army
Unit War Diaries
http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead.aspx?cpage=1
www.longlongtrail.co.uk
www.qldwarmemorials.com.au
https://rslvirtualwarmemorial.org.au/explore/units/225
1914-15 Star, British War Medal,
Victory Medal which would be passed
to Trooper Robertson’s Next of Kin
Rafa - AWM