About Robert Annear
Robert Annear was born in Hamley Bridge, South Australia to Robert & Mary Annear. The family moved to Western Australia in the early 1900s.
Broome Connection
Robert and his younger brother William arrived in Broome around 1905. At that time they were engaged in the pearling industry along with their uncle, Captain Mills of the Minderoo, a vessel that made regular runs from Singapore to Western Australia. By 1911 the brothers owned and operated two luggers, the New Moon and the South New Moon, which they sold when they enlisted for the war with the AIF.
War Service
Robert enlisted in November 1914, along with his brother William. They were among the first contingent from Broome and Robert was placed in the 16th Battalion, 5th Reinforcement. He embarked at Fremantle per the HMAT Honorata on the 26th April 1915, which was the day after the ANZAC landing. Robert’s battalion arrived in Gallipoli in July, where the rest of the 16th were heavily involved in establishing and defending the front line of the ANZAC beachhead. The battalion served at ANZAC until the evacuation in December. Robert was killed in action (gun shot) on the 2nd December 1915.
Mentioned in Despatches
The late private Annear was mentioned in despatches for the great bravery he displayed in attempting to rescue three of his comrades. At about 9’oclock on the morning of August 23 he ran out to the wounded men in full view of the Turks, and over cleared ground, swept by machine guns and rifle fire. Annear gave them water and left them undercover , and after sunset that evening he piloted stretcher bearer parties to the spot and the poor fellows were brought into safety. Private Annear was also instrumental in saving a fourth man, a wounded soldier who succeeded in reaching the Australian lines stated that he would not have done so if he had not seen Annear rush out and succor his three comrades as he believed that the Turks were in occupation of the position.
Enlistment Details
Newspaper Articles
Other Online Resources
View Robert Annear at the National Archives of Australia
View Robert Annear at the Australian War Memorial
Kings Park Botanic Garden’s Honour Avenue Robert Loton Annear