Robert Dowker

Service Number
7470
Unit
5th Bn
Date of Enlistment
07/06/1917
Date of Return
10/07/1920
Date of Discharge
02/10/1919
Date of Death
09/05/1960
Service Story

Despite being a widower with three young children, Robert Dowker still considered it his duty to volunteer for enlistment in June 1917 when new recruits were badly needed. Enlisting in Melbourne, he was allotted to the 25th reinforcements for the 5th Battalion. On 10th April 1918 he was transferred to the 1st Machine Gun Battalion but before the end of the month had returned to his original unit. He was wounded in action in August 1918 and evacuated to England for treatment of the shrapnel wounds to his left arm and chin. On 7 March 1919 he married Annie Bate-man at Hammersmith, London. It is unclear as to whether Annie in fact came to Australia as she passed away in England in 1953.

Grave and
Plaque Images
Unveiling
Details
Number
Date
Cemetery
Carr Villa Launceston
Burial Reference
D3-88