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in period of time spent AWL. He may have met his future wife during a
period of AWL.
Whilst the British high command wanted more permanent measures for
those going AWL the AIF resisted that approach, relying on pension
deductions and time in military prison.
Earle Desmond Robson (Regimental No 3432)
Earle Desmond Robson was a labourer living in Hamilton NSW when he
enlisted on 20th June 1917. At the time he indicated he was 18 years old
but as he was born in 1901 at St Leonards to Hercules and Clarissa
Robson he must have enlisted earlier than his age permitted and by 1917
the need for volunteers was great. He was in the 35
th
Battalion 8
th
Reinforcement. He listed his mother Clarissa as his next of kin, he
embarked from Sydney on 2nd August 1917. The shorter training period
at home, was an indication that troops were needed at the front. He
returned to Australia on 30th January 1918. Obviously he had been
declared unfit for action due to his age but more probably as he went
AWL on numerous occasions in England and despite punishments that
involved lockups and fines he continued to offend. He even failed to
arrive at the appropriate time for his transport back to Australia. Earle
was not included in the honour roll certificate, perhaps due to his poor
disciplinary record. As soon as he arrived back in Australia he was
discharged from the AIF.
Douglas Robson, Earle’s brother, enlisted on the same day. His
Regimental Number was 3433 and he was one year older than his brother.
He didn’t return to Australia until 1919. As his Regimental Number was
consecutive 3433, to his brother’s number, they must have enlisted
together.
Henry Smith (Regimental No 1240)
Henry Smith was a 44 year old miner when he enlisted on 20th December
1915. Maybe he was inspired to enlist as a result of the terrible losses and
evacuation at Gallipoli. He had been born in Derbyshire England and
therefore his links to England may have given him extra motivation to
enlist.
He listed his address Devitre Steet Lambton NSW and his next of
kin as his wife Christina Smith from the same address. Henry was made a
Private in the 35
th
Battalion in May 1916. After training in Australia he
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