ANZAC - Robert Edward KELLY

ravenruis (58)in #anzac • 8 years ago

Cpl. Robert Edward Kelly

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(b. 12 Dec 1886, Boyle, Ireland; d. 6 Aug 1915, Gallipoli)

According to his military records, he was a tailor and a labourer, working in and around Invercargill. He never married.
He signed up for military service in December of 1914 - while 'on the high seas', his forms show (although one says Invercargill), and was assigned to the Otago Infantry Battalion, 8th Regiment.

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He listed his next-of-kin as his brother, Patrick (who was also living in Invercargill).
Previous to WWI, records show he had already done military service, as a member of the Connaught Rangers (reservists):

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A very nice biographical obituary was published about him on the 31st of August, 1915.

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His memorial is in the Chunuk Bair Cemetery, Gallipoli, Turkey.
Some background, as published in the De Ruvigny's Roll of Honour, vol. 2:

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Notes:
There is a notation on his military forms that listed another brother back in Dublin, Ireland - perhaps this was the one mentioned in the obituary, or yet another sibling?

A newspaper published, 26 Oct 1915, a copy of a final letter received from a 'good mate' of Robert's - Basil Brooke (they were in the war together) - and although there is no mention of him, there is great detail in what things were like for them, and others, at that time in Gallipoli. It is well worth reading.

A photo of a younger Robert:

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