Russian AnzacsRobert Deckhardt
| Born | 1888 |
|---|---|
| Place | Holm, Lublin, Poland |
| Ethnic origin | German / Polish? |
| Religion | Roman Catholic |
| Arrived at Australia |
on 17.11.1912 per Natal Transport disembarked at Bunbury, WA (deserted) |
| Residence before enlistment | Gladstone, Qld |
| Occupation | Fireman |
Service #1
| Enlisted | 1914 |
|---|---|
| Discharged | 1914 |
Service #2
| Service number | 313 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted | 6.11.1915 |
| Place of enlistment | Rockhampton, Qld |
| Unit | 42nd Battalion |
| Rank | Private, Lance Corporal |
| Place | Western Front, 1916-1917 |
| Final fate | KIA 12.10.1917 |
| Memorial | 29 The Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium |
Materials
Digitised service records (NAA)
Application to enlist in the AIF (NAA)
Digitised Embarkation roll entry (AWM)
Roll of Honour (AWM)
Armentieres, France. January 1917. The 42nd Battalion, just out of the line, washing the mud off their gum boots. E00117 (AWM)
Blog articles
From Russian Anzacs in Australian History:
Robert Deckhardt, a former ship's fireman, had no living relatives to put down as next of kin when enlisting; but, while serving in the 42nd Battalion, he became friends with a Corporal Corry. Deckhardt made his will out in Corry's favour, even though there were several other Russians in his battalion (including Alexis Tupicoff). Deckhardt was killed at Ypres and his effects -- several books, letters and photos -- were sent to Corry, who had already left the army and was living at a station near Gympie.
Gallery
Robert Deckhardt
Queenslander Pictorial, supplement to The Queenslander, 24 June 1916, p. 27
Robert Deckhart is second from the left standing at the brick wall
AWM Image E00117
AWM memorial panel 135