Middlemas, Robert William

14206 Warrant Officer Robert William Middlemas MM - 4th Division Signal Company AIF

Robert William Middlemas was born in Newcastle NSW on the 6th July 1896 to James and Elizabeth Middlemas. He had four siblings, Jane (1882), Elizabeth (1886), Ethel (1887) and Elsie (1890).

The family came to Western Australia while Robert was still young and took up residence in Fremantle, residing at 179 Holland Street (now 104 Holland St).

Robert played cricket and football for junior teams in North Fremantle and Fremantle.

Robert completed his education in Fremantle and after leaving school he took up work as a clerk then went into accountancy.

His mother Elizabeth died in Fremantle on the 17th August 1913.

On the 26th January 1916 Robert enlisted into the Australian Imperial Force. He was passed as fit for service with the medical examiner recording his physical attributes as;

Height - 5 feet 8 inches tall;

Weight - 134lbs;

Chest Measurement - 32-25 inches;

Complexion - Fresh,

Eyes - Hazel;

Hair - Auburn.

Upon his successful enlistment Robert was sent to Blackboy Hill Camp where he had a week in the training depot being taken through the basics of infantry work.

Robert had applied to become a Signaller and so on the 7th March 1916 he was sent to Signal School. He picked up the skills quickly and on the 3rd April 1916 he was assigned to the 2nd Reinforcements to the 4th Division Signal Company. There were only eight men in his reinforcement group, but they embarked from Fremantle Harbour on the 17th April 1916 aboard the transport ship HMAT Aeneas. 

The reinforcement group was disembarked in Egypt and was sent to the 4th Division Signal Company Base Depot at Tel-el-Kebir Camp. He remained with the Base Depot Group and went to England with them and was sent to the Engineers Training Depot at Dunstable.

On the 3rd December 1916 Robert went to France and joined up with the 4th Australian Division Signal Company. He served with his unit in France and Belgium through 1917 and 1918. He rose in rank during this time from Lance Corporal, to Corporal, then Sergeant and finally Warrant Officer.

In 1918 he was recommended for the Meritorious Service Medal (MSM). The official recommendation reads;

For conspicuous good work and devotion to duty. From the 25th February 1918 to 20th September 1918, Corporal Middlemas did duty as Superintendent in the Divisional Signal office. During this period he showed great devotion to duty, and, it was greatly due to his untiring efforts that the routine of the Signal Office was carried on smoothly under most difficult circumstances.

From the 21st September 1918 to 31st December 1918, this N.C.O. has done duty as Orderly Room Corporal and has, by his energy and initiative remodelled the previous arrangements. During this period, Corporal Middlemas has worked from 14 to 16 hours daily uncomplainingly and has been greatly responsible for the smoothness in the administration of this unit.

The award was approved by Major general Sinclair Maclagan, Commanding Officer of the 4th Australian Division. Robert was awarded the Military Medal

In 1919 Robert left England on the 12th July 1919 aboard the transport ship City of Exeter and set sail for home, reaching Fremantle on the 16th August 1919.

Robert was discharged from the AIF on the 9th October 1919.

In 1920 in Fremantle Robert married Molley O'Brien on the 16th October at Wesley Church. They had a son John in 1921 and a daughter Mollie in 1923, followed by Peggie in 1925 and Neil in 1932.

In 1924 the family were living at 35 Loch Street Claremont and Robert was working as a commercial traveller.

On the 28th August 1940 Robert enlisted for service in World War Two. He was sent to Western Command Headquarters where he worked in Signals. He was given the rank of Captain. His service in World War Two was within WA.

Mollie Middlemas died in Claremont in 1944

Robert married Thelma Joyce Ivey in Perth in 1945 and then lived in Coolgardie.

Died in Kalgoorlie 1955 and was buried in the Goldfields.