Doing our bit, Mosman 1914-1918 -- Robert Francis Marlan

confirmed

Born: 19 June 1896

Died: 9 September 1957

A graduate of the Royal Military College, Duntroon and permanent member of the Australian Military Force (AMF) who was appointed to the AIF on 6 September 1916. He embarked for England on 7 October and arrived 21 November 1916.

He joined the 20th Battalion on 30 December at Delville Wood immediately to the east of Longueval, France. He was wounded (left leg and chest) in action on 4 January 1917 at Gueudecourt, France. Following initial treatment in France, he was evacuated to England for further treatment and convalescence.

He rejoined the 20th Battalion on 19 August. He was recommended by his Battalion commander to receive the Military Medal, the citation was as follows:

"After the attack at Hanebeke Wood on 20.9.17 had been launched and the Coy (sic) Commander had become a casualty, he took charge of the Company and showed himself to be a cool and fearless leader. While the work of consolidation was going on the enemy put over an intense barrage. This officer, showing a personal disregard of danger, moved up and down the Company front, instructing and cheering up his men, and his cheerful manner with his courage and determination set a great example to all those under him."

Although the recommendation was supported by his Brigade Commander, the Commander of his Division preferred to award a Mention in Despatches.

He was wounded (right leg) in action a second time on 9 October 1917 at Ypres and again evacuated to England for treatment and convalescence. He rejoined the Battalion on 23 December 1917.

He embarked for Australia on 4 July 1919 and arrived on 20 August then his appointment in AIF was terminated on 7 November 1919. He then resumed duties in the AMF.

In World War 2 he commanded the 2/15th Battalion and was taken prisoner of war in Libya in April 1941. He was held for nearly four years until freed by US troops in Germany on 3 April 1945. He retired from the Army in 1951. [JSB]