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I'M seeking the identity of “Robert”, a World War I soldier, whose uniform depicts him to be with a Victorian Light Horse Regiment.
Robert was engaged to Alice Mary Harrison, 18 years old, in Newcastle England in July 1918, shortly before he was reassigned to his regiment on the Western Front, where he was sadly killed.
I am carrying out research on behalf of Alice’s grand-daughter in UK.
Following Alice’s death, keepsakes and photographs were discovered by her family.
Sadly, the only reference to the name in the photographs were those written on the back: “Robert. Killed in action Oct 2nd 1918”.
Alice’s family were always aware that she was engaged to an Aussie soldier in her teenage years.
Robert’s uniform indicates he served with a Victorian Light Horse Regiment (states were depicted by the feathers in their hat).
Extensive research has revealed “Robert” could possibly be William Robert Bell, of Maryborough, Victoria, a private in the 4th Light Horse Regiment, 7th Reinforcement, killed in Chaumuzy, near Bligny, on the banks of the River Ardre, during the Battle of the Marne.
Bell was a farm hand who enlisted in January 1915 and embarked from Melbourne in August 1915 aboard RMS Persia for Gallipoli.
He has no known grave. He was buried where he fell and his grave was marked with a cross.
Bell's name is included in the commemoration at Villers-Bretonneau.
If you can shed any light on the face in the photograph, please contact Rosie at rofolk@bigpond.com
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