ANZAC DAY 2025_Robert William Edward ROMERIL

 Robert William Edward Romeril: A Soldier’s Journey Through World War I

Let’s take a journey back in time and follow the footsteps of Robert William Edward Romeril (Bert), an everyday Aussie who found himself caught up in one of the most defining events of the 20th century. His story—like so many others—blends grit, heart, and a fair bit of that classic Australian resilience.

Getting Started: A Life in Uniform Begins

Bert kicked off his military career on 26 January 1911, joining the Permanent Royal Australian Field Artillery (RAFA) in Melbourne. Clearly a standout from the start, he climbed the ranks and by 1 August 1913, he was promoted to Bombardier—a sign of things to come.

Answering the Call to War

When World War I broke out, Bert didn’t hesitate. On 18 August 1914, he enlisted with the 1st Battery, Australian Field Artillery (AIF), taking on Regimental Number 51. He trained at Maribyrnong Barracks, preparing for a world far removed from his life in Footscray. He stood 5 feet 6½ inches tall, with blue eyes, light brown hair, and a calm, steady presence. Everything was about to change.

Robert William Edward Romeril in abt 1944

Off to the Front

Bert boarded the A8 Argyllshire in Sydney on 18 October 1914. From there, it was a long journey: Albany, Colombo, Aden, and through the Suez Canal, finally arriving in Egypt by early December. There, at Mena Camp, the soldiers trained in the shadow of the pyramids—an experience many would never forget.

Soldiers at Mena Training Camp, Egypt - Australian War Memorial

Gallipoli: Into the Fire

Come April 1915, Bert was headed to Lemnos, Greece, a launchpad for the Gallipoli campaign. On 4 May, he and his battery landed at Cape Helles. The very next day, during the chaos of landing operations, Bert was injured in the knee—a painful reminder of how quickly things could go wrong.

After four days in a tent hospital, he was back with his mates, digging in and holding ground. Gallipoli was brutal—heat, flies, constant shellfire. By December 1915, Bert was part of the final evacuation. He'd survived one of the most infamous campaigns in Australia’s military history.

To the Western Front

Back in Egypt, Robert was promoted to Corporal in March 1916, and not long after, his unit shipped out to France, arriving in Marseille by the end of that month. The mud, the cold, the endless artillery barrages—it was a new kind of hell.

Still, Bert pushed through. On 28 August 1916, he was promoted again, this time to Sergeant. But the war was taking its toll. By December, he was in hospital again, and later in January 1918, he was sent to Heytesbury, England for treatment for an ear problem.

Home Again

After four long years, Robert finally made it home to Melbourne on 4 December 1918. He had served with courage and perseverance across continents and conflict zones.

A New Chapter

Just a couple of months later, on 15 February 1919, Robert married Josephine Annie Brudus (Annie)  in Fitzroy, Victoria. He transitioned back into civilian life, working first as a driver in the Army, then for a private employer. On 16 March 1919, his official military service ended.

What He Left Behind

Robert’s story is one of many—but it stands out all the same. He faced war with grit, took each hardship in stride, and came home to build a life. He’s part of that proud tradition of Aussie soldiers who didn’t seek the spotlight but earned our respect through quiet service and unwavering strength.

His journey—through Gallipoli, France, Egypt, and England—gives us a glimpse of the man behind the uniform. A reminder that history isn’t just dates and battles—it’s people, like Bert, who lived it.

                    Lest we forget.