Robert McGregor

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Robert McGregor was 22 years and 5 months old in 1902 when he left the family farm at Lindenow to sign up for the 6th Battalion of the Australian Commonwealth Horse for Service in South Africa.

Australia had become a Federation a year earlier and the Prime Minister, Edmund Barton had committed to providing troops to the continuing conflict in South Africa following a request by the British Government.

East Gippsland was in the middle of a drought at the time and the Government encouraged young men who were experienced in riding and shooting and who worked with their hands. At a time where unemployment was high, the war provided an opportunity for many young men to apply for active service.

But for many, the Boer War was nothing like they expected.

Robert officially joined on April 26, 1902. The 6th Battalion was part of the third and final contingent to depart Australia and, by the time the ships carrying the 2,000 soldiers arrived in South Africa, the war had ended with the soldiers never seeing battle.

Australians began boarding ships to return between July and August. The final ship was the SS Drayton Grange (pictured) and, unfortunately, this would be the ship that Robert was assigned to return home on. This ship would also become the focus of the first Royal Commission held in the newest Commonwealth nation. 

The ship was over crowded, illness was rife and hygiene was poor. Bedding was infested with vermin and because of the poor weather and rolling seas, soldiers were often forced to stand in human waste and rotting food.

By the time the SS Drayton Grange reached Melbourne on August 7, five soldiers had died from illnesses including influenza, mumps and measles. Another 12 died in following weeks.

Robert McGregor died on August 4 1902, somewhere between Albany, WA and Melbourne and was presumably buried at sea.

He is remembered on a monument unveiled in Bairnsdale in June 1903 which recognises the contribution of Gippsland soldiers to the Boer War.

Robert McGregor, 13th son of Mary and Charles McGregor. Lest We Forget.



 Robert McGregor
Born:  December, 1880
Died:   August 4, 1902

Relationship to Peter Appleyard:  Robert was the nephew of Catherine Kennedy, daughter in law of Peter

 Image: The SS Drayton Grange

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