22nd Battalion, Australian Infantry (Australian Army)
Died:
14/04/1918 (Killed in Action)
Age:
38
Summary
Robert Oliver Yule was the third son of William and Elizabeth Yule. His mother was Elizabeth Walsh of Annagarvey, Augher. He was born about 1880 in Richmond, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Robert enlisted on 3rd July 1915. He gave his occupation as ‘missioner’. Private Robert Yule was serving with the 22nd Battalion of the Australian Infantry when he died on 14th April 1918. He had, with another orderly, Gunner Tyson, just stepped out of a train at Amiens. A shell burst at their feet. Bob Yule and his friend were killed instantaneously.
Further Information
It seems certain that Robert Yule never lived in the Dungannon area. His only link is that his mother was from Augher.
Robert Oliver Yule was the third son of William and Elizabeth Yule. His mother was Elizabeth Walsh of Annagarvey, Augher.
Robert Yule was born about 1880 in Richmond, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Known family: William Yule, Elizabeth Yule, William Yule, Robert Oliver Yule (born about 1880), John Jack Yule, Thomas Yule. James Yule, Francis Yule, May Yule, Elsie Yule.
Robert Yule was, with his other brothers, born in Richmond, and all were pupils of Central State School, where they scored notable scholastic successes. Two huge bookcases packed with first prizes dating practically from the infant classes to the highest grades, are cherished trophies in their parents' house.
Robert, at the time of enlisting, was the home missionary at Traralgon, and was studying with a view to entering the ministry.
1915
Robert Yule enlisted on 3rd July 1915 at Broadwater. He gave his occupation as ‘missioner’.
Private Robert Yule departed Melbourne on RMS Osterley with the 5th Reinforcements to the 22nd Battalion on 29th September 1915. They disembarked at Alexandria, Egypt on 25th October 1915.
1916
On 19th March 1916 the battalion proceeded to join the British Expeditionary Force from Alexandria. A week later they disembarked at Marseille in southern France. His battalion, with the 23rd and 24th, were the first to enter the trenches in France,
On 13th October 1916 Private Yule was admitted to hospital. Shell shock had rendered him totally deaf.
He was kept in hospital for two and a half months. The hospital was short-handed and Bob Yule volunteered for and was accepted as an orderly.
The doctors ordered him to England, but a vacancy occurred in the Y.M.C.A. ranks, and Bob Yule got his transfer to it.
In December 1916 he recovered and on 25th December 1916 he re-joined his battalion.
1917
On 26th September 1917 he was granted two weeks leave.
1918
Private Robert Yule was officially listed as serving with the 22nd Battalion of the Australian Infantry when he died on 14th April 1918. He had, with another orderly, Gunner Tyson, just stepped out of a train at Amiens. A shell burst at their feet. Bob Yule and his friend were killed instantaneously.
An extract from a letter received from his brother, Captain Jack Yule, this mail, serves to illustrate the quiet and heroic nature of the dead soldier:
"Tired, dusty and hot, men of the 6th Brigade were marching up preparatory to going into the trenches. Bob was superintending the issue of freshly made tea, which made the dry ration more palatable to the men's parched throats. Attending to the hungry at the canteen counter, and, later, unpacking the marquee which was to minister to their recreation, not bustling, but too busy to talk to me except between jobs. Not even the prospect of a yarn with me, his seldom-seen brother, could lure him from it till the boys were served. I can see him now as I write-the sun shining on that hut in that tiny village already fraught with bitter memories for many of the brave boys who went out there on the highest service for King and Country and never came that way again. Now, Bob, too, has joined the ranks unable to serve right through. I believe that he served even better by his quiet helpfulness to all who came his way."
It was on April 15 that Captain Yule again had an opportunity to ride over to where his brother was stationed. He was informed that Mr Faulkiner, the Y.M.C.A. secretary, was absent, and Captain Yule waited. In a few minutes Mr Faulkiner returned. He told Captain Yule that he had just then come from burying Bob. Mr. Faulkiner, in expressing his sympathy, said he would mourn the loss of Private Yule as a brother. "He was a tower of help," he added.
Capt Chaplain Lamble wishes to add here a personal tribute to this Richmond hero who has gone to higher service. "I can confidently say that Private Bob Yule was easily the best known and best liked man in the brigade."
At the time of his death, the family were living at 31 Gipps Street, Richmond.
Last Will and Testament
Memorials
Private Robert Oliver Yule is buried in St Pierre Cemetery in Amiens in France.
The CWGC record Private Robert Oliver Yule as the son of William and Elizabeth Yule. He is listed as a native of Richmond, Victoria, Australia. The CWGC record that his mother was Elizabeth Walsh of Annagarvey, Augher.
2015
From the Tyrone Courier dated 4th November 2015: Clogher Valley Cllr Mulligan remembers uncle killed in war
Private Welsh was one of four cousins who made the supreme sacrifice during the First World War. The other three were: Corporal James Sleator, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, killed 1st December 1915. Private Robert Oliver Yule, 22nd Battalion Australian Infantry, killed 14th April 1914. Rifleman James McKeown, 4th Battalion, 3rd New Zealand Rifle Brigade, killed 6th August 1918.
