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Dodds, Robert William (114)

Place of Birth: Port Melbourne, VIC

Age: 21 years 2 Months

Enlistment Details: Wednesday, 17 February 1915 – Melbourne, VIC

Service Number: 114            view online service record

Address:
Francis Street
Bairnsdale, VIC

Next of Kin:
Robert Dodds (father)
Francis Street
Bairnsdale, VIC

Embarkation Details:
Date: Monday, 10 May 1915
Ship: HMAT Euripides A14
Port: Melbourne, VIC
Unit: 23rd Infantry Battalion

Fate:
DOW: Saturday, 5 August 1916
Place: France


Robert William Dodds. AWM DA08848.

Private, 23 Infantry, died of wounds, 5 August, 1916, France, aged 23.

Parents: Robert and Esther DODDS, Brother: 2344, James DODDS, killed in action 18 August 1916. Born Port Melbourne, educated SS. Enlisted as a 21 year old grocer with father in Bairnsdale as next of kin, but his parents were at 87 Gladstone Street, South Melbourne when the circular was returned, although Bairnsdale was nominated as his late son’s place of association. Dodds was recommended for a Military Medal, but not awarded. Half-brother, 1247, John William EAVES, MM, and recommended DCM.

Additional research by Brian Membrey

2 Comments

  • Ross Fitzpatrick
    Posted August 27, 2021 11.22 am 0Likes

    Robert Dodds was Esther’s second husband. First husband, Thomas John Eaves died 1892 and Esther remarried 1893. After Robert William was born in Port Melbourne, the family moved to Talbotville in East Gippsland – gold. James, Thomas, Marion (died young) and Gilbert born Talbotville. Robert and Esther primarily lived in Bairnsdale (although moved about region a bit) prior to moving to South Melbourne. John William Eaves was born 1888 in Ballarat to first husband, and when Esther remarried, he remained with relatives in Talbot area with sister and brother. John William and Robert were half-brothers, not step-brothers. Robert William’s brother’s James (KIA) and Thomas went to WW1 (Thomas was underage and enlisted in Melbourne as Thomas Eaves). Thomas came home. Youngest brother Gilbert went to WW2 and killed in Action in first battle.

    • David Thompson
      Posted August 27, 2021 12.24 pm 0Likes

      Ross, thank you for filling in the story of Robert and Esther Dodds and for correcting the record that John William and Robert were half-brothers. I have amended the original text.

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