Robert GILCHRIST
Per his military service record (Depot), Robert Gilchrist was born at Millthorpe, N.S.W.[1] He gave his age as 40 years, his marital status as single, and his occupation as labourer. His description on his Certificate of medical examination was height 5 feet 9 ½ inches tall, weight 10 stone 8 lbs, with a fair complexion, blue eyes, and brown hair. His religious denomination was Roman Catholic. He claimed to have 4 weeks previous military experience at Holsworthy Camp, and that he had left through sickness.
His next of kin on his Attestation paper was his mother, Mrs Mary Gilchrist, McLaughlan Street, Orange N.S.W. (His younger brother Arthur Gilchrist joined the Coo-ees at Orange on 24th October 1915).
The Molong Argus reported that Robert Gilchrist stepped forward to join the Coo-ees at an open air recruiting meeting held at Euchareena on 20th October 1915.[2]
He completed his medical examination at Molong on 22nd October 1915, and was attested by Captain Nicholas at ‘Molong (8 miles east)’, along with several other Coo-ees, on 22nd October 1915.
On 31st October 1915 when the Coo-ees were having a rest day at Wallerawang, Private Gilchrist was charged by Captain Eade with drunkenness. He was fined 30 shillings.
After completing the march he went to Liverpool Camp as reinforcement for the 13th Battalion.
On 19th November 1915 Private Gilchrist was charged with attempting to break guard. He was reprimanded.
On 7th December 1915 Private Gilchrist was charged with being absent without leave from Liverpool Camp from 3rd to 7th December 1915. He was recommended to be discharged.
Private Gilchrist was discharged on 10th December 1915 unlikely to become an efficient soldier.
[1] NAA: B2455, GILCHRIST R
[2] ‘The “Coo-ees” at Euchareena’, Molong Argus, 29 October 1915, p. 1. Retrieved August 7, 2017, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article105660892
1915 Coo-ee March 