721 Private Robert Percival Witham – Tongio West/Omeo Killed in Action 25 April 1915

….. only seven of the 47 got back

Brothers James, Robert and George Witham all enlisted and served in WW1 with James being awarded a Military Medal and while James and George came home, Robert did not. The sons of John and Mary Witham they were all born at Omeo and attended Tongio West State School. Robert was 21 years old and a blacksmith by trade when he was the first of the boys to enlist on 15 August 1914. Along with Clement Lane from Omeo he joined the 6 th   Battalion and they both sailed to Egypt on the Hororata in October 1915. On 25 April he was reported missing and evidence was given at a Court of Enquiry in April 1916 where his tent mate stated that they were together in the landing, … at about 4pm … 47 men got cut off from the 6 th  Battalion. [the witness and Witham were among the 47] … only 7 of the 47 got back to the Australian lines [the witness being one of them]. The remainder must have been shot down. It is conceivable that he was taken prisoner but, judging from what happened at the time and from statements he has heard since, witness is quite sure he was killed. Robert Witham was declared killed in action at the landing and like many others has no known grave. He is remembered on several memorials in the Tambo Valley and Omeo as well as the Lone Pine memorial at Gallipoli. We have been unable to locate a photograph of Private Robert Witham, if you know of one, please make contact. Our group would appreciate your assistance.