Student Research Project: Robert Mactier
ACTS of incredible gallantry and conspicuous bravery made VC-recipient Robert Mactier a hero in the eyes of many.
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THE story of Robert Mactier.
Private Robert (Bob) Mactier VC enlisted in the Australian Imperial Forces on 12th April 1917 in Seymour, Victoria at the age of 26 and 9 months. He was allocated to the 23rd Battalion’s 19th Reinforcements.
This infantry unit consisted solely of “Aussie blokes” and was assigned to the Western Front to help reinforce the campaign. Robert and his comrades left Port Melbourne on 11th May 1917 aboard the HMAS A11 Ascanius.
The Ascanius was one of a number of ships leased by the Commonwealth for the purpose of military transport. Docking in France in November 1917, the men immediately joined the rest of their Battalion.
Mactier was granted the rank of Private; the basic Australian Military rank. He played an important role in every battle for not only his Battalion, but his country.
However, none was so important than the night of 31st of August 1918. When Private Robert (Bob) Mactier VC killed 15 and captured 30, leading the way for a triumphant advance.
Mactier’s Brigade was sent to help take over the German strong held town of Mont St Quentin, an area of significance and an important position for the Western Front Campaign.
The battle of Mont St Quentin was at a stalemate and so Robert was sent as a runner to investigate and explore the various strongholds held by the Germans.
He could see the uselessness of an allied advance against the fierce and horrifying German machine guns, and this brave and daring “Aussie bloke” took it upon himself to eliminate the pelting pellets of the German gunners.
Solely charging a German post killing the 8 occupants then continuing to the next enemy position where the “Jerries” surrendered to his terrifying demeanour.
These captives were sent back to Australian lines and Mactier continued on to take out his third and final post. He was subsequently shot dead by enemy fire.
These acts of incredible gallantry and conspicuous bravery made Mactier a hero in the eyes of many. And earned him the prestigiously celebrated Victoria Cross, Australia’s highest military honour, for an “Aussie bloke” who contributed so much.
Robert and I share the same hometown of Tatura, a vibrant, small, country community. As he is the only Victoria Cross recipient for the region, a public park in Tatura bears the name ‘The Robert Mactier VC Memorial Garden’ and is the town’s venue for the annual commemorative ANZAC DAY service.