LAIDLAW, Robert John (1871-1956)Robert John Laidlaw was born near Naracoorte, South Australia on 24 July 1871, the son of Robert Laidlaw and Susan nee Brown. He was
enrolled at Geelong College in 1887. His address at entry was Herne Hill, Geelong.
He worked in the pastoral industry before enlisting (No 14661) during World War I as a Gunner in the AIF on 18 December 1915, aged 44, and embarking with the 2nd Reinforcement Group on
HMAT A17 Port Lincoln on 4 May 1916. Laidlaw served in Egypt and France in 111th Howitzer Battery, 11 Field Artillery Brigade, for over two years before he was wounded in the head by a piece of shrapnel at Zillebeke on 11 October 1917. He suffered shell concussion, and was a little deaf as a result, being admitted to 8th Red Cross Hospital at Le Treport, and evacuated to England on 19 October 1917. Robert Laidlaw returned to Australia on
HMT Marathon, embarking on 15 April 1918.
His nephew,
Charles Tytler Sutherland (1890-1915), 8 Light Horse, was killed at Walker’s Ridge, Gallipoli, on 7 August 1915, he has no known grave but his name is commemorated on the Lone Pine Memorial, Gallipoli.
His brother, Walter Thomas Laidlaw (1875-1944), was also educated at Geelong College.
Sources: 'Geelong Collegians at the Great War' compiled by J. Affleck. p 232 (citing Pegasus; National Archives).