Robert Edmund FAIRBROTHER

Regimental number6/451
AddressTimaru
Marital statusSingle
Next of kinFather, E Fairbrother, Timaru
Rank on embarkationPrivate
Enlistment statusVolunteer
Unit nameNew Zealand Expeditionary Force, Main Body, Canterbury Infantry Battalion
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Wellington on 16 October 1914
The Canterbury Infantry Battalion, Main Body, left New Zealand on board two ships, 'Tahiti' and 'Athenic'. It is not possible from the Nominal Roll to determine on which ship an individual embarked.
Final rankSergeant
Final unit2nd Battalion, Canterbury Infantry Regiment
FateKilled in Action 16 August 1917
Place of burialNo known grave
Commemoration detailsMessines Ridge (New Zealand) Memorial, Belgium
Miscellaneous information from
  cemetery records
Parents: Mr & Mrs Edmund Fairbrother of York Street, Timaru
Medals

Military Medal

'Operations: For the taking of the Grid Support Trench, north west of Flers, 1st October 1916. After the 2nd Canterbury Battalion had gained their objective in the Grid Support Trench and were consolidating their position, Private Fairbrother stood on the parapet of the trench giving his shoulder as a rest for a Lewis Gun. The gunner was subsequently killed. He did this for a considerable time, heedless of danger while a bomb stop was being constructed. Owing to the boldness of these two men a field of fire could be obtained and a large number of the enemy killed than would have been the case had they merely stood in the trench itself.'
Source: 'London Gazette'
Date: 9 December 1916

Other details

War service: Egypt, Gallipoli, Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Miscellaneous detailsNominal Roll Vol. 1: Canterbury Infantry Batln/Main Body

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