Broxton, CPL Robert Wallace
Corporal Robert Wallace Broxton (1882-1929), grocer, motorcyclist, shooter and soldier, was born in Leominster England. It is unknown when he moved to Australia but by 1913 he was living in Yarloop. He had married Jessie Broxton and in 1914, they had their first daughter, Roberta whilst living in Shenton Park. Robert and Jessie went on to have two other daughters, Wilma and Christie.
The family moved to Palmyra and Robert started his own business partnership, starting Conduit and Broxton Bakers, which was based in South Perth. He was also an active member of the Rifle Club community in Perth, Carnarvon and Yarloop.
On the 1 year anniversary of the landing at ANZAC Cove, Robert Broxton enlisted into the Australian Imperial Force at the age of 34 and was posted to the 3rd Reinforcements, 44th Battalion. He embarked for overseas service in October 1916 and arrived on the Western Front in January 1917.
For the next 19 months, Private Broxton served continuosly in the trenches. He was promoted to Lance Corporal in March 1918 and to full Corporal in August. On the 26th of August 1918, whilst pursuing the enemy after the Battle of Albert, Corporal Broxton was wounded in a gas attack and had to be withdrawn from the front lines. By the time he recovered, the war was over.
During the war, Corporal Broxton had fought in 12 battles and spent 577 days in the trenches. He was awarded the British War Medal, Victory Medal, Wound Stripe, 2 Good Conduct Stripes and 2 Long Service Stripes.
Corporal Broxton was recognised for his clerical skills and continued to work in the post-war army until 1920 as a clerk. At the same time, he acted as a councillor and clerk for the newly formed East Fremantle RSL before returning to work on his bakery. He eventually moved to East Perth after his bakery closed down in 1924, but he remained a prominent figure in the community south of the river.
Robert remained ever active in the Rifle Club community, being the captain of the South Perth Rifle Club from 1927-1929. Robert was also an active motorcylist. Unfortunately, he was injured in a number of crashes during the 1920s and one of these proved to be fatal.
“Robert Broxton was riding a BSA motorcycle eastwards over the causeway and was following close behind a motor car. This car is said to have stopped or slowed down, causing Broxton to swerve to his right to avoid it. In doing so he collided with a motor bus travelling in the opposite direction.” Robert Broxton died aged 47 and was survived by his wife and 3 daughters.
Charged with recklessly driving a motorcycle in August 1926. Fined in September 1928 for driving at night without lights. Got into a minor driving accident in October 1928.
“Robert Broxton of Gladstone Street, East Perth, was riding a motorcycle eastward across the causeway when the engine stopped. As he was pushing the machine to the side of the road, a tramcar struck it from behind, and Broxton was thrown to the roadway. He was removed to the Perth Hospital and detained for treatment for fractured ribs and injuries to his back. There was a continuous stream of traffic on the road, and it was raining at the time of the accident.”
Collided with a charabane in May 1929 and suffered lacerations and shock. He died in hospital.
Active member of local Rifle Clubs around WA. Including Yarloop (1913), Perth (1914), Carnarvon (1915), Perth (1921-1922), South Perth (1927-1929). Was a council member of the East Fremantle RSL (1919-1920). Secretary and then Captain of the South Perth Rifle Club from 1927-1929.
