Historical information

Robert Oswald HENDERSON had previous service in the Militia dating from 1899 with the 67th Battalion. He enlisted in the AIF with the rank of Major as 2IC in the 38th Bn on 1.5.1916 at the age of 41 years. Embarked for England 20.6.1916, embark for France 22.11.1916, promoted to Lt Col to command the 39th Bn 15.2.1917, hospital 17.9.1917 with Defective vision, appears to a have rejoined his unit same day, WIA 29.3.1918 GSW to left thumb, rejoin unit 13.6.1918, KIA 29.9.1918 near Bony on the Hindenburg Line. Buried by the Rev W.A.Moore on 1.10.1918. He was awarded the DSO 18.1.1918 and Mentioned in Despatches 25.5.1918.
The Beehive Store was a major Department Store in Pall Mall Bendigo.

Physical description

Photo of the Australian War Grave in France of Lt Col. R O HENDERSON DSO 39Bn. KIA. Headstone reads "Placed here in Loving Memory by/ BEEHIVE STAFF Bendigo".
Message written on back of photo states he was buried at St Emilie, a town about 6 miles N E of Perrone.

Inscriptions & markings

On back of Frame "Photo Mrs J H Henderson"