Another Coast Watcher

Passes On

Death of R. A. (“Robbie”) Robinson

THE death, on October 4, at a private hospital in Randwick, Sydney, of Squadron Leader Ronald Albert Robinson. MBE., MID., marks the passing of yet another of that gallant band of New Guinea men who performed such heroic work during the Pacific War, and were known far and wide as the Allied Intelligence Bureau.

“Robbie’s” record was outstanding amongst a unit of outstanding men. Al though in his middle forties when the Japanese invasion came to New Guinea, he proved his worth from the very start when, in company with Harold Koch, he escaped from New Britain and eventually arrived in Townsville by way of Salamaua, touching at the latter place just prior to its capitulation. He was one of the first members of the AIB, which was formed in June, 1942. His rank*at that time was that of Flying-Officer in the RAAF, and he was the first member to be despatched for field work in the BSD Referring to “Robbie’s” departure for the BSI, Eric Feldt writes in his fine record, “The Coast Watchers”:— First to go was R. A. (“Robbie”) Robinson. “Robbie” really wanted to go in the “Paluma,” but his knowledge of the Solomons was needed there.

Like a good officer, he went uncom plainingly, to make a firm friendship with Mackenzie when he arrived. Next was Alan Campbell, manager of Burns, Philp’s plantation interests in the Solomons, a holder of the Mlilttary Cross from the last war—far too old according to the books, but commis

sioned as a Lieutenant, RANVR, none the-less.

Sadly enough, the three men mentioned in that paragraph, who experienced such death-defying ordeals during the war, have now all passed on.

From November, 1942, to June, 1943, Robbie carried out exemplary work at Lunga (BSD and from then until Oct ober, 1943, he was at Rendova and Munda.

In November, 1943, he went to Torokina, and in September, 1944, to Nadzab. At all times he was engaged in the most dangerous of tasks, that of supplying in formation concerning enemy movements.

But “Robbie’s” natural modesty gave never an indication of the valuable work he had performed under the most dan gerous circumstances. He was like that in everything. He was known throughout the Territory as a man with a remarkable personality; unselfish, generous to the nth degree in thought as well as in act, and a most popular leader of men.

HE was born in NSW in 1897, and spent his early years as a jackeroo on a station in the Tamworth district.

At the age of 18 he enlisted in the First AIF and saw service overseas, and on his return was engaged in pastoral occu pations. He joined the Solomon Islands Development Co. in March, 1926, and was first stationed on the Berande estate (BSD. He was appointed manager at Harapa, in the Shortland Island group: and in 1932 he was promoted to District Plantation Manager of the CPI. at Sora ken (Bougainville). In 1934, he became District Plantation Inspector of the Mandated Territory for Messrs. Burns, Philp & Co., a position he occupied at the time of the Japanese invasion.

After the war, he returned to New Guinea, and was for a time on loan to the Production Control Board. Then he retired from the Islands, owing to ill health. The strenuous work of the war years had left its mark, despite the stout spirit which battled against war’s legacy.

He was living happily at Randwick with his wife when he was admitted to a private hospital in that suburb, and there ne passed peacefully away.—G.T.