Robb, John (Jack) (Stoker, b.1895 - d.1958)

Collection relating to the First World War service of 3541 Stoker John "Jack" Robb, Royal Australian Navy [RAN]. Stoker Robb was born in Ultimo, Sydney in December 1895 and joined the Navy on 31 December 1913 as a Stoker, 2nd Class. He joined the crew of "HMAS Sydney I" in February 1914 and was promoted to Stoker in October. While serving in "HMAS Sydney" Robb took part in the capture of German New Guinea in September 1914 and in the successful engagement with the German raider "SMS Emden" off the Cocos Islands in November 1914. In January 1918 he joined the crew of "HMAS Encounter" and, at his request, was discharged from the RAN on 9 June 1919 with the rank of Acting Leading Stoker.

Collection consists of: Six letters and cards sent to Stoker Robb from friends and family members, including a 1918 birthday card hand-painted with violets from Daisy, a birthday card from his uncle, a New Year card from M Mellew, a letter from his brother Bill from Allansford (March 1914 - photocopy only) with family news, a letter from his cousin Crissie James from Appin (June 1919) with family news / local football / fundraising for the Anzac Memorial Fund. Also included: a telegram (May 1914) from Mrs Robb to J Robb; two identity cards for Stoker Robb at "HMAS Cerberus"; a photographic portrait of Stoker Robb (on right) and Stoker J Butler dated 1915, sent to Ethel (probably his sister, a nurse); a map, hand-drawn in coloured inks on "HMAS Sydney" letterhead, showing the courses of "HMAS Sydney" and "SMS Emden" during the action on 9 November 1914.