Bob Semple as WW2 veteran, 2/12 Field Regiment, interviewed by Claire Hunter

Bob Semple enlisted with the Army in 1940 and went on to serve in the Middle East. At time of interview he is one of last 'Rats of Tobruk', and was invited by the Memorial to give an oration at the National Service on Anzac Day, 2018.

The eldest of four children, Semple was born on 4 May 1920 in Essendon, the suburb in which he has lived his entire life. At age 16, he joined the cadet corps of the Victorian Scottish Regiment, where he had to buy his own kilt; at age 18, he transferred to the 5th Battalion Scottish Regiment where he played the bagpipes. He was working in the clothing industry for a company in Flinders Lane, Melbourne, when he was motivated by patriotism to enlist. With the 2/12th Australian Field Regiment (9th Division) he arrived in Palestine in November, 1940, and was sent to reinforce Tobruk in May, 1941. In 1943, he was sent to New Guinea and describes the different style of warfare there as opposed to in the desert. After his return to Australia on leave, he married his girlfriend at a local church, and joined the Hawthorn City Pipe band (for whom he is currently Drum Major).