Lot 3932

Description

Anzac Commemorative Medallion 1915, issued 1967, in bronze (50x75mm) (C.1915/3), engraved R.O.Russen. Extremely fine.

The Anzac Medallion was claimed by Robert Russen's brother, Charles Gordon Russen, as Robert Russen died in 1952, see newspaper report below.
Robert Oakley Russen, soldier, age 37, born at Mathinna, Tas; Enl.04Dec1914 at Claremont, Tas for service abroad with previous service of 11 years 6 months in Aust Arty and 2 years 8 months in Aust Army Service Corps (still serving); to Sgt 04Dec1914; Emb.22Dec1914; to MEF on Gallipoli 21May1915; various hospitalisations; RTA 09Feb1916; Disch.21Jun1916 Medically Unfit
The following report was published in the Examiner, Launceston on Wednesday 27 August 1952, page 4.
Mr. Robert 0. Russen
The death occurred suddenly at Launceston of Mr. Robert Oakley Russen, 17 Adelaide St., Launceston. Mr. Russen, who was the eldest son of the late Mr. and Mrs. C. Mary Russen, was born at Blackboy (Tas.), now known as Mathinna. He was a member of the old Launceston Volunteer Artillery and the Australian Permanent Remounts. During the 1914 war, he was sergeant baker with the 1st A.I.F. He was a lover of animals and children and in latter years he was keenly interested in local government affairs, and was a member of the St. Leonards and Beaconsfield councils. He was also president of the Launceston Kennel Club and a member of the R.S.L.
The funeral took place at the Carr Villa Crematorium Chapel and was largely attended. The Rev. W. Manzoney, Margaret St. Methodist Church, conducted the services at the home and crematorium and Mr. C. J. R. Smith read the R.S.L. service. Mr. T. G. Johnston represented the St. Leonards Council. Chief mourners were Mrs. B. Jackson (sister), Messrs. Charles and Harold Russen (brothers). Mrs. Rene Russen (sister-in-law), Messrs. Allan Lane and B. Jackson (brothers-in-law), Syd Napper, W. Tilley and H. Billett (nephews), and Mrs. Green and Mrs. Wesley (nieces). Pall-bearers were Messrs. Boxhall (Tas. Kennel Club), F. Charlton (P.O. Mail Room), M. A. Dunkin (R.S.L.). C. Gurr (Launceston Tramways), C. J. Edwards (City Band and City Football Club), A. Sluce and E. Ikin (L.B.C.), and R. J. Bain. Funeral arrangements were carried out by C. T. Finney & Sons.