Robert Rankine

Robert Rankine was born at Chatham, Kent, England in 1868, the son of William Henry Rankine. Robert Rankine was educated at Sir Joseph Williamson's school, Rochester, Kent. He served in the 1st volunteer Battalion of hampshire Regiment. Robert Rankine arrived in Australia in 1900. He was Lieutenant of the 2nd battalion Infantry, Melbourne in 1901, Captain of the 6th A.I.R and the Victorian Scottish Regiment in 1908. Rankine was a Major in the 52nd Infantry in 1912 and militia adjutant n 1905-8 for the area of Elsternwick. During World War One he was a major with the 14th Battalion where he was involved with the Egyptian and Gallipoli campaigns, He took part in operations at Ismalia landing at ANZAC on 25 April 1915. He was decorate with the D.S.O. by King George V (personally) for "gallantly leading an assault resulting in the capture of a most important post on the night of 26-27 April 1915 during operations near Gaba Tepe and subsequently holding that position against repeated attacks for five days without relief. he was also mentioned in despatched by General Sir Ian Hamilton. Rankine was later invalided to England and subsequently returned to Australia where he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and Appointed Commanding Officer of the 39th Ballarat Battalion, 10th Brigade AIF for further service abroad in 1916.