Robert Thomas Toop Story

Bombardier Robert Thomas Toop - Regimental number 6784

Born in the year Newport, Shropshire, England. Robert was a farmer of 21 years and 9 months old when he enlisted on the 23rd September 1915. His next of kin was his father, T H Toop of Marsh Farm, Newport, Shropshire, England. Robert's religion was Church of England and his place of residence at the time of enlistment was noted as Maribyrnong Barracks, Maribyrnong, Victoria.

He was assigned to the 4th Field Artillery Brigade, Battery 12
The 4th Field Artillery Brigade was raised on 23 September 1915, following the formation of the First Australian Imperial Force (AIF) and the raising of the 2nd Division in Egypt in 1915. It comprised of recruits from the pre-war militia's 7th Field Artillery Brigade, based at St Kilda, Vic., and the 8th Field Artillery Brigade. The brigade went into camp at Albert Park, Melbourne, where it did its initial training. It consisted of three artillery batteries: 10, 11, and 12 Batteries. In November the brigade embarked for overseas service and sail to Egypt, where it joined the 2nd Division and the older AIF units following the Gallipoli campaign.



Robert embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board the HMAT Wiltshire A18 on 18 November 1915.
HMAT Wiltshire A18
Embarkment Roll





In March 1916 the 4th Field Artillery Brigade embarked at Alexandria for France, as the AIF moved to the Western Front.  However, Robert Toop was accidentally killed on the 4th February 1916 in Egypt by being buried in a trench at night. His place of  burial is Tell El Kebir War Memorial Cemetery (Grave No. 21), Egypt.



 
Robert Toops original head stone




Robert Toop's name can be found on panel 13 in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial (as indicated by the poppy on the plan).
Robert Thomas Toop was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.

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