Thursday, 9 February 2023

Robert Stokes

Ros SPENCE (Kalkallo – Minister for Prevention of Family Violence, Minister for Community Sport, Minister for Suburban Development) (09:47): I rise to pay tribute to Robert Stokes, who passed away on 13 January, aged 98. Every year I profile a veteran and share their story with our community in the lead-up to Anzac Day. In 2022 Robert kindly allowed his story to be shared with our local community.

Conscripted to the Second World War at 18 in 1942, Robert was too young to serve overseas and instead was posted to Yallourn to protect the coalmines as an anti-aircraft gunner. At 19 he convinced his parents to allow him to transfer to the 2nd AIF, making him eligible for overseas service. Robert was then sent to the south-west Pacific theatre, where he served as a member of the Australian 472nd Heavy Anti-Aircraft Troop as a gun layer targeting enemy aircraft up to 30,000 feet. However, one of his most vivid recollections was being hospitalised with dengue fever, a disease he called more deadly than the enemy. He was discharged from the army in 1946.

Robert and his wife Joan moved to Craigieburn in the late 1980s. They had four children, nine grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Robert will be remembered by several generations of children as the lollipop man at Our Lady’s primary school crossing. He was the last known World War II veteran residing in Craigieburn and the last to attend local Anzac Day services. I am thankful to Robert for sharing his story with our community, and we are collectively grateful for his service. Robert was from one of the greatest generations. Lest we forget. Vale, Robert Stokes.