Photographs of Robert Henry Roper on camelback, and in uniform
The interview was conducted by Age Exchange in partnership with The University of Essex and The First World War Centre –University of Hertfordshire –as part of the Children of The Great War project. Professor Mike Roper of University of Essex came to share the story of his Grandad, Robert Henry Roper who had enlisted in the Australian Army at the beginning of the First World War. Robert Roper was born in 1886, 1 of 11 children. He had a very tough childhood before joining up. Robert Roper served with the Camel Regiment, and fought at Gallipoli, The Battle of Lone Pine, and later in the Middle East at The 2nd Battle of Gaza. Mike Roper interviewed his Grandad in the late 1970s. Mike shared some of the traumatic memories his Grandad had shared with him, who clearly remained deeply affected, if not haunted by his Wartime experience throughout the rest of his life. Mike’s memory of Grandad and some of the memories passed down to him can be found in the transcribed interview attached to this entry. Mike recalled personal memories of his much loved Grandad, including their shared love of the outback, and the Bush. He recalled the very close relationship he had had with his Grandad and Grandmother. He also shared memories of his Grandad’s strong left wing political views – having also interviewed him about his experience of the Great Depression in Australia. Mike along with all the interviewees was asked whether he had a favourite object relating to his Grandad’s First World War experience. He produced a copy of the taped interview he had recorded as his favourite object, and recalled it as being the very first oral history interview he had ever recorded before becoming an academic and a professional historian. Robert Henry Roper (Grandad) passed away on Mike’s 21st birthday. A joint project between Age Exchange, the University of Essex and the Everyday Lives in War FWW Engagement Centre, University of Herts. For further information, please contact Everyday Lives in War, https://everydaylivesinwar.herts.ac.uk/

Robert Henry Roper in Uniform, the Camel Regiment, Australia
Robert Henry Roper
Photograph
Robert Henry Roper mounted on his camel
*Full interview with Professor Mike Roper
51.877726,0.9472069999999349
PDF transcript:the interview was conducted by Age Exchange in partnership with The University of Essex and The First World War Centre –University of Hertfordshire –as part of the Children of The Great War project.