Robert Stephens was born in North Auckland, New Zealand, was single and a Labourer when he enlisted with the 24th Battalion, C Company on 18 March 1915 at the age of 29. His unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A14 Euripides on 10 May 1915. After to the 5th Infantry Brigade and again to the 59th Battalion he embarked for England due to a slight gunshot wound to his hand whilst serving in France. He was admitted to the 1st Northern Hospital on 23 July 1916. He later pleaded guilty to a charge of being absent without leave from 14 December 1916 to 15 January 1917 and was awarded forfeiture of 96 days' pay. He would later receive forfeiture of another 3 days' pay for being absent without leave in May/June 1917. He proceeded overseas to France, where he completed the remainder of his service, returning home to Australia on 9 March 1919.
Tree No. 3278