Born in Ballarat, Victoria and a Railway Employee by trade, Robert Thomas Buckingham was 21 years and single when enlisted on the 2nd of July 1915 in the 5th Battalion, 11th Reinforcement, Australian Imperial Force, with the rank of Private, Number 3239. His Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A71 'Nestor' on the 11th of October 1915 and was listed as returned to Australia on the 20th of November 1918. On the 1st of July 1916 admitted to hospital sick in Belgium; re-joined from wounded, France; on the 29th of September re-joined battalion 'In the Field' from Hospital. Again admitted to hospital sick; on the 13th of February 1917 proceeded on detachment to England from 1st Australian Division Base Depot Etaples for permanent base duties. On the 28th of April 1917 marched out to No. 3 Com Depot ex No. 3, Weymouth. Appointed Lance Corporal on the 22nd of September 11917 and awarded Military Medal on the 31st of October 1917. Wounded in action on the 26th of April 1918 and on the 2nd of May 1918 admitted to Middlesex War hospital Sea Shell Gassed and invalided to UK. On the 10th of March 1919 discharged from A.I.F. 3rd Military District ex 'Suevic' Military Unit. Recommendations (Medals and Awards) Military Medal: '(E. of Ypres 20-23 September 1917) Conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty.' Recommendation date: 29th of September 1917. 'During the operation east of YPRES on 20/23rd September, Private Buckingham who was the sole survivor of a Lewis Gun team kept his gun in working order under very heavy artillery fire. He was buried once by a shell burst but remained at duty until his gun was blown out that night.' Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 31 Date: 7th March 1918. Tree No. 787