People Australia

Robert Eric Prior, n.d. photographer unknown

from Bank of NSW Roll of Honour

ROBERT ERIC PRIOR was born on 12th January, 1890, at Burrowa, New South Wales, the son of Mr. William Henry Prior and Mrs. Selina Ann Prior, both deceased. He was educated at the Sydney High School, and joined the service of the Bank on 6th November, 1907, at the Western Branch, Sydney. He was transferred to Drummoyne, as assistant, in 1911; to North Sydney, as ledger-keeper, in July, 1912; and to Newtown in the same capacity in May, 1914.

Robert Eric Prior enlisted on 12th March, 1915, and left Australia two months later for Egypt. He was first with the 20th Battalion, afterwards serving with the 5th Field Ambulance and the 25th Field Artillery Brigade. During his term of service he was fourteen months in Egypt and Sinai, five months on Gallipoli, and six months in France, being promoted to corporal on 17th November, 1917, and acting staff sergeant on 21st August, 1918.

He was for some months in hospital, and afterwards served for two years in England, being classified "C” class. He returned to Australia on 28th February, 1920. Robert Eric Prior holds the Meritorious Service Medal for his war services.