20 Facts About Alfred Robin

Commander of the First New Zealand contingent that fought in South Africa during the Second Boer War, Alfred Robin later served as General Officer Commanding New Zealand Military Forces from 1914 to 1919.

Alfred William Robin was born on 12 August 1860 in Riddells Creek, Victoria, in Australia, to a baker and his wife.

Alfred Robin's family immigrated to New Zealand sometime in 1861 and settled in Dunedin, in the South Island, where his father set up a coach building business.

In 1873, after completing a year of high school, Alfred Robin started working for his father and eventually became a partner in the business.

Alfred Robin had a keen interest in the military; while at school he participated in the cadet program and in 1878 joined the New Zealand Regiment of Volunteer Artillery.

Alfred Robin later served with the Southland Hussars and the Dunedin Cavalry Volunteers, and rose to the rank of sergeant major.

Alfred Robin was promoted to captain in 1891 and took over command of his unit.

Alfred Robin was a highly regarded officer and his unit was one of the most efficient in the Volunteer Corps.

In 1899, Alfred Robin joined the New Zealand Permanent Forces as a professional soldier.

Alfred Robin had resigned his partnership in the family business the previous year.

Alfred Robin's first posting was as an instructor to the South Island mounted rifle units and he established a tactical training school for officers.

Alfred Robin was promoted to colonel and appointed commander of the Otago Military District and in 1906 he became Chief of General Staff of the New Zealand Permanent Forces and a member of the newly formed Council of Defence.

The council recognised the need to implement compulsory military training to improve the state of New Zealand's armed forces and Alfred Robin worked to achieve this.

In 1910, following the dissolution of the Council of Defence, Alfred Robin became Adjutant and Quarter-master General.

Alfred Robin was appointed a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George in the 1912 New Year Honours.

Alfred Robin worked to ensure that the NZEF were well maintained with reinforcements and supplies, and his work in this regard was recognised by Godley who recommended that Robin be appropriately rewarded.

In recognition of his wartime service, Alfred Robin was appointed a Chevalier of the Legion d'honneur by the French President in March 1922.

Alfred Robin served as the acting administrator of Western Samoa from 1920 to 1921, retiring from the military in January 1921.

Alfred Robin was president of First New Zealand Mounted Rifles' Association and was involved with the South African War Veterans' Association of New Zealand.

Alfred Robin declined a military funeral and is buried in Wellington's Karori Cemetery.