Rupert Balfe
(Joseph) Rupert Balfe (b 9 March 1890), the youngest of three boys, attended Princes Hill State School and later attended Melbourne University to study medicine. During his years there he played for the University VFL Football Club. Rupert was quick to enlist and joined the 6th Battalion, one of the first units raised, and became a second lieutenant in the 2nd Brigade. His father was the mayor of Brunswick at the time, and became involved in patriotic causes. His mother also later became president of Brunswick's chapter of the Red Cross Society to help provide for the needs of wounded soldiers.
Studio portrait 11 September 1914, above, of a group of 11 soldiers, shortly after their enlistment in the AIF and assignment to the 6th Battalion.Second Lieutenant (later Lieutenant (Lt)) Joseph Rupert Balfe is sitting in the centre of the front row wearing the cap badge of the MelbourneUniversity Regiment. Four of these young men were killed in action at Gallipoli on Anzac day 1915.
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Balfe left Australia for Egypt onboard the Hororato on 19 October 1914, and after several months training was sent into action.
Lieutenant Balfe standing at rear right in Egypt, 1915
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Thou liv'st for aye, for thou has conquered death!"
Training in Egypt, Rupert Balfe is standing in the front row closest to camera
An article, below, from the Coburg & Brunswick Leader, Friday 21 May 1915.
Click here to read the Australian Red Cross Wounded & Missing Enquiry Bureau File, 1914-18 war.