Robert John BARCOMBE

Robert John MARCOMBE Private, 377, 26th Battalion, Australian Infantry. Died of pneumonia due to black lung, 29th November 1915, aged 20 years. Born 11 May 1895 to Fanny nee Harrison and William Harvey Marcombe, of Upper Dee River, Mount Morgan, Queensland, Australia. In 1901 he was residing with his parents aged 5 years at 110 Talyllyn, Ystradyfodwg, Glamorgan. His father was a coalminer working above and below ground 1911 he was residing with his parents and siblings, at 20 Wyndham Terrace, Penygraig occupation aged 15 colliers boy working at the coal face. At rest in Pieta Military Cemetery, Malta. Plot D. Row X. Grave 4.
Some notes from his army records.
He was born at Penygraig, Glamorgan, enlisted 3 March 1915 aged 19 years and 10 month. His next of kin was his mother. After he had completed his training he was posted B Coy 26th Battalion Australian Infantry on the 24 May 1915 The following day 25th he embarked Brisbane on His Majesty's Australian Transports (H.M.A.T.). A11 Ascanius bound for Gallipoli via England. While in the field he was charged on the 29 September 1915 from being absent from 10-30pm parade. He was awarded one day Field Punishment No 2.
22nd November 1915 admitted into 5th Australian Field Ambulance, Gallipoli with jaundice. Following day transferred to 13 Casualty Clearing Station (13 C.C.S.) at Gallipoli peninsula the same day onto Hospital Ship, Gloucester Castle at Mudras which was bound for Malta. Now suffering from pneumonia. He was also suffering from Black Lung He died on board the ship in Malta Harbour 29th and was laid to rest the following day in Pieta Military Cemetery by Chaplain E.E.Smith

Description of black lung
Coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP), also known as black lung disease or black lung, is caused by long-term exposure to coal dust. It is common in coal miners and others who work with coal. It is similar to both silicosis from inhaling silica dust and to the long-term effects of tobacco smoking.