Robert Stephen Honan (1895 - 1984)

Biography

Robert Honan is an Anzac who served in World War One.

Robert Stephen Honan was born on 31 August 1895 in Burra, South Australia, Australia ^[1], the son of John Henry Honan and Elizabeth Jane Prior and was the brother of John Honan, Alice Jane (Honan) Rayner, Elizabeth May (Honan) Wilkins, Edith Wilhelmina (Honan) McWaters, Charlotte Ann (Honan) Miller, James Rasdell (Jim) Honan, Bertha Helena (Honan) McDonald, Cora Sarah (Honan) Wells and Margaret Gertrude Grace (Honan) Seigert.

Robert served in both the First World War and the Second World War. He enlisted on 22 July 1915 and was part of the 9th Light Horse Regiment, In the [https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/39038398 Burra Record on Wednesday 27 Oct 1915 it is reported that, on October 18 1915 a farewell social was given in the institute hall last Monday evening to Ptes. Robert Honan and George Prior, who are going to the front and were home on their long leave. Mr T. E. Richards, chairman of the Wounded Soldiers and Red Cross Societies, presided over a large gathering and spoke very highly of the departing soldiers. Mr Station and Mr Norris spoke on behalf of the town, Mr H. S. Atkin for the cricket club, and Mr E. Templar for the foot ballers and hoped they would do as well against the enemy as they did against their opponents on the sports ground. Mrs Williams on behalf of their numerous friends, presented each of their guests with a wristlet watch, after which supper, games, music and dancing wound up a very pleasant even ing, Privates Honan and Prior belong to the light horse and expect to sail shortly ^[2].
He was discharged on 11 November 1918.

When the Second World War broke out Robert, once again enlisted to serve, this time on the Home Front as part of the 10th (Lower/Mid North S.A.) Battalion Volunteer Defence Corps serving from about 1939 until the end of the war in 1945.

He married Doris Tiver on 7 April 1928 at Hallett, South Australia, Australia ^[3].
The Hallett Methodist Church was the scene of a smart wedding on April 7th, when Doris, second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Tiver, of Tiverville, Hallett, was married to Robert, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs John Honan, Hallett. The Rev. G. N. White officiated. The church was beautifully decorated by friends of the bride.
The bride who was given away by her father, wore a frock of ivory georgette, trimmed with silver sequins. A beautiful train of georgette was lined with silver. A tulle veil was held in place by a coronet of orange blossom and silver ribbon. A lovely sheaf bouquet of white tuber roses was carried. Misses Elsie and Joy Tiver were bridesmaids. The former wore an apricot georgette frock heavily beaded. The latter was in green crepe de chene. Each wore a cap of tulle to match the frock, finished with a bandeau of silver leaves, and carried a shower bouquet to match their frocks. Mr. Hector McDonald was best man, and Mr. R. Pullin (cousin of bride) groomsman.
The bride's mother, Mrs. Edgar Tiver, was in black crepe de chene; a smart white and black hat and car ried a posy of autumn tints. Mrs. J. Honan (mother of the bride groom) wore a black frock with fawn trimmings, and hat to match. She carried a posy of autumn tints.
A reception was held at the residence of the bride's parents. After the reception the bride and bride groom left by car for the honeymoon. The bride travelled in a smart grey costume with hat to match and a handsome fur choker completed her toilette.
Guests present at the reception were : — Mr. and Mrs. Tiver, Mr. and Mrs. J. Honan, Rev. and Mrs. White, Mr. and Mrs. Noel Tiver, Mr. and Mrs. W. Hogan, Mr. and Mrs. R. K. Tiver, Mr. and Mrs. George Tiver, Mr. H. McDonald, Miss Wilkins, Misses Elsie and Joy Tiver, Miss E. Reed, Mr. Frank Reed, Mr. and Mrs. Wilkins, Mr. C. E. Pullin, Mrs. Wells, Mr. Fred Miller, Mrs. A. McDonald, Mr. and Mrs. J. G. Tiver, Mr. and Mrs. McWaters, Mr. and Mrs. K. Seigert, Miss Robinson, Mr. and Mrs Rayner, Miss Eileen Tiver, Mr. R. Pullin.
In the evening about 70 guests gathered to celebrate the occasion. Dancing, competitions, and cards formed the entertainment. ^[4]. Their children were Bruce Honan, Eunice Honan, John Honan and Keith Honan.

He died on about 20 June 1984 in South Australia ^[5], and was buried on 22 June 1984 at the Hallett Cemetery, Hallett, South Australia, Australia ^[6].