Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

ELIX Robert Hugo MB BS AUA (Pharm)

1912-1992

Robert Hugo Elix was born, on 30th November 1912, in Nurse Lindrom’s Nursing Home, Semaphore SA. His father was Friedrich Alfred Elix, and his mother was Olive Lilian, nee Coneybeer. Elix was educated at Pulteney Grammar School and then studied Pharmacy passing his final exams with credit and was awarded a Diploma in Pharmacy, in 1934. He then studied medicine at the University of Adelaide, graduating MB BS in 1938. While at university Elix was a member of the University Table Tennis Team and was chosen to play in the state amateur football team. He married Elsa Margaret Hargrave in 1939 in St Paul’s Church Adelaide. She was the daughter of Nathaniel Hargrave and Elsie, nee Joyner. They were married during a very severe heat wave. Elix and his wife lived on Military Road, Semaphore, SA. After his marriage, he and his wife played tennis at state title event level.  They had a daughter on 30th January 1942.

He enlisted at Keswick and joined the AAMC as a captain on 8th October 1941. Elix transferred to the AIF on the 30th December 1941.  Elix named his wife, Elsa as his next of kin.  He was taken on strength of 9 AGH the next day. He initially was posted to 48 Battalion, but on 19th January 1942 he was posted to 4 Military District AAMC School, and then to 3 Training Bn at Woodside on 3rd March 1942. He was attached to Morris Hospital on 15th March 1942. Elix had leave during June and July of 1942. He was admitted to 109 AGH, with diarrhoea, for four days in September 1942. Elix was promoted Major on 1st September 1942. He was transferred from the AIF to home duties from 1st August 1942. He was appointed anaesthetist in 109 AGH on 2nd August 1942. Elix again was hospitalised in 109 AGH on 22nd March 1943 for four days. Elix was transferred to 2/14 AGH as anaesthetist on 15th March 1945. On 5th September 1945, he was sent to Singapore disembarking there on the 18th September 1945. He was posted to HQ 2 Australian Prisoner of War Recovery Group. He returned from Singapore arriving in Sydney on 19th December 1945. He returned to South Australia, and his service was terminated on 19th February 1946. He was placed on the Reserve of Officers in 4 MD on the next day.

Following the war, Elix continued with general practice in the Semaphore and Port Adelaide area. The many thanks for his participation in the obstetrics of the region testify to his skills and the appreciation of the families. Elix was granted a decree nisi for divorce from his wife, who was now in Canberra, on 13th December 1946. He was appointed to be a part-time member of the Repatriation Review Tribunal, in 1980. He married Patricia McKenzie in 1947. Robert Hugo Elix died on 9th October 1992; survived by his second wife and daughter.  He is interred in Centennial Park Cemetery Pasadena.

Source

Blood, Sweat and Fears III: Medical Practitioners South Australia, who Served in World War 2. 

Swain, Jelly, Verco, Summers. Open Books Howden, Adelaide 2019. 

Uploaded by Annette Summers AO RFD