Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

ISENSTEIN Robert Abraham MRCS LRCP

1900-1966

Robert Abraham Isenstein was born, in London, on 23rd April 1900. He was the son of Harry Isenstein and Jane nee Levy.  His parents were married in Whitechapel, London, England in 1898 and they moved to South Australia. Isenstein was educated at Adelaide High School and studied medicine at the University of Adelaide. He completed his medical degree in England graduating MRCS LRCP, in 1928 and was first registered in South Australia in March 1930. Isenstein married Kathleen Winifred Brice, on 22nd November 1934, at St Laurence's Church, North Adelaide.  She was the daughter of Norman Edward Brice and Susan, nee Byrne. They were to have two daughters, Anne, born in 1939 and, Ruth, born in 1941. Before he enlisted in WW2, he was in general medical practice in Terowie, SA.

Isenstein enlisted in the CMF, on 15th July 1940, at the rank of captain.  He served in the Northern Territory for ten days, in 1940, before joining the 2/AIF on 29th May 1941 and naming his wife his wife Kathleen as his next of kin. He was appointed to the Terowie Staging Camp, from 20th March 1941 until 20th April 1941. He reported to 2/8th FdAmb on 31st May 1941. Isenstein embarked from Sydney, via 3 MD, for the Middle East on 28th June 1941 and joined 1 Aust Depot Bn. He was then allotted for duties with 1 AGH on 16th February 1942 before being transferred 4 AGH and embarking with them for Colombo on 17th February 1942. He was attached 2/1st FdAmb on 6th May 1942. Isenstein was transferred from AAMC AIF to AAMC (Medical) on 20th December 1942. He was posted to 107 AGH on 2nd April 1943. He had a period of hospitalisation with an upper respiratory tract infection in May 1943 and was discharged to 119 AGH in the Northern Territory Force on 1st June 1943. He was posted to 123 Australian Specialist Hospital (ASH) on 6th December 1943 and was made acting CO of 123 ASH on 21st January 1944. He was promoted to temporary major, which was later confirmed, while occupying that position on 24th February 1944. Isenstein was transferred to 121 AGH, again as acting CO, on 15th October 1944. On 1st August 1946, he was attached to 105 AMH. He was re-appointed to 121 AGH to administer command on 8th August 1946.  His appointment was terminated on 27th December 1946. Isenstein was placed on the Reserve of Officers on 28th September 1946. His last day of full-time duty was 27th September 1946.

After the war, Isenstein had a general medical practice in Marryatville, South Australia. He was appointed Area Medical Officer for Defence. Robert Abraham Isenstein died on 5th February 1966, in Adelaide, and is interred at Centennial Park Pasadena South Australia. His wife and two daughters, survived him.

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