Arthur P Harbeck
Yarra Yarra Rowing Club (VIC)
Arthur Percival Harbeck - 1892 - 25 May 1915
Arthur was a pre WWI rower who hailed from Lakes Entrance. Unfortunately he was killed in action in WWI at Gallipoli. Specifically, he was wounded in action being a shrapnel wound to the knee and was taken from Gallipoli and died of his wounds 10 days later at St Andrews Hospital in Malta. Sadly his brother and fellow Yarra member Roy also died of wounds received in action in France in 1917.
By trade, he was a salesman for D W Murray & Co, his father Peter was a general merchant at Lakes Entrance.
His war records show that he was more of a lightweight oarsman being only 10st 4lbs and 5' 6" tall.
Joined Yarra Yarra Rowing Club in the 1910/11 season.
Served as committee member 1912/13 & 1913/14, and as Secretary for part of 1913/14 season before enlistment in May 1914.
He was the brother of fellow Yarra member Roy.
Winner:-
1910/11 - Melbourne regatta, lightweight maiden four (bow) seat
1913 - Warehousemen’s challenge cup D W Murray Ltd (3) seat.
1910/11 - Melbourne regatta lightweight maiden four Arthur in the (bow) seat
From the 1914/15 Yarra Yarra Rowing Club annual report:-
It was with deep personal loss that will be felt by every member that the committee has learnt that the foregoing members, Messrs A P Harbeck, A J Holloway, and Q Smith have been killed in action.
Our committee extends to the relatives of the foregoing their deepest sympathies.
Arthur in uniform for Warehouseman’s challenge cup.
1913 Warehousemen’s challenge cup D W Murray Ltd Arthur in the (3) seat.
Jim Skidmore
June 2024