Bob The Russian From Cardwell RSL

Boris Skorbatcheff passed away in Cardwell in 1987 and left his estate to the Cardwell RSL Sub-Branch, which was his workshop on a block of land on the Cardwell Esplanade. Boris was known locally as “Bob the Russian”. Without this generous donation from this World War One Russian Army veteran, there is little chance Cardwell would have its own Sub-Branch building here at 36 Roma Street.

As the RSL Committee plans future entertainment area extensions and plans a Greenco dinner at the Beachcomber Restaurant for those wonderful “Mud Army” volunteers. Our ability to fundraise, particularly through our Sunday BBQ/Buffet lunches and donations to the various local schools, and many other not-for-profit organisations, it’s important to remember that without the generosity of “Bob the Russian” none of this would be possible.

Appropriately, the bar in the RSL is proudly named “Bob the Russians, Bar”. Bob also has his portrait painted on our large mural. Anyone who reads our booklet on the life and times of Boris Skorbatcheff would think that the Russian story of Dr Zhivago was a very tame affair.

After being promoted to the rank of Sergeant-Major on the 1st of October 1917 when he served with the 100 Black Sea Division, he was invested with the “Order of St George the Martyr, Class 2” for his service to the Empire, above and beyond his call of duty.

We are very proud of our history, our country and our flag, and thanks to our benefactor, we can keep his story alive.

Lest we forget.

Contributed with thanks by Robert Lang, Cardwell RSL Sub-Branch President.