Robert Wilson Galbraith was born in Coatbridge, Scotland. He played for Sturt reserves in 1912 and was captain of the team in 1913. He made some first team appearances in 1914 and transferred to the Adelaide club in 1915. His two brothers also appeared for Sturt 1912-1914, but had both joined the army by 1915.
Robert Galbraith did not join up until September 1917 – his wife Elizabeth gave birth to a son in February 1916 but she died eight months later and the child was cared for by a friend. He also took an exam at the School of Mines and Engineering in 1915, although when he enlisted he gave his occupation as “traveller”.
The 32 years old widower who had been a lieutenant in the militia did not get any further than the Mitcham training camp. Diagnosed with a hernia, and then struck down with mumps, he failed to turn up for his final medical. He was eventually discharged from the AIF with varicose veins in February 1918. His younger brother Donald was also discharged in England at that time with the same condition.