ROBERT DALE

Robert Dale (son of Major Thurston Dale) was born in Winchester, Hampshire in England in November 1810. He was made an ensign in the 63rd regiment in 1827. He arrived at Swan River aboard HMS Sulphur and acted as a temporary government surveyor.

Lt. William Preston led an expedition on the 9th of September 1829. He was joined by Ensign Robert Dale – who would go on to explore much of the hilly area to the east of Perth.

Preston was unimpressed by the country over the scarp but within a month Dale returned trying to trace the source of the Helena River.

Dale’s men walked in to an Aboriginal camp and while the Aborigines were very surprised and initially appeared aggressive, they quickly settled down and led the explorers to a number of water sources before vanishing back into the bush.

Much later on Dale was to be involved in a confrontation with some very hostile natives (near Lake Monger) and was to bare two spear wounds for the rest of his days.

Dale’s efforts to open up territory to the east did not go un-noticed by the Governor and Stirling praised him highly, then rewarded Dale with a large grant of land on the banks of the Avon River.

Dale was then re-assigned to the Garrison at Albany where he put his interest in exploration to good use again before being promoted to Lieutenant in November 1832. He left W.A. in October 1833 sailing aboard the Isabella. He took with him the head of local Aboriginal tribesman Yagan. Dale served in India before selling his commission in November 1835.

Dale died of T.B. aged only 41 in Bath, England in 1853 ⁽¹⁾.

(Footnote: Dale River was named after Robert Dale and the Helena River was named after Robert Dale's sister.)
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