Robert Wilson one of 7 children of whom only 6 survived was the eldest of 3 sons and 3 daughters. His father John Wilson native of Durham was born in circa 1859 and mother Jane Ann Turnbull born circa 1863 at Chevington, Northumberland, who had transferred to Cornsay Colliery by 1881, a servant in the home of butcher William Hand. They were married in the district of Lanchester in 1884, their son Robert was born the following years at Quebec, as was Eleanor 1889 and Edward in 1891 whilst the family were living at 6, Front Street, Esh where John was employed as a coal miner. By 1901 they had moved to 2, Dyke Street, Esh, Jane Ann had given birth to a further 3 children, George in 1894, Elizabeth 1897 and Annie 1899, Robert (16) had joined his father at the colliery employed below ground as a putter. Robert was married in 1910 to Catherine Colling known as Kate, he, his wife and 2-month old son John moved in with the family. In 1911 they were all living at 20, Dyke Street, Quebec, now all of John’s sons were employed as miners Robert a hewer, Edward (20) and George (18) worked as putters. To increment the family income they had also taken in a boarder 54 year old Welsh miner Thomas Jones and in the census of 1911 had a visitor Thomas Glaner, advertising manager.

Robert Wilson had enlisted as Private 548, April 7th 1908 in a part-time capacity, joining the 4th Volunteer Battalion Durham Light Infantry, a Territorial Force with HQ at Durham with drill halls at Beamish, Birtley, Chester-le-Street, Hamsteels, Stanley, Washington and Gilesgate Durham City. Each year Private Wilson joined the regiment at their training camp in 1908 they were at Ripon, Blackhall Rock 1909, Rothbury 1910, Strensall 1911 and Scarborough in 1912. Time served he re-engaged for a further year and again in 1913 for 2 years. When war was declared with Germany, August 4th 1914, the regiment was in North Wales and ordered to return immediately to Durham. Private Wilson the following day was assigned to the 8th Battalion Durham Light Infantry, to the coastal defences at Roker and Whitburn where they also trained for active service overseas. May 26th 1915 he was transferred to the 25th Provisional Battalion D.L.I. also a Territorial Force, as he had been found unfit for active service.

Having risen to the rank of Lance Corporal, October 2nd 1915, he was discharged at Claxton-on-Sea, April 14th 1916, under King’s Regulations 392(xxi) termination of engagement. His military character reads as follows,; “This is to certify that No.548 L/Cpl Robt. Wilson has served with the colours in the Durham Light infantry T. F. for eight years and has during the term of service in ‘C’ Coy. 23rd Provisional Battalion he has been honest, sober, clean, industrious, intelligent and his discipline has been good.”

Robert returned to his home at 1, East Street, Hamsteels, Durham and employment as a hewer.

Although Robert’s brothers were eligible for was service during WW1 only the details of his brother George have survived. Private George Wilson, wounded whilst of active service in France died November 12th 1916.

In God’s safe keeping. Rest In Peace.