Tyne Cot Memorial
D.L.I. Memorial Book
Pauline Priano has submitted the following:-
Walter Robinson was born 1887 in Aycliffe, County Durham, one of 15 children, 6 boys, 5 girls and 4 deceased born to John Robinson (1854) and Sarah Storey (1857) both natives of Aycliffe. His parents were married in the district of Darlington, February 13th 1875. Walter’s family in 1911 resided at North View, Aycliffe, his father was employed as a plate layer for the North Eastern Railway whilst Walter was a boarder with the family of Albert Taylor at 4 Dale Street, Chilton Buildings where he was employed at the colliery as a hewer.
Walter Robinson enlisted 1914 in Spennymoor and was assigned as Private 1770 to the Durham Light Infantry, battalion unknown. He was transferred to the Territorial Forces as Private 203818 and landed in France, April 20th 1915 with the 50th Northumbrian Division. After the failure of the British attacks at Neuve Chapelle the Germans attacked Ypres on April 22nd and the Territorials were deployed without any, “nursery”, period in the northern part of the salient. Walter during his service rose through the ranks to Lance Corporal and was transferred to the 20th Battalion, 123rd Brigade, 41st Division. The 41st Division in July 1915 was in the line on the Ypres salient at the Hooge but were pushed back by the Germans using flamethrowers to Zouave and Sanctuary Woods. In 1916 during the Battles of the Somme the 20th Battalion was involved in the attack that took the Quadrangle near Ginchy.
Walter must have had leave in England as he married Catherine Young Laidler in Gateshead, June 1916. Catherine was born in Bellingham, Northumberland in 1889 later moving to Newcastle upon Tyne.
1917 saw the attack along the lines at Arras where the Territorials were in action in mid to late April south of the village of Guemappa. During the Battle of Messines the 20th advanced nearly 4000 yards starting from St Eloi with fewer losses than in previous operations. At the outset of the Third Battle of Ypres they were involved in the first day’s attack July 31st 1917 and advanced alongside the Ypres-Comines canal. The next advance was hampered by heavy rain and held up until the end of August when they were directed along the Menin Road. On the day of Walter’s death the 20th Battalion advanced along the Menin Road but only progressed 200 yards. It was during this advance, September 21st 1917 that Lance Corporal 203818 Walter Robinson Durham Light Infantry was killed. Walter was 30 years old and has no known grave. His sacrifice is recorded at Tynecot Cemetery and Memorial to the Missing, Zonnebeke, near Ypres in Belgium, panel 128-131 and 162-162A.
His widow Catherine received a pension and his awards of the 1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal were sent to her at 97, Wingrave Road, Fenham, Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland.
In God’s safe keeping. Rest In Peace.
Walter Robinson is remembered at Chilton on C107.01, C107.04, C107.08, C107.09 and C107.12
