Pauline Priano has submitted the following:-
Robinson Eggleston Wynn was born 1884 at Haswell Lane, in the parish of Hutton Henry the eldest son of Joseph Wynn (1855 Murton - 1911 Sedgefield) and Mary Jane Walker nee Wilson (1853 Hutton Henry - 1943 Durham). Robinson had 4 full brothers, one half brother and 3 full sisters, however two of his siblings died prior to his death. His father Joseph worked at the colliery as a blacksmith, Robinson at the age of 17 was a colliery labourer and at the time of his enlistment was working as a hewer below ground.
He enlisted June 16th 1915 in the Royal Engineers as Sapper 102781. Such was the urgency for tunnellers that they were recruited from the ranks and mixed with drafts from men especially recruited for this kind of work. Men who were working in civilian life in the U. K. found themselves underground in the fields of Flanders a few days later. This was the case of Robinson as he was transferred, June 21st 1915, to the 178rd Tunnelling Coy as a Tunnellers Mate which paid 2/2 (two shillings and two pence) a day. Tunnellers worked in cramped, dark and wet conditions up to 12 hours a day.
Robinson was admitted to hospital at the 51st Highland Casualty Clearing Station, April 13th 1916 with a fever and was suspected to be suffering from meningitis. His unit was informed to check all those who had been with him in the previous days. Despite the administration of drugs there was no improvement in his condition and he died of Cerebra Spinal Meningitis, April 20th 1916.
Sapper 102781 Robinson Eggleston Wynn was buried in the local cemetery at Vellers-Bocage and his grave marked as H 54. When the now existing Vellers-Bocage Communal Cemetery was laid out this was changed to D.11, it may be that his body was exhumed and buried for a second time.
His awards, the British War Medal and the Victory Medal were sent to his mother Mary Jane Wynn living at 17 Parker Terrace, Ferryhill. His mother wrote a letter to Chatham Barracks requesting a photograph of her son’s grave which was accepted and she was told it would be sent, “as soon as practicable”. Robinson was 32 years old and unmarried.
Robinson had not nominated a legal beneficiary as regards any monies owed to him therefore the War Office intended that anything owed be divided in equal parts amongst his surviving relatives and also included his half brother John George Walker. His siblings wrote a letter dated June 23rd 1919 explaining they were in agreement that all monies owed should be given to their mother, as she was a widow and that her deceased son was her sole means of support. Another letter stating the same was to be sent by John George Walker. Mary Jane Wynn was twice widowed and died, March 1943, in Chilton.
In God’s safe keeping. Rest In Peace.
Robinson Eggleston Wynn is remembered at Chilton on C107.01, C107.04 and C107.12 and at Ferryhill F38.02
