Brenda McMahon has submitted the following:-
John the son of John and his Scottish mother, Jemima was born c 1895 at Trimdon Colliery. The couple had 5 children together although sadly one died.
In 1901 the family were living at Front Street Coxhoe. Father John was a coal miner, with his sons John and Charles. A coal miner lodger was living with them at that time.
By 1911 things were much the same except there were 2 additions to the family namely Jessie and Joseph. There was also mention of another daughter, Elizabeth Annie who there is no further mention of. Perhaps she is the child who died.
The older lads were both working now. John, like his father was working as a miner whilst Charles who had just left school was due to commence working at the colliery as a helper up.
Charles also joined the services and is shown to be a private with the Army of Occupation.
John was living at 13 Thinford Street Metal Bridge Ferryhill when he enlisted at Ferryhill on February 27th 1915. He was medically examined there. He was a miner by trade. He was only 5’0” tall, 119 lbs in weight. His physical development was regarded as satisfactory. His faith was Church of England. He joined at Hartlepool on March 1st 1915.
There were several occasions John was in trouble for overstaying his pass. The first occasion was April 11th 1915 when he overstayed his pass for 1 day. This resulted in a punishment of 3 days confined to barracks. Then again on November 22nd 1915 for two days, resulting in 10 days confined to barracks. Then lastly being absent from defaulters roll call for which he received two days confined to barracks.
He embarked for France from Southampton on January 31st 1916 and a few months later he was appointed lance corporal in the field on July 27th 1916.
John was killed in action on August 24th 1916.
At his death John had served 1 year 180 days in total
.Monies due to John were allocated to his father, John senior ie £3. 8s 4d plus a later war gratuity of £6.0s.0d.
Medals: British War Medal and Victory Medal.
John Robinson is remembered at Ferryhill on F38.02
He is also remembered in The DLI Book of Remembrance page 223
