P. Priano: Hooge Crater Cemetery
P. Priano: Hooge Crater Cemetery
Brenda McMahon has submitted the following:-
Robinson was born at Darlington to parents, Thomas Albert Cartner and Ann (nee Collingwood) on 15 September 1881 and was baptised 5 October 1881.
His siblings were Albert, Thomas, Robert (who later emigrated to New Zealand), Annie and Sarah.
In 1891 the family lived at 149 High Street, Sunderland which was listed as a public house. Thomas (father) was working as a cooper. The family could afford a servant.
The 1901 census shows the Cartner family had moved to 1 Sandyford Square, Newcastle. Thomas was now a widower as his wife, Ann, had died earlier that year.
Robinson’s brother, Thomas, was working in a wine and spirit warehouse whilst Robert was an apprentice but unfortunately the trade is illegible.
Robinson married Harriet Elwin Ryder at St James Church at Bishop Auckland 4 December 1907. The couple went on to have a son, named after his father who was born 29 July 1909. At the time of the 1911 census he is living with his wife and young son at 10 Gurlish, West Coundon.
Thomas (senior), who is believed to have a wooden leg died in 1913.
Robinson attested for the army 16 December 1915. His first posting was to 3rd Battalion Durham light Infantry but was later was transferred to 10th Battalion.
The family seemed to have connections to the pub trade so it is not surprising that on his military records Robinson’s address is given as Hare and Hounds, Coundon. He is the hotel proprietor.
He was soon on his way to France joining his battalion about 14 October 1916. However, he was disciplined several times for his untidy appearance.
On 8 November 1916 he was confined to barracks for 5 days after he appeared unshaven on parade.
Once again on 11 August 1917 he was in trouble for being improperly dressed on parade and having a dirty rifle. He gained 2 days confinement to barrack on that occasion.
Unfortunately, 14 days after this incident Robinson is reported ‘missing in the field and regarded as having died’ aged 34 years.
Robinson has a grave in Hooge Crater Cemetery alongside almost 6,000 of his comrades.
His wife added the following words to his gravestone :- “Until the day breaks”
She later remarried in 1919, Albert Capp.
Robinson was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.
Robinson Cartner is remembered at Coundon on C117.01 and possibly as Robert Cartner on C117.04
He is also remembered in The DLI Book of Remembrance page 222
There is a R. Cartner at Elswick on E35.10 is this the same man?
