Pauline Priano has submitted the following:-
Robert Foster Clough was born at Wardley, near Gateshead, County Durham in 1897, one of 7 children of whom by 1911 only 2 had survived, he and his brother Thomas, they also had a younger brother born in 1915. His father Joseph Clough native of Shotton, County Durham, born 1875 married at Felling, Gateshead, August 15th 1896 to local girl Sarah Ann Straughan born 1874. Employed as a hewer at the colliery in 1901 they were living at West Street, Whickham part of the borough of Chester-le-Street, Durham, with Robert (4) and Sarah Ann (5 months), unfortunately she died in 1909 aged 8 years.
Aged 14 years Robert was already working with his father at the colliery as a pony driver below ground, brother Thomas (8) was a scholar, they were now living at 35, Castle Street, Castletown, near Sunderland.
On the outbreak of war Robert was living at Felling, near Gateshead, he enlisted as Newcasle-upon-Tyne in 1914 assigned as Private 1100 to the 18th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers which converted to a Pioneer Battalion February 8th 1915 and by June had joined the 34th Division. After further training at Ripon and Salisbury Plain they left for France landing at Le Havre, January 8th 1916. Having been moved to the Somme the battalion participated during the first days of battle July 1st-13th 1916 at the Battle of Albert capturing Montauban, Mametz, Fricourt, Contalmaison and La Boiselle and at the Battle of Bazentin Ridge July 14th-17th capturing Longueval and Trones Wood. After only a few days of rest they fought at Pozieres July 23rd-September 3rd. During 1917 they were moved to the sector of Arras participating in the British Offensive April 9th-May 16th.
During this offensive Private Clough was either taken ill or wounded and evacuated back through the lines by the Field Ambulance until he finally reached the hospital and railhead centre at Etaples where he could have been, if necessary, shipped back to England.
Private 18/1100 Robert Foster Clough Northumberland Fusiliers died May 12th 1917 and was interred at Etaples Military Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France, grave XXV. A. 9. His father paid for an additional inscription to be added to his military headstone, it reads. “Until The Day Breaks Ever Remembered By His Father, Mother & Brothers”. He was 19 years old and single.
Nominated as his sole and legitimate beneficiary Sarah Ann received all monies due to her son, a pension and his awards of the British War Medal and Victory Medal sent to her at 12, Davidson Street, Felling, Gateshead, County Durham.
Soon after Robert’s enlistment and despite having just turned 39 years of age his father Joseph Clough was called up at Sunderland, August 2nd 1915. Due to the expansion of the war it was clear that the volunteers who came forward were not enough in numbers to provide the men required. The Government passed the National Registration Act, July 15th 1915 to stimulate recruitment and find out how many men between the ages of 15 and 65 were engaged in a trade. The results were available by September and October 11th 1915 the Derby Scheme was implemented for raising troops which was half way to conscription. Prior to his enlistment Sarah Ann had given birth to a son Joseph Jnr. February 28th 1915
Joseph Clough was assigned as Gunner 81629 to the Royal Regiment of Artillery and departed for the Western Front October 21st 1915 with the British Expeditionary Force, posted to the 94th Battery, 18 Brigade, 3rd (Lahore) Division remaining in France when the Division departed for Mesopotamia in late 1915.The 94th Battery joined the 3rd Canadian Division between March 20th and July 13th 1916 moving to the 4th Canadian Division until August 1917. The Brigade left the Canadians in August 1917 moving to Flanders where is participated at the Third Battle of Ypres, under the command of the 5th Army.
Gunner Joseph Clough was transferred to Class Z Army Reserve, February 9th 1919 and discharged, was free to return to his home at 13, Davidson Street, Felling under the obligation of returning to duty should it be necessary for him to be recalled. Recipient of the 1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
James Clough died in 1950 aged 75 years, his death was preceded by that of his wife Sarah Ann Clough nee Straughan age 69 years in 1943. Robert’s brother Joseph Clough Jnr died at Hillingdon, Greater London aged 64 years in 1979, details regards Thomas Clough unknown.
In God’s safe keeping. Rest In Peace.
Robert Foster Clough is remembered at Wardley on W97.01 and W97.02, also at Newcastle in NUT075, page 156.
