Heslop's Local Advertiser
Pauline Priano has submitted the following:-
Robert Russell Byers was born at Gateshead, County Durham, during the 4th quarter (Oct/Nov/Dec) 1877, and baptised December 10th 1877, he was the second born of 3 known children, all sons. His father Robert Byers Snr born at Waterside, Cumberland, 1st quarter (Jan/Feb/Mar) 1838, married at Stockton-on-Tees in 1865 to Mary Jane Dorman born 3rd quarter Jul/Aug/Sep) 1842, in the village of Urpeth, Chester-le-Street, County Durham. Robert Snr employed as an engine driver had moved with his wife and first born son Joseph (b. 1867) to a shared property at 11, Ellison Street, Gateshead by 1871 and ten years later after the birth of Robert Jnr, to 47, Burn Terrace, Hebburn. Their youngest son Thomas Dorman Byers was born in 1882.
Having lost both parents Robert and his brothers were taken in by their paternal aunt Mary Grace Gallon and her husband Thomas. Their uncle was a paper manufacturer for his own account and employed Joseph (23) as a clerk whilst Robert (13) and Thomas (9) were scholars.
After the death of their uncle in 1897 and their aunt in 1901, the three brothers were still living at Holly Hill, Joseph in the census is listed as head of the household and all three as living by their own means and still unmarried.
Robert Russell Byers married at Gateshead, April 23rd 1903 Annie Rowe a dairy farmer’s daughter born 1878 at Bog House, Felling, Gateshead. In 1911 they were living with her parents John and Edith Jane Rowe and her five siblings, Robert however was not employed at the farm he is still listed as living by his own means, the household had two general servants Hannah Whitley (18) and Dorothy Proctor (23). Annie Byers nee Rowe died in 1912, Robert moved to the Liverpool area, in Lancashire, where he remarried June 9th 1913 to Mary Ellen Poole.
He and Mary Ellen moved to Burniston, Scarborough, where, on the outbreak of war, he enlisted, assigned as Private 18994 to the 10th Battalion Yorkshire Regiment. The Battalion joined the 62nd Brigade, 21st Division and moved to Berkhamsted then on to Halton Park near Tring for training. November 1914 they were moved into billets in Aylesbury for the winter returning to Halton Park in May 1915 and finally to Whitley Camp by August from where they proceeded to France, September 10th 1915. The 10th Battalion first saw major action with the Division as part of a large scale British offensive during the Battle of Loos, September 25th-15th October 1915 but only in a supporting role and where the Allies used chlorine gas for the first time as a means of compensating for the lightweight artillery cover. September 24th the reserve divisions were warned to carry extra rations and greatcoats on the march to the battle area which began at 7pm at night.
Private 18994 Robert Russell Byers Yorkshire Regiment died of wounds received during day to day trench warfare November 11th 1915 and interred at Balleul Communal Cemetery Extension, Nord, France. He was 38 years old.
His widow Mary Ellen received all monies due to him, a pension and his awards of the 1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal. Probate at London February 3rd 1916, Robert Russell Byers of Elm Cottage Burniston, Yorkshire to John Percival Medley solicitor and John Christopher Harrison gentleman, Effects 5595 pounds 2 shillings 4 pence. She later moved to 13, West Square, Scarborough, Yorkshire.
There do not appear to have been any children born from either of Robert Russell Byers’s marriages.
Robert’s younger brother Thomas Dorman Byers also served during the Great War with the Durham Light Infantry having been offered a commission he served as Captain and was discharged due to ill health, he died October 22nd 1963, resident at London.
In God’s safe keeping. Rest In Peace.
His death was reported in Heslop's Local Advertiser 17/12/1915:
"Robert R. Byers, late of Holly Hill House, Felling, died of wounds received in action on November 12th."
Keith (no surname) has provided the information on the additional document below.
Robert Russell Byers is remembered at Felling on F32.23
