Photo: Gateshead at War Project
In Gateshead East Cemetery is a family headstone which reads:
In affectionate remembrance of
Littleton
dearly beloved husband of
Naomi Wood
who died May 12 1899
aged 63 years.
In the midst of life we are in death
Also of the above
Naomi Wood
who died November 4th 1918
aged 82 years.
Peace, perfect peace.
Sergt. Robert Elliott, 5th N.F.
who gave his life for his country
May 14th 1915 aged 26 years.
Interred in Boulogne
George Littleton Elliott,
Sub. Lieut. Engineer, R.N.
who perished on the Laurentic
January 25th 1917 Aged 30 years.
Sons of the late
George & Ann Elliott
interred opposite.
On a separate plaque below is:
In affectionate remembrance of
Emma
the dearly beloved wife of
Captain Daniel Rowlands,
and youngest daughter of
Littleton and Naomi Wood.
died 18th February 1937, aged 63 years.
Also the above Daniel Rowlands
died 18th Nov. 1952, aged 84 years."Thy will be done".
Brenda McMahon has submitted the following:-
Robert was the son of George (a ticket collector) and his wife Ann (nee Wood). He was born at Gateshead in the later months of 1888. He lived at 16 Edward Street along with his sisters Annie, Florence and also brothers George and Alfred. His parents had 6 children together but unfortunately 2 died of whom one was Alfred Ernest who was born and died in 1891 at less than a year old.
By the 1901 census his father had died. The family now had to fend for themselves. His wife, Annie was working hard as a baker. Daughters, Annie was a confectioner’s assistant and Florence also had a job. Brother, George was an electrical engineer whilst Robert was still at school. The family were living at 18 Claremont Street at this time. George later joined the Navy and was lost at sea on board the R.M.S. Laurentic in 1918.
By 1911 the family had moved yet again. This time to 44 Hillfield Street. By this time circumstances have changed as sister, Annie was a draper’s assistant and Robert was working as a clerk at a shipbuilding firm. They also had a lodger, Adam Pigg, living with them.
Robert was keen on sports. He was a member of North Durham Cricket Club which was conveniently situated at the top of his street. He was also a runner of some note. He ran for Saltwell Harriers.
An article In the Newcastle Journal 01/07/1914 gives details of a race (the N and D 220 yards) which Robert won. The article also gives details of other races Robert competed in.
He enjoyed singing and was a member of St Mary’s Church Choir.
Robert enlisted at Walker, Newcastle joining 2/5th Battalion (Territorials) Northumberland Fusiliers, Service number 2498. He later embarked to France 20 April 1915. Within a month he died of wounds in the 11th Boulogne Hospital on Friday 14 May 1915. His death was reported in the Newcastle Journal on 19 May 1915.
Although he died on 14 May he appears to have been wounded at an earlier date as he is listed on the “wounded” list issued by the War Office on 13 May 1915. It also states he was entitled to wear a wound stripe.
His mother of 44 Hillfield Street asked that the following words be added to his memorial :- Cherished memories So dear remembered by Mother, Sisters and Lily. His mother was the sole legatee so entitled to monies due amounting to £4.8.0d plus a war gratuity of £6.0.0d
Medals :- 1915 Star, Victory Medal and British War Medal
Acknowledgements: Rev. David Youngson
Robert Elliott is remembered at Gateshead on G39.004, G39.073, G39.129 and G39.120, at Low Fell on L61.10 and in the Battalion Roll of Honour
