Pauline Priano has submitted the following:-
Robert Southern was born 1892 at Framwellgate, Durham, one 0f 5 known children, 3 sons and 2 daughters born to Henry Southern born 1864 at Shincliffe Colliery, County Durham and Hannah Hall born 1863 a native of Brancepeth, County Durham, whom he married December 31st 1887 at St Paul, Elswick, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Northumberland. In the early years of their marriage whilst living at Framwellgate, Durham, Henry worked firstly as a locomotive fireman and later as a driver, having moved to Ann Street, Heworth. In 1911 the family were living at 4 Reay Street, Bill Quay, Pelaw, Henry had changed occupation, now employed as a brick maker, possibly for the main factory in the area, The Pelaw Terra Cotta Works.
Robert Southern enlisted at Jarrow, date unknown, as Private 9193 2nd Battalion Royal Munster Fusiliers, attached to the 4th Division. At the outbreak of war England had an army of professional soldiers. however, Kitchener believed these men should be kept in England to train the volunteers, to this effect Private Southern was sent via Dover to France, August 13th 1914 where the Division was immediately involved in the Battle of La Cateau. The Division fought in this action without its Mounted Troops, Heavy Battery, Divisional Ammunition Column, Field Companies R.E., Signal Companies R.E., Ambulances R.A.M.C. or Divisional Train as they were still en route from England. During day to day fighting in the trenches he was either wounded or became ill, exact date unknown and taken to the 33rd Casualty Clearing Station at Bethune, a hospital centre and important railway head, where he could have been repatriated for further care. It was here, January 13th 1915 that Private 9193 Robert Southern Royal Munster Fusiliers died. He is interred at Bethune Town Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France, grave ii. B. 49. He was 24 years old and single.
His mother as sole legitimate beneficiary received all monies due to him along with his awards of the 1914 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal, sent to her at his parent's home address of 10 Back Ann Street, Bill Quay, Pelaw. His parents paid 4 shillings and 4 pence for an additional inscription to be added to his military headstone, it reads, “Lead Kindly Light”.
In God’s safe keeping. Rest In Peace.
Robert Southern is remembered at Heworth on H92.03
