Illustrated Chronicle 10th of February 1915.
Medal Index Card for A/CSM Wardropper
DCM Citation 21st October 1918
Sunderland Echo Tuesday 22nd July 1918
Sunderland Echo Wednesday 17th April 1918
Robert William Wardropper was born on the 15th March 1891, at South Shields, Durham, the son of John Paul Kendray Wardropper, [Engine Fitter], and his wife Jane Ellen, daughter of Joseph Hall. They had five children and Robert was the second eldest. His eldest brother was Paul born 1889, Thomas born 1895, Mary born 1897 and Horatio born 1899.
The family moved from South Shields in 1890 to Sunderland as by 1901, they were residing at 7 Hopper Street, Sunderland.
Robert was educated at Bishopwearmouth School as the family had moved again within Sunderland residing now at 2 Ventnor Terrace, Sunderland. He was a Rivetter employed at Messrs Doxford and Sons Shipyard on the River Wear.
He enlisted in the 3rd Volunteer Battalion, [but due to the creation of the Territorial Force in 1908, it was re-designated the 7th Battalion Durham Light Infantry], on the 12th April 1907, the local paper Sunderland Echo was printing the 7th Battalion Part 1, duty orders which where indicating who was on duty at particular times. Sergeant Wardrooper was often mentioned in these orders.
He was mobilised in August 1914, and served with the British Expeditionary Force from the 19th April 1915.
He married at Sunderland in 1910, Hannah, 23 Lily Street, Sunderland, daughter of William Robson Burrell, and they had three children, Robert William born 10th January 1915, Jane Ellen born 6th September 1912 and Sarah Ann born 25th August 1910.
In 1911, Robert and his recently wedded wife were residing with their father in Law [William Robson Burrell] and his family at 28 Lily Street Sunderland, with their 8 month old daughter Sarah Ann.
They eventually resided at 23 Lily Street, Sunderland.
In July 1915, he was wounded and was returned to the UK to recover at the 4th General Northern Hospital at Lincoln.
He was awarded the D.C.M., "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. This warrant officer, during n extended period of service, has on many occasions rendered valuable services of a conspicuously valuable description, displaying under heavy fire a most fearless disregard for his own safety in the performance of his duties, which he has carried out in a manner worthy of the highest praise." 21st October 1918.
Robert had returned from leave when the German Offensive was in progress, he was on his way up to the front to re-join his Battalion when he met a pack horse ammunition supply section and asked where his battalion was located, he and a private from the transport section went up to find his unit, Robert was killed by a sniper, shot through the head and was buried just outside Harbonnieres.
He was killed on the 28th March 1918.
An Officer wrote:- "His loss was a great blow to us, as he was always a cheery and ideal warrant officer".
De Ruvigny Roll of Honour
Robert William Wardropper is remembered in Seaburn on S142.05, S142.06 and at Sunderland in S1140.48 part 2, page 22.
