De Ruvigny Roll of Honour Vol 1 page 320
Menin Gate Memorial
Newcastle Journal Saturday 21/08/1915
Robert William Sayer was born in Millfield, Sunderland, Durham on the 6th June 1879, the eldest son of James Sayer, Labourer, and his wife Margaret, daughter of William Burn Moore, of Sunderland.
Robert was educated at Bishopwearmouth. He enlisted into the 1st Battalion of the Durham Light Infantry and served 7 years with the colours and five years with the reserve.
He married at St Bennett's [sic] Church, at Sunderland in 1907, Agnes, (8 Clarendon Street, Southwick-on-Wear) daughter of John Tunney of Mayo, Ireland. He had four children John James, born 7th March 1912, Robert William, born 23rd September 1914, Margaret Agnes, born 1st August 1907 and Emily born 13th September 1909.
Robert served in the South African War (Queen's and King's medals with bars for the relief of Ladysmith). 1899-1902, and in India.
He was employed at Osbourne Graham.
Robert then re-enlisted into the 3rd Battalion Durham Light Infantry, at South Shields on the 5th October 1914.
Robert was then transferred to the 2nd Battalion Durham Light Infantry. He died from wounds received in action at the battle of Hooge, near Ypres on the 7th August 1915.
De Ruvigny Roll of Honour
The Newcastle Journal Saturday 21/08/1915, carries a report that reads:-
Death from Wounds. Mrs Agnes Sayer, of Sunderland, has been officially informed that her husband, Private Robert Sayer (35), of the 2nd Durham L.I., died of wounds in France on August 7th.
Robert William Sayer is remembered at Sunderland on S130.14 and in S140.48 part 2.
