Alfred James was born and resided in Washington, and enlisted at Birtley in the 1/8th Durham Light Infantry.
He was killed on the 26th February 1916.
One of his comrades Private F. Alderson was also killed in the same incident. Below is a letter from Robson's NCO, Lance Corporal [James Armstrong] writing to F. Alderson parents describing what happened to them.
The letter reads as follows:
Just a few lines in answer to your letter to your son Fred. I am very sorry indeed to inform you that he is missing. We came into the front trench on the afternoon of Saturday, February 26th, when the Germans were having a bombardment. When we reached the front line they were being heavily shelled. Nine of us were standing together when a shell dropped beside us. It Killed Pte, Martin Coyle (Durham Road, Birtley). and Pte. A. J Robson, (Washington). I am sorry to tell you I have not seen or heard of your son since, though after the smoke had cleared away, I went back to the trench to try and find him. Four men were wounded in addition to the two that were killed. I was in charge of your son, and he was always a willing lad and would do anything he was told to do. If he was killed I cannot find his body. When I went back to the trench I could only find three of my bombers, two of whom were killed and one wounded. Your son and I played football together for the Birtley Rovers.
Source: Jean Atkinson
Research: James Pasby
