William Kirby and Brenda McMahon have submitted the following:-
Robert was born at South Hetton in 1897 to his parents, Robert and Hannah (nee Gray). The couple had married at South Hetton on February 24th 1896. It is estimated the couple had 10 children together although sadly two died.
In 1901 the couple were living with parents at Forster Street, Haswell. Robert senior was a coal miner/hewer. Also there was a younger brother, William aged only 4 months.
By 1911 Robert senior is still working at the pit but now as a check weighman. Young Robert aged 14 is working as a pony driver below ground. New additions to the household are Isabella, Thomas, Mary, Florence. Another daughter Hannah Mary was born in 1907 but sadly she died aged 2 years in 1909, as did Mary Anne Craig Boad, born 1908 died 1909. The family were able to employ a servant, Amy Dawson at this time.
After the 1911 census more children arrived namely Wilfred, Gladys and Robertina.
Robert enlisted at Sunderland. At some point he had also served for a time as Sapper No. 815 Royal Engineers (T) and also as No.470332 again with the Royal Engineers.
At the beginning of the attack on La Boiselle very heavy fighting was encountered although it appears Robert came through this.
On July 1st 1916 at La Boiselle, Robert was ordered to take German prisoners back behind British lines. He was never seen again and has no known grave.
Monies due to Ralph were allocated to his mother, Hannah.
Many years later Robert Boad senior aged 59 a checkweighman at Dawdon Colliery, was sentenced to six months imprisonment for stealing monies from local Aged Miners Fund in November 1931.
Info from Diary of James Coyle (up to 1937)
Robert Boad is remembered at Dawdon on D41.02, D41.04 and D41.06
