Robert was born at Stepney, Middlesex the son of Charles and Catherine Suckling.
A Sergeant Instructor at Jarrow Drill Hall, he was Initiated on the 26th September 1906; Passed 12th December 1906 and Raised on the 27th February 1907 into St Bede 1119 Lodge of Freemasons at Jarrow.
In 1911 he is living at 115 Reynoldson Street Newland Avenue Hull, Sculcoates, Yorkshire with his wife Elizabeth Emily (nee Banister) and three children. Robert Charles William born Poplar, Daisy born Hebburn and John Alexander born Hull. He states he is a Sergeant serving with the Royal Engineers with 15½ years service.
Robert enlisted at Hounslow, Middlesex, residing at Bromley by Bow, and was awarded the Military Medal.
The Jarrow Express 30/03/1917 reports:-
"Many people in Jarrow will remember Sergeant Suckling who was connected with the Old Volunteers. He is now somewhere on the front doing his bit for the old country."
Robert died of wounds on the 11th August 1917 aged 40. He is buried in Locre Hospice Cemetery, Belgium Grave Reference I. B. 23.
Robert Suckling is remembered at Jarrow Masonic Hall J2.51 and in the Masonic Roll of Honour
