Colin Boyd has provided the following:
Robert was born on 10th May 1897. He was working as a miner living with his parents, Adam and Mary at 7, Alexander Terrace, Hazelrigg when he enlisted in the Royal Naval Division on 13th October 1914. This address was later changed to Eastern Way, Darras Hall, Ponteland.
Robert joined the Benbow Battalion on 2nd April 1915 and was transferred to the Drake battalion on 12th June 1915. He was invalided to the UK on 4th October 1915 suffering from Dysentery.
Robert was posted to the 189th Brigade MG Company in France on 15th November 1916 and served until 24th April 1917 when he was hospitalised with shell contusions to the right side and left eye.
Robert joined the 63rd MG Battalion from the base depot on 1st April 1918 and was posted as being killed in action on 1st September 1918.
Robert William Straughan is remembered in Dinnington on D10.04 and at Hazlerigg on H28.01
