Photo: B. Chandler

Shields Daily News 04/01/1915:

KILLED ON THE RAILWAY AT WHITLEY.

An inquest was held at Whitley Bay on Saturday upon the body of Robert Batie a private in the 6th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers, who was killed on the North Eastern Railway between Hartley and Monkseaton on Friday night.

It was stated that the deceased and another soldier named Robert Dunn were walking along the railway in the direction of Monkseaton when they were overtaken by a train. The weather was stormy, and the two men were walking against a strong wind, with their greatcoat collars pulled up over theirears. Consequently they did not hear the approaching train until it was almost upon them. Dunn managed to escape, but Batie was knocked down and killed. A verdict was returned to the effect that deceased was accidentally killed whilst trespassing. The deceased, who was 35 years of age, was a clerk in the service of the Newcastle Breweries Ltd., prior to enlisting and was married, living at 31 Oakland Road, Newcastle.

Robert was born in North Shields and worked as a Brewers Clerk for Newcastle Breweries. He was married to Rhoda Batie, nee Nicholson - they didn't have any children.

Acknowledgements: Diane Humberstone

Robert Batie is not remembered on a local War Memorial.

The CWGC entry for Private Batie