Photo: Brian Chandler

Robert Redhead was born on the 10th June 1899 at Low Bowershill, Elsdon, Northumberland, the eldest son of Robert Redhead, shepherd, and his wife Margaret (Wylam). In the 1901 census Robert senior was a farmer.

They had nine children 6 daughters and 3 sons.

Robert was educated at Dunstan School near Lesbury.

He was a shepherd and in 1911, he was working on his father’s farm at Dunstanhill, Lesbury.

Robert enlisted in to the East Yorkshire Regiment on the 15th June 1918, but died whilst training at the St John's Military Hospital at Hull, from acute pneumonia. He was unmarried.

His death was raised in the House of Commons on the 16th July 1918 [Series 5 Volume 108].

East Yorkshire Regiment (Death of Private)
HC Deb 16 July 1918 vol 108 c874 874

"10. Sir Francis Blake asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the case of Private E. Redhead, E Company, East Yorks Regiment, who died in St. John's Military Hospital, Hull, on the 1st instant, after less than three weeks' service; whether the result of a post-mortem examination showed that death was caused by acute pneumonia and acute dilated heart; and whether, as it is alleged, that the pneumonia was caused by this young soldier having to sleep on the bare earth without tent boards or waterproof sheets. He will inquire into these allegations with a view to the prevention of such dangerous methods and the grief and indignation which they cause?

Mr. MacPherson: I am making inquiry, and will communicate with my hon. and learned friend as soon as I am in a position to do so."

De Ruvigny Roll of Honour

Robert Redhead is remembered at Chatton on C20.01 and in A11.56 page 53.

Book produced for the Wounded of St Johns Hospital
The CWGC entry for Private Redhead