Consett Guardian 02/06/1916
William Kirby and Brenda McMahon have submitted the following:-
Robert was born at Great Lumley on the 30th April 1891. His parents were Robert Wiliiam and Martha (nee Wright Spence) married in 1890. The 1891 census shows the young married couple Robert and Martha living at 6 Front Street Great Lumley.
Robert (senior) died in a pit accident on 28th October 1895 at Lumley Durham at the early age of 29 years. Durham Mining records show that at 3.45pm in the 7th hour of his shift Robert, a hewer, whilst at work a heavy fall of coal and stone took place after a shot. He was killed instantly.
His young son was aged 4 at the time of his death.
In 1899 his mother Martha remarried to John George Thwaites.
By 1901 census life had changed for the family. There were 3 children Robert, Frances and Ethel to Robert Dawson (senior) but after Martha remarried another 2 daughters arrived by John Thwaites. By 1911, like his father, Robert was working as a coal miner/hewer at the pit. He was the only son born to the family.
Robert attested for the army on the 3rd September 1914 then was subsequently posted.
His records record him as being 5’7”, 142 lbs, fair complexion, grey eyes, brown hair and having good vision. His faith was Church of England.
His regiment was the Durham Light infantry. He served under the number 4/9622.
Robert was admonished several times during 1915 for overstaying his pass.
Eventually his battalion was sent to France on 24th August 1915. Sadly, only 1 month and 1 day later Robert was killed in action probably in the Hooge area where fierce fighting had been going on for many months.
Medals :- 1915 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal.
This In Memoriam notice appeared in the Consett Guardian 02/06/1916.
Robert Willis Dawson is remembered at Belmont on B137.01
He is also remembered in The DLI Book of Remembrance page 262
