Photo: Ken and Pam Linge
Ken and Pam Linge have submitted the following:-
Robert Mitchell was born in Willington Quay, Northumberland, the son of John and Eleanor Mitchell. John was a labourer. They had at least five children: John (b. 1858), Margaret E. (b. 1859), James (b. 1861), Susan (b. 1864) and Robert (b. 1869).
Robert married Isabel Ward in 1893. They lived in Bainbridge Avenue, Willington. They had ten children including: Ellen (b. 1894), Mary (b. 1896), Jessie (b. 1898), Susan (b. 1901), John (b. 1903), Isabel (b. 1905), Margaret (b. 1907), Elizabeth (b. 1910) and Robert Ward (b. 1911). In 1911 he was employed in the pipe works at Hunwick.
Robert enlisted at Newcastle-upon-Tyne and joined the Northumberland Fusiliers.
Auckland Chronicle 20/07/1916 reports:-
Pte. R. Mitchell is believed to be wounded and missing.
Newcastle Journal 26/07/1916 reports:-
WILLINGTON
Mrs Mitchell, of Bainbridge Avenue, Willington, has received a letter informing her of the death of her husband, Private Robert Mitchell. He was 47 years of age, and leaves a widow and nine children.
Auckland Chronicle 27/07/1916 reports:-
Private Robert Mitchell (Tyneside Scottish) of Bainbridge Ave. Willington was killed on July 1st in France. He leaves a widow and 9 children.
Durham County Advertiser 28/07/1916 reports:-
Private Robert Mitchell, of Willington, Killed
Mrs Mitchell, of Bainbridge Avenue, Willington, has received a letter from her brother, Private Jos. Ward, who is now at the front, informing her of the death in action of her husband, Private Robert Mitchell, Tyneside Scottish. He was 47 years of age, used to work at the Rough Lea Pipe Works, and leaves a widow and nine children. In the big attack on July 1st, he had got about 20 yards over the trench when he was shot through the head. The letter states deceased was very much liked by his pals, who saw him buried with other fallen comrades, over whom the burial service was read. His pals have sent their sympathy to his widow and family.
Recipient of the British War Medal and Victory Medal
Robert Mitchell is remembered at Willington on W120.02, W120.06 and W120.15
