Heslop’s Local Advertiser 18/08/1916
Thiepval Memorial
Pauline Priano has submitted the following:-
Robert Robertson was born in the district of Morpeth, Northumberland in 1894, the eldest and first born of 2 sons and a daughter. His father George Robertson native of Belford, born 1871 married in the district of Morpeth, March 24th 1894, Elizabeth Ann Brewis born 1874 at Amble, Northumberland. Employed as a traction engine driver he and his family were living at 65, Richardson Street, Wallsend in 1901, by 1911 they had moved to 7, Crowtree Street, Sunderland. His father’s employment was unchanged, Robert now 17 was an apprentice motor driver, Agnes (15) a servant, Andrew (13) a scholar. Before the outbreak of war they had moved to Felling, Gateshead, County Durham.
Robert enlisted at Newcastle-upon-Tyne after which he was trained in France and assigned as Gunner 64466 to the “X” 19th T.M. Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery.
The 10th Trench Mortar Battery attached to the 19th Division came under the command of the Division as of March 1916. They participated at the opening Battles of the Somme at the Battle of Albert, July 1st-13th where they captured La Boisselle, at the attack at High Wood Battle of Bazentin Ridge July 14th-17th and at the Battle of Pozieres July 23rd-September 3rd 1916.
Gunner 64466 Robert Robinson Royal Garrison Artillery was killed in action July 31st 1916. His sacrifice is recorded as one of the 72,246 names inscribed on the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing, Thiepval, France, commemorating servicemen from Britain and South Africa killed on the Somme 1915-1918 who have no known grave. He was 22 years old and single.
Robert had nominated his mother Elizabeth Ann as his sole beneficiary as such she received all monies due to him, a pension and his awards of the British War Medal and Victory Medal sent to her at 8, Stainton Street, Felling, Gateshead, County Durham.
CWGC in error list his service number as 6446 all official documents state 64466.
In God’s safe keeping. Rest In Peace.
Heslop’s Local Advertiser 18/08/1916 carries a notice which reads:
“Gunner Robert Robertson, R.G.A., killed in action on 30th July, aged 22 years. Son of George and Elizabeth Robertson of 8, Stainton Street, Felling."
Robert Robertson can not be identified on a local War Memorial.
