In Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension, Nord, France is the Commonwealth War Grave of 36235 Driver Robert Ellison, serving with the 94th Brigade Head Quarters Royal Field Artillery who died 13/12/1915.

Robert Ellison was the eldest son of Ted Ellison, a miner of Bishopwearmouth, and his wife Mary, daughter of John Murphy.

He was born in Wheatley Hill, Co Durham on the 3rd April 1874, and was educated at St Benet’s School, Sunderland. He was a Quarry worker. He married at Sunderland on the 22nd May 1896 Jane (6 Carley Place Southwick on Wear) daughter of James McGreavy and had James Edward born 13th October 1901, Thomas born 6th January 1904, Robert born 22nd May 1907, John born 21st February 1913 and Florence May born 29th August 1910.

He enlisted on the 6th September 1914 and had trained at Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. He died of wounds received in action at the Battle of Loos. He was wounded on the 25th September 1915 and died 13th December 1915.

Source: Ruvigny Roll of Honour

Robert Ellison is remembered at Southwick on S130.14 and S130.22 and in Peter Gibson’s book.