Robert Alister Field MC was killed in action on this day in 1917
Robert Alister Field was born in Wimbledon on 13 March 1895. His parents were Joseph (a hat manufacturer and employer) and Frances (née Ross).
In 1901, age 6, Robert was at home (91 Worple Road, Wimbledon) with his family (parents, two sisters and 11 month old brother). Ten years later, in 1911, 16 year old Robert was still at home with his parents, two sisters and a younger brother, and two servants (a cook and a gardener).
He was educated at Rokeby School, Wimbledon and Dulwich College which he attended 1909-1912.
In March 1914, he went to Canada, settling in Clearwater, Manitoba, where he became a farmer.
With the outbreak of war, Robert returned to England and joined the Inns of Court OTC. He was gazetted 2nd Lieut to the Yorkshire Regiment on 6 March 1915. On 2 Dec 1915, he was promoted to Lieutenant.
Robert received the Military Cross for bravery shown during fighting on the Somme in 1916.
He was appointed bombing officer to the Battalion and Captain 8 March 1917.
On 02 April 1917, he was killed in action at Arras while leading his Company.
Lieut and Quartermaster Pickard wrote
'Captain Field was by nature all that an English gentleman should be, quiet, unassuming, but as brave as a lion. He was a true soldier … and one of the bravest officers I have ever met. Whilst we can breed such as he, never need England fear.'
He is buried in Henin Communal Cemetery Extension.
The following are documents, typed and handwritten transcriptions of letters and telegrams, made by the family at the time and provided by the family of R.A. Field and by Joy Reynard (1st cousin 2x removed to Capt. R.A.Field).
Captain Robert Alister Field MC, 2nd Bn Yorkshire Regiment