Robert Robertson was killed in action on this day in 1915
Robert Robertson was born Bishop Auckland, 19 August 1882. His parents were Robert Robertson (tobacco spinner) and Annie (née Patton).
At the 1891 Census he was living with his family on Buckingham Street, Newcastle-on-Tyne. Sisters Margaret and Ann (21 & 18) were working as a tobacco spinner and cigar maker. Older Brother David (15) was working as a marble polisher.
Robert (8) and older sister Jessie (11) were at school. There was also 1 year old Helen.
Educated at St. Mary’s, Newcastle-on-Tyne. His mother, widowed. David (24) working as a labourer.
In 1901 Robert was serving in South Africa. He first enlisted in 1900. His brother David and sister Helen were at home with their mother. Robert served for 12 years, including the latter part of the South African War1901-02. He returned to work before 1911 at the Elswick Shipyard of Armstrong, Whitworth & Co.
By 1911 Robert (27) is single and working as a labourer. There are only 3 of them from the family at home, Ann (61), and Helen, now 21 and working as a machinist, with a boarder, cartman.
With the outbreak of War in August 1914 Robert re-enlisted in the 5th Northumberland Fusiliers and went to France in Jan 1915. He was killed in action on 28 Feb 1915 at Ypres. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial.
His brother, Driver 134751 David Robertson (born 1876) served with the 527th Howe Bty, Royal Field Artillery.
4205 Robert Robertson, 1st Bn. Northumberland Fusiliers