Military History

Robert is listed as being killed action on 30 Aug 1918, despite a letter received by the Red Cross on 20 Nov 1918 reveals that his relatives had still not accepted his death as being official. The Red Cross record states that he was a member of HQ Company

However a Concentration of Graves report (click here) by the Labour Corps date stamped 2 Dec 1919 shows that Robert's remains were found in a battlefield grave at Map Ref 57C.H.11.b.9.4 which was marked by a cross. The report states that the date of original burial was 24-8-18. His remains were then moved to Mory Abbey Cemetery.

The war diary for the 24th & 30th August are transcribed below:

24th Aug 1918: Situation:
15/R War R in touch with 14/R War R on the right. Patrols sent out but no British troops to be found on the left. Defensive flanks formed with D Coy.

Line approximately runs in G.29.a and c. Battn HQ G28 Central

Casuaties Officers 1 wounded
                Other Ranks 7 killed; 28 Wounded and 14 missing

30th Aug 1918: Battalion in positions in trenches and shelters in South Western Corner of H14.c. Bn HQ at H.14.c.2.6

Casualties: Other Ranks: 5 killed; 13 wounded and 6 missing

The map references can be plotted here - full reference is 57c.H.14.c.2.6