Robert is listed as dying from wounds on 12 Sep 1917. A newspaper report reveals that he was wounded in the head and arms on 28 Jul 1917. The Battalion war diary entry for the 28th July and the newspaper report are transcribed below.
War Diary
Oosttaverne 28/7/1917: Battalion in the line. Enemy made determined raid on front line posts at 1.25am and with a "Storm Trupp" & was repulsed with considerable loss.
2/Lt Kimber joined Bn. Relieved in front line by 8th N Staffs Regt & moved to Ridge Defenses. Battn HQ at Onraet Wood.
Newspaper Report
Stratford-upon-Avon Herald - Friday August 24 1917
PRIVATE R.W. KITCHEN OF QUINTON
By the death from wounds Private Robert William Kitchen of Upper Quinton, the parish has lost a most promising and much respected inhabitant. Private Kitchen was in the 8th Gloucesters, and was dangerously wounded in the head and arms on July 28th. For sometime he appeared to be doing so well that great hopes were entertained of his recovery but on August 13th the sad news was received by his widowed mother that he had collapsed the previous day, and had passed away at a Hospital in France at the early age of 21.
The news came as a great shock and was received in his native village with real sorrow for he had endeared himself to all by his many qualities. On the following Sunday a memorial service was held at evensong in Quinton Church. The Vicar, who chose for his text the words from the epistle "Some are fallen asleep" in the course of his address paid a high tribute to the character of the deceased soldier. He spoke of Robert Kitchen as a witness for Christ in the parish, especially in the good example he set as a son, a neighbour, a worker and as church man and bell-ringer. At the conclusion the vicar begged the congregation to thank God for his beautiful life in the words of his favourite hymn "Now thank we all our God".
Other hymns sung in the course of the service were "My God, My Father while I stray" and "On the Resurrection morning". The altar was draped with the Union Jack and the service was brought to a close by the singing of God Save the King.
