Military History

Robert is now listed as being killed in action on 7 Oct 1916, having originally been listed as missing in action. The 8th Battalion war diary for the 7th Oct is transcribed below.

Flers 7.10.16: Again heavily shelled, but front line finished. Casualties up to 12 noon in the last 24 hours, 2 Lt Marlowe, other ranks 6 killed and 18 wounded.

1.45pm: The Battalion was ordered to attack at this time in conjunction with the whole of the 4th Army, reserve & the 6th French Corps. The 9th Battalion were on our right on the 32nd Battalion R.F. were on our left, the objectives were into the first being a line N.20.a.4.8 N.13g.4.6 in Bayonet Trench, the second objective a line N.14.a.8.3 N.13.g.6.5 in Barley Trench.

The order of attack was two Platoons of each of A, B, C Coys in the front line, two Platoons of each in the second line and D Coy following up in one line as support. The attack was not successful owing to the very heavy casualties suffered through enemies machine guns and artillery and owing to the fact that all enemy’s relief was taking place at this time with the result that the anime were at double strength in this part of the line.

The Battalion finally came back to our own trenches and at 11pm were relieved by the 11^th Middlesex Regiment, they then came into Reserve trenches near Flers.

The casualties as far as can be ascertained are Killed 3 officers and 35 other ranks; wounded 3 officers and 113 other ranks, missing and believed killed or wounded 3 officers and 96 other ranks. [Total 253]