Informations sur naissance

Année de naissance:
1888
Lieu de naissance:
Brymbo, Wrexham, Denbigh, Pays de Galles, Royaume-Uni

Informations générales

Profession:
Brass Finisher

Informations service militaire

Pays:
Irlande du Nord, Royaume-Uni
Force armée:
British Expeditionary Force
Rang:
Private
Numéro de service:
17449
Incorporation nom de lieu:
Birmingham, Warwickshire, Angleterre, Royaume-Uni
Unités:
 —  Royal Irish Fusiliers, 9th Bn.  (Dernière unité connue)

Informations sur décès

Date de décès:
16/08/1917
Lieu de décès:
Pommern Redoubt, Belgique
Cause du décès:
Killed in action (K.I.A.)
Âge:
29

Cimetière

Tyne Cot Cemetery
Parcelle: VI
Rangée: D
Tombe: 15

Distinctions et médailles 2

British War Medal
Médaille — 13/11/1920
Victory Medal
Médaille — 13/11/1920

Points d'intérêt 2

#1 Lieu de naissance
#2 Lieu d'enrôlement

Mon histoire

Private Robert Roberts, a 29-year-old Brass Finisher from Birmingham, Warwickshire was killed in action on the 16th of August 1917. At the time of his death Robert served with the 9th Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers, part of the 108th Brigade, of the 36th (Ulster) Division.

On the 16th of August 1917 the 9th Royal Irish Fusiliers assembled in an old trench running from Pommern Redoubt (HQ) to Iberian Farm. Moments after the men advanced behind the barrage they were already held up at Hill 35. But notwithstanding the persistent machine-gun fire coming from Somme and Gallipoli the Battalion managed to capture Hill 35. In the meanwhile the 7/8th Royal Irish Fusiliers got ahead of them as did the barrage. A platoon was left to consolidate Hill 35, as the assault continued. The 9th Royal Irish Fusiliers pushed on until they reached a double row of wire to the south and the east of Gallipoli. The wire was only cut in one or two places and this held up the advance. German machine-gun fire was brought to bear on them from dugouts in Gallipoli, Aisne House, Martha House and from Hill 37, which caused a lot of casualties.

It was found impossible to push on and the Battalion was forced to retire. It took up position at a trench running along Hill 35. But machine-gun fire from Hill 37 was enfilading this position and again the Battalion was forced to retreat, now to a trench running in a southern direction on Hill 35. This position was consolidated and held until the 16th (Irish) Division to their right had been pushed back by German counterattacks. With their right flank up in the air and enfilade fire coming from Iberian Farm, the 9th Royal Irish Fusiliers had no choice than to pull back to their original positions.

Private Robert Roberts was killed in the attack on Hill 35, leaving behind his wife Louisa, with their three children. Robert was buried in the field at Pommern Redoubt near Pommern Castle. His remains were exhumed after the war and were laid to rest in the Tyne Cot Cemetery.

Fichiers 1

Sources 7

"Passchendaele. The Day-by-Day Account", McCarthy C., London, Uniform, 2018, pg. 52-55.
Sources utilisées
"The Royal Irish Fusiliers : 1793-1968." Cunliffe, M., Oxford, Oxford University Press, 1970, pg. 324-327.
Sources utilisées
"The Royal Irish Fusiliers (the 87th and 89th Regiments of Foot)". Harris, H. London, Leo Cooper, 1972, pg. 100-103.
Sources utilisées
Ancestry
https://www.ancestry.com/
Autre référence
CWGC
https://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/464451/roberts,-/
Sources utilisées
The Long, Long Trail
https://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/
Sources utilisées
War Diary Royal Irish Fusiliers, 9th Bn.
http://www.nmarchive.com/
Autre référence