Robert died in France from pneumonia.

Teesdale Mercury-01/10/1919: In memoriam

Robert had been involved in the war from the beginning and had taken part in a number of the biggest battles. He was described as being 'A right good soldier'.

In a letter home to his niece in March 1915, Robert wrote about the cold weather, and how he thinks the British soldiers "stick it marvellously".

Later, in May 1915, he describes how "Local Territorials are only twelve or fourteen miles away". He says he has been lucky to escape poisonous bombs, and thinks the English troops are doing very well just now, as they seem to be gaining all along the line . He adds : " The Territorials have already been through the mill, I hear. They are only twelve or fourteen miles away from me."

In May 1918 his brother John had written home to say that "It is not often that three brothers meet on the battlefield, especially when there are only three of us and our ages add up to 115 years. It will be hard to beat!"

Teesdale Mercury-19/05/1915: News item: Letter home

Teesdale Mercury-03/03/1915: War items: Latest letter home

Teesdale Mercury-16/10/1918: Roll of Honour Notice