Teesdale Mercury-19/05/1915: Upper dale notes: Report of death

Teesdale Mercury-02/06/1915: Upper Dale notes: News of death

Robert studied to be a teacher at Bede College, Durham, and became assistant master at the school in Middleton-in-Teesdale sometime after 1911.

He was the first man from Middleton to die in the First World War.

When the Teesdale Mercury reported his death, he was described as highly esteemed not only by students but by the community as a whole. He was a keen sportsman playing as a forward in Hartlepool Rovers Rugby Club and was Captain of Middleton's Golf Club.

Teesdale Mercury-16/09/1914: Local and other notes: Two young school masters apply for commissions

Teesdale Mercury-07/10/1914: Teesdale notes: leaves to join regiment

Teesdale Mercury-16/06/1915: Upper dale notes: Memorial Service

Teesdale Mercury-02/02/1916: Local War News: Memorial to Local Soldier