Robert Henry Gunn
He was an engineer (capstan machine).
- Family History
- Military history
- Extra information
- Photographs
Robert Henry was born in 1921 (reg. Nottingham), the son of Stephen Barnett and Martha May Gunn (née Porter).
His father was born in Gayton, Northamptonshire, the son of Stephen and Rosetta Gunn. He was baptised at Gayton parish church on 8 September 1879; his father was a railway guard. His mother was born in Nottingham in about 1882.
Stephen and Martha were married in 1908 (reg. Nottingham) and had eight children, two of whom died young: Ada May b. 1909 d. Feb 1918, Rosetta birth registered 1911 (JFM), Stephen Frederick b., 1912, George Arthur birth registered 1915 (JFM), John b. 1916, Joseph William b. 1920 d. 1931 (OND), Robert Henry b. 14 June 1921 and Winifred May b. 1923.
In 1939 Robert Henry was living at 52 Bridgford Road, West Bridgford, Nottingham, with his widowed grandmother, Elizabeth Porter (b. 1860 d. 1944). Also in the household were his widowed aunt Annie Elizabeth Porter (b. 1885 d. 1965), who had married Robert Harry Porter in 1934 (d. June 1939), and his unmarried aunt, Ada Porter (b. 1890 d. 1969).
Airmen died in WW2: Robert Henry Gunn age 24 (1921), Leading Aircraftman, RAFVR. 55 Operational Training Unit, Fighter Command. Aircraft Typhoon 1B (MN236). Base Aston Down Glos. Cause of Death accident, 25 March 1945.
Robert Henry was buried in Nottingham General Cemetery on Saturday 31 March (grave ref. 4992A).
CWGC additional information: Son of Stephen and Martha May Gunn, of Nottingham.
CWGC headstone personal inscription: 'Without goodbye he fell asleep we have only memories to keep'
Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Deaths’, 29 March 1945: ‘Gunn. During March, Robert, LAC, killed on active service, aged 23, youngest son of Mr Steve Gunn. Beautiful memories no words can express. Father, sisters, brothers. Funeral Saturday, 2 o’clock, General Cemetery.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk)
Nottingham Evening Post, ‘In Memoriam’, 25 March 1946: ‘Gunn. LAC Robert Henry (Bob), RAF, killed March 25th, 1945. ‘Tis hard to part with one we loved so dear. Broken-hearted aunts Annie [Porter] and Ada Porter.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Also inserted an ‘In Memoriam’ notice, 26 March 1947.
Nottingham Evening Post, ‘In Memoriam’, 26 March 1946: Gunn. Robert, killed on active service March 25th, 1945. Treasured memories of dear brother. Not just to-day, but every day in silence we remember. Hettie [Rosetta], George, Steve, Winnie and family.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Also ‘In Memoriam’ notice placed 25 March 1947 by Hetty [Rosetta Hind m. 1931], George [Hind] and June [Hind b. 1932].
Nottingham Evening Post, ‘In Memoriam’, 27 March 1946: ‘Gunn. In fond memory of my pal Bob, killed March 25th, 1945. Sadly missed by Jock (RAF).’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk)
Nottingham Evening Post, ‘In Memoriam’, 27 March 1947: ‘Gunn. Bob, killed on active service, March 25th, 1945. Cherished memories of a great pal. Tom Keetley and Fred Leivesley.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk)
Photo of Robert Henry Gunn
Buried in Nottingham General Cemetery. Photograph Rachel Farrand (26 Nov. 2025)