Wilfred Robbins

Pte. Wilfred Robins Worksop Guardian 12 January 1917 “He died doing his best to rid the world of a lot of curs,” writes Pte W Forrest, Cheshire Regiment in forwarding the sad news of the of the death of his chum, Pte. Wilfred Robins, to his parents, Mr and Mrs Geo Robins, 81 Newgate Street, Worksop. It was a very sad duty for Pte Forrest to have to perform on Christmas Day, especially as he and his dead comrade were the truest of friends, and it was very sad that on the day on which the deceased was killed, his parents were awaiting his arrival home on furlough. The news came as a severe shock, and Mrs Robins is very greatly troubled about her loss. Pte Robins, who was 21, was an old pupil at the Abbey Boy’s School and later worked at Manton Colliery, leaving there, like so many did, to join the colours in the early stages of the war. It is more than two years ago since he enlisted and he went to France on his birthday, a year last July. He was only allowed one leave for five days. Pte Forrest’s letter, explaining how Wilfred was killed, says:- Wilfred was killed by a fall of earth whilst working with the Royal Engineers. An enemy shell bursting over them caused the fall. He met his death like a true Englishman, and the great pity is, that he should have left here on leave today. But there is one consolation and that is that he died doing his best to rid the world of a lot of curs. I and all No 9 Platoon, send their deepest sympathy in your hour of trouble.” Mr and Mrs Robins will have all the sympathy of the townspeople in their great bereavement, especially as Wilfred was one of four brothers serving in France. Three are still at the front, and John, the eldest, now in the 11th Hussars, was out in Africa after the conclusion of the war. George in the 2nd Dragoon Guards, was wounded at Mons in the present campaign and though the bullet has not been extricated from him he was ordered out again when considered fit. The other son serving is Samuel, Royal Garrison Artillary. Honour is due to the family in the fact that they are so well represented in the war.

CWG additional information:- Son of Mrs. H. Robbins, of 81, Newgate St., Worksop, Notts. Wilfred is remembered on the Gorre British and Indian Cemetery Formerly 21386, Notts and Derby Regt. Research by Colin Dannatt