Robert Wilson
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Known as Bob, Robert was the son of William and Annie Wilson. According to the 1911 Census, William and Annie had had 15 children born alive of whom 14 were still living at the time of the census. Fourteen children were named on the earlier census 1891-1901: Rose, Lucy/Louise, Maria, William, Elizabeth, Henry/Harry (b. 1882), Thomas, Priscilla, Arthur (b. 1888), Grace (b. 1891), John (b. 1893), Alice (b 1895), Robert (b. 1896) and Emma (b. 1898). All the children were born in Nottingham. In 1881 Census his parents were living at 13 Snow(?) Hill, Nottingham, in the ecclesiastical parish of St Paul’s. William Wilson (28) was a framework knitter. In the household on the night of the census were William and Ann (29) and their six children Rose (9), Lucy (7), Maria (5), William (3), Elizabeth (1) and Henry (10 days). By 1891 Census the family was living at 9 Silverwood Place, Nottingham, in the ecclesiastical parish of St Mary. William Wilson (37) was still working as a framework knitter. He and Ann had nine children, Louise (16) employed as a 'doubler', Maria (14) an errand girl, William (12), Elizabeth (11), Henry (10), Thomas (7), Priscilla (6), Arthur (2) and Grace (2 months). The family had moved again by 1901 and were living at 1 Front Row, Nottingham. In the home on the night of the census were William (48) and his wife Ann (46) and their nine children; William (23) assistant (?), Elizabeth (21) cotton (?), Harry (20) (?) worker, Thomas (19) general labourer, Priscilla (17) cotton (?), Arthur (12), Grace (11), John (8), Alice (6), Robert (5), Emma (3). Robert was still living with his parents in 1911; the family had now moved to 52 Upper Eldon Street, Sneinton, Nottingham. Only seven of William and Annie's children were still at home; Harry (29) a railway porter, Arthur (22) a railway stableman, Grace (20) a cotton winder, John (18) a lace van man, Alice (16) an errand girl, Robert (15) an errand boy, and Emma (13) who was still at school. His two older brothers also died in the war. Harry was killed on 1 November 1914 and Arthur (19675 Private, 7th Bn Lincolnshire Regiment) was killed on 3 November 1916 having served in France since 8 March 1916. Their brother Jack [John] also served and according to the notice of Robert's death in the local paper in March 1918 he was serving in Egypt. Their parents were still living at 52 Upper Eldon Street when Robert's death was confirmed in March 1918.
Robert served in France from 28 February 1915; he was reported missing on 1 July 1917 but his death was not confirmed until March the following year. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Loos memorial (Panel Reference: Panel 87 to 89). He qualfied for the 1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
Nottingham Post notice (abridged), 22 November 1916: 'Wilson. Killed in action November 3rd 1916, Private Arthur Wilson. Also brother Harry Wilson, killed November 1st 1914. Brother Bill, sister Maria. Son of Mr and Mrs W Wilson, 52 Upper Eldon Street, Sneinton, age 29(?) years. Fifteen years with the GNR. Mother, father, sisters, brothers Bill, Tom, Jack and Bob.' Nottingham Evening Post notice (abridged), 27 March 1918: ‘Wilson. Reported missing July 1st 1917, now reported killed. Sergeant R Wilson (Bob) Sherwood Foresters age 22. Son of Mr and Mrs Wilson, 52 Upper Eldon Street. Father, mother, sisters, brothers. Jack in Egypt.’
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