Robert Vacey
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
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Robert Vacey was born in 1890 at Newark and was the son of Joseph a maltster's labourer and Lucy Vacey (née Topps) of 3, Malt Kiln Terrace, Newark. His father was born in 1859 at Kirkby, Lincolnshire and his mother Lucy Topps was born in 1859 at Muston, Leicestershire, they were married in 1884 their marriage was recorded in the Grantham registration district, they went on to have the following children all of whom were born in Newark, William b1885, Joseph b1887, Robert b1890, Walter b1892, Herbert b1896 and Lillian b1899. In the 1911 census the family are living at 3 Maltkiln Terrace, Northgate Newark and are shown as Joseph 52 yrs a maltsters labourer, he is living with his wife Lucy 52 yrs and their children William 26 yrs a chemical labourer, Joseph 24 yrs a chemical labourer, Robert 21 yrs a chemical labourer, Walter 19 yrs a maltster labourer, Herbert 15 yrs an errand boy and Lillian 12 yrs a scholar.
Lance Corporal Robert Vacey enlisted at Newark and served with the 1/8th battalion Sherwood Foresters Regiment. He landed in France on 18th August 1915 and was killed in action on 23rd April 1917. Having no known grave his name is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, bay 7.
His brother Gunner Walter Vacey enlisted at Leeds and served with 'Z' 30th Trench Mortar Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery. He landed in France on 26th December 1915 and was killed in action on 6th September 1916. He is buried at Gorre British and Indian Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France. Article published 13th February 1918 in the Newark Advertiser :- Second son of Mr & Mrs J. Vacey, 3 Malt Kiln Terrace, Northgate, Newark. Was working as a moulder at Messrs. Ransome and Co. when war broke out. Volunteered in Oct. 1914, joining the local Territorials. He went out with that memorable band in June 1915 and was due for leave when reported missing on 23rd April, 1917. Presumed dead in Feb. 1918. An old Lovers’ Lane school boy and a member of St. Mary’s Guild football team. His brother, Walter, was killed in 1916 and the youngest brother, Pte. Herbert Vacey, who went out in June 1915 in the same regiment, has been through the many conflicts in which the local Territorials have been engaged.
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