November 23, 2021

Image: notes about Robert’s capture from his military service file (Library & Archives Canada)

Regimental Number: 447320
Rank: Private
Branch: 56th Battalion; 50th Battalion

Robert was born in Norfolk, England on April 8, 1890. He enlisted in the Canadian army in June of 1915. On November 18, 1916, Robert received a shrapnel wound to his left shoulder. He was captured that day and declared missing in action on November 19. In February of 1917, he was unofficially listed as a Prisoner of War, having been captured at the Somme. He was held in German prison camps at Wahn, then Aachen (in March 1917), Stendal (March – May 1917), Julich (May 1917), and Wittenberg. Robert was finally released in January of 1919. After the war he homesteaded on SE28-76-5-W6, east of Woking. Robert also worked as a forest ranger until 1939. He died on December 30, 1974 at the Shaughnessy Hospital in Vancouver.

Sources: Where the Red Willow Grew p. 303; Burnt Embers p. 303

Soldier Spotlight highlights veterans from the Archives’ online Soldiers’ Memorial. Each week, our volunteers select a remarkable individual to showcase in this blog series. The Soldiers’ Memorial commemorates more than 1,100 WWI veterans and 2,300 WWII veterans from our region. Three dedicated volunteers have contributed over 1,200 hours to this project by researching and writing biographies. Our goal is to have all South Peace soldiers acknowledged for their service. If you know of someone who lived in the South Peace and should be listed on the Memorial, or would like to get involved by researching a local veteran, please contact the Archives.

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