Walter ROBINSON (1)

07 January 1916

THORNTON MAN WOUNDED

News has been received by Mr. and Mrs. Albert Robinson, Ivy Mount, Thornton, that their son Lance Corporal Walter Robinson, 10th Battalion, Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, was severely wounded three weeks’ ago owing to the side of the trench being blow in by a German shell. He is now in England, at Hampton Hospital, Bury St. Edmunds, where he is reported to be making satisfactory progress.

18 August 1916

THORNTON-IN-CRAVEN – THE TRAGEDY OF WAR: SERGEANT WILLIAM DIGBY STOCKDALE

The tragedy of war has been brought home to the quiet village of Thornton by the death of Sergt. Wm. Digby Stockdale, 10th Duke of Wellington’s (Machine Gun Section), who was killed in France on the 29th July. A son of Mr. and Mrs. Rd. Stockdale, he was one of the first to respond to the call of patriotism from this village, and has been the first to make the supreme sacrifice at the age of 21 years.

The following are extracts from letters of sympathy received by the bereaved parents from France:–

Lance-Corpl. Wright Firth (Earby):– “The day before he was killed we were in a trench together all day, and we passed the time on champion. He was in action at the time and doing his duty nobly. When I heard, we were so busy that it took us all our time to look after ourselves; but when the rush was over and I realised that Digby was dead, it broke me down. I don’t know how to write to you. Digby was a thorough gentleman, always the same, laughing and cheerful, and he remained so until the end. I saw Walter Robinson the other day, and when he knew he was very much upset.”

Sergeant Stockdale, Wright Firth, and W. Robinson all enlisted together.

Sergeant Tom Pickles (Barnoldswick), of the Machine Gun Section, writes:– “He was killed instantly by a rifle bullet as he climbed the parapet. He suffered no pain whatever and died with his usual smile on his face. The whole section expresses its deepest sympathy with you. Digby was liked by men and officers alike. He only came to the section a few weeks ago, but became a favourite at once.”

Second-Lieut. Maurice Tuke (Machine Gun Section) writes:– “It is not for me to try and estimate your loss, but knowing what ours has been I can imagine something of what yours must be. I have known him since the beginning of March 1915, when we were in the same platoon and again out here in the Machine Gun Section. He was one of those who cannot be replaced and who are missed by everyone. He was handling a difficult situation with his usual ability and calmness when he was hit. We shall not forget who he was nor how he died, and we shall always feel honestly sorry that he had to leave us.”

Before joining the Army, Sergeant Stockdale worked as a weaver at Messrs. Shuttleworth’s Victoria Shed, Earby. Two of his brothers are in training, and a third awaiting orders. Mr. Stockdale, snr., is employed by Mr. Nelson, Manor House, Thornton.

A memorial service was held at Thornton Church on Sunday morning, conducted by the Rev. J. F. Tanfield (rector).

04 January 1918

ROBINSON – December 11th, 1217, killed in action on the Western Front, Private Walter Robinson, Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, son of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Robinson, Ivy Mount, Thornton-in-Craven, aged 24 years.

04 January 1918

THORNTON-IN-CRAVEN – PRIVATE WALTER ROBINSON KILLED

Mr. and Mrs. Albert Robinson, Ivy Mount, Thornton, have received official notification of the death of their son, Private Walter Robinson, Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, who was killed in action in France on December 11th, aged 24 years. Private Robinson, who had been thrice wounded previously, was one of the first three who enlisted from the district in September 1914, and it is pathetic to add that of the other two, Private D. Stockdale (Thornton) has also been killed, and Pte. W. Firth (Earby) has lost a leg. They all went out to France together with the ----- Battalion in July 1915, but Pte. Robinson was subsequently transferred.

In a letter of condolence to the bereaved parents, Capt. Godfred Buxton writes:– “I am very sorry you have not been informed before, but I was away at the time. Your son has always been a reliable soldier and done his work thoroughly. I fear it will be a great loss to you, and all ranks in ‘D’ Company join with me in expressing our sympathy to you. He died without pain and was buried near where he fell with some of his comrades, and a cross has been erected over his grave.”

Special reference to the sad event was made by the Rector (Rev. J. F. Tanfield, M.A.) at a memorial service held at Thornton Church on Sunday evening. Private Robinson was formerly employed by Messrs. J. S. Watson and Sons., Albion Shed, Earby.

13 December 1918

ROBINSON – In loving memory of Private Walter Robinson, Duke of Wellington’s West Riding Regiment, killed in action December 10th 1917.

Ever remembered by his Uncle and Aunt and Cousins (Lizzie and Eddie), Thornton-in-Craven.

ROBINSON – In loving memory of Private Walter Robinson, killed in action December 10th 1917.

We often sit and think of him,
But not with outward show;
For the heart that mourns sincerely
Mourns silently and low.

Ever remembered by his Father, Mother and Sisters, Ivy Mount, Thornton-in-Craven.

05 December 1919

ROBINSON – In loving memory of Private Walter Robinson, killed in action December 10th, 1917.

Ever remembered by his Father, Mother and Sisters Edith and Maggie.