Name
Robert George Sunderland
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
12/08/1916
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Sapper
59276
Royal Engineers
79th Field Coy.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
1914 /15 Star, British War and Victory medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
ERQUINGHEM-LYS CHURCHYARD EXTENSION
I. K. 3.
France
Headstone Inscription
Not Researched
UK & Other Memorials
Hatfield Town Memorial, Hatfield In Memoriam Book
Pre War
Robert was the son of Charles and Sarah Sunderland and born in Waltham, Lincolnshire, circa 1881.
In 1881 the family was living in the Plumbers Shop, Kirkgate, Waltham, Lincolnshire. Where Charles was a master plumber present were Robert’s parents and children: Charles Edward (6), Joseph Smith (3), Robert (9 months) and servant Jane Stamp. By 1891 they had moved to Hill Street St Albans, where Charles was still a plumber. Charles (junior) was not present but Jospeh and Robert were. In 1901 they were living at 107 Verulam Road, St Albans. His father was now retired and Robert was working as a postman.
Robert married Alice Maud Clarke fourth quarter 1907 in St Albans and she is believed to have been born in Paddington, London and on his Soldier’s Effects record there is a note that his widow Alice M Stanley received £6 5s 10d, authorised on 15th December 1919 (see more information below).
In 1911 Robert was a visitor to the house of Mr & Mrs Pritchard in Stroud, Gloucestershire and his was recorded as working as a either a filler gas or possible fitter gas fitter. So far his wife has not been found, so more research is required.
By the time Robert enlisted (probably late 1914) his marriage appears to have broken down as a note on pension record (obviously issued after his death) states that he had enlisted as a single man but was in fact separated from his wife and that they did not have any children.
It seems possible that she is the Alice Maud Sunderland that married Deane Stanley in January 1917 Lambeth.
Officially recorded as born in Thornbury(sic), Lincs. and was living in Hatfield when he enlisted in Hertford.
Wartime Service
Robert was Sapper 59276, 79th Field Company, Regiment Corps of Royal Engineers. He commenced overseas service 27th July 1915 and died of wounds.
The Bishops Hatfield Parish Magazine of September 1916, recorded: “Hatfield Roll of Honour, Killed in Action, Robert Sunderland, Royal Engineers. “Private Robert Sunderland was killed in action by a shell, and never regained consciousness,” so wrote the Chaplain, announcing the sad news, may we express earnest sympathy with his widowed mother, and his other relatives who must feel proud to think he has died a soldier’s death and thankful that he cannot have suffered.”
Awarded the 1914/15 Star, British War Medal &Victory Medal.
Additional Information
Roberts effects, monies owing and the War Gratuity of £included Pension of 8 shillings a week was issued to his mother at Fore Street, Hatfield, Herts. as he must have wished, however in addition to the note mentioned above, there is another “Separated wife no children Case to Debts 20th June 1919” perhaps suggesting that his widow had made a claim..
Hatfield Parish Council Souvenir Committee Ledger: Mrs Sunderland (Mother) near the East Indian Chief, Fore Street, Hatfield received an “In Memoriam and Roll of Honour Album”.
Acknowledgments
Jonty Wild, Christine & Derek Martindale, Hatfield Local History Society (www.hatfieldhistory.uk)
