ROBERT BARCLAY IRVING

From May through to September 2026, Andrew will be fulfilling his dream to hike the iconic Land’s End to John O’Groats! You are all warmly invited to follow Andrew’s epic journey on his Facebook page, “Andrew Beal LEJOG” https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577588795730

As Andrew hikes the 1,300+ miles, he will raise funds for the Ipswich War Memorial Project to help finance our future exhibitions and research of the brave Ipswich men and women who lost their lives in conflict. If you would like to make a small donation, please click on the link: https://gofund.me/5d4a50570

Thank you for your love and support. Andrew & Helen – I.W.M.P.

 Photographs and extra information courtesy of Michael.

“BOB”

On all war records known as Robert Berkeley Irving.

Born: 1908, Ipswich.

Died between: 29th April 1945 – 30th April 1945; age: 37.

Residence: 133, Norwich Road, Ipswich.

Rank: Sergeant; Service Number: 5823509.

Regiment: Royal Berkshire (Princess Charlotte of Wales) Regiment, 2nd Battalion – Infantry.

Memorial Reference:

Face 15.

Rangoon Memorial,

Myanmar.

Relatives Notified & Address: Son of Robert & Ada Irving; husband of Ivy Olga Irving, of Ipswich.

CENSUS

1911   23, Parade Road, Ipswich.

Robert was 3 years old and living with his parents & sisters.

Robert Barclay Scott Irving, 32, a General Labourer, born Ipswich.

Ada Elizabeth Irving (nee Pizey), 32, born Ipswich.

Love Louisa Irving, 12, born Ipswich.

Lily Agnes Irving, 11, born Ipswich.

Ivy Victoria Irving, 7, born Ipswich.

Olive Mary Irving, 10 months, born Ipswich.

1921   23, Parade Road, Ipswich.

Robert was 13 years old. He attended School and lived with his parents and siblings.

Robert, 44, a Slater – own account.

Ada, 44, House Duties.

Ada, 19, a Tailoress for Messrs. F. H. Smith & Harvey – Tailors, of 25 and 27, Butter Market, Ipswich

Ivy, 17, a Corset Maker for Footman Pretty & Co., Tower Ramparts, Ipswich.

Olive, 11, at School.

Walter Henry Irving, 9, at School, born Ipswich.

Ronald Valentine Irving, 7, at School, born Ipswich.

Leonard George Irving, 4, at School, born Ipswich.

Irene Edith Irving, 1, born Ipswich.

Bob is in the middle row standing next to his mother ( Ada), with his father Robert Barclay Scott Irving. Photograph taken during the First World War.

Robert’s father, Robert Barclay Irving died in 1925, in Ipswich.

Robert served as a T.A. soldier, serving and training with the Suffolk Regiment, 5th Battalion between the wars.

Image from the late 1920s – pre-1933.

Bob is in the Middle of the Irving Clan.

In 1938, Ipswich, Robert married Ivy Olga Sayer, born March 1913, Ipswich – daughter of George Sayer, an iron foundry labourer and Hannah Sayer (nee Garnett), of 7, Mason Street, Ipswich.

Bob with his brother Henry and his mother.

Bob is on the right in the front lying down.

The 2nd Battalion was stationed in India at the outbreak of war and took part in the Burma campaign. One notable battle with fierce fighting in the clearance and the final capture of Mandalay Hill by the 2nd Battalion. The Royal Berkshire Regiment, March 10th to 12th 1945. The Regiment continued to fight and push the Japanese from Burma until the end of the War.

Bob is third from the right in the back row.

A family note: As far as I know Uncle Bob was very much involved in the training of new recruits. When the second world war commenced he was considered too old. However, after much persistence from him, he was allowed to go with his recruits. His argument was that they were only young men, and that with his experience and knowledge of them they would stand a better chance in the war if he were to accompany them. Bob died in 1945 on 29th April in Burma on his eldest sisters birthday. His mother and siblings never knew what had happened to him. Later I was looking into their family history, but by then it was too late for them to know as many had passed away. 

Michael.