ROBERT JAMES MERCHANT
Born: 1898, Ipswich.
Died: 24th August 1918; age: 20; KiA.
E.A.D.T. – Thursday, 3rd October 1918 – Mrs. Ellen Merchant, of 33, Waterloo Road, Ipswich, has been notified that her son, Private Robert James Merchant, of the King’s Royal Rifle Corps (attached to the London Regiment), was killed in action on the 24th August. Mrs. Merchant has four other sons serving.
Residence: 33, Waterloo Road, Ipswich.
Enlistment Location: Ipswich.
Rank: Rifleman; Service Number: R/41194
Regiment: The County of London Regiment, 2/15th Battalion, The Civil Service Own Rifles, (Prince of Wales’ Own Rifles) affiliated to King’s Royal Rifle Corps.
Formerly Trooper/10/2909, 21st T.R. Battalion.
Medals Awarded: Victory & British War.
The body was discovered and exhumed in September 1920, and identified by a wooden cross marking the grave before reburial at Wytschaete Military Cemetery with many unnamed, known unto God graves.
Grave Reference:
VI.D.16.
West-Vlaanderen,
Belgium.
CENSUS
1901 7, Wherstead Road, Ipswich.
Robert was 2 years old and living with his parents & siblings.
Samuel Merchant, 47, a G.E.R. Engine Driver, born Colchester, Essex.
Ellen Merchant (nee Baldry), 37, born Saxmundham, Suffolk.
Owen William Baldry, 17, a Stay Maker in Corset Factory, born Leiston, Suffolk.
Constance Margaret Merchant, 14, a Cardboard Box Maker, born Ipswich.
Claud S. Merchant, 13, born Ipswich.
Edward Merchant, 12, born Ipswich.
Sidney Wesley Merchant, 11, born Ipswich.
Violet Jessie Merchant, 8, born Ipswich.
Maurice George Merchant, 5, born Ipswich.
1911 33, Waterloo Road, Ipswich.
Robert was 12 years old and living with his parents & siblings.
Samuel, 56, a Night Watchman – Borough Council – Electric Trams Department.
Ellen, 46.
Owen, 26, a Blacksmith Striker – Iron Foundry.
Edward, 22, a General Labourer – out of work.
Sidney, 19, a Seaman – Cook on a Barge.
Violet, 18.
George, 16, a General Labourer – Sack & Tent Manufacturer.
Harry Merchant, 10, born Ipswich,
1 boarder.
Soldiers’ Effects to Ellen Merchant – mother.
The County of London Regiment, 2/15th Battalion
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