No.12809, Private, Robert POWELL
Aged 20
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Robert Powell was born in Holywell Row, Mildenhall on 16th July 1891 (Mildenhall Q3-1891 4A:757) son of Robert and Harriet POWELL (née MOSS).
Robert started school in 1895 at Beck Row. 1901 census...Aged 9, he was at Holywell Row with his father Robert POWELL [43] a woodman; his mother Harriet [39] born Kentford; brothers William [17] and John [13] (farm labourers), George [9], Albert [5] and Walter [1] and sister Eliva [7]. All except his mother were born in Mildenhall. 1911 census... Aged 19, a coal carter, he was at Holywell Row with his parents; brothers George (bricklayer's labourer), Albert (farm labourer), Walter and Joseph [4]; sisters Roseanna [9] and Harriett [6]. The new siblings recorded as born in Mildenhall. All nine siblings survived. It seems more than likely that casualties Robert and John Powell were brothers, but this has not been 100% confirmed as yet. The news report after his deah reports that he was brought up by his aunt, Mrs William Powell, which in not as per the census. see John Powell |
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He enlisted in Newmarket in the 2nd Suffolks 31st August 1914 and was in France in January 1915 The battalion had been in front line trenches around Sanctuary Wood at the end of September.br> Robert was shot on 30th September, he was paralysed, and sent to 17 Casualty Clearing Station at Remy Siding, Lijssenthoek, from where Sister M. Wharton reported that he had a unshot wound in his back. His condition was serious and she feared, hopeless. On the 3rd October, Sister Wharton again wrote to Mrs W Powell to say Robert had died. The following report was in the Bury Free Press on Saturday 16th October 1915.
photo: Rodney Gibson and commemorated on the war memorial in Mildenhall click here to go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website for full cemetery/memorial details |
