No.14852, Private, Robert SIZER
Aged 22
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Robert Sizer was born in Soham on 2nd November 1892, (Newmarket Q4-1892 3B:502), baptised in Soham on 25th November 1892, son of John and Matilda
SIZER (née BUTCHER) of East Fen Common, Soham.
1901 census...Aged 8, he was at East Fen Common, Soham with his father John SIZER [37] farm labourer; his mother Matidla [34] born Isleham; sisters Anne [11], Daisy [7] and Polly [5]. All except his mother were born in Soham. 1911 census...None of the family have been identified in this census. The pension card has his mother still at East Fen Common. |
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He enlisted in Newmarket.
The war diary:- "October 22..Maple Copse..Strength of Battalion 27 Officers 971 Other Ranks. Reserve Companies moved to rest camp at Ref.Map 28 1/40.000 H.B.C. 23.30 pm Enemy active shelling us. Otherwise remainder of day very quiet. Available time spent improving dugouts in MAPLE COPSE. Casualties. Killed 3, Wounded 3 other ranks. CWGC have 3 killed.. the cemetery was almost destroyed in later fighting and 230 men have special memorials since their actual graves were lost. The report in the local press:- Mr. and Mrs. J. Sizer, East Fen Common, have received a letter stating that their son, Pte.R.Sizer (carman) of the 7th Lincs.Regt., had been killed in action in France. Pte. Sizer enlisted soon after last Christmas, and had been in France three months. He was the only son, and was just 23 years of age. His parents have received the following letter: "It is with the greatest regret that I have to report to you the death of your son, who was killed in action on the 22nd inst., and may I deeply sympathise with you in the great loss you have suffered. He was a splendid soldier and one in whom I had absolute trust, and feel his loss greatly. Trusting you have that great consolation of knowing that as a British soldier he gave his life so bravely for the sake of his friends.- I remain, yours sincerely, C.O.HAYWARD, Lieut. commanding "B" Co."
photo: Commonwealth War Graves Commission click here to go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website for full cemetery/memorial details
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