| Description | Work completed by volunteer includes the following information:
Robert Williamson was born in Beverley the 2 Sep 1866, the son of Robert Williamson, farm labourer, and his wife Sarah nee Collinson. He was baptised as John Robert Williamson on 4 Jan 1874 at St Mary's, Beverley, the family were living in Norwood Walk.
Robert and Ada Elizabeth Wilson were living together in 1891 in Morleys Yard, Beverley, by 1901 they were in Dog and Duck Lane and had four children, Sarah Elizabeth Wilson , John Wilson, Mary Wilson, and Catherine Wilson, all born in Beverley. Robert and Ada married at St Mary's, Beverley on 26 Feb 1901 and subsequently had three more children, Lily Williamson; Herbert Williamson and Robert Williamson. They eventually separated.
From the Army Pension Records, 1914-1920, it appears Robert had a chequered and short military career. When he joined the Army Reserve (Special Reservists) of the 3rd Battalion East Yorkshire Regiment on 8 Oct 1914 for one year's service, Private 3/7554 Williamson stated he had previously served in the 3rd Battalion East Yorks until 1900. He was discharged from the Army on 6 Mar 1915. In Nov 1915 and again in Sep 1916, his wife claimed to be the wife of a soldier, though no record has been found to confirm his service beyond Mar 1915. No medals were awarded to Private 3/7554 Robert Williamson.
Roberts son Herbert Williamson served with the 2nd Battalion, East Yorkshire Regiment and was killed at Dunkirk on 30 May 1940 and his name is inscribed on the Dunkirk Memorial.
On 7 Oct 1936 Robert Williamson was found dead in his lodgings at 8 Ladygate, Beverley. Following an inquest into his death, the coroner returned a verdict of 'death from natural causes'. He was aged seventy years old and was buried Queensgate Cemetery, Beverley. Ada died in 1953 aged 83.
Includes information taken from census, military records, Commonwealth War Graves, newspapers |