| Description | Work completed by volunteer includes the following information:
Robert Hunsley was born the 23 Apr 1887 in Beverley and baptised at St Mary's Church, Beverley, the 1 Jun 1887, the son of Robert and Louisa Hunsley of 43 Norwood Grove, Beverley and he had 5 brothers John Henry, Walter Belcher, Thomas, Frank and George and 3 sisters Charlotte Elizabeth, Clara Louisa and Ada. He attended St Mary's Boys' School, Beverley and on leaving school was apprenticed as a bricklayer. In the 1911 census he was living in Thearne.
He joined the 1st/4th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers (149th Brigade). He was reported as missing in action at Mametz Wood on the Somme on 15 Sep 1916. His father received a letter from Robert's chaplain in which he said, "I understand your son's death was instantaneous, and that he suffered no pain. Your son's comrades desire me to convey to you their sincere sympathy in your sorrow, they feel that they are the poorer for the passing of a good friend and a true soldier."
Robert was awarded the Victory Medal and British War Medal. Two of his brothers, Frank and Thomas were also killed in action. His eldest brother, Harry (John Henry) was an air mechanic attached to the Naval Air Service, whilst Walter, worked in munitions in Hull and George, was with the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Robert Hunsley is commemorated on Thiepval Memorial, France, St Mary's Roll of Honour, St Mary's Boys' Roll of Honour, Norwood Roll of Honour Beverley, Beverley Minster Roll of Honour, Hengate Memorial
Includes photograph, information taken from census, military records, Commonwealth War Graves, newspapers |