Pte 49121 Edward Robins

• Age: 33
• From: Liverpool
• Regiment: The King's (Liverpool Regiment) 17th Btn
• Died Friday 9th January 1920
• Commemorated at: Bebington C Cheshire
  Panel Ref: I.C of E 542

Edward was born on the 07th August 1886 and was baptised on the 11th September 1888 at St Silas' Church, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, the son of John Robins and his wife Ann (Hannah) (nee Bridge) who were married on 02nd December 1872 at Our Lady and St Nicholas Church, Liverpool.

The 1891 Census finds the family living at 182 Mill Road, Everton. Edward is 4 years of age and lives with his parents and four siblings. His father, John, is a 41 year old corn porter from Wem, Shropshire, whilst his mother, Ann, is 40 years of age and was born in Liverpool. His siblings are recorded as; Henry aged 15 and described as a skin dresser, Alice 10,and Phillis 7 are at school whilst John L. is a new born.

The 1901 Census shows that the family have moved to 101 Whitefield Road, Everton. Edward is now 14 and a plumber's apprentice. he lives with his parents and three siblings who are listed as; Henry aged 25 and a plasterer's labourer, John L. aged 11 and Isobel aged 5. 

The 1911 Census finds the family now living at 61 Harwood Street, Everton. Edward is now 24 and a house painter. he lives with his parents who have been married for 39 years and who have had 9 children, seven of whom have seurvived. Isobel is still in the household, she is now 15 and a cardboard box maker. 

He was the husband of Florence Silver Robins (formerly Strangward) whom he married at St Michael's Church in Liverpool on 04th April 1915. Florence had two children from her previous marriage; Hannah born in 1901 and John born in 1904. The couple lived at 6 Crofton Road, Lower Tranmere, Birkenhead. 

He enlisted in Birkenhead on 12th December 1915 and was mobilised on 20th June 1916. He was posted to the 4th Battalion of the Cheshire Regiment on 01st September 1916 before transferring to the 17th Battalion of The King's Liverpool Regiment as Private 49121 on 22nd October 1916.  

He served in France from 12th October 1916 until 27th April 1917. He returned to the UK and was discharged from service on 09th July 1917. His discharge papers show that he was discharged due to:

"Being no longer physically fit for war service". A man of good character". 

His discharge was due to Chronic Asthma. Initially it appeared the diagnosis had been bronchitis. The papers state the illness was aggravated by war service. He was issued with a SWB numbered 243504. His discharge papers give an insight into Edward as they describe him as being 30 years and 174 days old, 5' 8 and a half inches tall, being of fair complexion, with blue eyes and light brown hair. His occupation before the war is shown as painter. 

Edward died on 09th January 1920, aged 33.

He now rests at Bebington Cemetery where his headstone bears the epitaph:

"AT REST".

There are 150 First World War burials in the Cemetery.

No Soldiers Effects record but Pension to widow Florence.

Florence died in the September quarter of 1950 aged 69.  

We currently have no further information on Edward Robins, If you have or know someone who may be able to add to the history of this soldier, please contact us.