Pte 391009 Robert Skelton

• Age: 39
• From: Liverpool
• Regiment: LABOUR CORPS
• Died on Monday 20th January 1919
• Commemorated at: Huy (la Sarte)
  Panel Ref: I.A.13

Robert was born in Liverpool on 24th September 1879 the son of George and Sarah Skelton.  He was baptised at St Peter's Church in Liverpool on 20th October 1879. Baptismal records show the family were living in Toxteth and his father was a labourer. 

The 1881 Census shows the family living at 3 William Street, Toxteth Park, Liverpool. Robert is 1 year old and is living with his parents and elder brother. His father, is a fireman born in Redford, Nottinghamshire in 1859, whilst his mother, Sarah is shown as born in Liverpool in 1856.His elder brother John was born in Liverpool in 1878. 

By 1891 the family are living at Lavrock Bank, Toxteth Park, Liverpool. Robert is now 11 years of age and the eldest of the 5 children recorded on the Census. His parents are both still resident, his father now shown as a Labourer. His siblings all born in Liverpool are recorded as; George born 1882, Thomas born 1884, Richard born 1886 and William born 1889.   

On 02nd April 1901 he married Mary Ann Gunnery at St Peter's Church in Liverpool. He was living at Pitt Street and his occupation is given as a Fireman. Mary Ann is recorded as 20 years of age. They had 4 children; George Henry, John, Beattie and Emily. 

Robert enlisted at Seaforth on 16th November 1915 giving his age as 34 which was incorrect as he was 36. His occupation is shown as a Labourer. He joined the 20th Battalion of The King's Liverpool Regiment as Private 47382 and he arrived in France on 16th December 1916 serving in France until 20th April 1917. It is likely that he was wounded as he returned to the UK from 21st April 1917.

Upon his return to duty he was transferred to the Labour Corps. Robert was serving with the 770 Area Employment Company as Private 391009 when he died suddenly. He was reportedly found dead in bed on 20th January 1919, aged 39. A Court of Inquiry was called for and the cause of death was established following a post mortem as Uremia due to Chronic Nephritis, a condition in which the tissues in the kidney become inflamed.   

Robert's medals and personal belongings were sent to his widow Mary Ann at 7 Court, 4, House, Rankin Street Liverpool. The personal effects included an 18 Carat Gold ring, quite probably his wedding ring. 

Robert lies at Huy (La  Sarte) Cemetery in Belgium at I.A.13 where his headstone bears the epitaph:

"GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN"

The 50th (Northumbrian) Casualty Clearing Station was posted to Huy from January to May 1919. The Communal Cemetery contains a plot of 109 Commonwealth burials of the First World War and seven war graves of other nationalities.

CWGC have his age as 40 but going by birth and baptismal records Robert was 39. 

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