Pte 44228 Robert Irons

• Age: 30
• From: Liverpool
• Regiment: 1/8TH Manchester 18th Btn
• Died on Friday 30th August 1918
• Commemorated at: Manchester Cemetery, Riencourt-les-bapaume
  Panel Ref: A. 18

Robert Irons was born in the September quarter of 1888 in Liverpool and was the son of David Irons and his wife Ellen (nee Powell) who were married in 1875 in Prescot. His father, David, was born in Arbroath, Scotland and his mother in Dudley, Staffordshire.  

The 1891 Census shows the family living 34 Greenall Street, Everton. His father, David, is aged 38, a patternmaker born in Scotland, his mother, Elizabeth, is aged 35, and was born in Dudley, Staffordshire. They have five children in the household; Helen is 15 and a dressmaker born in Hale Bank, Lancashire, Mary 13, was also born in Hale Bank, Matilda J. is 10, born Liverpool, James 8, born Liverpool, and Robert 2, born Liverpool .    

The 1901 Census shows the family have moved to 17 Blessington Road, Everton. His father, David, is aged 49, and is still a patternmaker, his mother Helen is aged 44, and they have had three more children. Helen is now 25, a dressmaker, Matilda 20, James 18, a marine engines apprentice, Robert is 12, Jessie 9, Agnes 4 and Elsie 1. 

His father David died, aged 59, in 1910 and was buried on the 27th November at Kirkdale Cemetery, his address was given as 193 Beacon Lane, Everton. 

On the 1911 Census at Beacon Lane, his widowed mother, Ellen, is aged 57 and declares having  had 11 children, 8 of whom have survived. There are six children in the household; Helen is 35 years old and is a dressmaker, James 26, is a marine engineers draughtsman, Robert is 22, and is a fruit brokers clerk, Jessie 19, is a boot shop assistant, Agnes 14 is at home, and Elsie 11 is at school. 

He enlisted in Liverpool as Private No.36021 in the King’s Liverpool Regiment, probably with the 18th Battalion of The King's Liverpool Regiment (based on Pte 36026 Joseph Young who was 18/KLR). He did not receive the 1915 Star so must have been sent to France at the earliest in 1916. He was most probably wounded and after recovery was sent to the 30 Infantry Base Depot where he was transferred as Private 44228 to the 12th Manchester Regiment, and onto 1/8 Manchester Regiment (Ardwick) T.F.

Robert was killed in action on the 30th August 1918, aged 30, during the advance on Riencourt, west of Amiens. 

1/8 MANCHESTER REGIMENT WAR DIARY August 1918. 

Aug. 29 – Advance ordered on RIENCOURT, companies move forward at 7.30 pm. 

Aug. 30 - Information as to position of companies very vague, reconnoitred and discovered A, B and D companies about BAPAUME-PERONNE Road. C company supposed on N.W. outskirts of RIENCOURT but out of touch.  

Previously – 4.15 am operation orders received from brigade for further advance providing RIENCOURT had been established. Operation orders prepared but not issued as this condition was not fulfilled.  

Information received from wounded of deaths of officers, including Officers Commanding B and C companies, Captain’s Thody and Forbes. Whole battalion position under heavy machine gun fire, also gas shelled.  

Orders received (by telephone) to withdraw battalion to high ground D N 4 a and b. as RIENCOURT and area was to be bombed at 7 pm prior to an advance by 1/10 Manchester Regiment. The whole of A company and the greater portion of B withdrawn in time. D company withdrew with little loss and met guides. C company came out in small detachments having suffered heavy casualties. Stretcher bearers sent out during the night to bring in wounded.  

Aug. 31 - Before marching out arrangements made for stragglers. Positions taken over in LOUPART ROAD and in trenches south of LOUPORT WOOD by 5 am. Relieved by 1/5 Battalion Lancs Fusiliers by 4.50 pm. 

Marched by companies to new area in G 33 e and M 2 b. Bn. HQ at G 32 d 75.15. 

There were 37 casualties on that date for 1/8 Manchesters. 

Robert now rests at Manchester Cemetery, Riencourt-Les-Bapaume, France.

Riencourt was occupied by Commonwealth forces in March 1917. It was lost on 24 March 1918 during the German offensive and recaptured by the 42nd (East Lancashire) Division on the evening of 30 August 1918. The cemetery was made by the same division early in the following month.

Manchester Cemetery contains 72 burials and commemorations of the First World War. 11 of the burials are unidentified but there is a special memorial to a soldier of the 1st/5th Manchesters known to be buried among them.

The cemetery was designed by W H Cowlishaw.

Bob was engaged to be married when his death was reported. 

Liverpool Echo - Friday 11 October 1918 

IRONS—August 30, killed in action, ROBERT (Bob), Manchester Regiment (late Liverpool Pals), second son the late David and Mrs. Irons, 48. Stanley Park-avenue, Anfield.  

IRONS—August 30, killed in action, ROBERT (Bob), Manchester Regiment (late Liverpool Pals), beloved fiancée of Evelyn White. 

Soldiers Effects and Pension of 12/- p/w from 1st April 1919 to mother Ellen, 48 Stanley Park Avenue.

He earned his British and Victory medals but they were returned. 

His mother died in Wallasey, aged 88, in 1944 and was buried on the 05th July at Kirkdale Cemetery, her address 36 Grove Road, Wallasey. 

Grateful thanks are exted to Ancestry member David Mitchell for permission to use the photograph of Robert Irons' headstone now on the website.

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