Robotham
03-04-2015, 19:53
Hello everyone,
I have recently introduced myself to the Forum. I am searching for anyone who might have any information relating to the 1st Garrison Battalion, Gibraltar - 1915-18.
My great gandfather was in this Battalion. He was Lance Corporal, Thomas John Robotham (33818), and he enlisted in 1915 with the South Wales Borderers with whom he had previously served in the Boer War. He was 51 years old when he enlisted but he stated he was 40 on his attestation. On his return from South Africa he had constantly been a member of the Monmouthshire TA. Upon his enlistment he was was transferred to the RWF and stationed in the Gibraltar Garrison - which was probably less arduous for 'older soldiers' than the Western Front.
After, two years in France, in December 1917, his son, George Alfred Robotham (my granddad), 74 Brigade RFA, the Guards Divisional artillery, was wounded at Cambrai and was brought home. Thomas left Gibraltar on a furlough and, I assume, due to the condition of his son, applied for discharge. In May 1916 his brother, Ernest Robotham, had been lost on the Indefatigable, at Jutland.
Thomas was transferred to a Home Service Unit - 25/10/18. He was posted on termination of leave - 21/11/18. He was discharged 'no longer physically fit' at Litherland - 13/12/18. The discharge was stamped 'Infantry Record Office, Shrewsbury' and dated 14/12/18.
I am looking for anyone who may have any information about the Gibraltar Garrison during WW1. It must have been only a small number of men - so that probably reduces my chances. I am hopeful that someone may have some information and look forward to looking out for your replies.
Best wishes to everyone.
Robotham
I have recently introduced myself to the Forum. I am searching for anyone who might have any information relating to the 1st Garrison Battalion, Gibraltar - 1915-18.
My great gandfather was in this Battalion. He was Lance Corporal, Thomas John Robotham (33818), and he enlisted in 1915 with the South Wales Borderers with whom he had previously served in the Boer War. He was 51 years old when he enlisted but he stated he was 40 on his attestation. On his return from South Africa he had constantly been a member of the Monmouthshire TA. Upon his enlistment he was was transferred to the RWF and stationed in the Gibraltar Garrison - which was probably less arduous for 'older soldiers' than the Western Front.
After, two years in France, in December 1917, his son, George Alfred Robotham (my granddad), 74 Brigade RFA, the Guards Divisional artillery, was wounded at Cambrai and was brought home. Thomas left Gibraltar on a furlough and, I assume, due to the condition of his son, applied for discharge. In May 1916 his brother, Ernest Robotham, had been lost on the Indefatigable, at Jutland.
Thomas was transferred to a Home Service Unit - 25/10/18. He was posted on termination of leave - 21/11/18. He was discharged 'no longer physically fit' at Litherland - 13/12/18. The discharge was stamped 'Infantry Record Office, Shrewsbury' and dated 14/12/18.
I am looking for anyone who may have any information about the Gibraltar Garrison during WW1. It must have been only a small number of men - so that probably reduces my chances. I am hopeful that someone may have some information and look forward to looking out for your replies.
Best wishes to everyone.
Robotham