Peterborough & The Great War

Biography

Robert Redgraves was born in Grimsby on 31 October 1891, to Frederick, a fisherman, and Emma (nee Snell) and was one of seven children.  In 1901, William (9) was living at 120 Barcroft Street, Cleethorpes with his mother Emma (36) and siblings Florence (15) day servant, Frederick (13) port errand lad, William (11) and Olive (15).  By 1911, the family had moved to 45 Blundell Avenue, New Cleethorpes; Robert (19) and his brother William (21) are both fish house labourers, Frederick (23) is a skips rigger, Florence (25) is married and living at the family home with her son Horace (2), Olive (15) and Harold (6) and mother Emma (46). The family has strong associations with the fishing trade.  Frederick, their father was absent on the night of both censuses, and could possibly have been at sea.

Robert attested to join the Territorial Force in Grimsby on 15 March 1912, and served with the 1^st North Midland Brigade.  His embodied service started on 5 August 1914, when he was a driver attached to the Northern Home Artillery, Royal Field Artillery.  He transferred to the 72^nd Divisional Artillery based at Warren Heath, Ipswich on 15 March 1917.  On 25 July 1917, Robert transferred to the Regular Army and was paid a bounty of £15.  He was described as a steady, sober and reliable soldier.  He was discharged due to sickness on 20 February 1918 whilst serving with the 353^rd Brigade, Royal Field Artillery and was awarded the Silver War Badge.

Robert passed through Peterborough East Station on 21 March 1917 and wrote in the visitors’ book “My very best thanks for the hospitality shown me on my short stay here.”  It is possible that he was travelling between Grimsby and Ipswich.

Robert married Amy Hotson in Grimsby on 17 July 1915, and they had four children:  Robert jnr was born in 1919 in Grimsby. It then seems that they moved to the East Riding area of Yorkshire as the other three children were registered in the Sculcoates district: Howard (1924), Eileen (1928) and Gordon (1930).

In 1939, Robert and Amy are living at 2 St Peters Avenue, Anlaby, Haltemprice, East Riding, Yorkshire with Gordon, who is still at school and two other children, whose records are still officially closed.  Robert is a master fish merchant.

Robert died on 24 January 1963, at 135 Princess Avenue, Kingston upon Hull, aged 72.  His home address was Bedford Road, Hessle, Yorkshire.  Amy passed away on 19 May 1995, whilst living in sheltered retirement housing at 28 Ronald Farmer Court, Waltham, Grimsby.

Could Robert be a member of your family?  Do get in touch if you can tell us more.