Peterborough & The Great War

Biography

Robert Samuel was born on 7 July 1896, to John and Eliza Ann (nee Vinter) Pauley in Orton Waterville, Peterborough, where John carried out a successful wheelwright business and was the village undertaker.

In 1901, Robert is living with his parents, siblings Ethel and John William and cousin Ernest Vinter, an apprentice wheelwright.  In 1911 Robert, aged 14, an assistant wheelwright, was living with his grandmother Mary Ann Pauley in Orton Waterville.

Robert Pauley enlisted on 31 January 1916 and served with the Royal Welsh Fusiliers and South Wales Borderers (SWB).  Robert’s service records have not survived, however, his Silver War Badge record states he was discharged from the SWB on 7 November 1917, aged 21.  Robert served overseas and was awarded the British War and Allied Victory Medals.

Robert passed through Peterborough East Station on 30 November 1916 and wrote in the visitors’ book

“War makes many friends to part, To make more friends anew, But, by the kindness I’ve received, I’ll always think of the Sailors & Soldiers Rest at Peterborough”

Robert’s elder brother, John William, served with the Manchester Regiment and also survived the war.

In 1923, Robert Samuel married Sarah J Nichols in Peterborough and they had one son, Ronald, born in 1925.  In 1939, Robert and his family were living in Woodston, Peterborough and he was an assistant storeman engineer.

Robert’s father is perhaps best remembered as founder of the Cherry Orton Brass Band, which was formed in 1893, and was in great demand for concerts in and around the area.  John taught many youngsters to play brass instruments, including his two sons Robert and John.  The band was suspended at the outbreak of WW1, as its numbers were depleted by members going off to fight.  Robert succeeded his mother as organist at St Mary’s Church, Orton Waterville.

Robert died in 1972, aged 76 and is buried in St Mary’s Churchyard, Orton Waterville, Peterborough.

Contact has been made with Robert’s grandson.