Robert Henry Dark

 

Robert Henry Dark, who served with the Devonshire Regiment, 9^th Battalion, who was killed in action on the First Day of the Battle of the Somme, 1^st July 1916.

Devonshire Cemetery
credit - Commonwealth War
Graves Commission

He is among the individuals interred at Devonshire Cemetery. The cemetery features an inscription stating, "The Devonshires held this trench, the Devonshires hold it still." There are a total of 153 graves within the cemetery.

Robert who was born in 1891, Bideford, Devon was the son of George M. Dark, and Ellen Gammon, who were married in 1891, Bideford.

The 1901 Census, records that Robert is aged 9, and he his resident at 8 Union Street, Bideford, Devon.

1901 Census

Ellen is listed as the head of the household, age 31, and her marital status is recorded as widowed. Her occupation is noted as dressmaker. Her children are:

Robert, aged 9; Florence, aged 6; and Lilian, aged 3.

However, George is currently living and resides with his parents at 3 Bridge Street, Bideford, Devon.

1901 Census

George who is aged 31, is recorded as a Housepainter.

A decade later at the time of the 1911 Census, Robert has moved to Skewen, and he recorded as a lodger living at Woodville House, 4 Railway Terrace.  His occupation is recorded as Colliery Labourer.

1911 Census

March 1914, Robert married Ethel Evans at Neath.

Robert Henry Dark 
Devonshire Cemetery
credit - findagrave

Robert enlisted at Swansea, for the army and served with the Devonshire Regiment. 

UK Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects