Robert George Timothy – King’s Royal Rifle Corps, 17th Battalion

Private Robert George Timothy – King’s Royal Rifle Corps, 17^th Battalion

Birth and Family Background

John Timothy and Mary Davies
marriage certificate
St Mary’s Church, Swansea

Robert George Timothy was born in 1883 at Oystermouth, the youngest son of John Timothy and Mary Davies, who were married in 1865 at St Mary’s Church, Swansea.

1891 Census

At the time of the 1891 Census, the family were living at Woodland Close, Oystermouth. John Timothy (58), born at Bishopston, was employed as a general labourer, while his wife Mary (51) managed the household.

Their children were John (24), a general labourer; Rosina (19); Alfred (17), a baker; Jane (17); Edwin (12); Mary (10); and Robert G. (8). The three youngest children were attending school.

1901 Census

By the time of the 1901 Census, the family had moved to Gloster Place, Mumbles. John Timothy (68) was still employed as a general labourer, and Mary (62) managed the home.

The children still living at home were Rosina (29), Mary (21), and Robert G. (19), who was also employed as a general labourer.

1911 Census

At the time of the 1911 Census, the Timothy siblings were residing at Gloster Place, Mumbles. Rosina (39) and Mary (30) were both employed as laundresses, while Robert George (28) worked as a carter.

Military Service

Robert George Timothy originally enlisted in the British Army with the Royal Army Service Corps before transferring to the King’s Royal Rifle Corps, 17^th Battalion.

In May 1918, the 17^th Battalion, King’s Royal Rifle Corps, was serving on the Western Front during a critical period following the German Spring Offensives. British units were heavily engaged in holding defensive positions, restoring damaged trench systems, and repelling continued enemy pressure.

During this period, the battalion operated in sectors frequently subjected to heavy artillery bombardment, including gas and high-explosive shelling. Even in the absence of major infantry assaults, front-line duties such as manning trenches, repairing defences, and supporting neighbouring units were extremely dangerous, resulting in a steady flow of casualties.

Wounded soldiers were evacuated through regimental aid posts to casualty clearing stations and base hospitals along the Channel coast. Despite treatment, many later succumbed to their wounds.

Death and Burial

Army Registers of Soldiers’ Effects

According to the Army Registers of Soldiers’ Effects, Private Robert George Timothy died of wounds on 13^th May 1918.

Robert George Timothy
Boulogne Eastern Cemetery, France
credit - fidnagrave

He is buried at Boulogne Eastern Cemetery, France, a cemetery closely associated with the nearby military hospitals that served the Western Front during the final year of the war.