Charles Frederick's Story.
Charles is remembered on the Christ Church Memorial at Barnton, Northwich.
Northwich Guardian dated 19th September & 22nd September 1916. (The articles read the same but the later article includes a photograph image of Charles Robinson.)
DIED IN HOSPITAL PRIVATE C. F. ROBINSON.
Mr. William Robinson, coachman to the late Dr. Mond, who lives at 74 Runcorn Road, Barnton, has received an intimation that his son, Private Charles Fred Robinson of the Cheshire Regiment has died whilst on active service. Private Robinson, who was 20 years of age, joined the Army a couple of years ago, at which time he was employed as a gardener at Winnington Hall. He only went to the front on September 3rd and four days later died in hospital. Writing to his aunt on September 4th, he said: “Just a few lines to let you know I am going on all right and in the best of health. I have met a lot of Northwich boys but I have not seen any from Barnton yet. It is not a bad place but would rather be in old England.”
Singular to say, by the same post a letter was received from the matron of the General Hospital, Rouen, as follows:- “I am sorry to tell you that your son, Private C. F. Robinson has been admitted in hospital, suffering from pneumonia. He has a severe attack but we hope with care he will go on well. You will be glad to know he is having every care.” The next day the assistant matron, Miss Greaves, wrote:- “I am very grieved to tell you that Private Robinson died very suddenly last night from heart failure. Everything possible was done for him.”
C.W.G.C. remember a C. Robinson, Pte with the 8th Bn. Berkshire Regiment No 37169, died on the 8th September 1916 and is buried at the St. Sever Cemetery, Rouen, (B.23.35.) France. Unfortunately no family details are included. (The St. Sever Cemetery at Rouen, is the same area as the Guardian article reported the hospital in which Charles died.)
N.A.M.C. have a medal card for a Charles Frederick Robinson, Royal Berkshire Regiment No 37169, Pte., also 2/5th Cheshire Regiment No 2953, Pte. Awarded the British and Victory medals. T. o. W. & D. o. E. not address. (There is no note on the medal card to this lad having died or been killed.)
Cheshirebmd records the birth of a Charles Frederick Robinson in 1895 Northwich. The 1911 census has Charles living with his Grandparents, the Catterall’s, on Runcorn Road, Barnton. He is aged 17, a Labourer at the Chemical Works.
B. M. & Co. R.o.H. booklet includes Charles F. Robinson, in the Winnington Works listings, Pte. 5th Cheshire, died
Research Bob H.