World War 1
Search the known records to date of those lost from the wider Alnwick area in World War 1
Generally showing where they are commemorated, when they died and some basic facts about each person. There are gaps, however, so if you can fill in any missing details do please contact us.
Nicholas Robson
Forename(s):
Nicholas
Surname:
Robson
Initial(s):
N
Service Number:
290126
Rank:
Private
Regiment:
Northumberland Fusiliers, 1st Battalion
Died:
28/03/1918
Aged:
23
Buried:
Arras Memorial (Faubourg d'Amiens Cemetery)
Service History:
Enlisted at Wooler, Northumberland.
Killed in action during the 1918 German Spring Offensive. On 28 March, the Battalion was involved in a desperate rearguard action during which they were subjected to a very heavy artillery bombardment followed by the Germans attacking in dense formations. The positions were held even though the enemy had broken through on both flanks. After dusk the survivors were withdrawn back to reserve trenches.
Casualties were heavy with 6 Officers & 29 Other Ranks killed, & 3 Officers & 107 Other Ranks wounded. 149 men were reported 'Missing' although doubtless some of these would have been taken prisoner.
At the time of Robson's death, by sniper fire, he had been part of a bombing party covering the withdrawal. He was Lieutenant Tavener's runner & had volunteered for this task.
(Source: coldstreamhistorysociety.co.uk)
Background:
Born about 1895, at Wooler, the son of Mr & Mrs N. Robson of Cheviot Street, Wooler.
Local Memorial:
Wooler War Memorial