Robert Sisterson

Forename(s):
Robert

Surname:
Sisterson

Initial(s):
R

Service Number:
R/1575

Rank:
Able Seaman

Regiment:
Royal Naval Division, Anson Battalion

Died:
31/12/1917

Aged:
30

Buried:
Rocquigny-Equancourt Road British Cemetery, Manancourt

Service History:
Sisterson joined the Army Reserve on 14 December 1914 & entered service on 9 June 1917. He was drafted to the BEF on 11 October 1917 & joined Anson Battalion on 13 November 1917, just 6 weeks before he died.

He died (of wounds received on 30 December) at the 21st Casualty Clearing Station. His brother James, as next of kin, was informed of his death.

Background:
Born on 25 March 1887, at Alnham, Northumberland, the fourth son of Adam Sisterson (b. 1839; at Thorneyburn, Northumberland; a Gamekeeper), by his wife, Annie (b.1851 at Tosson, Rothbury, Northumberland).

In 1891, the family was living at The Cottage, Sinhope (Linhope?), Ingram, Glendale, Northumberland, & they were still there in 1901.

Six siblings: Mary A. (b. 1872); John (b. 1877; at Bolton, Northumberland); Hannah (b. 1879); Adam (b. 1881); William (b.1885); & James (b. 1890). Like Sisterson, brothers Adam, William & James were born at Alnham.

The 1901 Census records Sisterson & his brothers Adam & James, living with their parents next door to their older brother, John, his wife Margaret & their son, Adam. Also living with the Sisterson family was older sister Mary & her husband, William Henderson (b. about 1852) - they married in 1899 - & their young family of four, all below the age of 5, variously born at Amble, Powburn & South Side, Beanley, Alnwick, all places in Northumberland.

Sisterson's father died at sometime before the 1911 Census, & his mother & youngest brother moved to Low Hedgeley.

One of two sons lost: see, also, Guardsman William Sisterson (Regimental service #26506; Foot Guards, Grenadier Guards, 3rd Battalion; Died 26 October 1919).

Local Memorial:
Branton Presbyterian Church Roll of Honour Whittingham, Roll of Honour in St BartholomewÂ’s Church Glanton, United Reform Church (Source: For Glanton, newmp.org.uk)