Skip to main content
Twixt Branding

Return to search

Robert Darbyshire


Date of birth: 1892
Date of death: 15.101917
Area: South Elmsall
Regiment: King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry (12th Battalion)
Rank: Corporal
Service number: 12/904

Family Life

Robert was born in Purston and his parents lived at 18 New Street, Kinsley. His wife also came from Kinsley. The photographs included show Robert when at home on leave about 21st September 1917 and also the memorial to Robert at an unknown location in France / Flanders. His CWG headstone is in the Whitehouse Cemetery, St Jeans les Ypres, plot 2 B7.
Newspaper report from the South Elmsall & Hemsworth Express of November 2nd 1917.

Kinsley soldier’s death
We regret to hear of the death of Cpl. Darbyshire of the K.O.Y.L. I. who was killed in action during the recent advances. Deceased was one of those who enlisted with the Miner’s Contingent, which went from the district in the first month of the war. He was on leave just five months ago.
The officer, in advising his, Darbyshire’s, wife of her loss, spoke in glowing terms of his service, describing how under the most trying circumstances, he was to be relied upon, and that he, (the writer) could always trust him as he was a fine soldier. A shell, he explained, dropped just where they were situated and Darbyshire was one of the unfortunates to be hit. He was buried in a little cemetery close by and his comrades paid the last rites due to a soldier.
He leaves a wife and two children.

head and shoulders photograph of him wearing his uniform Robert Darbyshire
the original white cross marking his grave which gives his details. some flowers are placed at the foot of the grave Corporal R Darbyshire's memorial

Return to search

;