Robert Hesketh Lodge
Date of birth: 7.8.1895
Date of death: 14.11.1915
Area: Knottingley
Regiment: King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry
Family information: Son of William and Mary Lodge of Water Fryston, Ferrybridge
Rank: Private
Service number: 3886
War Service
Robert Hesketh Lodge joined the 1/5th Battalion, King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry and was given the service number 3886. He died, aged 19, on 14th November 1915 and was buried at Bard Cottage Cemetery, Plot 1 Row G.
For much of the First World war, the village of Boesinghe (now Boezinge) directly faced the German line across the Yser canal. Bard Cottage was a house a little set back from the line, close to a bridge called Bard’s Causeway and the cemetery was made nearby in a sheltered position under a high bank. Burials were made between June 1915 and October 1918 and they reflect the presence of the 49th (West Riding), the 38th (Welsh) and other infantry divisions in the northern sectors of the Ypres Salient.
The Roll of Honour, Pontefract & Castleford Express 16th November 1917 reads:
“In loving memory of Robert, beloved son of William and Mary Lodge, Water Fryston, who was killed in action 14 November 1915.
“Oh dear son could we have seen thee in that hour of death, and caught the sigh of thy parting breath, only those who have lost are able to tell, the sorrow of parting and not saying farewell.”
Family Life
Robert Hesketh Lodge was born on 7th August 1895, the son of William and Mary Lodge nee Hesketh. They had married in the fourth quarter of 1885 and their marriage was registered at Richmond, Yorkshire.
In the 1911 census Robert is shown as a labourer living at Water Fryston with his parents and siblings.
Bard Cottage Cemetery