Armstrong, Robert

* Information provided by Rob Tindall 25/10/23

Robert Armstrong was baptised in Bellingham on 10 June 1877, the son of George and Margaret. At the age of four his family was living in 2, Hutchinson Street, Bellingham but by 1891 had moved to Cruddas Terrace (1 Cruddas Terrace) from where Robert went to school. In 1901 he was still living with his parents in Bellingham Mill and working as a general labourer. In 1902 he enlisted in the Northumberland Fusiliers – presumably as a reservist - and on 9 June 1904 he married Elizabeth (Lizzie) Bradford. Lizzie was born in Alnwick and was the daughter of George, an iron founder, and Mary Ann. They were living at 6, Percy Street, Bellingham in 1911 and had four children – George (5), Sarah Jane (3), Eunice (1) and William (<1 month). Robert was working as a labourer mason. He was called up and was a private in 50 Company Labour Corps. He was wounded and died of his wounds on 1 September 1917 in France. He left widow, Elizabeth and children, George, Sarah Jane, Emma (sic) and William. Sarah apparently re-married and in 1939 was living in Gateshead as Elizabeth Walker.