Related by Category
Related by City - Edinburgh
Related by County - Midlothian
Related by Last Name - Locke
Edinburgh Scotland
Full name of worker at H.M. Factory Gretna (and any other names they are known by) : Robert Gilbin Locke
Gender: Male
Date and Place of Birth: 1891, Edinburgh, Scotland
Date and Place of Death: 29/10/1936 Edinburgh, Scotland
Nationality: Scottish
Biography
Childhood: N/K
Parents: N/K
Parent’s occupations: N/K
Schools / universities attended and years of attendance: N/A
Occupational history (previous jobs in their career): N/K
Occupation: Correspondence Clerk
Place of residence at Gretna:
Job title at Gretna: Correspondence Clerk
Marital status: Married
Spouse name (including male name): Euphemia Margaret Hunter
Date of marriage: 1931
Place/Parish of marriage:
Children: Not Known
Travels:
Awards/recognitions:
Trivia / any other information:
Further links, notes, and comments:
Robert featured in the Dumfries and Galloway Standard 5/4/16 as he appeared at a military tribunal, asking for exemption from Military Service, as his mother was an invalid and needed his help to run her shop in Edinburgh. She already had 4 sons in the army (one of whom, according to Robert had received the DCM). Robert was the youngest son. He was a correspondence clerk at HM Dornock.
(He was granted an exemption until 30/10/16, however, he enlisted before this exemption expired – on 4/10/1916).
Robert was born in Edinburgh in 1891. His parents, William and Sarah are described in the 1901 census as “old clothes dealers”. At that time there are 2 daughters and 3 sons living at home.
I have traced the military history of three of William and Sarah’s sons, including Robert, who enlisted in October 1916 and was discharged due to disability, on 3/4/1919. He was awarded a Silver War Badge, which indicated that he was injured whilst serving his country. According to the records it was due to illness contracted overseas in service. His brother William Andrew was killed in action on 21st March 1918 leaving a widow and 4 children. His headstone reads “One of the best, a loving son, husband and father”. He had enlisted in 1908.
I have been unable to trace which brother received the DCM and so cannot verify Robert’s assertion. I know that his brother, James, was also injured in the War, as he has a pension record in which his mother is named. Sarah and William’s family surely suffered greatly with the disability and death of at least three of their sons.
Robert died in 29/10/ 1936 and is buried in Edinburgh. Whilst initially asking for exemption, he enlisted before it expired and went on to serve his country for 3 years, contracting an illness serious enough for him to be officially declared disabled with the award of a Silver War Badge.
Edinburgh Scotland