Leonard Robinson
Private 50083 - Essex Regiment
11th Battalion
Enlisted: Nottingham
Died of Wounds Flanders 19th October 1918 : Aged 20
Vadencourt British Cemetery - ref II C 33
Huthwaite Online WW1 Remembrance
Private 50083 Leonard Robinson was born 1898 in Huthwaite. Parental home 10 Swan Yard was claimed by Bricklayer father Christopher Robinson from Nottingham. Mansfield registered Q4 1889 marriage with Miss Ada Marshall from Hucknall Huthwaite Pit Yard, thereafter naming children mothered by Mrs Ada Robinson. Census ultimately identifies their 1911 Robinson household headed by Christopher 50, wife Ada 41, with 6 surviving sons, Alma 20, George 18, Leonard 13, Arthur 10, Sidney 7, Ernest 4.
Leonard Robinson would have typically started work aged 14, to likewise join both elder brothers employed as Banksman at the New Hucknall Colliery. Despite a reserved occupation, Mr L Robinson appears to have voluntarily joined the North Staffordshire Regiment at Nottingham. Pte 54888 Len Robinson then entered active service recognising transferal to the Essex Regiment.
Private 50083 Leonard Robinson was mobilised with Essex 11th Service Battalion. Little more than three weeks after landing in France, a bullet wound could only offer two days field hospital comfort, recording cause of death 19th October 1918 aged 20.
PRIVATE L. ROBINSON, HUTHWAITE
Official news has been received of the death of Private Leonard Robinson, 10, Swan Yard, Huthwaite. He was 20 years of age, and had been out in France only just over three weeks. He was wounded on October 17th and died on the 19th at the 47th Casualty Clearing Station. He formerly worked at New Hucknall Colliery. The following letter has been received:-
"I am very sorry to inform you of the death of your dear son, Pte. L. Robinson, 50083, 11th Essex. He, was admitted on the 17th badly wounded in the back, the bullet penetrating the bowel. Everything that was possible was done to try and save him, but he gradually became weaker and died at 7 p.m. on the 19th. He was conscious but was weak. He did not speak much or leave any message. It is one consolation for you to know that he was brought to hospital, where he had every comfort and his last hours made easier for him. All his personal belongings will be forwarded to you through the War Office. Accept my deepest sympathy at this time in your sad bereavement."
23 Jul 06 by Gary Elliott Updated 09 Feb 09