Robert Addison Dale was born about 1884 in Dinsdale, Co. Durham. He was the son of John Kirby Dale (1847 - 1925) and Anne Dale. Robert was living with his parent at Fish Lock Cottage, Low Dinsdale in the 1891 census. There were five siblings. By 1901 Robert was a stonemason living in lodgings at 12, Esplanade, Scarborough.

Robert married Betsy Gladwin in October, 1907. They had 3 children: Margaret Mary Stephanie, born 1908, Winifred, born 1911 and Bessie Gladwin Dale, born 1919.

In the 1911 census Robert and his wife Betsy (born Etherley) were living at Station Terrace, Aycliffe. Robert was a fruiterer.

In the Absent Voters' List of October 1918 Robert's address is Aycliffe House, and he was Private 277283, 22nd Battalion, Durham Light Infantry.

Robert died 26 December, 1962, age 79, and his wife 7 March, 1972, age 89 and both are buried in St. Andrew's Churchyard.