Robert Bowerbank in Home Guard Uniform, WW2.

Robert Bowerbank was born May 22, 1892 at Coxhoe, Co. Durham. He was the son of Robert Bowerbank and Margaret Ann Baker.

Robert enlisted November 23, 1914. Robert was 22 years 6 months old. He was 5' 6 1/2" tall. His next of kin was his wife Alice, née Huggins, and he had 5 children, Nora, born January 16, 1913 and Joseph, born July 11, 1914, Edith, born September 29, 1917, Maria Ellen, born November 22, 1919 and Mary Ann, born 1927, died April 23, 1929. Maria lived in Newton Aycliffe for over 40 years.

Army number: 16697. Rank: Private. Unit: 6th Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment (Green Howards).

Robert served in Gallipoli and then was posted to France July 2, 1916. He received a gunshot wound which led to his discharge January 3, 1917. December 27, 1917 Robert received his War Badge and Certificate. The Badge was to be worn on the right breast or on the right lapel of the jacket, but not in Naval or Military uniform.

Robert Bowerbank is the grandfather of Joyce Malcolm née Bowerbank, of Newton Aycliffe.