Robert John Buckenham

A Private with the 4th Battalion, Robert died on 12th of February 1942 at the age of 23. 

Robert was born at Lowestoft on 20 October 1918, a son of William Henry (Harry) and May Lucy Buckenham. In 1921 his family lived at 17 Wellington Cottages, Clapham Road, and by 1939 their address was given as 17 Clapham Road, Lowestoft. In 1939 Robert worked as a fish curer.

Robert served with the 4th Battalion Royal Norfolk Regiment. In autumn 1940 the Battalion was on coastal defence in the Great Yarmouth area and then moved to Brooke, and then Cambridge. In early 1941 the Battalion was sent to Scotland, then Blackburn, and Ross-on-Wye. On 29 October 1941 the Battalion sailed from Liverpool and landed at Bombay on 29 December 1941 as part of the 18th (East Anglian) Division. On 19 January 1942 the Battalion re-embarked for Singapore and landed there on 29 January 1942. On 11 February the Battalion went into action at the racecourse, before falling back to defend the perimeter. On 15 February the British forces at Singapore were forced to surrender and the remaining men of the 4th Battalion went into captivity. 

Robert was reported missing on 15 February 1942. Official Casualty List 1980, of 7 January 1946, shows that Robert was officially recorded as having been killed in action on 12 February 1942. 

Robert's brother William also served with the 4th Battalion was captured at Singapore. William died whilst a prisoner in Japanese hands. 

Robert's parents later lived at 67 Park Road Lowestoft.