Robert Bailey

A Second Hand with H.M. Trawler Bracklyn, Robert died on 11th of May 1917 at the age of 62. 

Robert was born at Blaxhall, Suffolk, on 10 March 1856, a son of Henry and Emma Bailey. By 1861 Robert’s father had died and his family lived at Church Road, Blaxhall. In 1871 they lived at Church Lane, Blaxhall, and Robert was an agricultural labourer. 

On 16 May 1880 Robert married Sarah Ellen Jarmey at Saint Peter’s Church, Kirkley. Robert was a fisherman and they both lived at Lowestoft. In 1881 their home was at 3 Clement Terrace, Carlton Road, Kirkley. In 1881 Robert was a seaman working on the Maid Marian at Lowestoft. Robert was awarded his certificate of competency as a skipper in 1885. 

In 1891 they lived at Youngmans Buildings, 8 Southwell Road, and Robert was a fisherman. By 1901 they were living at 15 Southwell Road, Lowestoft, and Robert was a smacksman.  

Robert joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 24 March 1915. He served on the trawler Lord Roberts until 11 March 1917 when he joined the trawler Bracklyn.  

On 11 May 1917 the Bracklyn was sunk by a mine off Great Yarmouth. All ten of the crew were killed. 

Robert’s son Sidney served with the Royal Field Artillery and died in 1918.