Robert Breach

A Sergeant with the 9th Battalion, Robert died on 14th of October 1918 aged 33. 

Robert was born at Lowestoft in 1885. Robert’s militia service papers show that his mother’s first name was Sarah, and she is believed to be Sarah Ann Breach, the sister of Henry Breach. In 1891 Robert was a boarder with Sarah Prettyman, and family, at 1 Hall Lane. By 1901 Robert was living with his uncle and aunt, Henry and Maria Breach, at the Waggon and Horses Public House, Rant Score East, and Robert was a joiner’s apprentice. Note the 1901 Census clearly states that Robert was Henry’s nephew. By 1901 Robert’s mother was living at the County Asylum at Melton, Suffolk. Later Henry and Maria lived at 2 Cooks Buildings, Whapload Road, and after Henry’s death Maria lived at 5 Sunshine Terrace, Oulton Broad.

Robert was working as a carpenter, and serving with the 2nd Volunteer Battalion Norfolk Regiment, when he attested for the 4th Militia Battalion Norfolk Regiment, at Lowestoft, on 18 October 1905. He joined the regular battalions of the Norfolk Regiment on 6 December 1905. It is not clear whether Robert was still serving when the First World War began, or whether he was an Army Reserve, whichever the case he arrived in France, with the 1st Battalion, on 16 August 1914 and was a Lance Corporal. By December 1914 Robert had been promoted to Sergeant. In December 1914 he developed bronchitis and was admitted to 4 Stationary Hospital on 24 December and he was discharged to duty on 31 December.  

In late April 1915 the 1st Battalion were in trenches near Hill 60, Belgium. On 28 April 1915 Robert, who was serving with D Company, was admitted to 14 Field Ambulance having received a bullet wound to his nose. On 28 April he was transferred to 8 Casualty Clearing Station. Once recovered he returned to the 1st Battalion. 

Between 1 and 13 July 1915 the battalion were still near Hill 60. On 11 July 1915 Robert was admitted to 14 Field Ambulance to be treated for a bullet wound to his head. He was transferred to a Casualty Clearing Station at Bailleul, and the next day was evacuated, by Ambulance Train No 1, for further treatment. Once recovered Robert was posted to the 2nd Battalion, in Mesopotamia. Robert was wounded, sustaining a gunshot wound to his left humerus, and he was evacuated to England and admitted Queen Alexandra’s Military Hospital, Millbank, on 12 June 1916. He was discharged to furlough on 4 July 1916. Later he joined the 9th Battalion. 

Robert was awarded the cross of the Russian Order of Saint George, 4th Class. His award was published in the London Gazette of 15 May, 1917, page 4727. This gazette was entirely made up of awards to men who had served with Indian Expeditionary Force D in Mesopotamia, which indicates that Robert's award was for his service with the 2nd Battalion.  

On 8 October 1918 the 9th Battalion began an attack at Brancourt, they were relieved on 10 October, but the next day took part in an attack east of Bellevue Ridge. The battalion’s casualties during this period were 69 killed and around 295 wounded. It seems that Robert was wounded during one of these attacks and he was evacuated to one of the medical facilities in the Vadencourt area where he died of wounds.

Robert’s cousin, John Breach, served with the Suffolk Regiment and died in 1914.