Robert was born in 1891. He appears on the census of that year aged 2 months. His father was William Humphreys a 23 year old farm labourer who had been born in Nerquis, Flintshire and his mother was Sarah Humphreys aged 20 a native of Treuddyn in Flintshire. The family was living in 5, The Nant Leeswood. There was an older child but she was not at home at the time of the census in 1891. Two year old Hannah was staying with her Aunt and Uncle, Mary and Robert Roberts. They lived at King’s Place Treuddyn and he was a coal merchant.

Ten years later, the 1901 census shows that the family circumstances had changed. They were now living at 30 New Row, Leeswood. Sarah Jane, the mother was  a 30 year old widow with 5 children. Hannah 12, Robert 10, William 7, James 3 and Mary A 1 month.

The 1911 census finds the family still living in New Row, Leeswood. Hannah was no longer at home. Robert was 20 and a colliery worker (above ground) as was William his 17 year old brother. James 13 and Mary Alice 10 were both still at school.

There is a Flintshire Roll of Honour card for Robert in the Flintshire County Archive Office at Hawarden. It gives the same regimental details as above. The address is 7 New Row Leeswood. It says that Robert served 14 months in the army before being Killed in Action on 27th August 1918. The card was signed by W Phillips on Sept 17th 1919.

Robert is listed on  ‘UK Soldiers who Died in the Great War 1914-1919’ accessed on www.ancestry.co.uk It tells us in addition to regimental details and his death date, that he enlisted in Caergwrle.

We have been unable, so far, to trace his army service records.