Robert Thomas Hughes was born in Bagillt, Flintshire during 1885. Upon leaving school be obtained an Apprenticeship as a Draper at Albert House, Flint., Flintshire.
The 1911 Census tells us that the family lived at Wesley Mount, Top Hill, Bagillt. The head of the family was Joseph Hughes aged 59, who was employed as a Blacksmith at the Bettisfield Colliery. His wife Elizabeth Hughes aged 58 and their 6 (six) children – John Henry Hughes aged 26, a Teacher’s Assistant in a school in Sale, Manchester, Robert Thomas Hughes aged 26, who was a Draper at London House. A.O. Hughes aged 25, who was employed as a Weighing Machine Clerk, Isiah Hughes aged 23, a Grocer, Elizabeth Hughes aged 22, an Assistant Draper and Edith Alice May Hughes aged 19, who was also employed as an Assistant Draper.
An article appeared in the County Herald Newspaper headed – DEATH OF A BAGILLT SOLDIER which read ‘ It is with regret, which is shared by numerous friends in Bagillt, that we record the sad news of the death of Private Robert Thomas Hughes who was 32 years of age, and the son of Mr Joseph and Mrs Ann Elizabeth Hughes of Wesley Mount, Bagillt. The deceased was well known in Bagillt, where he carried on the business of a draper at London House. He served his apprenticeship at Albert House, Flint and afterwards occupied situations in Liverpool and Birkenhead. He had been connected with the Welsh Wesleyan denomination since childhood. About ten months ago he joined the Forces and proceeded to the front. The official information of his death stated he had died from wounds received in action.
On 17 January 1918 a payment of £4.3s.3d was made by the War Office to Mr & Mrs Hughes, this being monies owed to their son Robert. On 7 July 1919, a further payment which is recorded as a War Gratuity was also made to them.
There is a Flintshire Roll of Honour Card for him at the County Archives Office, Hawarden, which was completed on 29 October 1919, by his brother John Henry Hughes. Details of his medals were obtained from Ancestry.co.uk
