Robert Cookson was born in Manchester, Lancashire, England during 1889.

The 1901 Census shows that the family at that time lived at 3 Gronant Street, Rhyl, Flintshire.  The head of the family was Louisa Cookson aged 41, who was a Lodging Housekeeper. Her husband had died some years previously.  There were three sons and one daughter, namely, Frank Cookson aged 15, Thomas Cookson aged 13, Robert Cookson aged 11 and Edith Cookson aged 6 years.

By 1911 Louisa had re-married to a Frank Thomas and the family now lived at Yacht Farm, Cefndy Road, Rhyl, Flintshire.  Robert who was now 20 years was employed by his step-father Frank, a self employed Cycle Trader.

During September 1915, Frank who now lived at 27 Queen Street, Rhyl, Flintshire, enlisted as a soldier with the Army Service Corps.

On 15 March 1919 payments of £4.6s.8p, £4.6s.7d and £4.6s.7d were made by the War Office to Louisa Thomas (mother), Edith Cookson (sister) and Frank Cookson (brother).  These being monies owed to Robert Cookson.  On 26 August 1919, a further payment which is recorded as a War Gratuity of £13.0s 0d was also made to Louisa Thomas.

He is also remembered on The North Wales Heroes Memorial Arch, Deiniol Road, Bangor, North Wales and on a Remembrance Plaque at The Royal Alexandra Hospital, Marine Drive, Rhyl, Flintshire.

There is a Flintshire Roll of Honour Card for Robert at the County Archives Office, Hawarden, which is dated 22 September 1919, completed by Frank Thomas.