28054 Private Robert John Marsh was an 18 year old electrician originally from Blackburn, UK when he attested into the 15th Battalion at Valcartier in September 1914. He served in No. 4 Company at 2nd Ypres in April 1915 and at Festubert in May. On June 10, 1915 the battalion was in support at The Keep near Givenchy preparing to assault the Duck’s Bill salient to ‘straighten-out’ the line. Although the assault was cancelled the battalion suffered several casualties, one of whom was Private Marsh who was seriously wounded in the right arm.
He was evacuated to No 4 Casualty Clearing Station and from there first to No. 3 Canadian Field Ambulance and then to the 6th London Field Ambulance from which he was moved to No. 1 Canadian Hospital, Etaples. Following surgery to amputate his right arm at the elbow, Private Marsh died at 1:30AM on June 17, 1915. He is buried in Etaples Military Cemetery.
NOK: Son of Frederick and Sarah B. Marsh, of Blackburn, Lancs, England.
