Robert was born August 5th, 1897 at Brechin, Forfarshire, Scotland and moved with his family pre-war to Toronto, Ontario.
He was a band member of the 48th Highlanders and enlisted with the 134th Battalion CEF on January 4th, 1916 at just 18 years of age. Not quite true, as his actual birth year was 1898.
At that time, his occupation was listed as that of a tinsmith. Standing 5 feet 6.5 inches and weighing only 135 lb, he was described as having a fair complexion, with brown eyes, and brown hair.
On August 9th, 1916, Robert sailed with 134th Battalion aboard SS Scotian from Halifax to Liverpool being posted to Bramshott Camp on arrival.
On March 6th, 1918, he was transferred to 12th Res Battalion, Witley after the 134th Battalion was disbanded. Shortly after he was posted to 15th Battalion and proceeded to France. Robert joining the battalion in divisional reserve at Bully Grenay, being assigned to the Pipe Band.
He survived the war unscathed, returning to Canada aboard SS Baltic from Liverpool to Halifax and was demobilized at Toronto on May 8th, 1919. His last known address was 20 Fairview Avenue, Toronto
NOK: Ann Anderson (M) 7 Cocketh Ave., West Toronto, ON
