Born Beverley 1894. Son of David Robson, St Louis, USA and Martha Ann Iveson (1869-1908). Son of a Hairdresser. He had three brothers, and one sister. His mother died in 1908 and his father emigrated to America in 1914. He was unmarried. Worked as a Clerk. Enlisted Hull, on 06/11/1915. Served with the 11th East Yorkshire Regiment. Posted to France, on 03/04/1916. Killed in action, on 21 Jul 1916. His army address was 4, Wednesday Market, Beverley, East Yorkshire.
His army effects were left to his fiancee, Gertrude Fell, at 26, Grovehill Road, Beverley. His brothers, Harold Seymour (KOYLI) ,Percival (US Army) and Ernest (US Army), also served during the war.
Hull Pals Memorial Post. PRIVATE JAMES WILFRED ROBSON 14/133. Born in 1894, the second of five children to David and Martha Robson of 4 Wednesday Market, Beverley. Martha died in 1908 and his father emigrated to the USA with James’s younger brothers Percy and Ernest, and his only sister, Margory. James stayed behind with his older brother Harold who continued to run the family hairdressing business from their home. A Clerk before the war, James attested on 6th November 1915 and initially joined the 14th Battalion East Yorkshire Regiment before being posted to the 11th upon their arrival in France. His brothers Percy and Ernest both joined the army also, enlisting in the US and shipping over the Atlantic. Percy was discharged in 1916, Ernest injured and taken to convalescent hospital in Canada, both survived the war. James was killed in action on 21st July 1916 as the Somme battle raged before him. He was buried in Rue-du-Bacquerot No.1 Military Cemetery, a young man of 22. His personal effects were forwarded to his fiancee, Gertrude Fell of 26 Grove Hill Road, Beverley. Gertrude married in 1919.
