Acting/Corporal Robert William Grimes.
CMT/3442 Army Service Corps MT Section.
Killed in Action 21st October 1917, aged 28.
Robert William was in the Dec quarter of 1888, Wakefield, Yorkshire. The son of John Grimes and Margaret Ellen Scanlon. In the 1891 census the family lived at 11 Gills Yard Wakefield. George 30 Tailor was born in Ireland, Margaret 25 born in Bradford, Yorkshire, Alexander 5, Catherine 4, Robert William 2, and Baby Mary Jane.
They had moved to Burnley by the time of the 1901 Census and lived at 28 Linden St. John(?) 40, Margaret 35, Alexander 16, Catherine 14, Robert Wm 12, Mary Jane 10, John 7, Elizabeth 6, Nora 4, Ignatius and 2 visitors, Sarah Spencer and Ellen Walsh.
They were still living at the same address in the 1911 census. John 50, Margaret 45, Robert William 22, Mary Jane 20, John 17, Norah 14, Terrance 9, Catherine Hunter 4 (niece), Mary Theresa 1 (granddaughter). His parents had been married 26 years and had had 11 children, 3 of whom had died.
Robert married Amy Clegg in the March quarter of 1911, Burnley.
From the Burnley Express dated 3rd Nov 1917: Sister's Bereaved In A Week.
It was only last Saturday that we announced the death of Driver Shepherd, which occurred on August 14. Now the sister of Mrs Shepherd has been officially informed of the death of her husband Corporal Robert William (Bob) Grimes, 3442, of the ASC, MT, on October 21st, 2 Sisters being thus bereaved in a week.
Corporal Grimes who would have been 29 years of age this month, was on the mechanical transport reserve when we broke out, and went out immediately, being in the retreat from Mons. He had never been wounded but in December 1914 he contracted rheumatism and was in hospital. Then he went out to France again, and was out 17 months. He was over at home about 5 weeks ago. Corporal Grimes leaves a widow living at 108 Every Street Burnley and three children, the eldest being 5 years of age and the youngest has been born since he joined the army. His mother lives in Celia Street. At the time of joining up he was employed by the utility Motors Ltd but he had previously worked for Mr Tillotson Motor Engineer, and as a driver on the Corporation Tramways. That he is on St Mary's RC Church roll of honour and he had played football in the Tuesday League. He was wounded in both legs and the left arm.
Mrs Grimes has received a splendid letter from lieutenant SM Watson as follows, referring to her husband's death: " he was with a detachment working from an advanced Dressing Station to a Casualty Clearing Station behind the line conveyor walking wounded. For just over a week they had been there until the afternoon of the 21st, when you're husband and several others were engaged taking petrol and rations off a lorry, for their own use, when a shell burst amongst them. Corporal Grimes was badly wounded in both legs, but I am thankful to say rendered unconscious. He was taken immediately to addressing station less than 100 yards, where his wounds were dressed. From there he was sent on a motor ambulance to the Casualty Clearing Station, but died on the way there. I have reason to believe that he never regained consciousness and was thus spared any suffering. He was buried before I got to know, but I visited his grave this afternoon, and before long it is hoped to be able to put a cross on the grave. Had I been asked a week ago who was the best corporal on the column I would have answered Corporal Grimes. I had a particularly high opinion of your husband, and knew him to be an absolutely reliable, trustworthy, fearless, and popular NCO. I know no job I would not have trusted him with and never once has he disappointed me. He was a particularly fine character was always cheerful even under trying circumstances, and never by any chance grumbled. Corporal Grimes was an example of cheerfulness to all of us. In short I cannot speak too highly of him, and as I feel his loss personally I think I can appreciate your feeling of grief. For that reason I venture to offer you my heartfelt sympathy in your loss."
Besides driver Shepherd, core programs has lost another brother-in-law Sergeant Beckett, who was killed on April 5th. A brother, Alex Grimes, is now a time expired man but is rejoining the Border Regiment; whilst another brother John, of the Dragoon Guards has been a prisoner since Mons.
Lived at 108 Every Street.
Robert was buried in Lijssenhoek Military Cemetery, Belgium:Grave Ref; XXV.G.12. Husband of Amy Grimes, of 108, Every St., Burnley.
