More about Robert Raeburn

Robert was born in Whitehills, Banff and came to Dundee in 1900 with all the family, initially living in Baffin Street.

His records say he died of wounds, looked after by the 58^th Field Ambulance. When he enlisted he was in the army reserves and then mobilised as a Gunner 31/8/1916. His records say he was at home from 20/11/1915 until 22/3/1917, embarking with the BEF on the 23/3/1917.

According to a war diary of the 249^th Siege battery, Robert’s battalion left Folkstone to Boulogne and from where they were stationed after that they took part in the action along the Menin Road during 1917. At the time of Robert’s death they must have been involved in the Battle of Lys etc.

Robert’s great niece has visited a number of the places mentioned in the war diary and also his grave at Poperinghe on a number of occasions. In 2015 she bought one of the ceramic poppies from the Tower of London in Robert’s memory and also had his name read out.

Robert’s younger brother George also fought in the war and survived to return home. His youngest brother, Stewart, emigrated to Canada, and enlisted 31.01.1916 with the 49th Battery, 12th Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery, before being transferred to the 5th Brigade Headquarters, Canadian Field Artillery, he also survived the War.