Sailor given Commission headstone 99 years after death

A young sailor who died during the First World War will be given a CWGC headstone tomorrow (Saturday 28 October), nearly 100 years after his death.

Leading Seaman, Robert Norris Weaver, died aged 22 on 10 August 1918 from Tuberculous at his home in Horsham after being discharged from the navy on health grounds in January 1917.

A special ceremony will take place at Rusper (St Mary Magdalene) Churchyard in Sussex, to mark the event with members of Robert’s family attending. There will be a reading from Robert’s letters and prayers followed by the Last Post, a minute’s silence, the Reveille and a blessing.

Robert, or Bob as he was known to his family, was the youngest of seven children born to Frederick and Emma Weaver.

On 3 September 1914, Robert, who worked as a joiner and metal worker at the time, signed up to join the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. He was described as having brown hair, hazel eyes and 5ft 11 ¼ inches tall.

He started his training in Bellshanger Camp but by November, he had moved on to the Royal Naval Barracks at Portsmouth which Robert described in a letter home as ‘the finest barracks in the world, they are simply spiffing’.

In 1914, Robert wrote that he hoped to be home for Christmas before being sent to the front at the end of January 1915. It was during the New Year that he was officially promoted to a Leading Seaman Higher Grade.

Robert was attached to Nelson Battalion, then later to Drake Battalion as a Lewis Gunner. His first posting abroad was Port Said, Egypt.

When Robert died, his death was never registered with the CWGC, and therefore he never received a war graves headstone or was mentioned on the Roll of Honour.

Les Kibble, Regional Manager for the Commission in the South East, said: “We’re always honoured to be able to give those who died during both world wars the recognition they deserve for their ultimate sacrifice.

“At the time of Robert’s death, the CWGC was not informed and therefore did not have the opportunity to give him a Commission headstone.

“However, we have been able to rectify this and make sure Robert is remembered for his bravery and dedication.

“As an organisation that commemorates 1.7 million men and women of the Commonwealth forces who died in both world wars, it has been an absolute honour to recognise Robert and to know that people who come to this cemetery will also have the chance to remember him.”