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I have to assume that Robert John Waters Ross was a victim of faulty workmanship rather than his own lack of better judgement. Standing in a small boat, mid canal in northern France, I’d like to think his final thought was that what he had just done was still a good idea.
Robert was the son of Alexander and Rosanna Elizabeth Ross (Rosanna was born Waters which explains Robert’s second middle name) a Scottish couple who married in Lambeth, London in 1876 before moving to Walton on Thames sometime before 1881.
Alexander started his working life as a ploughman but gradually advanced his career to that of a domestic gardener, settled down with Rosanna by the Thames and had six kids. They lived on Cottimore Lane in The Lodge, which sounds very grand but was probably the gardener’s cottage for a larger property.
By 1911, Alexander described himself as a Landscape Gardener and was, presumably, doing quite well for himself. Meanwhile, fifth child Robert, was in the army, a private in the Gordon highlanders, and, it seems, enjoying himself immensely. He had enlisted in 1904 while working as a clerk for a gas company preferring the outdoors life rather than sitting at a desk.
In 1911 he was at the Goojerat Barracks in Colchester and had made Corporal. The barracks were relatively new, having been built between 1900 and 1902 although the armys ‘occupation’ of Colchester dated back to the late 17th century.
When the Great War started, Robert and his regiment headed off to France almost from the beginning. His own adventures started on 26 August 1914 when he found himself separated from his battalion near the town of Caudry in Northern France.
Unable to rejoin his mates, he headed off for the coast and managed to hitch a ride on a boat heading for Folkestone. Once back on British soil, he contacted the authorities and was happily reunitied with his fellow troops. I can only assume there was a bit of drinking and cheering when he returned.
But it wasn’t all fun and frolics as Robert was sent back to France where, in December 1915, on the field of battle, he re-engaged with the army, signing on for 21 years. I guess he really must have enjoyed the Army Life, even though he was wounded the previous September and, presumably, had a bit of a break from war. It clearly didn’t do him any harm as he was promoted to the Regimental Sergeant Major in March 1916.
A lot of Robert’s life is told in his surviving War Service Record, part of which involves a Court of Inquiry held shortly after his death.
The Court was told by a number of witnesses that Robert was standing on a boat in a canal. He put a hand in his trouser pocket and withdrew a hand grenade which he’d somehow obtained from the stores earlier that day. This was an illegal act which the Court intended to investigate later.
Robert had had the idea that this was an excellent way to fish. He pulled the pin and threw the grenade into the water but was disappointed with the amount of dead fish floating on the surface and reached into his other pocket for a second grenade.
I’m sure the bank of the canal was loud with wooping and yahooing as he prepared to launch his second bomb. However, because of some fault in the mechanism, the grenade exploded a bit prematurely, blowing Roberts hand completely off. He subsequently died from loss of blood or drowning or just embarrassment – the report doesn’t say which.
So Robert’s war ended by his own hand (if you forgive the pun) and not exactly covered in glory. He died on 23 June 1916 aged 30 and, officially, was Killed in Action.
Hi Gary,
I write a history of the village of Houlle. This story have made my day. Is it totally true ?!? Thank you anyway !
Jeremy from France
Hi Jeremy. Yes, all true. I’m involved in researching first world war soldiers and he proved most entertaining. Gary
Hi Gary. I come back to you as I’m looking for information on the other three commonwealth soldiers in my cemetery (the village of Houlle). Do you have more information about them? [I researched a bit on my own but there is not much trace in the local or regional archives)
3606 Private Walter Slater, Royal Sussex Regiment, died the 11th December 1915 at the age of 38, coming from Brighton
417015 Private Dolphis Thivierge, born the 8 of September 1882, member of the 22 Bn of Canadian Infantry, died the 3 September 1916.
11969 Corporal Thomas Chapman, member of the 1st Bn Scots Guards, died the 29 October 1917 at 21. Son of William W. Chapman & Margeta, coming from Carliste Rd South, Airdrie (Scotland).
Thank you for your help
Jeremy from France
Hi Jeremy
After a quick search I’ve discovered that all three died from accidents (more detailed info below). Two from drowning and the other unknown. Interestingly, one was drowned in Belgium. Maybe Houlle Cemetery was earmarked for accidental deaths. Intriguing.
Thank you for the puzzle and sorry I don’t have more information.
Gary
Detail:
Walter S Slater, Private 3606, 9th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment
Born c1877 in Brighton, son of Thomas and Elizabeth (nee Plummer), died 11 December 1915 aged 38. He had seven siblings: Annie, William Thomas, Levi, Arthur, Elizabeth, Alfred John and Ernest Slater.
In 1881, he was living with his family at 49 Jersey Street, Brighton. In 1891, he was living with his family at 2 King’s Road, Hastings, Sussex and was a builder’s apprentice. In 1901, he was living with his family at 64 Coleman Street, Brighton and he was working as a house painter, the same occupation as his father so they probably worked together.
On 9 January 1902, aged 23, he enlisted into the 147th Company, 33rd Battalion, Imperial Yeomanry (S/N 43452). At the time his occupation was Coach Painter and his family’s address was 64 Coleman Street, Brighton. He served in South Africa from 14 May 1902 until 2 July 1903 when he returned to the UK. He was discharged on 9 January 1903 at the termination of his engagement. He was 5’ 7.5” tall, had grey eyes and brown hair. He intended to reside at 146 Elm Grove, Brighton following his discharge.
On the 1911 census, he was with his brother, Alfred’s family at 19 Hartington Road, Brighton along with his mother. His occupation was house painter.
He was found drowned. At the time of his death, his family was living at 11 Rose Hill Terrace, Brighton.
Dolphis Thivierge, Private 417015, 22nd Battalion, Canadian Infantry
Born 8 September 1882 in St Croix, Quebec, Canada.
He enlisted on 24 March 1915. His occupation was labourer and his next of kin was his brother Albert Thivierge as his mother was dead. He was 5’ 6.5” in height, had grey eyes and fair hair. His religion was Roman Catholic. He left Canada with his unit on 18 October 1915 and arrived in Britain on 28 October 1915 aboard the SS Saxonia. Transferred to 22nd Battalion in France, 16 May 1916. He was killed accidentally at Rouen on 3 September 1916.
Thomas Chapman, Corporal 11969, 1st Battalion, Scots Guards
Born 1896 in Airdrie, Lanarkshire, Scotland, son of William Waddell and Margaret (nee Anderson) Chapman of “Margeta,” Carlisle Rd. South, Airdrie, Scotland. He had six siblings: James, John Anderson, Barbara Patterson, Bethea Waddell, Margaret Anderson and Robert Waddell Chapman.
He accidentally drowned in Belgium on 29 October 1917.
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Hi Gary,
Thank you for the quick answer. Very interesting indeed.
About Dolphis Thivierge, I have found that a regiment of Quebec was in the village of Houlle at the end of August 1916 and left the 4th of September (can it be a coincidence ?) Anyway, it is still bizarre that two of them (at least) died far away from this Cemetery.
Was Walter S Slater found dead in Houlle or it is not specified ?
An old man of the village also told me that there were not four but five graves after the war (to add to the puzzle !)
Jeremy
Hi Jeremy
After further investigation (and reading some war diaries) it appears that Chapman, Ross and Thivierge were in Houlle when they died. I’ve yet to see the war diaries for the Royal Sussex, 9th Battalion (Walter Slater) so don’t know but my guess, at this stage, is that it was also in Houlle.
That’s amazing about the fifth grave. I’ll see what I can find out about that.
So exciting!
Thanks
Gary
Hi Jeremy
In case you read this…
I’ll be visiting Houlle in December if you fancy meeting up for a drink and a chat. It would be great to chat about Houlle.
Gary
Hi Gary,
It would be great indeed ! Do you already know the day ? (I’m out the region before Christmas).
Jeremy
Hi Jeremy
I’ve sent you an email.
Gary
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This may be a bit late in the day but Robert Ross the subject of your article Canal fishing in France was my Great Uncle. As a family we found your research very interesting and one of my brothers has recently been to to visit his grave in Houlle to pay our family ‘s respects. Despite the manner of his death he was as it says on his gravestone a gallant soldier and we honour his service to his country. Kind regards Trish Sainsbury
Hi Patricia
No, it’s never too late. Thank you for your message and I’m glad I’ve helped. I was in Houle last year and saw the grave(s). It’s very peaceful.
Gary