Robert Hugh Wilson was the youngest child of James and Margaret Wilson. He was born on 14th August 1887 in Bellaghy. He was one of ten children, seven surviving. The family lived in Bellaghy. His father was a grocer, druggist and a farmer. Robert emigrated to New Zealand. Prior to enlisting, Robert was a driver. He lived at St Georges Road, Hastings and worked for Hastings Borough Council. Robert enlisted in August 1915. Private Robert Hugh Wilson was serving with the 1st Battalion of the Otago Regiment when he was killed in action in France on 27th September 1916 in France.
Further Information
Robert Wilson was the youngest child of James and Margaret Wilson. James Wilson married Margaret Gellatly on 27th January 1870 in Belfast.
Robert Hugh Wilson was born on 14th August 1887 in Bellaghy. He was one of ten children, seven surviving.
Family: James Wilson, Margaret Wilson, Elizabeth Wilson (born 24th February 1871), Sarah Wilson (born 11th August 1872), Margaret Wilson (born 10th April 1874, died 24th February 1886, aged 11), Christina Wilson (born 14th February 1876)
James Wilson (born 27th May 1878), Minetta Wilson (born 13th February 1881, died 3rd July 1881), William Wilson (born 18th August 1882), George Gellatly Wilson (born 2nd February 1885), Margaret Wilson (born 7th May 1886), Robert Hugh Wilson (born 14th August 1887)
The 1901 census lists Robert as age 11 living with the family at house 1 in Oldtown Downing, Bellaghy, County Londonderry. He was still at school. His father was a grocer, druggist and a farmer.
The 1911 census lists Robert Hugh as age 22 living with the family at house 1 in Oldtown (Downing), Bellaghy. Robert was a draper’s assistant. His father was recorded a chemical and drugest and grocer.
Robert Hugh Wilson emigrated to New Zealand.
Prior to enlisting, Robert was a driver. He lived at St Georges Road, Hastings and worked for Hastings Borough Council. Hastings lies on the East coast of the North Island.
Robert Wilson enlisted on 24th August 1915 at Trentham Military Camp, near Wellington.
On 5th February 1916, Private Wilson joined his unit and was posted to 4th Company.
On 6th April his unit embarked for Egypt.
On 1st July 1916, Private Robert Hugh Wilson was sent to hospital suffering from a sprained left angle. He was admitted to the 25th general hospital. On 22nd July he rejoined his unit.
On 19th August Private Robert Wilson was transferred to 14th Company.
Private Robert Hugh Wilson was serving with the 1st Battalion of the Otago Regiment, part of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, when he was killed in action in France on 27th September 1916 in France.
Last Will and Testament of Private Robert Hugh Wilson dated 22nd September 1915:
In the event of my death, I give to Mrs M Wilson, Bellaghy, County Londonderry, Ireland. Signature R H Wilson.
Private Robert Hugh Wilson is buried in Caterpillar Valley (New Zealand) Memorial, France.
Robert’s brother, George Gellatly Wilson was also living in New Zealand and he too enlisted. His No. was 57183. It is believed he survived the war.
Private Robert Hugh Wilson is also commemorated on the memorial in Bellaghy Presbyterian Church.
Private Robert Hugh Wilson is also named on the family headstone in Bellaghy graveyard.
