Robert John Watt was the son of Mrs Agnes Watt. He was born in County Antrim about 1886. Prior to the war, Robert John Watt worked in Antrim. He was a member of the UVF in Antrim. Robert was married to Elizabeth Ann Watt. Robert John Watt enlisted in Antrim at the outbreak of the war. He gave his address as Ballyclare. Rifleman Robert John Watt was serving with the No 12 Platoon of the 11th Battalion of the Royal Irish Rifles when he was killed in action on Tuesday 29th February 1916. He was killed by shrapnel when a shell exploded while he was standing outside the door of his billet in Mesnil.
Further Information
Robert John Watt was the son of Mrs Agnes Watt. Robert was born in County Antrim about 1886.
There is a possible 1901 census listing of Robert John as age 14, working for the Scott family on a farm in Carmegrim, Portglenone, County Antrim.
The 1911 census lists Robert John as age 23 living with the family at house 60 in Portglenone,. They were a farming family.
The census references have yet to be confirmed, because of the lack of information.
Prior to the war, Robert John Watt worked in Antrim.
Robert was a member of the UVF in Antrim.
Robert was married to Elizabeth Ann Watt.
Robert John Watt enlisted in Antrim at the outbreak of the war. He gave his address as Ballyclare.
Rifleman Robert John Watt was serving with the No 12 Platoon of the 11th Battalion of the Royal Irish Rifles when he was killed in action on Tuesday 29th February 1916.
Rifleman Robert John Watt was killed by shrapnel when a shell exploded while he was standing outside the door of his billet in Mesnil.
At the time of his death, his wife was living in Portglenone and he had a brother at the front. Robert was a cousin of Mrs Johnston McGall, Fair Hill Lane, Ballymena.
From the Belfast Newsletter dated 11th March 1916:
Mrs Agnew Watt, Portglenone, has received intimation that her son, Rifleman Robert John Watt, 11th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles (South Antrim Volunteers), has been killed in action.
Rifleman Robert John Watt is buried Mesnil Ridge Cemetery.
The CWGC record Rifleman Robert John Watt as the son of Mrs Agnes Watt. He is also recorded as the husband of Elizabeth Ann Watt of Portglenone, County Antrim.
