Robert Bruce was the son of William and Isabella Bruce. He was born in Lanark, Scotland on 22nd October 1893. Robert emigrated to Canada / USA. Prior to enlisting, Robert was living at 30 Cameron Avenue, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America, and was working as a Dye Repairer. Private Robert Bruce was serving with the 24th Battalion (Quebec Regiment) of the Canadian Infantry when listed as missing, presumed killed in action, on 18th September 1916. At the time of Robert’s death, his father was living in Duneane, Toomebridge.
Further Information
Robert Bruce was the son of William and Isabella Bruce.
Robert was born in Lanark, Scotland on 22nd October 1893.
The 1911 census lists a large Bruce family living in Glasgow Street, Belfast with a mother and father of Donald and Isabella and a son, Robert, aged 16, born in Scotland. That family are also listed in the same area in the 1901 census.
Robert emigrated to Canada / USA.
Prior to enlisting, Robert was living at 30 Cameron Avenue, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America, and was working as a Dye Repairer.
Robert Bruce enlisted in Windsor, Ontario on 26th October 1915. He listed his next of kin as his mother, who was living at 66 Oak Avenue, Hamilton, Ontario.
A Northern Ireland newspaper reports that another brother, also living in Canada, was serving.
Private Robert Bruce was serving with the 24th Battalion (Quebec Regiment) of the Canadian Infantry when listed as missing, presumed killed in action, on 18th September 1916.
The Canadian Circumstances of Death Register records that Private Bruce was originally reported missing, believed killed, on or since 18th September 1916. His unit was in the vicinity of the Courcelette – Bapaume Road at the time.
At the time of Robert’s death, his father was living in Duneane, Toomebridge. At this time, there is no evidence to suggest that Robert ever lived in the Toome area.
From the Mid Ulster Mail dated Saturday 23rd September 1916: Private Robert Bruce, Toome
Mr William Bruce, Duneane, Toomebridge, has received notification of the death of his son, Private Robert Bruce, of the Canadian contingent. Private Bruce, with another brother, was resident in Canada at the outbreak of the war, and both nobly responded to the call of King and Country.
Private Robert Bruce has no known grave and is commemorated on the Vimy Memorial.
The CWGC record Private Robert Bruce as the son of Mrs Isabella Bruce of 721.5 Barton Street East, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
