1885 - 1916
CPL David Wallace Crawford
1887 - 1916
Lce-Corpl John Joseph Nickle
1894 - 1916
Pte 17911 Morton Neill
1897 - 1916
Lieut Edward Stanley Ashcroft
1883 - 1918
L/Cpl 17840 Robert Hoos
- Age: 27
- From: Liverpool
- Regiment: The King's (Liverpool Regiment) 19th Btn
- K.I.A Friday 12th May 1916
- Commemorated at: Suzanne Cc Ext
Panel Ref: G.8
Robert William Hoos was born in Liverpool, the second of two sons born to Robert William and Mary Ellen Hoos (née Dugdale) who were married in 1886 at St. Ambrose's Church, Everton. Their older son, Joseph Richard, was two years older than Robert. Robert was born on the 29th September 1888 and was baptised on the 14th October 1888 at St Alban's Church, Vauxhall, his father a labourer of 6 Summer Seat.
His father died, aged just 27, shortly afterwards.
In 1891 Mary Ellen, a 31 years old widow who gives her occupation as charwoman, lives with her two sons and her widowed mother, Dorothy Dugdale, at 6 Summer Seat, Liverpool.
Mary Ellen, died in 1899, and there is no trace of either Robert William or his brother, Joseph, in the 1901 Census.
On the 1911 Census, Robert, is boarding with the Hughes family at 15 Mansell Street, off Boaler Street. He is aged 22 and a clerk for a courier. His brother, Joseph, is shown as a boarder with the Driver family, living at 26 Potter Street, Liverpool and his occupation is given as oil mill labourer.
On 03rd September 1914, at St George's Hall in Liverpool, Robert, enlisted in the 19th Battalion, of The King’s Liverpool Regiment as Private 17840, giving his age as 26 years 352 days, which is a year out if his date of birth is as above. He was described as being five feet nine inches tall, weighed 148lbs, with a 36" chest, and was of fresh complexion, dark grey eyes, and brown hair. He stated that he was a clerk by occupation, a report in a newspaper at the time of his death stated that he worked for Liverpool Parcels Delivery Company, and gave as his next of kin his aunt, Mrs Elizabeth Mitchell, of 55 Potter Street, Liverpool.
Formed on 07th September 1914 the 19th Battalion trained locally at Sefton Park and remained living at home or in rented accommodation until November 1914. They then moved to the hutted accommodation at Lord Derby’s estate at Knowsley Hall. On 30th April 1915 the 19th Battalion alongside the other three Pals battalions left Liverpool via Prescot Station for further training at Belton Park, Grantham. They remained here until September 1915 when they reached Larkhill Camp on Salisbury Plain.
On 02nd December 1914, Robert was confined to barracks for 1 day for being late on parade at Knowsley Park.
On 21st January 1915 he was disciplined for “not complying with a Battalion Order” (having ammunition in his possession) for which he was remanded for his Commanding Officer to deal, but there is no result in his file.
On 31st January 1915 for being absent from church parade he was given 3 days CB.
On 22nd March 1915 for overstaying his leave, given 4 days CB.
On 17th April 1915 for being absent from tattoo parade he was admonished.
On 18th September 1915, Robert appeared before his CO, Colonel Denham, and was given 10 days detention for ‘neglecting to brush under his bed despite repeated warnings’ and ‘insolence to a NCO’.
Despite these misdemeanours, Robert was appointed Lance Corporal (unpaid) on 02nd December 1915 and to be paid for the rank on 19th March 1916.
By this time he was serving in France with the BEF, having arrived there on 07th November 1915.
On 12th May 1916, he was killed in action, by shellfire, and according to a report by Reverend R. W. Ballemeine was buried in Suzanne Communal Cemetery Extension, Grave G.8, with two of his comrades, BELL and BUTCHER.
His death was reported in the Liverpool Daily Post on Friday 09th June 1916;
King's Liverpools) - Boll, 17786, C. (Anfield); Hoos, 17840. Lance-Corpl. R. (Liverpool); Wynn, 28291, J. Shaw, Oldham).
His Soldiers Effects, Army Pay of £4 16s 8d and a War Gratuity of £7 10s went to his brother Joseph but no pension record has been found. His 3 medals were sent to his brother, Joseph, now living at 55 Potter Street with his aunt Elizabeth Mitchell, who on 12th May 1919, on Joseph’s behalf, swore a declaration re: Robert’s family stating that Joseph and she were his only surviving blood relatives.
Joseph attested in Liverpool on 12th November 1914 and was posted to the Royal Garrison Artillery as Gunner 53126, aged 27 years 225 days on 18th November 1914. He had married Annie Birchall in 1911 and they lived at 28 Skirving Street, Liverpool. He served only one or two days and on 20th November 1914 at Gosport he was discharged from the Service as ‘not likely to become an efficient soldier’.
We currently have no further information on Robert Hoos. If you have or know someone who may be able to add to the history of this soldier, please contact us.
Killed On This Day.
(110 Years this day)Friday 12th May 1916.
Pte 17786 Cyril Moncrieffe Bell
22 years old
(110 Years this day)
Friday 12th May 1916.
Pte 17790 Gerald Norman Butcher
29 years old
(110 Years this day)
Friday 12th May 1916.
L/Cpl 17840 Robert Hoos
27 years old
(110 Years this day)
Friday 12th May 1916.
Pte 22500 Frederick Edwin Parr
23 years old
(109 Years this day)
Saturday 12th May 1917.
Cpl 22804 Maurice Jules Palmer
26 years old
(108 Years this day)
Sunday 12th May 1918.
Lieut Edward Stanley Ashcroft
35 years old
(108 Years this day)
Sunday 12th May 1918.
Serjeant 21687 Edward Mayall Williams
41 years old