William Alfred Robinson was born on 7th July 1893 to Richard Robinson, a dock labourer, and Sarah Ann Walsh. He was the oldest of 11 children.
According to the 1901 and 1911 Censuses, he resided at Tynwald Street and later 22 Byles Street in Toxteth, Liverpool. The 1911 Census, taken when William was around 18 years old, records his occupation at the time as an ‘Errand Lad’.
William was married on 30th January 1916 to Frances Jane Millett at St Matthew’s Church, Toxteth Park, in the presence of his mother and Frances’ father, Philip James Millett.
During the First World War, William served in the Cheshire Regiment’s 1st Battalion. Records are sparse, so it’s difficult to determine for definite what actions William would have taken part in, but it is known that his Battalion were mobilised on 4th August 1914, and were present in France until the end of the war in 1918. It is likely that William was present at major actions such as the Retreat from Mons, the First Battle of Ypres, and the Battle of the Somme.
After almost three years in France, William was killed in action on 28th June 1917. On this day, the British 5th and 31st Divisions attacked Oppy Wood, a German strongpoint whose strategic importance lay in its number of machine gun and trench mortar positions, as well as a vantage point for the observation of British lines.
Map of Oppy Wood defences, 1917 (from Wikipedia)
As part of 15th Brigade, the 1st Cheshires attacked alongside the 1st Bedforshires, 1st Norfolks, and 16th Royal Warwickshires, implementing an innovative new form of attack. Rather than relying on a sustained preliminary bombardment, the British forces instead attacked after short ‘hurricane’ bombardments of the German lines.
Keeping behind these bombardments, the attack was launched at 7.10pm and was a resounding success, with most German positions having been captured just 5 minutes later.
“The morning was wet but otherwise quiet, but at 5.10pm the enemy again put down a barrage rather heavier than on preceding day. One casualty was caused. At 7.10pm the assault was launched, order of battle from right to left: 16th R. Warwicks Reg: 1st Yorkshire Regt: 1st Norfolk Regt: 1st Bedford Regt. The battalion objective was southern left of OPPY WOOD and 200 x to south. Two companies made the assault, C on the right and D on the left; B in support and A in reserve. The objectives were all gained without any severe opposition and a large number of Germans killed (almost 70), and few prisoners were taken. Our casualties were 3 officers wounded, 10 other Ranks killed and 40 wounded… After the assault a terrific thunderstorm occurred and everyone was wet to the skin. In spite of this the work of consolidation was carried out and by morning the trenches were in a fairly good condition. No further attack was made by the enemy and the night passed quietly.“
Cheshire Regiment 1st Battalion War Diary – 28th June 1917
Records indicate that William was awarded the Military Medal (MM) at some point during his service, a gallantry award given to Other Ranks for demonstrating bravery in battle. I cannot be certain, but the award may well have been awarded posthumously after the capture of Oppy Wood.
William is buried at the Orchard Dump Cemetery in Arleux-en-Gohelle, France.
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