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Rflmn. Albert William Robinson
British Army Rifle Brigade
from:Bridlington, Yorkshire
My great grandfather, Albert William Robinson, was born in Bridlington, Yorkshire, England on 12th March 1878. Albert was said to be one of the first motor mechanics in England, and during his army career with the Yorkshire Rifle Brigade, he was a driver for army officers during his tour of Egypt and France in WW1. Albert's war records were lost in the 1941 fires during WW2, but I do have his pension paper (stamped weekly) and photos of him in uniform. On 24th of September 1915, Albert was at Tring Mill in Hertfordshire, from where he sent two postcards to his daughter Nellie. He mentions going to Uxbridge on the following Sunday.
On 18th August 1903, at the Registry Office, Long Lane, Bridlington, he married Victoria Adelaide Robinson. During the war years Victoria ran their home 'Ailsa Craig' in Bridlington as a boarding house. Albert and Victoria had three daughters: Mabel Mary born 7th July 1904, Nelly born 25th April 1906, and Phyllis born 26th October 1909. Albert, Victoria and their three daughters immigrated to Australia from 'Ailsa Craig', 8 Clarence Road, Bridlington, Yorkshire, England. The family arrived at Fremantle, Western Australia on the 'Orvieto' on 31 March 1921. They settled on a farm in Mt Barker, WA and planted an apple orchard. The property was on Wilson Road, south of Kendenup. The property is now known as 'Noojee', mainstay is now sheep.
I have been told that Albert and his family came to Australia as he had health problems with his lungs after being gassed during the war. His doctors felt the climate in Australia would be healthier for him. Unfortunately, this was not to be, as Albert died on 25th March 1935 from carcinoma of the stomach and cachexia. He was only 58 years old. Albert is buried in the Mt Barker Cemetery.
Obituary in 'Denmark & Mt Barker Record' for Monday 8th April 1935: 'The death occurred at Mt Barker on Monday, March 25, of Mr Albert William Robinson. The deceased was 58 years of age and was born at Bridlington, Yorkshire. He came to this state 14 years ago and settled at Kendenup. Subsequently he sold that property to acquire another at Forest Hill. This was later disposed of, and he again returned to Kendenup. He was a quiet living man and a respected citizen. The funeral took place at Mt Barker on Tuesday, where he was interred in the Methodist portion of the Cemetery. The coffin was draped with the Union Jack and medals gained while the late Mr Robinson was a member of the British Forces. The pall bearers were Messrs. H Lock, A H Ahern, J Wragg, and K J Honey, while the service was conducted by the Rev N Inwood. Mr Robinson is survived by his widow and two married daughters.'
Albert idolised his three daughters, and must have been devastated when his first born Mabel Mary died in December 1934, four months before his own death. Albert's wife Victoria died on 27th September 1939, and is buried in the Old Albany Cemetery.
