5182 Private Robert Robertson Milne
6th(Perthshire)Battalion(Territorial)
The Black Watch(Royal Highlanders)
13th November 1916
Born at 07.55pm on 21/07/1895 at Rosie Nook, Rescobie, Forfarshire. His parents were George Milne (07/01/1866-07/03/1949) and Catherine Robertson(1867-02/02/1943). They were married on 01/06/1892.
Robert had a brother George (born in 1894) and 3 sisters; Maggie White (born in 1897), Marjory Fisher (born in 1900) and Mary Ann (08/06/1902-06/03/1911).
In the 1901(Scottish) Census, the family were recorded as living at Rosie Nook, Rescobie, Forfarshire. George snr. was employed as a crofter and a railway surfaceman.
The 1911(Scottish) Census shows that the family had moved to Bowman's Crossing, Rescobie. George snr. was now employed as a foreman, platelayer. Robert was no longer was living at home and was probably boarding on a farm that he was working on, but I have been unable to find the record in the census to prove this.
Robert enlisted in Govan, Lanarkshire becoming Private 5266 in The Scottish Horse and was sent overseas to the Balkans(Dardanelles) on 18/08/1915. He was killed in action on 13/11/1916.
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Forfar Herald – Friday 24 November 1916
Killed in a Charge
Private Robert Milne of the Scottish Horse, attached to the Black Watch, lost his life on an assault on German Trenches.
Robert was a son of George Milne, surfaceman, residing at Bowman’s Crossing,
Pitschandly and was 21 years of age.
A month prior to the outbreak of war, he relinquished farm work he which he had been engaged for a time in the Forfar district and joined the Paisley police force. When the call to the ranks was made by Lord Kitchener, he at once responded and entered the Scottish Horse. With his regiment, he saw much severe fighting in Gallipoli, but while serving there he developed fever and was invalided home.
After reporting himself for duty on his recovery, he was transferred along with several others to the Black Watch and was drafted to the front only about two months ago. His Company Officer in a letter to his parents, expresses his sympathy with them in their loss and states that their son died gallantly for his country and greatly contributed to the great success gained by the Black Watch on that occasion.
He was awarded the 1914-1915 Star, the 1914-1918 British War and Allied Victory medals.