Remembered Today: Serjeant Robert GRISTWOOD, Royal Field Artillery who died on 2nd October 1916, A I F burial Ground, Flers

CWGC Information

GRISTWOOD, ROBERT

Rank: Serjeant

Service No: 46506

Date of Death: 02/10/1916

Age: 29

Regiment/Service: Royal Field Artillery

"D" Bty. 94th Bde.

Grave Reference II. H. 29.

Cemetery A.I.F. BURIAL GROUND, FLERS

Additional Information:

Son of Martin Gristwood, of Rickmansworth, Herts.

Robert Gristwood was born in Rickmansworth (near Watford), Hertfordshire in 1888. He is recorded in the 1911 census living at 6 Messina Terrace, Edbury Road, Rickmansworth with his father, Martin Gristwood (a retired grocer and porker), 3 brothers and a sister.

He enlisted at Stratford, Londob, his occupation being recorded as a Grocers Assistant. His MIC records his entry in to France as 9th September 1915 qualifying for the 1914/15 Star, BWM and Victory Medal.

The 94th Brigade RFA formed part of the divisional artillery of the 21st Division. They deployed to France at the begining of September 1915, being complete in their concentration area 13th Septemeber 1915. After a few days in theatre they were thrus into the Battle of Loos.

Their next major action was on the Somme. The Brigade deployed in the area of Bercourt, firing in support of the 21st Divisio's thrust towards Fricourt and Mametx Wood on the 1st July 1916. The Division were subsequently enaged in the battles of Bazentin Ridge and Flers-Courcelette.

Long Long Trail 21st Division

He was killed 2nd October 1916.