Private Robert Wilkin

 

Robert Wilkin was born on 26 May 1891 at Shanmullagh, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, the last of three children of labourer James Wilkin and his wife Margaret (née Eakin or Aikin). At the time of the 1911 Census he was living at nearby Ballycassidy with his widowed mother and one of his siblings, and working as a farm labourer.

Wilkin enlisted in the 6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons Service Squadron at Enniskillen on 10 April 1915 (No. UD/248). He gave his age as 20, three years under his true age.

On 19 June 1915, however, he was found to be suffering from "general physical weakness and epilepsy". His discharge was recommended as he was "not likely to become an efficient soldier." This took place on 1 July. His military character was recorded as 'fair'.

For a short period Wilkin was granted a pension, his level of disability assessed at 20 per cent. In 1919 a review of his case found that:

Pensioner states that he has pains in his back arms & legs, worse in the winter. He speaks indistinctly. He is thin & weakly looking, poor physique. There is slight creaking R. knee joint. No swelling of joints. ... Denies having epilepsy but is dull & slow.

He was granted a £25 gratuity.

 

This page last updated 1 May 2023.