Private Robert Hudson Fenton
Robert Hudson Fenton was born on 14 February 1895 at 17 Brook Street, Dundalk, County Louth, the second of four children of engine fitter Robert Thomas Fenton and his wife Mary Eleanor (nee Wissett). His mother and two brothers died before he was four years old. Robert was then raised in the home of his grandparents, engine fitter master William Fenton and his wife Martha, at 19 Ardee Terrace, Dundalk. By the time of the 1911 Census he was living as a boarder at 37 Dublin Street, Dundalk, and working as a railway engine cleaner.
Fenton enlisted in the North Irish Horse between 11 and 26 September 1914 (No.1213). He embarked for France on 2 June 1915 with a group of reinforcements for A, C and D Squadrons.
In August 1916, however, no doubt due to his civilian trade, Fenton was transferred to the Royal Engineers, Railway Operating Division (No.198252 – later No. WR/259727). He remained in this role for the duration of the war.
After the war Fenton moved to Portadown, County Armagh, where on 2 April 1923 he married Sarah Wilson. He died at his residence, 132 Park Road, Portadown, on 17 June 1966 and was buried in the Seagoe Cemetery, Portadown.
Image sourced from the Billion Graves website.