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Second Lieutenant Joseph Robinson

 

Joseph Robinson was born on 15 May 1894 at Drumenan, St Johnstown, County Donegal, the fifth of nine children of farmer Joseph Robinson and his wife Anna Eliza (nee Forbes). By 1911 he was living with his uncle, RIC constable James Forbes, at 21 Northland Avenue, Londonderry, and working as a factory clerk.

Robinson enlisted in the North Irish Horse on 1 October 1914 (No.1248 – later Corps of Hussars No.71302). He embarked for France with D Squadron on 1 May 1915.

Robinson rose to the rank of sergeant and in late 1917 or early 1918 applied for a commission. Following a period of officer cadet training in the UK, on 25 September 1918  he was appointed 2nd lieutenant and posted to the 3rd (Reserve) Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry.

He relinquished his commission on 1 September 1921.

 

At least one of Robinson's brothers also served during the war. Engine Room Artificier 3rd Class George Ernest Robinson was one of the 1,016 crew of the battlecruiser HMS Indefatigable who lost their lives when their ship was sunk during the Battle of Jutland on 31 May 1916.