Robert Smith Pithie

Killed in Action on the 20/07/1916 shot through the head by a German machine-gun

MORE FAMILY INFORMATION - From the 1891 Census - Address - Boigside Cottages, New Cumnock, Ayrshire - James Pithie aged 42, Marion Pithie aged 40, Allan Pithie aged 16, Jane Pithie aged 14, Marion Pithie aged 11, James Pithie aged 9, Robert Pithie aged 6, William Pithie aged 2, Robert's Grandmother Jessie Pithie aged 71, boarder George Blackley aged 52. In his Will dated 22/12/1914 Robert left the whole of his property and effects to his wife. Robert arrived in France on the 16/12/1914 and were part of the 1st Division. Robert was killed when out working in front of his own line. Just as work was finishing a German machine-gun opened up and shot Robert through the head. The Battalion took part in these Battles of the Somme 1916 : The Battle of Albert (1st - 13th July), The Battle of Bazentin (14th - 17th July) and The Battle of Pozieres (23rd July - 3rd September). Robert would have fell during this time. The Battles of the Somme, 1st July - 18th November 1916 : A Franco-British offensive that was undertaken after Allied strategic conferences in late 1915, but which changed its nature due to the German attack against the French in the epic Battle of Verdun, which lasted from late February to November. Huge British losses on the first day and a series of fiercely-contested steps that became attritional in nature. For all armies on the Western Front it was becoming what the Germans would call "materialschlacht" : a war not of morale, will or even manpower, but of sheer industrial material might. The 15th September 1916 saw the first-ever use of tanks in the step known as the Battle of Flers-Courcelette. The British army in France is now approaching its maximum strength in numbers but is still developing in terms of tactics, technology, command and control. Robert's brother Private Hugh Pithie of the Royal Engineers wrote a letter to Robert's wife telling of his death. See Newspaper clipping for letter sent to Robert's wife from his brother Hugh and Officer Commanding Captain William Downs also from Coatbridge. Robert and his brother Hugh who was also serving attended their brother William's funeral in February 1915. See Directory for Robert's brother Private William Pithie's page. Robert is listed as SAPPER on the Memorial. Robert is also remembered on the Maxwell Parish Church and East United Free Churches Rolls of Honour and at the Family Plot in Old Monkland Cemetery (see photos x 2. Robert's brother William's Memorial stone there also). See photos for Robert's Medal Index Card, his Newspaper clippings x 2, his CWGC Grave Registration, his name on the Menin Gate Memorial x 2, his name on the Menin Gate Memorial Panel List, Robert's Army Register of Soldiers Effects, his Service Medal and Award Rolls, the Royal Engineers Cap Badge and Robert's Pension Records x 2.