Robert Graham was the only son of William and Mary Graham. William Graham and Mary Briers were married on 11th November 1886 in the district of Dungannon.
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It is believed Robert’s full name was William Robert Graham (to be confirmed). He was born on 15th February 1893. He was the youngest of three children all born in the
Aughnacloy area.
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Family: William Graham, Mary Graham, Sarah Graham (born 30th March 1888), Margaret Graham (born 14th August 1890), Robert William Graham (born 15th February 1893).
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The 1901 census records Robert as age 7 living with the family at house 10 in Crilly, Ballymagran, Tyrone. Robert's father is a farm labourer.
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The 1911 census lists Robert as age 18 living with the family at house 18 in Lisdoart, Tullyvar, Tyrone. Robert and his father are now recorded as labourers.
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Robert Graham enlisted in Enniskillen. He was living in Crilly at the time.
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Private Robert Graham arrived in France with the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers on 26th November 1915.
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A newspaper report from July 1916 records that a Private W Graham from Drumearn was injured, most likely at the Somme. It is not known if this is Robert.
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From the Tyrone Courier dated 20th July 1916: W Graham
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From Aughnacloy the following are reported wounded – Private Robert Dickson, Glandava, and Private W Graham, Drumern.
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Private Robert Graham was serving with the 9th Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers when he died on 29th March 1918.
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The CWGC grave registration report records that Private Robert Graham died as a prisoner of war.
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CWGC grave registration report: Special Memorial
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To the memory of these two British soldiers, who died in 1918, and were buried at te time in Ham Communal Cemetery German Extension, but whose graves are now lost. Their glory shall not be blotted out.
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Private Thomas Blenkhorn (50094), who was with the 19th Battalion of the King's (Liverpool Regiment), also died a prisoner and is listed also.
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Neither are listed in the Red Cross Prisoner of War records, so it may be that they were only prisoners for a short time.
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Private Robert Graham was initially buried in Ham Communal Cemetery German Extension, but the grave was lost, so he is now commemorated in Ham British Cemetery at Muille-Villett in France. His gravestone inscription reads: SAFE IN THE ARMS OF JESUS
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The CWGC record Private Graham as the son of William and Mary Graham of Glendavagh, Aughnacloy, County Tyrone.
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Private Robert Graham is listed on page 58 of the Ballygawley War Dead book, compiled by Drew Robinson.
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