DOWDING Robert

Appears in the Worcester/Worcestershire Roll of Honour Book for army casualties located in Worcester Cathedral.

Robert Dowding, son of Frederick (labourer) and Mary Elizabeth Dowding was baptised on 13th November 1887. In 1909 he married Ellen Spilsbury (probably a telegraphist from Wichenford).

1911 Census:
Woodland View, Lichfield Road, Sutton Coldfield Robert Dowding, age 26, born Worcester Domestic Gardener
Ellen Dowding, wife, age 28, born Worcester

There is no record of a Robert Dowding in Martley on the 1911 census.  Frederick, Mary and Edith are still in Martley, Robert is not in the household.

The following entry appears in the United Parish Magazine, St Peter’s Church, Martley, February 1917:
Robert Dowding -The sad death of Mr and Mrs Dowding’s son, of fever, in France is indeed a great sorrow to all who knew him; he was such a bright cheerful boy; so steady and fond of his church. He had lived at Sutton Coldfield for some years as the valued and capable gardener at a large house. He was a good musician, and quite the mainstay of the choir at Hill Church, where his loss is mourned grievously by all. He was lately married to Miss Spilsbury and to her and his father, mother and family his death is an inexpressible sorrow, and the deepest sympathy is felt for them all. May he rest in peace, and his memory and example never be forgotten, as one lovable and affectionate and an earnest Christian man. His life, laid down in his country’s service, and for righteousness, is another call to us in Martley to serve God and do our duty better.

The following report appears in the Kidderminster Times, 3rd March 1917:
Private Robert V. Dowding, 33138, 6th Battalion Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry. Youngest son of Mr & Mrs Dowding, Coppice House, Martley. Died in France on Jan. 3rd. He joined under the Derby scheme on June 3rd last, and went to France in October. The report includes a photograph of Robert Dowding.