Robert Palmer was born in Petrolia, Ontario, on November 2, 1886, the eldest son of George J.A. Crawford and Lomila Kathleen (nee Stafford) Crawford, of 323 Christina Street, later 279 Russell Street, and then 110 Victoria Street, Sarnia. His siblings included: Grace, Murtle, Royal Bruce (see below) and Devora. Robert enlisted with the 37th Battalion at Niagara Camp on May 31, 1915. At the time, he had two years prior experience with the 27th Lambton Borderers. He was single at the time of his enlistment, and recorded his occupation as a farmer. Robert was transferred to the 48th Highlanders, Machine Gun Section, 15th Battalion, 3rd Brigade as a reinforcement. He was listed as being with the Canadian Infantry, Central Ontario Regiment, 15th Battalion, with the rank of Lance Corporal. He was with the 48th Highlanders after being in the trenches for over a year as a Lance Corporal.
On March 30th of 1916, Robert sent the following letter home from France to his mother:
Dear Mother,
Just a few lines to let you know I am well and kicking. I have not had any mail for some time. In fact our mail system seems to have been all shot to pieces lately, or else everyone has quit writing, and I hate to think the latter. However I expect that everything will beall right soon as things are settled down again. We have moved again since my last letter. At this rate we will soon see the most of France and Belgium. We are in Belgium at present, but quite a way from the front line. This is a fine day but we have had some very nasty weather lately with cold winds and heavy frosts, but spring must come soon now. I will be pleased when the warm weather comes again. I had a few pictures taken in the last town we were in. If they are any good I will send some, otherwise I won’t. Best to all.
Your loving son, Bob
Six months after writing the above letter, on September 12, 1916, Robert Crawford would lose his life while fighting during the Battle of the Somme, France. Robert was killed only a few days prior to his younger brother Royal’s arrival in France. Robert Crawford would be offcially listed as, Died of wounds (gunshot wound left shoulder) at No. 49 Casualty Clearing Station.
On September 19, 1916, Mrs. Lomila Crawford in Sarnia would receive a telegram from Ottawa informing her that her son Robert was officially reported as wounded. One day later, on September 20, Mrs. Lomila Crawford would receive another telegram from the official war record office at Ottawa. The latter official telegram reads as follows:
Mrs. L. Crawford, 132 Durand Street,
Deeply regret inform you No. 46570, Lance-Corp Robt. Palmer Crawford, officially reported died of wounds, 49th Casualty Clearing Station, Sept. 12th, gunshot wounds, shoulder. Signed, O.I.C.R.O.
Twenty-nine year old Robert Crawford is buried in Contay British Cemetery, Somme, France, Grave I.C.2. Approximately two years later, Lomila Crawford would lose a second son in France, Royal Bruce Crawford. With eerie similarity, she would first receive news that Royal Bruce was wounded and missing, then days later, receive the news that he had been killed in action.
SOURCES: A, B, C, D, E, F, L, N, 2C, 2D, 2G