Attested 18 August 1914 – Medal Index Card entered 2b Balkans 14 July 1915 with 6th Battalion East Yorkshire Regiment – Robert Usher was born 21 February 1882 at Wilson’s Yard, Bridlington, eldest son of John Hindson Usher (b.1856) and his wife Frances (Fanny) nee Sedman. John Hindson Usher was originally a fisherman, working out of Bridlington and a local hero of the times. On 28th November 1893, he and four other fishermen rescued the crew of the coble Victoria out of Aberdeen during what was later known as ‘The Great Storm’. For this the five fishermen were awarded silver medals from the RNLI and the Board of Trade as well as a cash bounty.
Robert (registered at birth as Bob) married Mary Agnes Hart on 24.11.1906 at Crook and Billy Row, Co. Durham where he was employed at the time as a painter/ signwriter. Frances, the first of 3 daughters, was born at Wheatbottom, Co. Durham on 01.01.1909 and shortly after he returned to Bridlington with his wife and daughter and lived in a cottage at High Green, Bridlington (since demolished). Two further daughters were born in (Hannah Mary in 1910 and Agnes Elizabeth in 1912).
Robert, being a National Reservist, enlisted into the East Yorkshire Regiment at Beverley Barracks on or about 18.06.1915, leaving his wife and three young daughters whom he never saw again. Also enlisted with him was his friend Robert Williamson 10392 who served with him in the Dardanelles and as far as is known, survived.
Robert was buried in Shatby Military Cemetery, Alexandria (plot F130).
Sometime during his life he adopted a second Christian name of Antonius, or sometimes expressed as Anthony. There is no known explanation for this and he certainly was not registered as such at birth. He is listed as Pte RA Usher on the war memorial at Bridlington Priory.
Mary Agnes Hart married William Flynn 08.09.1919 but had no further children. She died 14.08.1962 at Bridlington – Photo of Grave at Chatby – Photo of Robert – Information from Adrian – Write up 27 September 1915 Hull Daily News – Commemorated East Yorkshire Regiment War Memorial Beverley Minster East Yorkshire – Commemorated Bridlington War Memorial