Private Robert Newell – 2nd Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers

Private Robert Newell from Ballymartin served with the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. When war was declared Robert walked to the recruitment office in Newry and enlisted. He didn’t tell anyone he was doing this, not even his mother and father. He was only 16 when he signed up but lied and stated he was 18.

This was very common and many ‘boy soldiers’ were sent off to the Front. During his time in France Robert was gassed twice and lost his little finger. Years and years later a black mark on Robert’s face went septic. They operated on him and found that it was a piece of shrapnel which had been lodged there since the battle of the Somme. He relived his war days with his grandchildren telling them the stories of the good and the bad times at the Front; the great sense of comradeship along with the tough times in the trenches, surrounded by mud and death.

Pte Robert Newell wrote on rear of this post card pic “From somewhere in France 1917“

This solid silver Badge was Issued by King George V to Pte Newell for his services in the 2nd Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, but due to his wounds had been returned to the UK.

The badge was issued with a number on the rear, and were highly prized possessions.
It was a way of saying, ‘I have been there and done my duty for King & Country, only sent back with His Majesties express permission and I am not afraid to fight!’ Indeed young men who refused to sign up were unpopular at the time, and in many cases branded cowards.

Pte Newell can be seen in this photo wearing the badge on his suit alongside his medals.