Robert Hamilton (British Army soldier)

Company Sergeant Major Robert Hamilton DCM MM (1896 – 23 March 1918) of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers was a recipient of the Distinguished Conduct Medal and the Military Medal.

Background
Robert Hamilton, son of James and Ellen Hamilton, was born in 1896 in Dungiven, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. He was the second of at least eleven children born to the couple. In 1901, the family resided at Shortallon, Lower Liberties, Londonderry. By 1911, the family made their residence on Bishop Street in Derry, County Londonderry. Fifteen year old Robert was an apprentice in a monument works. From boyhood, he was also an active member of the Lads Brigade of the local cathedral church, where he received training. At the time of Robert's death in 1918, his parents lived on Fountain Street in Derry, County Londonderry.

Military career
Robert Hamilton enlisted in Londonderry. He was with the Derry Volunteers in the 10th Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. The nineteen-year-old was with the first group to leave the Ulster Volunteer Force headquarters on Hawkin Street and go to Finner Camp in Ballyshannon, County Donegal after the outbreak of the war. Recruiting for the 10th Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers had begun in September 1914. There were four Companies, including two from the city of Derry. As the number of recruits increased, they were sent for training at Finner Camp. By early 1915, the 10th Battalion had more than a thousand men. They left Finner Camp to join other battalions at Randalstown, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. Those battalions were the 9th (Tyrone), the 11th (Donegal and Fermanagh) and the Young Citizen Volunteers (Belfast). Together, they comprised the 109th Brigade of the Ulster Division, which left for the Western Front on 15 July 1915.

In February 1916, the Ulster Division experienced its first front line fighting. Months later, on 1 July 1916, Robert Hamilton, with the 10th Battalion and thousands of fellow soldiers, advanced on Thiepval Ridge. More than 19,000 men died that day, the single greatest loss of life in the history of the British Army. Hamilton was the first soldier in his company to be awarded the Military Medal. The medal and the Ulster Division Certificate were awarded "for great gallantry in the attack on 1st July, 1916, in the Thiepval sector. At about seven p.m. the Germans counter attacked. His platoon officer being killed, he rallied the men around him, and broke up the counter attack. He led another counter attack later in the evening."

Robert Hamilton was also the first man from the city of Derry in his battalion to receive the Distinguished Conduct Medal. It was awarded "for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During an attack he captured an enemy machine gun and three of its crew single-handed. While holding the line during the following days he rendered valuable assistance in reorganising the company and getting forward supplies of bombs and ammunition, on several occasions under fire. His example and cheerfulness throughout were magnificent." It was awarded posthumously on 28 March 1918. In January 1918, the 10th Battalion disbanded, the 11th shortly thereafter. Most members of the 10th were posted to the 2nd Battalion; most of the 11th to the 9th Battalion. However, Robert Hamilton joined the 9th Battalion. He was appointed Company Sergeant Major with the 9th Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. Hamilton was selected as being worthy of receiving the company flag, riddled with bullets, as a souvenir.

The German Spring Offensive began with Operation Michael. The First Battles of the Somme 1918 took place during the period between 21 March and 5 April. The Battle of St. Quentin took place between the 21 and 23 March. It involved the Third Army under Byng and the Fifth Army under Gough. The 36th (Ulster) Division was part of the Fifth Army. The 9th Battalion, as part of the Ulster Division, fought in the Battle of St. Quentin. On 23 March 1918, Hamilton had returned to the base to receive a commission when there was a report that the Germans had broken through. He immediately volunteered to return to render assistance to his comrades.

Death
Company Sergeant Major Robert Hamilton, regimental number 15572, died on 23 March 1918, killed in action at the Battle of St. Quentin in Somme, France. He is commemorated on the Pozières Memorial in Somme, France, on panel numbers 38 to 40. The memorial encloses Pozières British Cemetery. He is also commemorated on the Diamond War Memorial on the Diamond in the centre of Londonderry, N.Ireland. In addition, his name is inscribed on the war memorial in Saint Columb's Cathedral in Londonderry, N.Ireland.

Robert Hamilton's name was read out during a memorial service held at Saint Columb's Cathedral on 28 June 1918. The intent of the service was to commemorate the Derry soldiers who had lost their lives during the previous year. At a recruiting meeting held at the Londonderry Guildhall on 16 September 1918, a ceremony took place during which Mayor Sir Robert N. Anderson presented to James Hamilton, father of the fallen soldier, the Distinguished Conduct Medal, Military Medal, and Ulster Division Certificate that had been won by his son.

In addition, his family marked the one-year anniversary of his death with a tribute in a local newspaper: "For king and country well he stood, Unknown to cowards' fears; In battle strife he shed his blood With the Ulster Volunteers. Now, this sad war is fought and won, 'Tis now we miss our dear loved one." His family also acknowledged the fifth anniversary of his death with the lines: "To duty stern he did respond, His youthful life he gave; He died a fearless hero's death, And fills an honored grave."