Scarborough,+Robert+E

Yorkshire Regiment (Alexandra, Princess of Wales' Own), 10th Training reserve battalion. Service number TR5/38362.
 * Private Robert Eric Scarborough.**



He was educated at Keighley Trade and Grammar School from 1912, having won a scholarship. Resident in Haworth when he enlisted at Keighley into the 15th battalion of Alexandra, Princess of Wales's Own (Yorkshire Regiment) From 24th February to 3rd March 1917 he was at Rugeley Camp Stafford. 13th March, to Base camp. Robert died in the military hospital at Cannock Chase, whilst still in training. The cause of death given was cerebro-spinal fever and this was contracted in camp where an epidemic was prevalent. The base hospital report describes a typical clinical picture of CSF of the chronic type. Whilst in hospital he was treated by lumbar puncture and injection of serum. His condition did not improve and died at 5.15 am on 12th May 1917. He was eighteen years of age and is buried in Haworth (St Michael and All Angels) churchyard. His family were issued with a memorial plaque and scroll on 3rd May 1919. Robert is remembered in St Michaels Church on the Haworth Roll of Honour, on the Haworth War Memorial and on the Stanbury Roll of Honour and he is also remembered in the 'Keighlian' Magazine's Great War Roll of Honour.
 * Robert Eric Scarborough was born in Haworth on the thirtieth of September 1898 and baptised in Haworth on the twenty-third of October in the same year. He was the son of Benjamin and Mary Eleanor Scarborough. The Scarborough family were blacksmiths in Haworth for over 200 years. Mary Eleanor was a confectioner and baker (on her own account).

ROBERT SCARBOROUGH. Private. 10th Training Reserve. Robert Scarborough came to the School in September, 1912, as winner of a Scott Scholarship. He left in July, 1915, and entered the services of Messrs. Thos. Cook & Son in their Keighley Office. From leaving the Day School to his entry into the Army he was regular in attendance in the Commercial Department of the Technical School and was considered to be a very promising student. He joined the Army on February 20th, 1917, but his career as a soldier was very brief as, after he had been at Rugeley Camp for one month only, he was taken ill with Cerebro-Spinal Fever and after lying in Cannock Chase Hospital for seven weeks he died on May 18th, 1917. Robert Scarborough was a young man who was liked by every one who knew him for his unassuming disposition and his cheerful presence. It was his misfortune to give himself for his country without being permitted to defend her on the field of battle, but Robert Scarborough would have done his duty with his fellows even at the same cost if the opportunity had been afforded him to do it. The Masters and boys of his Old School unite in sending their respectful sympathy to his parents and relations.
 * Keighlian Magazine obituary:**

This is in the West part of the churchyard of St Michael and All Angels and his inscription reads: "In loving memory of Robert Eric, son of Benjamin and Mary Eleanor Scarborough, who died in the military hospital at Cannock Chase, May 12th 1917, Aged 18 years. Memoria In Eternia" ||
 * Robert's grave:**