Since the original story on Robinson was written back in 2015 further research now suggests that the individual concerned is John Robinson who was in Hanover House between 1910-15. He was also a member of the Senior Debating Society in the Easter & Christmas terms of 1913. Even with this limited information from the college archives it has not been possible to positively identify him from birth and census records of the period.  

Previously it was thought that he served as a First-Lieutenant within The Prince of Wales’s Own (West Yorkshire) Regiment. However, the regimental archivist found no trace of an officer by this name and initial who served with the regiment, and who was killed during the First World War, a fact confirmed by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission [CWGC].

The CWGC lists over 150 individuals by the name of J or John Robinson who were killed and so it will take some time to try and positively identify him. 

His place of burial and date of death remain unknown, but the college records show it to be c.1917.

Robinson would have qualified for both the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. In addition if he entered a theatre of war between 5^th August 1914 and 22^nd November 1914 he would have qualified for The 1914 Star. The 1914-15 Star was for those personnel who entered a theatre of war prior to 31^st December 1915 and who did not qualify for the former medal.

Any information that would assist in the identification of John Robinson would be welcome. E-mail propatria@wrekincollege.com

Revised: Oct 2025