Buchanan, R (Robert
Private Robert Buchanan was the son of James and Mary Buchanan, of 11, Linenhall Street, Londonderry; husband of Elizabeth (Lizzie) Buchanan. He served with the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Depot, 6th, 8th, and 7/8th Battalions.
Robert had originally entered the conflict on the 11th of July 1915, either with the 6th or 8th Battalions. He would later join the 7/8th, possibly while serving with the 8th, which was amalgamated with the 7th at the end of August 1917. Robert was wounded the following month. Details of this are unknown.
During April 1918 members of the 7/8th mutinied (as records do not survive it is uncertain if Robert took part) along with members of the 7th Royal Irish Regiment in a protest about their battalions being disbanded. Over a hundred soldiers were court martialled. All sentences though, were suspended and the two battalions would ultimately survive until after the end of the war.
Running up to Roberts’s death his battalion had started training during August 1918 before moving to the front lines on the 10th. By the 20th they were advancing on the enemy lines around Mowbray Woods.[1] The fighting continued into September when they were finally relieved on the 14th. Private Buchannan died three days later of wounds he received previously in the Ulster Volunteer Hospital, Belfast. It is unknown what exactly happened to him or when.
Robert was awarded the 1914/15 Star, the British War and Victory Medals.
Date of Death: 17/09/1918 (Aged 28)
Service: Private, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Depot, 6th, 8th, and 7/8th Battalions.
Service Number: 10963
Burial Location: Londonderry (or Derry), City Cemetery, SB. 516.
[1] Mowbray Woods is located south of the River Douve, in Normandy, France.