Boomer, Robert

Rifleman

No. 395, 11^th Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles

Killed in action on Saturday 1 July 1916 (aged 21)

No known grave

Commemorated:

Commonwealth War Graves Commission

Thiepval Memorial, France (Pier and Face 15 A and 15 B)

BIOGRAPHY

In the Ireland Casualties of World War 1, 1914-1922 it is recorded that Rifleman Robert Boomer (No. 395) was born in Barton-on-Erwell, Lancashire.

In the Soldiers Died in the Great War 1914 – 1919 database it is recorded that Rifleman Robert Boomer (No. 395) was born in Barton-on-Erwell, Lancashire, lived in Holywood and enlisted in Belfast.

In the Army Registers of Soldiers’ Effects, it is recorded that Rifleman Robert Boomer’s mother’s name was Margaret.

In 1911, a Robert Boomer (aged 16) was living in the Boys’ Home run by Mary Templeton at 27 May Street, Belfast and was working as a messenger in a shop.

During the Great War Rifleman Robert Boomer (395) served with the 11^th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles in 108^th Brigade of the 36^th (Ulster) Division and he was killed in action on the first day of the Battle of the Somme.  He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial in France.

If Rifleman Robert Boomer (395) was 16 in 1911, then he was 21 when he died.