Robert Yardley's Story.
Robert was born at Alderley Edge on the 13th August 1881 he was one of three children born to Ralph and Sarah Sidebottom of Firwood, Leycester Road. Knutsford. His grandparents were Ralph and Mary Sidebottom of Millbrook, Hollingworth, Cheshire.
Robert was educated at Bilton Grange, Cheltenham College, and then at R.M.C Sandhurst. After receiving an unattached 2nd Lieutenancy in January 1901, he joined the Lancashire Fusiliers in March of the same year, becoming a Lieutenant in February 1904.
He served for eighteen months with the Mounted Infantry in South Africa and was promoted Captain into the 2nd Battalion of his regiment in July 1914.
He was a well-known big game hunter in South Africa.
Robert was killed in Action just three days after landing in France.
War was declared on the 4th August on the 23rd Robert landed in Boulogne, on the 25th the battalion marched to VIESLY they were shelled for a time in the evening but suffered no causalities. On the 26th marched via CAUDRAY-LIGNY the war diary continues: proceeded to high ground by WAMBAIX STA. arrived there about 4a.m and proceeded to site and dig trenches. Heavy tools not available owing to heavy roads. Heavy shells and M.G. fire opened at 6am, Bn held position until 9am falling back to a position above HAUCOURT, Brigade retired late in the afternoon to SELVIGNY thence to VENDHUILLE at night.
There is a typed account of the fighting within the diaries, part of it mentions Robert, it reads:
The main force of the attack had been thrown on the right flank, but it suddenly developed with greater force against the left and the Germans advanced against Wards coy. Which suffered heavily.
In trying to get in touch with Vandeleur the 2nd in Command was seriously wounded and Vandeleur himself was also shot. Wards Coy. And the left platoon of A company were now much harassed by M.G fire. It was not long before all the officers of D company were killed or wounded. The effects of the enfilade fire was serve and the Germans were seen working around the left flank. Retirement was clearly necessary. A Coy. Withdrew to the cover of a hedge, Sidebottom’s coy, Sidebottom was in Moody’s Coy, and apparently, Moody had been wounded by this time followed. Many were killed and Wounded in the open and the Germans reached within 300 yards and a M.G was particularly deadly. Sidebottom collected a party to rush it, but fell dead before the attempt was made.
At the bottom of the page there is a note that reads:
402 NCOs and men failed to answer the roll that night; on Sept 9th 143 of these re-joined which leaves 259 NCOs and men as killed wounded or missing on the 26th Aug.
Robert has no known grave and is remembered on the La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial.