4633 Rifleman 9th Battalion London Regiment (Queen Victoria's Rifles)
Gilbert Robins was born in January 1885 in Honiton in Devon. His father, Robert Robins, seems to have died not long after Gilbert's birth. In 1891 the family lived on the High Street of Honiton. His mother, Sarah Robins, was head of the household and worked as a corn seed dealer. Gilbert was the youngest of six children. By 1901 the family had moved to New Street Honiton and Gilbert was working as a draper's apprentice. In 1911, aged 26, Gilbert was lodging and living as a draper's assistant in Acton in Middlesex.
Some time between 1911 and his enlistment in London during the war, Gilbert moved to Edgware. He joined the London Regiment and was serving in France by 1916. Gilbert was killed at Combles in France on 9 September 1916. He was 31 years old.
He is buried in Combles Communal Cemetery, plot VI. E. 22. Before the war his mother Sarah had moved to Bridgwater and Gilbert's name was added to the family memorial in the Wembdon Road Cemetery, number 877, inscription: In Loving Memory of Horace Robins who died 13th November 1928 aged 56 years, and Martha Robins wife of the above who died 9th Feb. 1962 aged 77 years. In Loving Memory of Robert Robins who died July 13th 1884 aged 44 years. Also of Albion Robins son of the above died March 28th 1902 aged 19 years. Also of Robert Robins who died in infancy all interred at St Michael's Cemetery Honiton, Devon. In Loving Memory of Sarah Ann Robins who died June 28th 1913 aged 70 years. Also of James Robins son of the above who died November 5th 1913 aged 35 years. Also of Gilbert Robins son of the above fell in action at Combles, France September 9th 1916 aged 31 years.
