Robert Paterson was born on 9th July 1887. In 1901, the Paterson family were living at 4 Balhousie Avenue, Perth: Father James (Dyer’s Clerk) (46); Mother, Jessie (40); Daughter, Gardyne (16); Son, Robert (13); Son, James (11); and Son, David (3).

He enlisted with the 50th Battalion (Calgary) Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF) on 26th January 1915 in Calgary, Alberta. Before he enlisted Robert was employed as an Accountant.

The 50th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the CEF. It was authorized on 7th November 1914 and embarked for Britain on 27th October 1915. The battalion disembarked in France on 11th August 1916, where it fought as part of the 10th Canadian Infantry Brigade, 4th Canadian Division, in France and Flanders.

In October 1916 the battalion was ordered to Ancre Heights. This was the scene of Canada’s first involvement in the Battle of the Somme, which ultimately resulted in 25,000 Canadian casualties.

From the Somme, the battalion was moved northward to Artois in November 1916, where they spent their winter and Christmas preparing for the Battle of Vimy Ridge. From January to March, the 4th Division’s artillery provided part of the pre-battle barrage.

Robert Paterson lost his life on 4th February 1917, during this preparatory phase of the Battle of Vimy Ridge. He was 29 years of age.

Robert Paterson is also commemorated on the Perth North Church War Memorial.