Robert Marshall was born in Perth on 15th March 1894, to Robert James Marshall (Horse Hirer), b. 1865, Edinburgh; and Mary Meldrum, b. 1869, Perth. Robert’s mother and father were married at 3 Derby Crescent, Glasgow, on 13th December 1892, when his father was living at Princes Street, Perth, and his mother was living at High Street, Perth. Robert’s father died in Kinnoull, Perth, in 1898, aged 32.

In 1901 the family were living at Glasgow Road, Perth: Head, Mary Marshall (31); Son, Robert (7); Son, John (5); and Mary Marshall’s mother Germain Meldrum (70). In 1911, Robert (Civil Engineer) and John (Bank Apprentice) were living with their mother at “Carsbreck”, Carlogie Road, Carnoustie.

Robert was educated at Perth Academy, and when he was living in Carnoustie he was a member of The Carnoustie Musical Society, which was founded in 1912. He was also a leading and popular member of the Carnoustie Cricket Club. Before the war Robert Marshall was in the Engineer’s Department of the Dundee Harbour Office.

Robert Marshall enlisted, on 23rd September 1914, with the 1st Field Company, Divisional Engineers. He was part of the Marines Expeditionary Force from 1st March 1915, until his death on 31st May 1915.

The 63rd (Royal Naval) Division, was an infantry division which served during the First World War. It was originally formed, at the outbreak of the war, from Royal Navy and Royal Marine reservists and volunteers, who were not needed for service at sea. The Division participated in the Siege of Antwerp in 1914. The Royal Marine Brigade arrived opposite Lier, in requisitioned London buses, on 4th October 1914 and took part in the siege until they withdrew on the 9th October.

The Royal Naval Division and the Regular Army 29th Division, were the two British divisions which took part in the Gallipoli landings. On the 29th April, the fleet of warships and troopships rendezvoused off Bulair before dawn and the warships began a a day-long bombardment. In the late afternoon men began to embark on to boats and landed just before dark. The beaches were well defended and heavy fighting took place there, and continued as the division tried to move inland.

The total Allied casualty figures for the Gallipoli campaign were 56,707 dead, 123,598 wounded and 7,654 missing and prisoners.

Robert Marshall lost his life during this campaign, on the 31st May 1915. Robert Marshall is also commemorated on the Barry Parish War Memorial, Carnoustie, Angus.