Robert Maddis

A Deck Hand with H.M. Trawler Territorial. Robert died on 27th of October 1917 at the age of 49. 

Robert was born at Beccles on 14 March 1868, a son of Robert and Mary Maddis. Some sources suggest that he was born at Mutford on 20 May 1875, but these are not corroborated, and Robert appears in the 1871 Census living with his family at Ingate Road, Beccles. Note that his surname is variously given as Maddis and Maddiss. 

Robert attended Beccles Infant School and, from 20 November 1876 to 31 October 1878, he was a pupil at Beccles Boys School. During this time his family lived at Peddars Lane, Beccles. In 1881 Robert, and his older brother James, were inmate-pupils at Saint John’s Boys School, Bloomfield Street, Ipswich. 

On 12 November 1883 Robert was bound to W. Rose, of Lowestoft, as an apprentice fisherman for six years. This arrangement was cancelled on 16 December 1886. In 1889 Robert worked on the Lark, of Lowestoft, and, on 12 July 1889, joined the S.S. Aurania, at Liverpool, as a trimmer. In 1901 Robert, his brother George and sister Alice, lived with their aunt and uncle, Sarah and Alfred Youngman, at Mill Road, Mutford, and Robert worked as a fisherman.

In 1906 Robert worked on the Nick O Time, of Lowestoft, and, on 4 August 1906, joined the Queen Victoria, at Leith, as an extra hand. 

In 1911 Robert was an inmate at the Union Workhouse, Oulton Broad. 

In January 1913 Robert, and two other men, were charged with stealing coal from a drifter. Robert, who had previous convictions, was sent to prison for 21 days. 

Robert was living at 26 Till Road when he joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 31 August 1915. He claimed to be seven years younger than he actually was. He gave his next of kin as his sister Alice, then living at Mutford. 

Robert served on the requisitioned trawler Territorial. He became unwell and was admitted to the Royal Marine Infirmary, Deal, where he died from hemiplegia and cerebral thrombosis.