(Daniel) Robert Pitt was the youngest son of Frederick (1856-1927) & Louisa (1872-1938) Pitt born in 1910 and twin of (Mary) Susannah. Frederick was a coach builder who married Mary Clarke in 1893 and they had three children, Harold Joseph in 1894, Edith Louise 1896 and (Francis) John 1898. Mary died in 1899 aged just 40 and Frederick then married Louisa Hayward a few months later. They had six children - Charles Frederick in 1901, William Thomas 1902, (Ada) Elizabeth 1906, (George) Henry 1906 and the twins in 1910.

Robert was a pre-war soldier but his service record is unknown. In 1939 he married Irene Winifred Fido, a native of Corsham, the hometown of his mother. In 1940 they had a daughter named Winifred. Irene was living at Catcombe Old Farm, Hilmarton in 1945. 2nd Wiltshires were part of the British Expeditionary Force and after evacuation from the continent they remained in Britain until March 1942. They then took part in the invasion of Madagascar before proceeding to India. After a few months there they went to Iraq, Persia and Syria. By this time the Russians had beaten back the German advance into the Caucasus which had necessitated British forces being stationed to safeguard our oil supplies. After the defeat of the Axis in North Africa the invasion of Southern Europe was planned.

The 2nd Wiltshires sailed from Port Said aboard His Majesty's Transport Bergensfjord on 5 July 1943. On the morning of 10 July they began landing on Sicily. The following morning they occupied Solarino and suffered their first casualties of the campaign during that day. The Battalion led an attack across the River Semeto on the 18th suffering 22 casualties - 5 men killed (4 buried in this cemetery - Frazer, Gover, Kidley & Mannix), two officers and 15 men wounded. The next major activity was detailed in the War Diary;

20th July 1930hrs. Brigadier L. M. Campbell VC, DSO, TD, arrives at Bn HQ with orders for a Pl raid on enemy strong-point at 903726, supported by Fd Regt RA from 5 Div. Lieut. W. M. O. Moore is briefed and takes 11 Pl B Coy fwd, but is unable to enter FARM BLDG and PILLBOX owing to shells from 50 Div barrage continuing to fall in the area after our Div Arty had ceased.

21st July The Raid is repeated at 0100hrs by Mr. Moore, but the enemy is alert and 12 Pl never got into enemy positions which are stronger than originally supposed, comprising six automatics and one 5cm Mortar. Our casualties are Mr. Moore and 6 O.Rs wounded and 4 O.Rs Missing.

The next day the Battalion moved into reserve and did not have any contact with the enemy until 1 August. It is not clear when Robert was wounded but is likely to have been on 21 or 22 July. The first news of his death was in the Wilts & Gloucester Standard of 21 August 1943;

Died of Wounds in Sicily. - Mrs. Robert Pitt, now living at Hilmarton, has received official news that her husband, Private Robert Pitt, Wilts Regiment, has died of wounds in Sicily. He was the youngest son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Pitt, of West Street, Malmesbury, and a twin brother of Mrs. Susan Saunders, of Brinkworth. He was 32 years of age, and leaves a little girl.

There was a short item in the next week's Wiltshire Gazette;

MALMESBURY MAN'S DEATH FROM WOUNDS

Mrs. Robert Pitt, of Malmesbury (now living at Hilmarton, Calne), has received official information that her husband, Pte. Robert Pitt, Wilts Regiment, died of wounds on 30 July. He was the youngest son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Pitt, of West Street, Malmesbury, and a twin brother of Mrs. Susan Saunders, of Brinkworth. He was 32 years of age, and leaves a little girl

Posted by Charles Vernon at 09/06/2010