Friends of the Somme - Mid Ulster Branch  
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13890   Private Robert Sands
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Dated added: 30/12/2015   Last updated: 15/08/2020
Personal Details
Regiment/Service: 9th Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers (British Army)
Died: 08/05/1916 (Killed in Action)
Age: 23
Summary      
Robert Sands was the second son of William and Ellen / Eleanor Sands. Robert was born about 1893 in Tamlaght, Coagh, County Tyrone. He was one of ten children. The family lived in Coagh. His father was a labourer. Before joining the army, Robert was a member of Coagh Company of Ulster Volunteers, and was a member of Drumconvis LOL 794. Private Robert Sands was killed in action on the night of 7th/8th May 1916, soon after a successful trench raid against the enemy.
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 Robert Sands
Cemetery Details
Cemetery: Authuile Military Cemetery (Authuille)
  Authuile, Somme, 4
Grave Ref: Grave D-45
CWGC Casualty 599038
Summary      
Authuile (now Authuille), is a village 5 Kms north of Albert. Authuile Military Cemetery is on the south side of the village. The Cemetery is signposted on the main road (D159) through the village.
portrait
Local Memorial Details

No Memorial Name Townland
1 Coagh Soldiers and Sailors War Memorial 2013 - WW1- Panel 2 Coagh
2 Coagh War Memorial Coagh
Local Institute / Local Book Details

No Name Page
1 Cookstown War Dead Book WW1 114
References and Links
No Link Reference Map Doc
1 1901 Census lists Sands Family 1901 Census lists Robert as age 8 at house 10 in Aghaveagh, Coagh
2 1911 Census lists Sands family Does not list Robert as living with the family at house 3 in Urbal, Coagh, Tyrone
3 Corporal Mitchell Sent a letter of sympathy to Robert's sister
4 Mid Ulster Mail dated 02/05/2016 Details of Robert Sands including photo
5 National Archives of Ireland Last Will and Testament of Robert Sands
6 National Archives UK Medal card can be purchased here
7 Private John McMullan Died on same night under heavy bombardment
8 Private Robert Little Died on same night under heavy bombardment
9 War Graves Photographic Project Photo of Private Robert Sands' grave can be purchased here
10 www.longkeshinsideout.co.uk Details of the Sands brothers including photos
Cookstown District's War Dead Acknowledgements 2010-2023