Robert Castling

Born in Stanley, he was living at Annfield Plain when he enlisted in 2 DLI. On 21 March 1918, during the German attack in Picardy, 2 DLI was almost destroyed in action at Marchies, near Bapaume. Sergeant Castling "after being driven out of his post by overwhelming odds .... reformed his section and retook it, driving the enemy well back. He showed fine courage and determination." He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal, but, before being decorated, he was killed in action on 13 April 1918. Robert Castling is buried in Polygon Wood Cemetery at Zonnebeke in Belgium.