Etwall and Burnaston Local History Society

DRIVER JAMES ROBERT KINSEY
Died 27th December 1942, aged 22

Robert was the son of James and Elsie Kinsey and the eldest of a family of five boys and five girls.

Their father, James, was the weighbridge clerk at the Sewage Farm, and they lived in Broomhill Cottages, in Jackson's Lane. 

The Admission Register of the Etwall Primary School has this entry:
James Kinsey, born 23rd August, 1920. Started school 24th October,1927. Came from Willington C of E School. Left school 28th September 1934

Robert was the name his family called him; he joined the RASC as a driver and served in Libya, in North Africa His mother preserved all his letters, which reveal him as a much loved eldest son. Two telegrams survive from a time in July 1943

TBM3397 Overseas 22 July

EFM Kinsey, Broomhills, Etwall near Derby. Health fully restored, all my love,
My address is 3 Coy RASC Base, Depot MEF. J R Kinsey."

On the 30^thJuly, his mother's answering telegram said "Many thanks for telegram. Keep smiling. Family all well.

Mother Kinsey."

It is not known if the cause of the telegrams was an accident or an illness caused by the desert heat.

By the 6^th January 1943, the Army was communicating with Mrs Kinsey on the sad news of Robert's serious wounds.

"Madam,

I regret to have to inform you that a report has been received from the War Office to the effect that Driver J R Kinsey RASC was wounded in action, Libya, on the 27th Day of December 1942. (mine wounds). It has not been reported into what hospital he has been admitted, nor are any other particulars yet known, but directly any further information is received it will be at once communicated to you. I am to express to you the sympathy and regret of the Army Council."

Five days later the dreadful feeling of foreboding at that first communication was confirmed when another letter came from the Army Record Office

11^th January 1943
Madam,

It is my painful duty to inform you that a report has been received from the War Office notifying the death of No 251704 Driver Kinsey, J R RASC, which occurred in 175 Field Ambulance, Middle East on the 27th December 1942.

The report is to the effect that he died of wounds, Battle Casualty.

I am to express the sympathy and regret of the Army Council.

I am to add that any information that may be received as to the soldier's burial will be communicated to you in due course.

I am,
Your obedient Servant

Captain ------------------
Officer in Charge of Records.

LETTER FROM BUCKINGHAM PALACE

 The Queen and I offer you our heartfelt sympathy in your great sorrow.

    We pray that your country's gratitude for a life so nobly given in its service

       may bring you some measure of consolation.

 George R.I.