More about Robert Duncan

Robert has no known grave but is remembered on the Helles Memorial.

Robert Duncan   CZ/353   Collingwood Battalion   Royal Naval Division

Born 20th April1883. A Railway Porter. At the time of his enlistment he was living with his mother, Catherine, at 65 Main Street, Stannergate, Dundee, Forfarshire.

R.N.D. Database

John Duncan worked as a Railway Porter and was the son of Mrs Catherine Duncan of 65 Main Street, Dundee. In September 1914 he was one of the first volunteers to join the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve onboard HMS Unicorn for service in the Royal Naval Division. After initial Naval Training at the Crystal Palace in South London he was sent to Blandford Camp in Dorset for advanced military training. He was drafted to B Company of the Collingwood Battalion, serving in the Second Platoon. The Collingwood Battalion landed in Gallipoli in late May 1915 and took part in the Third Battle of Krithia on 4 June 1915. This was their first and last action because, as they advanced towards the enemy line, they were caught in heavy Turkish artillery and machinegun fire. John Duncan was listed as missing and later confirmed as killed in action. His name is listed on the Helles Memorial on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey. The number of dead and wounded was very high and the Collingwood Battalion was disbanded two days later. The survivors were distributed to the other RND battalions to replace their losses.