Robert Dixon Proud (1894-1964)
Corporal in the Coldstream Guards whose family were associated with Hudson Masonic Lodge, Wolsingham
Robert Dixon Proud was born in North Shields in 1894. His father was William Proud, a police sergeant from Stanhope. His mother was Margaret Jane Proud, nee Nesbit from Spennymoor. The 1911 census records William and Margaret as having had nine children, seven of whom were still alive in 1911. Of children listed on census records, Robert had four brothers and three sisters.
At the time of the 1901 census the family were living at 43 Norfolk Street, Tynemouth. By the time of the 1911 census the family had moved to 101 Linskill Street, North Shields. It is unclear where Robert was living in 1911.
During the war Robert served as a corporal in the Coldstream guards. He was given the service number 17073. He was awarded the Victory Medal and the British War Medal for his service.
Robert’s family were associated with the Freemasons based at Hudson Lodge in Wolsingham. A photo of Robert alongside his father William and his brothers Joseph William and Harry are included in a collection displayed at the Masonic Lodge in Wolsingham. Robert was initiated into the Masons on 7 May 1919 at the age of 25 at which time he was working as an estate agent.
Robert’s brothers, Joseph William and Harry, also served during World War One. Harry died in 1919 having served as part of the Royal Field Artillery. Josephs William’s World War One service is unclear but before the war he served in the Royal Garrison Artillery as a gunner.
Robert died in 1964 in Tynemouth.
Civil Parish: Wolsingham
Birth date: 1894
Death date: 1964
Armed force/civilian: Army
Residence: 43 Norfolk Street, Tynemouth (1901 census)
Organisation membership: Freemason – Hudson Lodge, Wolsingham
Employment: Estate Agent (Freemason records)
Family: Parents: William Proud, Margaret Jane Proud nee Nesbit
Siblings: John G Proud, Sarah Isabella Proud, Joseph William Proud, Harry Proud, Wilfred Proud, Harriet Proud, Mabel Proud
Military service:
Coldstream guards
Corporal
Service Number 17073
Medal(s): British War Medal
Victory Medal
Gender: Male
Contributed by Fiona Johnson - Durham
