John 'Jack' Robinson's fob watch
Presented in recognition of his winning the DCM and MM
In February 2020, the DLI Collection was contacted by someone from Germany to say that they had a bought a watch at an antiques market in Leipzig inscribed to a CSM John Robinson. A bit of research had led them to them to the DLI Collection.
John Robinson was known as Jack. He had a turbulent childhood, but found training with a cobbler in Spennymoor, then eventually went to work in the mines.
In 1914, Jack joined one of the Durham Light Infantry’s (DLI) new Kitchener Battalions, 14th DLI, underwent training, then went out to France in September 1915. As well as rising through the ranks to become a senior non-commissioned officer, Company Sergeant Major Robinson was also awarded the Military Medal, and the Distinguished Conduct Medal.
Before the war, Jack had been working at Thornley Colliery. As part of the villages peace celebrations in 1919, Jack was awarded a fob watch engraved with this inscription:
Presented to CSM John Robinson. From the Workmen and Residents of Thornley. In recognition of his having been Awarded the DCM and MM for bravery in the field.
Thornley Peace Celebrations, 1919
Sadly, hard times meant that over the years, Jack’s war medals and watch were sold by the family. In 2018, Jack’s grandson posted his story on Durham at War and we were able to put the family in contact with the person in Germany who had bought the watch.
We are pleased to say that in March 2020, the watch is now back with Jack’s family. The family, who hadn’t even known the watch existed, said “It was a real thrill to hold something so special and personal to us. Our grandad was very much loved by us all.” They have sent us some photographs which show what good condition the watch is in.
Date: 1919
Contributed by Durham County Record Office | DLI Collection | Jack Robinson's family
