Robert Neillands was born circa 1896 in Prestwick, Ayrshire, Scotland, the sixth of the eight children of David Brown Neillands (c.1855-1939) and Sarah Neillands née Murray (1857-1933).
He was shown as aged 4 years on the census that was undertaken on 31 March 1901. He was living in Main Street, Monkton, Prestwick, Ayrshire, with his parents and his six siblings: George Neillands (1887-1986) - a scholar; James Perry Neillands (1888-1977) - a scholar; Mary Ann Neillands (1890-1962) - a scholar; David Neillands (1893-1953) - a scholar; Thomas Glen Arthur Neillands (1895-1984) - also a scholar and Ivie Milligan Neillands (1897-1974), together with a female servant. His father was described as a carriage hirer.
He was recorded as aged 15 years and an apprentice blacksmith on the census that was compiled on 2 April 1911. He was residing in three rooms at 2 Wardrop Terrace, Howwood, Johnstone, Renfrewshire, Scotland, with his parents and four of his siblings: Mary Ann Neillands - a commercial clerk; David Neillands - a motor mechanic: Ivie Milligan Neillands - at school and John Neillands (1901-1972) - also at school. His father was described as a domestic coachman.
He enlisted as a Private in the Scottish Horse, a Territorial Force regiment, service number 3932 and entered the Egyptian theatre of war on 15 September 1915. He was initially transferred into the Royal Highlanders (The Black Watch), service number 316095, before eventually joining the Imperial Camel Corps, service number 50189. He was promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal and was serving in the regiment's 2nd Battalion, British Contingent, when he was killed in action on 8 August 1918 at Hejaz, Saudi Arabia.
On 5 February 1919 his army effects totalling £11-16s-1d was sent to his father, who was also sent his £19-0s-0d war gratuity on 27 November 1919. He was posthumously awarded the 1914-15 Star, the British War Medal 1914-1918 and the Victory Medal.
As he has no known grave he is commemorated as "LANCE CORPORAL NEILLANDS R." on , Jerusalem War Cemetery, Churchill Blvd, Jerusalem, Israel. He is also shown as "CPL. NEILLANDS R." on the Imperial Camel Corps war memorial in Victoria Embankment Gardens, London, WC2 and as "CORP. ROBT. NEILLANDS IMP.CAMEL CO." on the in the Garden of Remembrance, Bowfield Road, Howwood, PA9 1BS, Scotland.
He is also commemorated on the , on the on the and on the .
Credit for this entry to: Andrew Behan.
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