RAAFLAUB, PTE ROBERT OLIVER Reg. # 643948
Robert Oliver Raaflaub was born December 26, 1893 the son of Robert and Jennet Amelia (Booth) Raaflaub.
At the time of the signing of his Attestation papers on January 28, 1916 in Orillia, Robert identified his next of kin as his father Robert Raaflaub of Magnetawan. He identified that he was a farmer. He identified his present address as being c/o Miss Murray in Front and Colbourne.
On April 29, 1916 Robert married Mary Jane Hawkins. They had a daughter Mary Jane Raaflaub born in 1916.
In August of 1917 Robert had shrapnel in his eyes.
On October 31, 1917 he was killed in action.
Robert arrived in England on October 28, 1916.
He was transferred to the 116th Battalion from the 157th.
On August 27, 1917 he got shrapnel in his eyes.
On October 31, 1917 he was killed in action while serving with the 116th Battalion.
The War Diary for the 116th for late October 1917 identifies the following:
28th. In the Line: Working parties supplied. On the night of the 28th and 29th the 116th Battalion was relieved in the front line by the 49th Canadian Battalion, and one Company of the P.P.C.L.I’s moving to Weiltje Area, near Ypres, with Battalion H.Q. at C.29.1.5.7. Casualties: Lieut. R.W. Biggar and 16 other ranks wounded, 5 other ranks gassed.
29th. Weiltje Area. Working parties supplied, Casualties: 4 other ranks killed, 5 other ranks wounded. 30th. Working parties supplied casualties 2 other ranks killed.
31st. Working parties supplied. Battalion moved forward to Banks Farm Area, with H.Q. at Pommern Castle, relief being completed by 12:00 noon. Casualties, one other rank wounded.
Based upon the War Diary, it would appear that Robert was killed on the 29th or 30th of November, 1917.
