Alexandra Princess of Wales’ Own Yorkshire Regiment, Green Howards
Born: 1917.
Story
Robin Backhouse was born in Kippax and was the son of Andrew Backhouse (1874-1948) and Annis Nicholson (1883-1946) he served originally in the East Yorkshire Regiment from 1941, and then transferred to the Green Howards. He fought in North Africa as a Desert Rat (pictured below). He was one of the soldiers who landed in Normandy on D-Day, and also fought in Italy and Germany.
In 1940, Robin married Alice Heath Thackwray (1919-2002, pictured below):
From 1941 to 1945 served alongside a Geordie called George Bulmer, who was conscripted whilst working in Yorkshire, and became the only man born outside Yorkshire to be serving in the Green Howards. They remained life long friends.
After the War, Robin became a house builder. His colleague, Edwin Charlston recalled him as a good friend and workmate: “l had the pleasure of working with Robin in the mid-50s on the Valley Road Estate. Like many old soldiers who were on the front line he didn’t like talking about his experience.”
Below: Robin on the left, with his friend and comrade, George Bulmer:
Robin passed away on 25th June 1989.
Kippax Roll of Honour 