Robert Alexander Wishart was born at 7 am on 4th March 1879 at 16 Springfield Street in South Leith. He was the eldest son of Walter Wishart, a carter from Cockenzie, and his wife, Marion Dickson. Shortly after leaving school, Robert gained employment at the Edinburgh Malt Vinegar Company at Junction Bridge.

On 3rd April 1899, while living at 364 Leith Walk, Robert visited the Lawnmarket recruiting office in Edinburgh and joined the 3rd Battalion Royal Scots. At the time, he was recorded as 5 feet 3 ¾ inches tall with a fresh complexion, grey eyes and fair hair. Other distinctive marks included nine ‘defective’ teeth, a scar on each shin and various other moles and brown skin patches.

7729 Pte. R Wishart served 47 days with the Royals Scots before being transferred on 20th May to the 1st Highland Light Infantry (HLI). He was assigned a new regimental number, 6924, and saw overseas service during the Second Boer War when he was awarded clasps for the 'Cape Colony' and 'Orange Free State' between 1901 and 1902.

At some point between 1909 and 1910, Robert was transferred to the 2nd Cameron Highlanders, given a new regimental number, 8629, and posted overseas to India where, by 1911, he was based at the Baird Barracks in Bangalore. On 1st October 1912, Robert returned to the 1st HLI and allocated new regimental number, 12056.

Much of Robert’s story over the next two years echoes that of 10046 Pte. James Wishart and they would both have sailed from Bombay for France on 20th August 1914. In late December, and unlike James, Robert survived an action at Festubert, and in February 1915, he was promoted to Lance Corporal and transferred to ‘D’ Company.

At the beginning of March 1915, the battalion engaged in training at L’Ecleme and, by the 11th, had marched east of Neuve Chapelle, taking over the line held by the 4th Seaforth Highlanders. At dawn the following day, the British made their first large-scale organised attack of the war, with Robert’s unit receiving orders to advance at 11 a.m. The HLI formed the left flank of the Sirhind Brigade (with the Jullundur Brigade on the right) with ‘A’ and ‘B’ Companies in the front line, followed by ‘C’ and ‘D’ in the second. Five minutes before they were due to advance, and with the men assembled in their formations, the brigade received orders to 'stand to' until early afternoon when they finally made their assault.

Significant casualties occurred from the outset, with the battalion passing through oblique fire from about 550 yards on the left front. Despite this, the HLI eventually established themselves in the German front trenches later that afternoon and, by nightfall, were ordered to consolidate their positions.

The British took Neuve Chapelle but had failed to advance further through enemy lines. During the following days, Robert’s unit was exposed to almost constant heavy shellfire while holding the new position and eventually relieved after dark on the 18th by the 1st Manchesters.

Three days later, on 21st March 1915, while 'on rest', billeted west of Richebourg St. Vaast, the Germans sent three high explosive shells into a building occupied by ‘D’ Company, causing the deaths of 17 men and wounding 13 others. Robert was one of those killed...

L/Cpl Robert Wishart's body was recovered in 1919 to be buried at Vielle Chapelle New Military Cemetery, Lacouture. His mother left the following inscription on his headstone: 'THY MEMORY EVERY DAY, DEAR SON, STILL KEEPS YOU EVER NEAR. FONDLY LOVED BY HIS MOTHER'