The interview was conducted by Age Exchange in partnership with The University of Essex and The First World War Centre –University of Hertfordshire –as part of the Children of The Great War project. Robert’s story was told by his daughter Patricia Wortley at University of Essex on 18 July 2015. Robert volunteered at Coram’s Fields. Her served in France, Malta, Egypt and Turkey. He was a civil engineer. He had a green card which was issued if you had an injury or disability. He was sent to Switzerland as he has TB. He remained in the army after the war and wasn't officially discharged until 1921.In Turkey. He was at the battle of Gallipoli and talked of bodies being piled up to act as a dam to hold back the rain water cascading down the hills. He suffered with trench foot because of the flooding in the trenches. He almost had his foot amputated but it was late in the day and the doctor said ‘I’ll leave yours until the morning’ But in the morning there was significant improvement he was spared amputation. He later went to France but allowed compassionate leave as He suffered nightmares about his experiences. She felt her mother should be mentioned as her support for him played as big part of the story as anything else and allowed him to live a normal life after the war. Many men didn't have that support. Soldiers registered as disabled had a green card and Patricia felt that having to show the green card to show injury inhibited her father’s opportunities to gain work. A joint project between Age Exchange, the University of Essex and the Everyday Lives in War FWW Engagement Centre, University of Herts. For further information, please contact Everyday Lives in War, https://everydaylivesinwar.herts.ac.uk/

Robert Kendall wortley
Photograph
Robert Kendall Wortley in uniform
Official document
Discharge certificate of Robert Kendall Wortley