ROBERT PAUL KITSON
1869 – 1966
Robert was born in 1869 in Torquay to Charles Kitson and Caroline Mary Paul. He lived in Torquay for the early years of his life. In 1894, whilst resident in Jamaica he married Adele Sullivan.
Robert trained as a lawyer, but lived on “private means”. He held chairmanships of several local companies in Torquay and was also a considerable landowner in the town.
In the early 1900’s, Robert moved to live at Hedge Barton in Widecombe Parish and became a Territorial Army officer serving with the Haytor Battalion of the Devonshire Regiment. The Battalion was one in a number of territorial units attached to the Devonshire Regiment.
When war was declared in 1914, they formed part of the 2nd/5th Battalion of the Devonshire Regiment and in September 1915 sailed for duty in Egypt. Promoted to Captain, Robert was wounded during his tour of duty in Egypt. The wound was of sufficient severity for Robert Kitson to be discharged from active service. He was entitled to receive the “Silver War Badge” in this respect.
After the war Robert lived at Hedge Barton. He was elected High Sheriff of Devon for the year 1930.
In the early 1930’s Adele his wife died and in 1934 Robert married Mona Doreen Clease. The couple lived at Hennock until Robert died in 1966 aged 97.
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