6978467 Lance Corporal Robert Booth was born on 18^th May 1920 in Omagh, Tyrone, Northern Ireland; son of George Booth and Sarah Anne Elizabeth Booth (née McFarland)

German, WWII, Record Cards of British and Allied Prisoners of War, 1939-1945 held by the National Archives of the UK note his date of birth is recorded as both "18 May 1918" and 20/05/1920". We have taken the date of 18^th May 1920, recorded on his register of birth entry to be the accurate date.

He joined the Royal Irish Fusiliers before the outbreak of World War 2 and, on 6 March 1939 appeared before a Court Martial. He was charged under Section 40 of the 1881 Army Act. This offence is committed by anyone who "Is guilty of any act, conduct, disorder, or neglect to the prejudice of good order and Military Discipline". After entering a plea of "not guilty" he was convicted and sentenced to 21 days' detention.

Unthwarted by this misdemeanor, he remained in the Royal Irish Fusiliers and on 22^nd February 1940 was awarded the Palestine Clasp.

It is not known precisely when Robert joined the 11^th Parachute Battalion but he fought at the Battle of Arnhem during Operation Market Garden and was captured on 20^th September 1944 becoming a prisoner of war. After being captured, he was taken to Stalag XIIA Limburg and given POW number 91556. He was finally freed on 6^th June 1945

Robert married Florence Smyth and the couple settled in Ireland; together they had 6 children. He died on 10^th November 1996 in Hillsborough, Down, Northern Ireland.

We are still researching the life of Lance Corporal Booth. If you are a relative or have any information about him, please contact us.