Private Robert Hoey (7012466) served in the Army Catering Corps during the Second World War. He was the son of Robert Hoey and Elizabeth Hoey of Station Road, Carnalea, Co. Down. Known to family and friends as Bob, he was the husband of Elizabeth Hoey of Carnalea, Co. Down.
Bob’s brother Corporal Fred Hoey served in the Royal Air Force and his father Robert Senior saw action with Royal Irish Rifles in The Great War. Private Hoey had 12 years’ service including a period in India at the time of his death.
Death in Normandy
Robert died on 9th July 1944 aged 28 years old. At the time, he was the company cook of C Company, 1st Battalion Royal Ulster Rifles. The Battalion had landed in Normandy on D-Day, 6th June 1944. A mortar bomb struck the barn in which Hoey was cooking for the company. He was not wearing a helmet at the time and was instantly killed by shrapnel. His twin sons Robert and John were born on the day their father died, 9th July 1944.
Robert Hoey’s grave is in Section IVA, Row C, Grave 19 of Ranville War Cemetery, Ranville, Normandy, France. His headstone bears the inscription:
Ever remembered by his loving wife Elizabeth and twin sons Robert and John.