In the early years of the First World War, there were many young men flocking to the recruitment centres to volunteer. However, eventually this flow dried up and conscription had to be introduced.

Private Robert Baxter was the youngest son of Mr Robert Baxter of 30, Brookfield Street. He attended the Wesleyan Day Schools when he was younger. When he was called up he was serving an apprenticeship as a piano tuner.

In his life, he had had pneumonia three times, and had suffered from a broken leg in March 1913. Nevertheless, on February 15th 1917, he was passed as fit for service and sent to Prees Heath Camp, Whitchurch, for training.

He became unwell on the 11th March and was taken into hospital "in a very weak state". He died only six weeks after passing his army medical examination. He is buried in Newton-le-Willows Cemetery.