Shortly after his return to Front in Pas de Calais, Robert received the Sheet Music to a song ‘Private Dunsire VC’. He played the music to his colleagues in the trenches on a borrowed violin as they sang the chorus.
Robert would have been excited, but embarrassed, to know that an orchestral version, arranged by John Gourlay, would receive its premier performance on 5 October 2021. This performance by Kirkcaldy Orchestral Society took place at The Old Kirk, Kirkcaldy and featured Vince Gray on the violin (pictured above) that had been presented to Robert on 2 December 1915.
Music was an important element in soldiers providing their own entertainment when they had limited opportunities to relax away from the mud and brutality of Front-Line action.