Robert Michael Wemyss Arbuthnot (1914 - 1946)

Ancestors

Died 29 Aug 1946 at age 32 in Watford Bypass, Watford, England, United Kingdom

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Biography

Robert was born in 1914. He was the younger son of Kenneth Arbuthnot and Janet Sinclair Wemyss. He had tuberculosis as a result o f drinking unpasteurised milk.

He was educated at Eton College, Windsor, Berkshire, England where he won the Mile in 1933 in a time of 4 mins 57 2/5. The was something of a prankster when at Eton, For example, putting notices all way round the town turning it into a one-way system which ended up as a car park in his house-master’s garden; he did the same thing with notices saying “Ladies “ all of which directed women to the house master’s study. He was also educated at Trinity College, Cambridge University, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England. He didn’t stick With it, however, preferring his beloved cars. He also much enjoyed downhill and langlauf skiing, winning a number of cups.

Robert’s motoring career. He owned a garage called Bayswater motors in Lancaster Gate Mews. He also owned several cars one of which was one of the six “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang”s which were designed built and raced by Count Zborowski. His sexuality will probably always remain a mystery. On the one hand his friends in the motoring trade are sure he was gay but on the other his sister-in-law says he went for flashy tarty girls and she was certainly not his type. His mother gave a ring to his supposed girlfriend when he was killed by which she might remember him. It is said that he fathered two illegitimate children who were given up for adoption to Barnado’s.

He was killed in an accident on the Watford Bypass in 1946 at the age of 32. At that time the road was one way and the other way with an overtaking strip in the middle. Robert had a fast car and determined He could avoid hitting a much heavier car which Decision proved fatal. At the inquest he was found to be at fault.

Robert was buried in the lower section of West Hoathly Church, Sussex, England. His coffin hit the water with a splash.

Sources

• Table L

• The Peerage