There is no direct evidence that the details here refer to the same Robert D Balmain who went to Westoe Secondary School, but the relatively unusual name suggests that it is likely.

Robert Dunn Balmain was born in 1886 to Margaret Balmain. He initially attended Holy Trinity School, joining Westoe School in 1899.

It isn't known when he left the school, but he worked as a Ferryman.

He married Isabella Wood Waugh in 1906, and they lived in Fawcett Street, South Shields.

With his family at home, Robert joined the Mercantile Marines, and served on board the SS Madame Renee, out of Newcastle.

Whilst sailing only half a mile off the Scarborough coast, a German submarine (UB40) was positioned between the ship and the coast and fired a torpedo which sank the SS Madame Renee. 10 of the 17 crew were killed, including First Mate, Robert Dunn Balmain, who drowned

He is memorialised at the Tower Hill Memorial in north London.