Robert Hood Coulthard was the son of Robert Hood and Elizabeth Coulthard. His father was originally a cooper in a chemical works, but in the 1890s became an attendance officer with the local school board.

Robert attended the High School from 1898 to 1905, receiving a "Special Borough Scholarship". On leaving, he went to work in the South Shields Borough Accountant's office.

By the time he signed up with the Tynemouth Royal Garrison Artillery, in October, 1915, Robert had already complete a term of 5 years with the Northumberland Hussars.

After passing his signalling examination, he was promoted to Bomber in April, 1916, and a couple of months later to Corporal. A year later he was promoted to Sergeant.

In March, 1918, he was admitted to the Boulogne Based hospital, suffering from severe effects of gas, and on discharge in January, 1919, was given a small disability pension.

After the war, Robert continued to work for the Borough Council, eventually becoming Borough Treasurer, and he died on 14-Aug-1965 while living at 6, Hepscott Terrace.