Robert Filkin was born in Liverpool on 8 September 1894, the son of Thomas Baker Filkin (a musical instrument dealer) and Sophia Annie Filkin (née Grisdale). He completed an apprenticeship in square rigged ships from 15 June 1910 to 13 October 1913 in the CARNARVON BAY, TORRISDALE & CROWN OF INDIA and then served as a Quartermaster in the SS PERSIC from 5 November 1913 to 2 August 1914. He qualified as a Third Mate and served in SS VEDAMA & SS NAVIGATOR.

He joined the Royal Navy as a Temporary Sub Lieutenant, RNR on 23 June 1916 and appointed to HMS VIVID. He was appointed to the Armed Merchant Cruiser AMC ORVIETO on 17 July 1916. On 15 June 1917 he was promoted Acting Lieutenant, RNR.

Robert Filkin was appointed to the Submarine Depot Ship HMS MAIDSTONE ‘for Submarines‘ on 7 November 1917, and to HMS D6 as Navigating Officer on 25 November 1917. He was promoted Lieutenant, RNR on 12 June 1918. D6 was lost with all hands off the Irish Coast on 28 June 1918 after being torpedoed by the U-Boat UB-73.

Robert Filkin is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial on Panel No. 30.