William Robertson (VC)
William Robertson | |
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The Gordon Highlanders | |
Battles/wars |
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Awards |
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Details
Robertson was 34 years old, and a
At the Battle of Elandslaagte, on the 21st October, 1899, during the final advance on the enemy's position, this Warrant Officer led each successive rush, exposing himself fearlessly to the enemy's artillery and rifle fire to encourage the men. After the main position had been captured, he led a small party to seize the Boer camp. Though exposed to a deadly cross-fire from the enemy's rifles, he gallantly held on to the position captured, and continued to encourage the men until he was dangerously wounded in two places.[1]
Further information
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cf/The_grave_of_Lt_Col_William_Robertson_VC%2C_Portobello_Cemetery%2C_Edinburgh.jpg/220px-The_grave_of_Lt_Col_William_Robertson_VC%2C_Portobello_Cemetery%2C_Edinburgh.jpg)
Robertson was later commissioned into the Gordon Highlanders as a
He retired in 1920. After his retirement he became honorary treasurer of the Royal British Legion Scotland.
He died at home on 6 December 1949. He is buried in Portobello Cemetery with his family. The grave lies against the eastern boundary wall.
Family
He was married to Sarah Ferris (d.1950). Their children included William J Robertson (1892-1964), Marion Robertson (1895-1971), and 2nd Lt. Ian Gordon Robertson (1897- Nov 13, 1916 Beaumont Hamel). [3]
The medal
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the
Freemasonry
He was a Scottish Freemason having been Initiated in Lodge Union, No.332, (Glasgow) on 20 March, Passed on 10 April and Raised on 1 May 1895. At a regular meeting of the Lodge on 20 March 1900 it was announced, to much applause, that Robertson had been awarded the VC.[4]
References
- ^ "No. 27212". The London Gazette. 20 July 1900. p. 4509.
- ^ Edinburgh and Leith Post Office Directory 1911
- ^ Grave of William Robertson VC, Portobello Cemetery
- ISBN 978-0-9560933-8-7
- Monuments to Courage(David Harvey, 1999)
- The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
- Scotland's Forgotten Valour (Graham Ross, 1995)
- Victoria Crosses of the Anglo-Boer War(Ian Uys, 2000)
External links
- Location of grave and VC medal (Lothian, Scotland)
- angloboerwar.com profile