James Forbes-Robertson
| James Forbes-Robertson VC DSO & Bar MC DL | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born |
7 July 1884 Strathpeffer, Ross and Cromarty |
| Died |
5 August 1955 (aged 71) Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire |
| Buried at | Cheltenham Cemetery |
| Allegiance |
 United Kingdom |
| Service/branch |
 British Army |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Unit |
The Border Regiment The Royal Newfoundland Regiment Gordon Highlanders Middlesex Regiment |
| Battles/wars | First World War |
| Awards |
_ribbon.png){kind=small} Victoria CrossDistinguished Service Order and Bar Military Cross |
Colonel James Forbes-Robertson VC DSO MC DL (7 July 1884 – 5 August 1955) was a Scottish recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
Forbes-Robertson was born in 1884 and was educated at Cheltenham College. When he was 33 years old, and an Acting Lieutenant Colonel in the 1st Battalion, The Border Regiment, during the First World War at the Battle of Estaires, he was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions on 11/12 April 1918 near Vieux-Berquin, France: Four times Lieutenant Colonel Forbes-Robertson saved the line from breaking and averted a most serious situation. On one occasion, having made a reconnaissance on horseback in full view of the enemy under heavy fire, he led a counter-attack which was completely successful in establishing our line. When his horse was shot under him he continued on foot, steadying the men and inspiring confidence by his disregard for personal danger. On the second day he lost another horse and again continued on foot until he had established a line to which his own troops could withdraw.[1]
In August 1918 he was given the temporary rank of brigadier general whilst he served as a staff officer, later reverting to his substantive rank. He later achieved the rank of colonel and transferred to the Gordon Highlanders where he ended his career.
References
- ↑ The London Gazette: (Supplement) no. 30697. p. 6057. 21 May 1918. Retrieved 29 April 2015.
- Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
- The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
- VCs of the First World War - Spring Offensive 1918 (Gerald Gliddon, 1997)
External links
- Location of grave (Cheltenham cemetery, Gloucestershire)
- James FORBES-ROBERTSON of Cheltenham College
- Image of James Forbes-Robertson wearing his medals