| Victoria Cross Recipient | |||
|---|---|---|---|
 | |||
| Name | James Forbes-Robertson, DSO & Bar, MC | ||
| Born | 7 July 1884 | ||
| Died | 5 August 1955 (aged 71) | ||
| Rank | Captain (Acting Lt-Col.) | ||
| Number | n/a | ||
| Battalion | 1st Border Regiment | ||
| Action date | 11–12 April 1918 | ||
| Citation date | 21 May 1918 | ||
| Border Regiment Victoria Cross Citations | |||
Citation
On the first occasion, when troops in front were falling back, he made a rapid reconnaissance on horse back in full view of the enemy, under heavy machine gun and close range shell fire. He then organised, and still mounted, lead a counter-attack which was completely successful in re-establishing our line. When his horse was shot under him he continued on foot.
Later on the same day, when troops to the left of his line were giving way, he went to the flank and checked and steadied the line, inspiring confidence by his splendid coolness and disregard of personal danger. His horse was wounded three times and he was thrown five times
The following day, when the troops on both his flanks were forced to retire, he formed a post at Battalion Headquarters and with his battalion still held his ground, thereby covering the retreat of troops on his flanks. Under the heaviest fire this gallant officer fearlessly exposed himself when collecting parties, organizing and encouraging.
On a subsequent occasion, when troops were retiring on his left and the condition of things on his right were obscure, he again saved the situation by his magnificent example and cool judgement. losing a second horse, he continued alone on foot until he had established a line to which his own troops would withdraw and so conform to the general situation.[1]
Notes
Forbes-Robertson was born on the 7 July 1884 in Strathpeffer, Ross & Cromarty, Scotland. He was educated at Cheltenham College and at the age of 33 years old, and was an Acting Lieutenant Colonel in the 1st Border Regiment, during the First World War. He died on the 5 August 1955 in Bourton-on-the-Water, aged 71 and currently rests at Cheltenham Cemetery, Gloucestershire.[2] His Victoria Cross is not publicly held.
References
- ↑ London Gazette, (Supplement) no. 30697, p.6057
- ↑ James Forbes-Robertson Wikipedia: The free encyclopaedia. Accessed 1 February, 2017.