James Forbes-Robertson

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a soldier of the border regiment
Survived the War

Full Name	James Forbes-Robertson vc, dso & bar, mc
Rank (highest)	Colonel
Commands Held	2nd Gordon Highlanders 5th Border Regiment 1st Border Regiment / Captain (Acting Lieutenant Colonel) 1st Royal Newfoundland Regiment
Period of Service	1904–1934
Awards	Victoria Cross (see below) Distinguished Service Order & Bar Military Cross Mentioned in Despatches (three times)
Born	7 July 1884 / Slead Hall, Brighouse, West Yorkshire
Education	Cheltenham College
Nationality	English
Died	5 August 1955 / Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire
Age	71
Resting Place	Cheltenham Cemetery, Gloucestershire

Biography

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This is a dedicated remembrance page for James Forbes-Robertson, a soldier of The Border Regiment (inc. being attached or transferred) during The Great War. Please consider helping this project by contacting us with any useful information OR feel free to include any relevant information here yourself by clicking on "Edit" above.

Victoria Cross citation

For action on 11–12 April 1918:

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.

His Victoria Cross is displayed at Cumbria's Museum of Military Life (Carlisle, Cumbria, England).

References and notes

See notes and definitions for primary source material and further information.