James Forbes-Robertson
 | This article includes a list of references, related reading, or external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks inline citations. (January 2013) |
James Forbes-Robertson VC DSO & Bar MC DL | |
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| Born | 7 July 1884 Strathpeffer, Ross and Cromarty |
| Died | 5 August 1955 (aged 71) Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire |
| Buried | Cheltenham Cemetery |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |  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 & Two Bars 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
- ^ "No. 30697". The London Gazette (invalid
|supp=(help)). 21 May 1918.
- 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
- 1884 births
- 1955 deaths
- British Army recipients of the Victoria Cross
- British Army generals of World War I
- British World War I recipients of the Victoria Cross
- Border Regiment officers
- Companions of the Distinguished Service Order
- Deputy Lieutenants of Sutherland
- Gordon Highlanders officers
- Graduates of the Royal Military College, Sandhurst
- People educated at Cheltenham College
- People from Ross and Cromarty
- Recipients of the Military Cross