Robert MacTier

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Robert MacTier

MacTier's grave in Hem Farm Military Cemetery, near Péronne, France.

Robert Mactier VC (17 May 1890- 1 September 1918) was an Australian 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.

He was 28 years old, and a Private in the 23rd Battalion, (Victoria), Australian Imperial Force during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 1 September 1918 during the attack on Mont St. Quentin, near Péronne, France, the bombing patrols had failed to clear up several enemy strong-points and the battalion could not advance. Private Mactier thereupon rushed out of the trench, closed with and killed the machine-gun crew of eight men and threw the gun over the parapet. He then moved to another strong-point and captured six men. He disposed of a third machine-gun, but in tackling a fourth was killed. This action enabled the battalion to capture Mont St. Quentin a few hours later.

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Australian War Memorial, Canberra, Australia.