William Robertson (VC)
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William Robertson VC CBE (February 27, 1865 - December 6, 1949) 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.
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[edit] Details
He was 34 years old, and a sergeant-major in the 2nd Battalion, The Gordon Highlanders, British Army during the South African War (Boer War) when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 21 October 1899 at the Battle of Elandslaagte, South Africa, during the final advance on the enemy's position, Sergeant-Major Robertson led each successive rush, exposing himself fearlessly to the enemy's artillery and rifle fire to encourage the men. After the main position had been captured, he led a small party to seize the Boer camp. Though exposed to a deadly cross-fire from the enemy's rifles, he gallantly held on to the position captured, and continued to encourage the men until he was dangerously wounded.
[edit] Further information
Robertson was later commissioned into the Gordon Highlanders as a Quartermaster with the rank of Lieutenant. He was promoted Captain in 1910, Major in 1915, and Lieutenant-Colonel in 1917. He retired in 1920. After his retirement he became honorary treasurer of the Royal British Legion Scotland.
[edit] The medal
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the National War Museum of Scotland (Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, Scotland).
[edit] References
- Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
- The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
- Scotland's Forgotten Valour (Graham Ross, 1995)
- Victoria Crosses of the Anglo-Boer War (Ian Uys, 2000)
[edit] External links
- Location of grave and VC medal (Lothian, Scotland)
