Eric Gascoigne Robinson

Digest of citation

On 26th February 1915, in the Dardanelles, Lieutenant Commander Robinson, of HMS Vengeance, advanced alone, all the time under heavy fire, going into an enemy gun position, which could well have been occupied. With a charge, he destroyed a four inch gun, then returned to his crew, to obtain another charge, with which he destroyed the second gun. The Lieutenant Commander refused to allow his demolition crew to accompany him, as they were wearing white uniforms, which were not conducive to being inconspicuous. The Lieutenant Commander took part, all the time under extremely heavy fire, in four separate attacks on the minefields

From Alf's photographs

Alf's notes on his life

Battery Sergeant Major Horlock was buried 82 years ago in the British Military Cemetery in Alexandria, Egypt. Petersfield British Legion Chairman, Harry Hawkins said, "We weren't aware Langrish was home to two VC holders; that certainly is special." "We didn't know about Ernest Horlock VC and at our next meeting we will look at maybe holding a service for him or erecting a memorial." BSM Horlock was awarded his VC after he was wounded in action during a German attack at Vendresse on September 15 1914. He was wounded three times. Twice he ignored doctors orders to leave the battle and go to hospital, for which he was later reprimanded. He was subsequently recommended for the VC and was later promoted to Sergeant BSM Horlock Died on in October 1917 (This is incorrect. He Died on the 30 December 1917.) when the ship in which he was travelling to Alexandria was torpedoed 10 miles from harbour. The destroyer, HMS Attack, staged a rescue, but was also torpedoed. BSM Horlock was among the 610 killed. Born on at Beech Farm, Alton on October 24 1885, he moved, with his family, to Laundry Cottage near Langrish. His two brothers Fred and John were also killed in the war. On February 22 1914 he enlisted in the Royal Field Artillery under the name of Harlock for which, two explanations are put forward. The first, favoured by the press of the day, was that he was too young to enlist, so was passing himself off as someone older. The other explanation, that the army later altered his documentation to his correct name, was that the enlisting sergeant couldn't understand the broad Hampshire accent. BSM Horlock, then a Bombardier, was one of the 'contemptible little army' as the Kaiser labeled them, who tried to halt the German advance into France. He was serving with the 113th Battery when a German attack was launched at Vendresse. The battery's 18 pounder guns came under fire from the German artillery and he was wounded three times. On each of the first two occasions doctors ordered him to hospital, but he ignored them and returned to his gun. The third time he refused to see the doctor as he was 'scared of getting a rocket' for continuing to fight, The story of how he gained his VC soon became legend. He became known as the gunner who 'defied the doc.' · Rear Admiral Robinson was awarded his VC for an action on February 26 1915, when he single handedly blew uo two Turkish guns with a field gun at the Battle of the Dardanelles. · At 11am tomorrow, a bugler is due to play the Last Post and Reveille in Ram's Walk, Petersfield, as shoppers and shop staff observe the two minutes silence. A simple wreath laying ceremony will take place at the Burma Star memorial at the Festival Hall, organized by the British Legion. ROBINSON William Leefe. (.Reg No 1071) Lieutenant The Worcester Regiment 39 Squadron, Royal Flyiing Corps. Other Decorations: London Gazetted on 5 September 1916 Born on: 14th July 1895. Tollideta, South Coorg, India Died on: 31st December 1918 at Stanmore Middlesex. Memorial at: Harrow Weald (All Saints) Churchyard Extension, Middlesex. Digest of Citation reads: On the night of2/3 December 1916 over Cufley, Hertfordshire, Lieutenant Robinson sighted a German airship; one of 16 which had left bases in Germany on a mass raid over England. The Lieutenant started an attack at a height of 11,500 feet approaching from below and, closing to within 500 feet, raked the aircraft (A wooden framed Schutte Lanz) with gunfire. As he was preparing to make another attack, the airship burst into flames and crashed in a field.No witnesses were needed in the award to Lieutenant Robinson. The wreckage spoke for itself when it hit the ground.When the airship was attacked it almost came down on top of Lieutenant Robinson. He was shot down over enemy lines later in the war. He was taken prisoner and as such, he made many attempts to escape. He was released from captivity on the cessation of hostilities in 1918. Unfortunately he died from influenza on the 31st December 1918.Captain Robinson was engaged to Joan Whipple, the widow of Captain H C Whipple, who had been killed in action in December 1914.

Additional information

Rear Admiral Robinson, was awarded the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, (OBE). More to be added. WE WILL REMEMBER HIM: DEFIANT GUNNER WHO WON A VC. Langrish residents have special reason to commemorate their dead on Remembrance Sunday- the tiny village was the home for two holders of the Victoria Cross, the country's highest gallantry award. Ernest George Horlock and Eric Gascoigne Robinson were virtually forgotten until recently. In August 1998 a headstone was erected over the previously unmarked

*REPORT IN THE PETERSFIELD POST. 10 NOVEMBER 1999.

Visit the grave or memorial

Alf recorded the memorial as: at Langrish Churchyard, Langrish, Hampshire. grave of Rear Admiral Gascoigne Robinson

Map links open a search for the place name Alf recorded; please check opening times and exact locations before travelling. Many VC graves have since been restored by the Victoria Cross Trust.

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