William Robertson

From Alf Askin's research notes

Reproduced as Alf wrote it, c. 2000–2005. Spelling and abbreviations are his own.

ROBERTSON, William. (reg No. 1068).

Sergeant-Major. 2nd Battalion. Gordon Highlanders.

London Gazetted on 28th July 1900.

VC Medal's Custodian is the National War Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh.

Born on the 27th February, 1865 at Dumfries, Scotland.

Died on the 6th December 1949 at Edinburgh, Scotland.

Memorial long grave at Portobello Cemetery, Musselburgh, Scotland.

Digest of Citation reads: During the final advance on the enemy's position at the Battle of Elandslaagte, South Africa, on the 21st October 1899, Sergeant-Major Robertson exposed himself fearlessly, to the enemy's artillery and rifle fire, as he led each successive rush in an effort to encourage his men. After the capture of the main position, Sergeant-Major Robertson led a small party in an attempt to seize the Boer Camp. Exposed to a deadly crossfire from the Boer rifles, his small party gallantly held the position that they had captured. All the time the Sergeant-Major continued to encourage the men. This he did, until he was wounded in two places.

Additional information:. Lieutenant Colonel William Robertson was made a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE). He was made a Freeman of the Royal Burgh of Dumfries on his return from South Africa. He had the Queen's South Africa Medal with Clasps for Ladysmith, Elandslaagte and the Cape Colony. On the 29th March 1891, he married Sara J. Ferris of Belfast. They had four children, William J., born on 18th February , 1892 who served in the Royal Army Medical Corps;--- Marion M.;--- Ian Gordon, born 18th August 1897. He served in the Gordon Highlanders, as a Lieutenant and was killed in action at Beaumont Hamel, and finally,the fourth, Hector E. Robertson. More to be added.