Colonel James Forbes-Robertson, VC, DSO, MC, DL

Medal Index Cards

findmypast Transcription

• First name(s) J
• Last name Forbes-Robertson
• Year 1914-20
• Service number -
• Rank Captain,Acting Lieutenant Colonel
• Second rank Acting Lieutenant Colonel
• Regiment Newfoundland Regiment, The Border Regiment
• Second corps The Border Regiment
• Service record Rank: Captain, Corps: Newfoundland Regiment
• Second service record Rank: Acting Lieutenant Colonel, Corps: The Border Regiment
• Image link http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/SearchUI/Details?uri=D6441293
• Country Great Britain
• Medal type British Army medal index cards, 1914-1920
• Archive reference WO372/24

LOTFWW

Gazetted Awards and Mentions in Despatches

• First Name: James
• Surname: Forbes-Robertson
• DOB: 07/07/1884
• Age: 33
• Birth Town: Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
• Resided Town: Strathpeffer, Ross And Cromarty; Bourton-On-The-Water, Gloucestershire
• Nationality: British
• Resided Country: Scotland; England
• Date of Action: 11th/12th April 1918
• Date of Death: 5th August 1955
• Information:

• Served in the First World War as Commander 1st Battalion, The Border Regiment.
  
• Served in The Second World War with The Home Guard.
  
• Ranks achieved:
  

• Captain,
  
• Temporary Major,
  
• Lieutenant-Colonel,
  
• Colonel and
  
• Brigadier-General.
  * Late Infantry. Regular Army Reserve of Officers. General List. War Office. Commands and Staff. Acting Lieutenant Colonel, Newfoundland Regiment. Colonel, late Infantry, Officer on the Active List, seniority date 17/10/1925, Army List 1933. Colonel and Commander, 152nd Seaforth and Cameron Infantry Brigade, 51st Highland Division, Scottish Command, Commands of the Army, seniority date 20/10/1932, Army List 1933. Colonel Retired Pay. Reserve of Officers.

• More Information: Further gazette dates: 15/06/1917 (D.S.O.); 22/03/1918 (D.S.O.Bar, No citation); 23/08/1918 (D.S.O.Bar); 29/12/1916 (M.C.); 22/05/1917 (MiD); 14/12/1917 (MiD); 21/05/1918 (MiD) Further gazette pages: 5981 (D.S.O.); 3743 (D.S.O.Bar, No citation); 9902 (D.S.O.Bar); 34 (M.C.); 5035 (MiD); 13237 (MiD); 6096 (MiD) Further gazette issues: 30135 (D.S.O.); 30597 (D.S.O.Bar, No citation); 30862 (D.S.O.Bar); 29886 (M.C.); 30086 (MiD); 30434 (MiD); 30701 (MiD)
• Further Information: Denotes the holder of an appointment (a) at War Office, (b) in Commands, (c) in Establishments, where no reference to the appointment or no general reference, such as (Special Appointment) is recorded.
• Rank: Acting Lieutenant-Colonel
• Gallantry Awards:

• Victoria Cross
  
• Distinguished Service Order and BAR
  
• Military Cross
  
• Mentioned in Despatches
  * Award Details: Distinguished Service (D.S.O.); New Year Honours list (M.C.)

• Gazette Info:

• GAZETTE ISSUE 30697, VICTORIA CROSS,: >https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issues/30697/pages/6057. His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the award of the Victoria Cross to the undermentioned:- Captain (Acting Lieutenant-Colonel) James Forbes-Robertson, D.S.O., M.C., Border Regiment. For most conspicuous bravery whilst commanding his battalion during the heavy fighting. On 11th/12th April 1918 near Vieux Berquin, France, through his quick judgement, resource, untiring energy and magnificent example Lieutenant-Colonel Forbes-Robertson on four separate occasions saved the line from breaking and averted a situation which might have had the most serious and far-reaching results. On the first occasion, when the troops in front were falling back, he made a rapid reconnaissance on horse-back, in full view of the enemy, under heavy machine-gun and close range shell fire. He then organised and, still mounted, led a counter-attack which was completely successful in re-establishing our line. When his horse was shot under him he continued on foot. Later on the same day, when troops to the left of his line were giving way, he went to that flank and checked and steadied the line, inspiring confidence by his splendid coolness and disregard of personal danger. His horse was wounded three times and he was thrown five times. The following day, when the troops on both flanks were forced to retire, he formed a post at battalion headquarters and with his battalion still held his ground, thereby covering the retreat of troops on his flanks. Under the heaviest fire this gallant officer fearlessly exposed himself when collecting parties, organising and encouraging. On a subsequent occasion, when troops were retiring on his left and the condition of things on his right were obscure, he again saved the situation by his magnificent example and cool judgement. Losing a second horse, he continued alone on foot until he had established a line to which his own troops could withdraw and so conform to the general situation.
  
• DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDER,: https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issues/30135/supplement/5981. GAZETTE ISSUE 30135, DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDER, His Majesty the King has been graciously pleased to approve of the appointment to be Companion of the Distinguished Service Order in recognition of gallantry and devotion to duty in the Field. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when in command of his battalion during an enemy attack. He collected all the men he could find and taking up a position on the outskirts of the village, brought the hostile advance to an end by his fire. He undoubtedly saved a very critical situation by his promptness, bravery and example. D.S.O. BAR,: https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issues/30597/supplement/3743 (No citation). BAR TO D.S.O.,: https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issues/30862/supplement/9902. GAZETTE ISSUE 30862, BAR TO D.S.O. With reference to the awards conferred as announced in the London Gazette dated 26th March, 1918, the following are the statements of service for which the decorations were conferred. Awarded a Bar to the Distinguished Service Order. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He led his battalion with great dash and determination in a successful attack. Later, during continual enemy attacks, though he was wounded in the eye and unable to see, he was led about by an orderly among his men in the front line, encouraging and inspiring them by his magnificent example of courage and determination.
  
• MILITARY CROSS,: https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issues/29886/supplement/34. GAZETTE ISSUE 29886, MILITARY CROSS, The King has been graciously pleased to give orders for the following award of the Military Cross in recognition of his services.
  
• MENTIONED IN DESPATCHES,: https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issues/30086/supplement/5035. GAZETTE ISSUE 30086, MENTIONED IN DESPATCHES, The Honourable Sir Douglas Haig, has submitted the Officer's name as deserving a special Mention in Despatches.
  
• MENTIONED IN DESPATCHES,: https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issues/30434/supplement/13237. GAZETTE ISSUE 30434, MENTIONED IN DESPATCHES; Deserving of special mention.
  
• MENTIONED IN DESPATCHES,: https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issues/30701/supplement/6096. GAZETTE ISSUE 30701, MENTIONED IN DESPATCHES; Deserving of special mention.
  * Gazette Date: 21/05/1918 (V.C.)

• Gazette Page: 6057 (V.C.); Issue: 30697 (V.C.)
• Duty Location: Vieux Berquin, France; France and Flanders
• Service: British Army
• Regiment: Border Regiment
• Battalion: 1st Battalion (Why is this important?)
• Commemorated: Cheltenham Cemetery, Gloucestershire
• Place of Death: Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire
• Seniority Date: 03/11/1914

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