THE VICTORIA CROSS, FURTHER GALLANTRY MEDALS AND CAMPAIGN MEDALS AWARDED TO BRIGADIER GENERAL JAMES FORBES-ROBERTSON, COMD 1ST BN, THE BORDER REGIMENT, HAS BEEN LOANED TO THE REGIMENTAL MUSEUM |
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5 January 2007 |
In March 2006 the Forbes-Robertson family made a decision to loan the Victoria Cross awarded to Brigadier General James Forbes-Robertson to the Regimental Museum of the Border Regiment in Carlisle. Following a revue and further installation of security the full Victoria Cross medal group was placed on display in Carlisle Castle for the benefit of the public in late September 2006.
For the award of the Victoria Cross. [ London Gazette, 22 May 1918 ], Near Vieux Bertuin, France, 11 - 12 April 1918, Captain ( A / Lieutenant Colonel ) James Forbes-Robertson DSO & Bar, MC, comd 1st Bn, Border Regiment
For most conspicuous bravery whilst commanding his battalion during the heavy fighting. ( near Vieux Berquin, France ) Through his quick judgment, resource, untiring energy and magnificent example, Lt.-Col. 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.
[ London Gazette, 1 January 1917 ], Award of the Military Cross ( MC ), Captain ( T / Major ) James Forbes-Robertson, Border Regiment Periodic award whilst serving with the Newfoundland Regiment. No citation.
[ London Gazette, 18 June 1917 ], Created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order ( DSO ), Captain ( T / Lieutenant Colonel ) James Forbes-Robertson, MC, comd 1st Bn, Border Regiment For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when in command of his battalion during an enemy attack at Monchy. 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 undoubtably saved a very critical situation by his promptness, bravery and example.
[ London Gazette, 22 March 1918 ], Award of a Bar to the Distinguished Service Order ( DSO ), Captain ( A / Lieutenant Colonel ) James Forbes-Robertson, DSO, MC, comd 1st Bn, Border Regiment For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He let his battalion with great dash and determination in a succesful attack. Later, during continual enemy attack, though 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 magnificant example of courage and determination. Forbes-Robertson retired in 1934 and went to live in Bourton-on-the-Water some fifteen miles from Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. He died at his home on 5 August 1955 and was buried in Cheltenham Cemetery, one of four VC holders buried there. |
Iain Stewart, 5 January 2007