Name
Clement Robertson (VC)
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
04/10/1917
28
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Captain
The Queen’s (Royal West Surrey Regiment)
3rd Bn., attached 'A' Bn. Tank Corps.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
Not Yet Researched
Victoria Cross
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
OXFORD ROAD CEMETERY
Believed to be buried in III. F. 7.
Belgium
Headstone Inscription
Not Researched
UK & Other Memorials
Haileybury College Cloister Wall Memorial, Hertford Heath Plaque in Christ Church, Delgany, Wicklow Trinity College Reading Room, Dublin Woodenbridge WW1 Memorial, Wicklow
Pre War
Born on 15 Nov 1889 (or 15 Dec 1890) in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa son of Major John Albert Robertson (late R.A.) and Frances Octavia Caroline (Wynne) Robertson of Struan Hill, Delgany, Co. Wicklow. Educated at Haileybury College 1904-06 and Trinity College, Dublin where he took an engineering degree. He worked as an engineer in Egypt on the Nile Irrigation Project and was unmarried.
Wartime Service
Enlisted in the Public Schools battalion of the Royal Fusiliers but was gazetted 2nd Lieutenant the Queen’s and entered France in May 1915. He joined the Tank Corps in Jan 1917. An extract from "The London Gazette" No. 30433 dated 14 Dec 1917 records the following:- "For most conspicuous bravery in leading his Tanks in attack under heavy shell, machine-gun and rifle fire. Capt. Robertson, knowing the risk of the Tanks missing the way, continued to lead them on foot, guiding them carefully and patiently towards their objective although he must have known that his action would almost inevitably cost him his life. This gallant officer was killed after his objective had been reached, but his skilful leading had already ensured successful action. His utter disregard of danger and devotion to duty afford an example of outstanding valour." Killed by machine gun fire during his VC action at Broodseinde, Paschendaele.
Acknowledgments
Malcolm Lennox, Karen Smith - Acting Director of External Relations www.haileybury.com/honour
