Clement Robertson

He led his tanks on foot through mud under heavy enemy fire.

Clement Robertson was born at Pietermaritzburg in Natal into a military family. His father, Major John Albert Robertson, served in the Royal Artillery. He grew up in County Wicklow, attended Haileybury College and Trinity College Dublin, and was working in the Middle East when the First World War began.

Commissioned into the Queen's Royal West Surrey Regiment in January 1915, Robertson later joined the Heavy Branch of the Machine Gun Corps, which became the Tank Corps. By June 1917 he commanded a section of tanks in ABattalion. At Messines his tank was struck by a shell, but he escaped. He subsequently became an acting captain.

Before the attack near Reutel on 4 October 1917, Robertson and his batman made repeated journeys through the forward area to reconnoitre and mark a route. Heavy shelling and mud made it difficult for tanks to find their way.

On the day of the attack, he led the tanks on foot over the marked route. He remained exposed to heavy machine-gun and artillery fire while guiding them toward their objective. His assistance enabled the tanks to reach the infantry. He was killed after completing this work, and received the Victoria Cross posthumously.

Robertson was buried at Oxford Road Cemetery near Ypres. His mother received the decoration in Dublin in March 1918. His other awards were the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

Official Victoria Cross citation

For most conspicuous bravery in leading his Tanks in attack under heavy shell, machine-gun and rifle fire, over ground which had been heavily ploughed by shell fire. Captain 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.

Fifth Supplement to The London Gazette of 14 December 1917. 18 December 1917, Numb. 30433, p. 13222