James Forbes-Robertson

Charged through enemy fire to win the Victoria Cross in 1918

James Forbes-Robertson was a British Army officer whose leadership helped hold the Western Front during the First World War. Commissioned into the Border Regiment in 1904, he served at Gallipoli before joining the Newfoundland Regiment in France. His service on the Somme brought the Military Cross.

On 14 April 1917 at Monchy-le-Preux, he gathered available men and established a defensive position outside the village. Their fire stopped a German advance after the Newfoundland Regiment had suffered devastating losses. His leadership earned the Distinguished Service Order.

Later that year at Cambrai, an eye wound left him temporarily unable to see. Guided along the front by an orderly, he continued encouraging his soldiers during repeated attacks. He received a Bar to his Distinguished Service Order.

His Victoria Cross followed the fighting near Vieux-Berquin on 11 and 12 April 1918. Commanding the 1st Battalion, Border Regiment, he repeatedly prevented the line from collapsing. He reconnoitred on horseback under machine-gun and shell fire, organised a counterattack and led it forward. When his horse was shot beneath him, he continued on foot. The next day he held a position while neighbouring troops withdrew, then established a line to cover his own battalion's withdrawal after losing a second horse.

Forbes-Robertson continued serving after the war, commanded the 2nd Battalion, Gordon Highlanders and later the 152nd Infantry Brigade. He retired in 1934 with the substantive rank of colonel. During the Second World War, he served in the Home Guard. He died on 5 August 1955 and was buried in Cheltenham Cemetery.