Robert Digby-Jones

He led a counterattack to drive the enemy from a vital hill.

Robert James Thomas Digby-Jones was born at Edinburgh in 1876. Educated at Sedbergh, he entered Woolwich and received a Royal Engineers commission in 1896. He became a lieutenant and went to Natal with the 23rd Field Company in 1899. During the siege of Ladysmith he helped construct defences and destroy an enemy gun on Surprise Hill.

On 6 January 1900, Boer troops threatened the summit of Wagon Hill. Digby-Jones and Trooper Herman Albrecht led men back onto the crest at the critical moment. They shot the leading attackers and helped recover the position. Digby-Jones was then killed by a bullet through the throat.

He was buried at Ladysmith. His death at 23 ended his career; his Victoria Cross was awarded posthumously in 1902 and sent to his family.

Official Victoria Cross citation

The KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the Decoration of the Victoria Cross being delivered to the representatives of the undermentioned Officers,Non-commissioned Officers,and men who fell during the recent operations in South Africa in the performance of acts of valour which would, in the opinion of the Commander-in-Chief of the Forces in the Field, have entitled them to be recommended for that distinction had they survived;– Lieutenant R. J.T. Digby Jones, Royal Engineers,andNo. 459Trooper H. Albrecht, Imperial Light Horse. Would have been recommended for the Victoria Cross had they survived, on account of their having during the attack on Waggon Hill (Ladysmith) of 6th January, 1900, displayed conspicuous bravery,and gallant conduct in leading the force which re-occupied the top of the hillata critical moment justas the three foremostattacking Boers reached it, the leader being shot by Lieutenant Jones, and the two others by Trooper Albrecht.

(The London Gazette of 8 August 1902, Numb. 27462, p. 5085)