Robert Edward Cruickshank

He climbed a bullet swept slope to carry the urgent message.

Robert Edward Cruickshank was born at Winnipeg in 1888 and grew up in England. He worked as a travelling salesman and served in the City of London Yeomanry before the war. Enlisting in 1915, he transferred from the Royal Flying Corps to the London Scottish, serving in France, Salonika and Palestine.

North of Shunet Nimrin on 1 May 1918, his platoon was trapped in a wadi under close fire. Cruickshank volunteered to carry a message for support. Repeatedly hit while climbing the exposed slope, he continued trying until his wounds made movement impossible. His Victoria Cross recognised his courage and endurance.

Discharged in 1919, he married Gwendoline Mansell and resumed commercial work. In the Second World War he became a Home Guard major. He also served in local government and veterans’ organisations. He died at Glen Parva on 30 August 1961 after a stroke; his ashes were placed at Blaby.

Official Victoria Cross citation

For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty in attack. The platoon to which Private Cruickshank belonged came under very heavy rifle and machine-gun fire at short range and was led down a steep bank into a wadi, most of the men being hit before they reached the bottom. Immediately after reaching the bottom of the wadi the officer in command was shot dead, and the serjeant who then took over command sent a runner back to Company Headquarters asking for support, but was mortally wounded almost immediately after; the corporal having in the meantime been killed, the only remaining N.C.O. (a lance-corporal), believing the first messenger to have been killed, called for a volunteer to take a second message back. Private Cruickshank immediately responded and rushed up the slope, but was hit and rolled back into the wadi bottom. He again rose and rushed up the slope, but, being again wounded, rolled back into the wadi. After his wounds had been dressed he rushed a third time up the slope and again fell badly wounded. Being now unable to stand he rolled himself back amid a hail of bullets. His wounds were now of such a nature as to preclude him making any further attempt and he lay all day in a dangerous position, being sniped at and again wounded were he lay. He displayed the utmost valour and endurance, and was cheerful and uncomplaining throughout.

Fifth Supplement to The London Gazette of 18 June 1918. 21 June 1918, Numb. 30757, p. 7307