Private James Peter Robertson VC | Soldiers | Great War

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Private James Peter Robertson son of Alexander (1852-10 Jul 1913) and Janet Robertson (24 Jan 1858 – 8 Jul 1933), of 656, 5th St., South East, Medicine Hat, Alberta. James posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for several actions during the Second Battle of Passchendaele.

Locomotive No. 1112 of the Canadian Pacific Railway Private James Peter Robertson — Locomotive No. 1112 of the Canadian Pacific Railway. Upon its retirement from the Quebec, North Shore, and Labrador Railway in 1961, donated to the Canadian Railroad Historical Association, and became one of the first locomotives at the Canadian Railway Museum (ExpoRail) in Saint-Constant, Quebec, and also the first to be kept indoors (November 24, 1962). CRM later leased the locomotive to the Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario for display. It was moved to the museum grounds on June 6, 1992.

Victoria Cross Recipients

With his 6 ft 3, Robertson, a locomotive engineer known as ‘Singing Pete’ was a good-humoured giant of a man who had refused all offers of promotion.
The British version of Evilstry

CEFRG advises caution when consulting dubious heritage websites, especially any regarding research of Canadian soldiers in the Great War. They care not for your family, and only want your money (and DNA). Quite possible James stood a couple of inches taller than his height on enlistment, as many men judged from a sitting position. Not doubtful he had a good voice, but highly unlikely ‘Singing Pete’ ever considered for promotion. Far from the ideal soldier, that is, until his final day, James Peter Robertson epitomizes the super-human qualities of many Victoria Cross recipients.

Early Life of James Peter Robertson

Robertson born in Albion Mines, Pictou, Nova Scotia on 26 October 1883. Older brother Daniel (1875-1922) and also younger sister Elizabeth Lillian (1886-1945). In 1887 his family moved to Springhill, Nova Scotia, where he received his education. Younger brothers Alexander Murray (1889-1965) and also David Wright (1890-1927) born in Springhill.

Pictou vue de la pointe Mortimer, Pictou [vers 1834-1837]

James’ first job after completing his schooling as a fireman. In 1899, the Robertson’s moved again to Medicine Hat, Alberta. James joined the Canadian Pacific Railway as an engineer. Finally, in 1915, he enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force.

Enlistment of Private James Peter Robertson

Private James Peter Robertson 552665 enlisted (witnessed by Sergeant James Victor Batchelor 503018) on 14 June 1915 at Macleod, Alberta with ‘B’ Company, 13th CMR, Regimental number 13665. Approving officer Major Charles Walter James 02116. Standing 6′ 1″ tall, 180 pounds with good physical development, medium complexion, blue eyes and dark brown hair.

First Nations men in traditional regalia, Fort Macleod (formerly Macleod), Alberta

Enlistment of David Wright Roberston

James’ youngest brother Private Alexander Murray Roberston 696481 also enlisted with the 175th Battalion at Medicine Hat on 5 July 1915. Aged 22 years, 10 months, standing six feet tall with dark complexion, blue eyes and black hair. Transferred to the 31st Battalion later on 30 October 1916. Treated for suppurative otitis media in both ears (perforated ear drums).

Darkies, who with others, load Canadian Corps Tramways with ammunition, resting. July, 1918. These soldiers, most likely from a labour battalion, are loading 18 pdr. This title is the original title, according to the CWRO caption list for the "O" series: Index to Canadian Official War Photographs (F.A. 22). It is usual archival practice to retain accurate title information, even when it makes use of inappropriate, out-dated language.Ammunition. This title is the original title, according to the CWRO caption list for the "O" series: Index to Canadian Official War Photographs (F.A. 22). It is usual archival practice to retain accurate title information, even when it makes use of inappropriate, out-dated language — Darkies, who with others, load Canadian Corps Tramways with ammunition, resting. July, 1918. These soldiers, most likely from a labour battalion, are loading 18 pdr shells. This title is the original title, according to the CWRO caption list for the “O” series: Index to Canadian Official War Photographs (F.A. 22). It is usual archival practice to retain accurate title information, even when it makes use of inappropriate, out-dated language. MIKAN No. 3396814

Transferred to 1st Canadian Labour Battalion on 30 July 1917. David, like his elder brother James, also had issues with authority – sentenced to 14 Days Field Punishment No 1 for failing to obey an order by a senior officer on 14 December 1918. Finally, honourably discharged from His Majesty’s Service on 4 April 1919.

Enlistment of Alexander Murray Roberston

James’ younger brother Private Alexander Murray Roberston 696236 also enlisted with the 175th Battalion at Medicine Hat on 19 February 1916. Aged 26 years, 3 months, standing 5′ 9″ tall with fair complexion, blue eyes and brown hair.

Prize Platoon of 31st (Alberta) Battalion. May 1918. MIKAN No. 3522124

Serving with the 31st Battalion, Alexander severely wounded on 1 April 1917, GSW face, hands and left shoulder. Finally discharged from hospital on 4 August 1917, and discharged to duty on 9 January 1918. Alexander discharged on 6 June 1919 after returning to Canada aboard HMT CEDRIC.

HMT CEDRIC Private James Peter Robertson — **HMS CEDRIC – December 1914 to January 1916, Northern Patrol (10th Cruiser Squadron)**

13th Mounted Rifles

Organized in December 1914 initially under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel A. C. Kemmis. Mobilized at Pincher Creek, Alberta and also recruited in Pincher Creek, Macleod and Cardston. Left Halifax 29 June 1916 aboard OLYMPIC, and later arrived in England 5 July 1916 with a strength of 34 officers, 933 other ranks. Drafts to Lord Strathcona’s Horse, Royal Canadian Dragoons, Fort Garry Horse and to the Royal Canadian Regiment and Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry Depot. Balance absorbed by Canadian Cavalry Depot on 19 July 1916.

Before leaving Halifax, Private Robertson treated for VDG 9 June 1916. James arrived in England per SS OLYMPIC on 6 July 1916.

Lord Stratchona’s Horse

Pte Robertson taken on strength of Lord Stratchona’s Horse on 19 July 1916 upon the dissolution of the 13th CMR. Pte Robertson taken on strength of the 11th Reserve Battalion at Shorncliffe on 17 September 1916.

1919-03-07 3216614 O-4240 PA-004169 Lt. Harvey, VC., of Lord Strathcona's Horse with Regimental Standard presented by Lady Strathcona — Lt. Harvey, VC., of Lord Strathcona’s Horse with Regimental Standard presented by Lady Strathcona. 1919-03-07 MIKAN No.3216614

Pte Robertson transferred to the 27th Battalion on 27 October 1916, catching up to them at Noulette Wood.

Battle of Flers-Courcelette

Officer helping a battered Canadian to Dressing Station. September, 1916. A Captain (likely of the Canadian Army Medical Corps), who is wearing a ribbon for the Military Cross above his left chest pocket, is accompanying the soldier, who is wounded in the arm, leg, and face. At right, another photographer, likely Canadian War Records Office official kinematographer Lt. Oscar Bovill, is also filming. Based on medical information in his service file, it is very likely that identification of the wounded soldier as Cpl. Douglas H. Carter (service no. 71885) is accurate. Carter was a provincial employee of the Brandon Asylum, who enlisted in Oct. 1915 for Overseas service in the Canadian Expeditionary Force. While serving with the 27th Canadian Infantry Battalion (City of Winnipeg) he was wounded on Sep. 15th, 1916. He received Gun-shot wounds or shell wounds to the left face and jaw, right wrist, and right leg, and, after a lengthy recovery, was returned to Canada in early 1918 and discharged from the Canadian Expeditionary Force as medically unfit. MIKAN No. 3395791

27th (Winnipeg) Battalion

Organized in October 1914 initially under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel I. R. Snider. Mobilized at Winnipeg, and recruited in Brandon, Portage La Prairie, Rainy River, Kenora and Winnipeg. Embarked from Quebec 17 May 1915 aboard CARPATHIA and later disembarked in England on 28 May 1915 with a strength of 33 officers, 1039 other ranks. Arrived in France 17 September 1915 with the 2nd Canadian Division, 6th Canadian Infantry Brigade and later reinforced by 11th Canadian Reserve Battalion.

RMS CARPATHIA Private James Peter Robertson — RMS CARPATHIA

Influenza

After only a month with is unit, James admitted to No 1 Canadian Field Ambulance on 23 November 1916 (Influenza). Transferred to No 6 CFA on 23 November 1916, and finally discharged on 26 November 1916. Admitted to No 22 CCS on 26 November 1916, ulceration of tongue. Pte Robertson admitted to No 22 Gen Hospital, Camiers on 7 December 1916, and later discharged to No 39 General Hospital, Le Havre (VDS). Finally discharged from Base Depot, Le Havre on 24 February 1917.

© IWM Q 1722 Private James Peter Robertson — A Canadian battalion (27th Battalion) at the salute during an inspection by Major-General Henry Burstall, GOC 2nd Canadian Division, at Pernes, December 1916. © IWM Q 1722

27th Battalion Medals

On 1 March 1917, the London Gazette dated 15 February 1917 received by the 27th Battalion reveals the unit highly rewarded for Military Operations in the Field. The Order of St Michael and St George, Medaille Militiare, Distinguished Service Order, Distinguished Coduct Medal, Military Cross, and Military Medal awarded to many Officers, NCOs and Other Ranks.

27th Battalion. Rifle Inspection in a village where Gas alert is nearly always on. July, 1917. A Lieutenant and a sergeant are inspecting soldiers’ Short Model Lee-Enfield service rifles. Soldier’s are wearing pouches for small box respirators (gas masks). 3521974

Pte Robertson forfeits 3 days pay on 2 July 1917 for disobedience – being in an estaminet during prohibited hours. James in trouble once again in September and awarded 10 days Field Punishment No 1 on 19 September 1917 for drunkenness. A week after completing his punishment, Private James Peter Robertson finds himself in the thick of it.

View from Gravenstafel

Note, in less than two years, this area is completely unrecognizable, and becomes for Canadians, in the words of Lt.-Col. Agar Adamson of Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, “that God-forsaken land” during the Second Battle of Passchendaele.

Second Battle of Passchendaele

On the 5 November 1917, the 27th Battalion to the front line, relieving the 39th Bn. The Battalion participated on 6 November 1917, in the last phase of the Second Battle of Passchendaele. The objectives the German positions in the village of Passchendaele. At 3 a.m. the Battalion at the assembly point. The Germans spotted the movements and started shelling the positions. Notwithstanding the shelling the Battalion in the correct jumping off position at 4 a.m. At 6 a.m. zero hour our barrage came down 150 yards in front of the frontline.

The Battle of Passchendaele, (Third Battle of Ypres), fought during the Great War from 31 July to 10 November 1917. The battle took place on the Ypres salient on the Western Front, in Belgium, where German and Allied armies had been deadlocked for three years.

The most serious setback of the day faced the 27th (Winnipeg) Battalion, on the right side of the brigade attack. Its left-hand platoon ran into a German machine-gun emplacement surrounded by uncut barbed wire. Three times the Canadians charged, and three times they were repulsed with heavy losses. Things looked bleak, until Private James Robertson took matters into his own hands.
Legacy of Valour – The Canadian at Passchendaele: Daniel G. Dancocks

A company commander asked for volunteers, and Pte James Peter Robertson one of the first to step forward and the very first to reach the gun.

VC Action of Pte James Peter Robertson

James Peter Robertson earned the Victoria Cross during the final assault on Passchendaele, 6 November 1917 with the 27th Canadian Infantry Battalion. His platoon held up by barbed wire and a German machine gun. James able to dash round to an opening on the flank of the enemy position and rush the gun.

This photo shows three Canadian soldiers, all are privates. The soldier on the left has one wound stripe, signifying being wounded on service, while the soldier at center is a signaler. 3404784

After a desperate struggle, Robertson killed four of the crew with his bayonet, then turned the enemy gun on the remainder as they fled. This enabled his platoon to continue towards its objective, with Robertson still firing the captured gun at the enemy as it retreated. Later when two of his own snipers wounded in front of their trench, he went out and carried one of them in under severe fire, but when he returned with the second man, killed by a bursting shell.

Citation

For most conspicuous bravery and outstanding devotion to duty in attack. When his platoon was held up by uncut wire and a machine gun causing many casualties, Pte. Robertson dashed to an opening on the flank, rushed the machine gun and, after a desperate struggle with the crew, killed four and then turned the gun on the remainder, who, overcome by the fierceness of his onslaught, were running towards their own lines. His gallant work enabled the platoon to advance. He inflicted many more casualties among the enemy, and then carrying the captured machine gun, he led his platoon to the final objective.
He there selected an excellent position and got the gun into action, firing on the retreating enemy who by this time were quite demoralised by the fire brought to bear on them. During the consolidation Pte. Robertson’s most determined use of the machine gun kept down the fire of the enemy snipers; his courage and his coolness cheered his comrades and inspired them to the finest efforts. Later, when two of our snipers were badly wounded in front of our trench, he went out and carried one of them in under very severe fire. He was killed just as he returned with the second man. 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal
The London Gazette No. 30471, dated 8 January 1918

Privates of the 27th Canadian Infantry Battalion

3404785 Private James Peter Robertson — This photo shows 3 Canadian soldiers, all of the rank of private, with the middle soldier belonging to the 27th Canadian Infantry Battalion (City of Winnipeg). MIKAN No. 3404785

Posthumous Awards of Privates in the 27th Battalion

Private French 875201 awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal and the following soldiers of the 27th Battalion awarded the Military Medal.

Lawrence Dimsdale Adamson (Etaples Military Cemetery)
Percy Melville Corbett (Vimy Memorial)
Thomas Cousins (Vimy Memorial)
Walter Dawson (Mont Huon Military Cemetery, Le Treport)
Alexander Morrison Dick (Vimy Communal Cemetery, Farbus)
George Gibson French (Wancourt British Cemetery)
Leo Kaatz (Ramillies British Cemetery)
Sydney Richard Kember (Doullens Communal Cemetery Extension No. 2)
William Miller (Thrumster Burial Ground)
Robert Wallace Pattison (Bucquoy Road Cemetery, Ficheux)
Theron Leroy Phillips (Vimy Memorial)
James Robinson (Haynecourt British Cemetery)
John Stanley Robson (Etaples Military Cemetery)

Death of Private James Peter Robertson VC

The German defenders retreated and the final objective captured at 7.30 a.m. The village of Passchendaele under control of the 2nd Canadian Division. At this point, the Battalion started to dig in and to consolidate the captured ground. During the day, the Germans shelling these positions and carried out a few unsuccessful counterattacks. It was during one of the minor fire-fights that Pte. Robertson lost his life.

Westroosebeke to Passchendaele Panorama, 22 October 1917 by Royal Engineers. CEFRG

While carrying the machine-gun with him, James led a charge into Passchendaele. After returning to their own lines, the volunteers realized they had left two of their comrades behind, both of whom wounded. Without waiting for orders, Robertson dashed out into no man’s land to rescue the men.

CWRO Cameraman Lt William Rider-Rider

Canadian War Records camera battery going into action. October, 1917. This shows the assistants of official Canadian War Records Office cameraman William Rider-Rider going up the trenches at "Cafax Road" trench (likely this is Carfax Road trench, near Lens, France). Rider-Rider's assistant was Cpl. Percy Reeves, while his driver, named Burstall, frequently helped carry items. Here, one assistant carries a tripod, while another carries two camera cases, including what could be a Kodak Panoram, used by Rider-Rider for panoramic shots. MIKAN No. 3404832 — Canadian War Records camera battery going into action. October, 1917. This shows the assistants of official Canadian War Records Office cameraman William Rider-Rider going up the trenches at “Cafax Road” trench (likely this is Carfax Road trench, near Lens, France). Rider-Rider’s assistant was Cpl. Percy Reeves, while his driver, named Burstall, frequently helped carry items. Here, one assistant carries a tripod, while another carries two camera cases, including what could be a Kodak Panoram, used by Rider-Rider for panoramic shots. MIKAN No. 3404832

From his position on the eastern edge of the village he saw two men from his battalion lying wounded in advance of the Canadian line. He set out across the open field to bring them in. Rescued the first man, but when he went back to bring in the second wounded man, he fell before reaching him (probably hit). He picked himself up, continued on his way and brought the man closer to the frontline. At that moment a shell exploded near him, killing him instantly.

Location of Robertson's initial burial Sheet 28.D.6.b.72.32 Private James Peter Robertson — Location of Robertson’s initial burial Sheet 28.D.6.b.72.32

Tyne Cot Cemetery

His remains were later found on coordinate Sheet 28.D.6.b.72.32, near Passchendaele. Posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for these actions and now remembered in Tyne Cot Cemetery.

Tyne Cot Cemetery Plot LVIII contains the grave of Private James Peter Robertson VC. Son of Alexander and Janet Robertson, of Medicine Hat, Alberta. A new Canadian Coast Guard patrol vessel is named after Private Robertson. This particular group of vessels are described as “Hero Class”.

Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers

The bravery that earned him the VC made him a legend among the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers the world over. During a postwar international convention in Cleveland, Ohio, 77,000 delegates rose to their feet to salute his gallantry. The delegates also voted unanimously to publish his photograph and story of sacrifice in The Locomotive Engineering Journal.

Victoria Cross Presentation

His Victoria Cross presented to his mother, Mrs Janet Robertson at Medicine Hat, Alberta, by Lieutenant Governor Brett on 25 April 1918. Three of his brothers, Dave, Alex and John, also volunteered for the forces, but his brother John turned down, unfit for military service. His brother Alex wounded and spent nearly a year in hospital, before being returned to France. Alex and his brother Dave still serving in France when the armistice signed. In Medicine Hat, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch named after him as well as a swimming pool and a street. A CPR station in Calgary was named Robertson Railway Station when established around 1917. It no longer exists.

Royal Canadian Legion Robertson Memorial Medicine Hat Branch 17 Collectible Pin Private James Peter Robertson — Royal Canadian Legion Robertson Memorial Medicine Hat Branch 17 Collectible Pin

Postscript

In addition to Robertson, eight other CEF members awarded the Victoria Cross during the battle of Passchendaele – Major George Randolph Pearkes, Captain Christopher Patrick John O‘Kelly, Lieutenants Hugh McKenzie and Robert Shankland, Sergeant George Harry Mullin, Privates Thomas William Holmes, Cecil John Kinross and Corporal Colin Fraser Barron.

Some Canadian Staff Officers. (27th Bn.) May, 1917. the officer in the center is Lieutenant Colonel P.J. Daly CMG DSO, who commanded the battalion 15 April 1916 - 4 April 1918. — Some Canadian Staff Officers. (27th Bn.) May, 1917. the officer in the center is Lieutenant Colonel P.J. Daly CMG DSO, who commanded the battalion 15 April 1916 – 4 April 1918.

VC Presented on 25 April 1918 by the Lieutenant-Governor of Alberta, Robert G Brett at Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada to his mother, Janet. Unknown if the medal still rests with the family, though some sources claim now at the Ottawa War Museum.

CCGS Private Robertson VC

The vessel PRIVATE ROBERTSON VC (IMO: 9586033, MMSI 316021592) a Patrol Vessel built in 2012 (10 years old) and currently sailing under the flag of Canada.

The current position of PRIVATE ROBERTSON VC at North America West Coast (coordinates 48.65341 N / 123.45141 W) reported 31 days ago by AIS.

CCGS Private Robertson VC Private James Peter Robertson — CCGS Private Robertson VC

Private James Peter Robertson VC in the Great War