Victoria Cross
Lt Robert Grierson Combe one of six children born to parents James and Elizabeth Combe. He was born in Aberdeen, Scotland on 5 August 1880. Husband of Jean Traquair Donald Combe, of 155, Linden Avenue, Victoria, British Columbia.
Like many young Scots in the early 20th century, Robert decided to emigrate to Canada as his new homeland.
Dominion of Canada
Accounts differ as to when Robert arrived in Canada. According to the Western Front Association, he set sail for Montreal via Liverpool on 24 April 1901, arriving on May 1. The Canadian Virtual War Memorial, however, states Robert arrived in Canada in 1906.
Robert settled at first in Moosomin, Saskatchewan. He was a pharmacist/chemist by trade, having completed an apprenticeship in Aberdeen and London. He later opened his own pharmacy in Melville, Saskatchewan.
Robert was one of tens of thousands of Canadians to volunteer for overseas service with the Canadian Expeditionary Force. In the UK, he had previously served with the 16th Light Horse and (Volunteer Battalion) Royal Fusiliers for a year each.
53rd Battalion – 2nd Reinforcing Draft
Enlisting in 1915, Robert was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the 53rd Battalion in Prince Albert. The 2nd Reinforcing Draft departed Montreal on 4 September 1915 aboard SS MISSANABIE. Upon arrival in England, Lt Robert Grierson Combe transferred to the 32nd Reserve Battalion.
27th Battalion
Lt Robert Grierson Combe subsequently transferred to the 27th Battalion, on 27 March 1916, joining them in France. A period of illness saw Robert invalidated back to England, but soon back on the front, again serving with the 27th Battalion.
On 5 May 1916, Lt Combe began a week long Stokes Gun Course.
Lumbago
Lt Robert Grierson Combe admitted to No. 14 General Hospital, Wimereux on 14 June 1916 and vacuated to England ten days later as ‘Class B’ (progress was slow).
Rheumatism & Lumbago
Five days later, admitted to Miss Pollock’s Hospital, Weymouth St., on 29 June 1916, and finally discharged on 18 July 1916. Combe now attached to the 11th Reserve Battalion at Shorncliffe.
Return to France
On 25 April 1917, Lt Combe returned to his unit in the field. In May 1917, the Canadians involved in the Battle of Arras alongside their Australian and British counterparts.
Acheville
The 36-year-old Lieutenant Combes in action with his men around Acheville in the Pas-de-Calais. Here he performed the actions that saw him posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross: Britain’s highest military medal for gallantry in combat.
Le territoire est équipé de 18 musées, 25 monuments historique.
Victoria Cross Citation – Lt Robert Grierson Combe VC
Robert’s medal citation, published in the June 27, 1917, edition of the London Gazette, gives the following details:
“For most conspicuous bravery and example. He steadied his Company under intense fire and led them through the enemy barrage, reaching the objective with only five men.
“With great coolness and courage Lt. Combe proceeded to bomb the enemy, and inflicted heavy casualties.
“He collected small groups of men and succeeded in capturing the Company objective, together with eighty prisoners.
“He repeatedly charged the enemy, driving them before him, and whilst personally leading his bombers was killed by an enemy sniper.
“His conduct inspired all ranks, and it was entirely due to his magnificent courage that the position was carried, secured and held.”
War Diary
CWGC Stories claim Lt Robert Grierson Combe VC initially buried in a battlefield grave near Acheville, however, both his CoD and GRRF forms state – ‘Body not recovered’. The problem likely lies with a Lieutenant of the battalion who had written letters to family members that their loved ones had received a full military funeral. Of the 75 men in the 27th Battalion who fell on 3 May 1917, only two to be found in a CWGC cemetery:
- LCpl Garwell – V.G.33 at Orchard Dump Cemetery
- Pte Harris – V.G.3 at Villers Station Cemetery
Enemy sniper activity so intense, the 27th Battalion had to fall back, leaving their casualties behind German lines. If Lt Combe and his men had received a burial, it was by the enemy.
VC Investiture in 1919 to his widow by Prince of Wales (later King Edward VIII).
Aberdeen
One of Aberdeen’s beautiful green spaces, Bon Accord Terrace Gardens located just to the west of the city centre, making the perfect tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle.
Contact CEFRG
