Walter James Robson

A Sapper with 51st Broad Gauge Operating Company, Walter died on 26th of October 1918 aged 26. 

Walter was born at Longside, Aberdeenshire, in 1893, a son of Walter and Jane Robson of Peterhead. In 1901 his family lived at 16 Wallace Street, Peterhead, Aberdeenshire. In 1911 they lived at 13 Backgate, Peterhead, and Walter was a labourer. 

On 3 November 1913 Walter married Ivy Agnes Garrod at Christ Church, Lowestoft. Walter was a carter living at Whapload Road and Ivy lived at Christ Church Square. By 1918 Ivy was living at 44 Whapload Road and in 1920 she married John Maxted.  

Walter volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Peterhead. He joined the Gordon Highlanders, service number 2745, and was posted to the 1/5th Battalion and arriving in France with his battalion on 3 May 1915. Walter was awarded the Military medal in 1916, London Gazette 3 June 1916, page 5596. He had originally been recommended for the Distinguished Conduct Medal, but this was downgraded for the newly introduced Military Medal. The original recommendation explains the circumstances of Walter’s award:

'For distinguished conduct on the night 25/26th March 1916, on the explosion of an enemy mine beneath his company's trenches. He carried out his orders to consolidate the position with great courage under heavy fire, and brought back a wounded man from an exposed position to a place of safety. He also brought back Capt. Robertson whom he found unconscious in the crater, and was also most useful in managing the wounded.'

Walter wrote to his parents to tell them of his experience: ‘I was the means of saving 14 men, I saw about 20 Germans trying to kill some of our chaps, who were crying out for help, and when the Huns saw the Sergeant and I coming down the trenches with bombs they took to their heels and ran. Some of them left their rifles, and I have got one and will send it home.’

The Sergeant mentioned by Waler was Sergeant Dickie who was recommended for the Victoria Cross for his actions that night. Dickie’s award was also downgraded to the Military Medal.  

On 27 July 1916 Walter was wounded in the face by shrapnel. In 1917 Walter was still serving with the 1/5th Battalion and he was given the new service number 240766. Subsequently he was transferred to the Royal Engineers, service number 403988, and joined the Railway Operating Division, with new service number WR/175924. By October 1918 he was serving with 51 Broad Gauge (Railway) Operating Company. 

Walter died from influenza at 30 General Hospital, Calais.