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 hos onslaught, were running towards their own lines. His gallant work
enabled the platoon to advance. He inflicted many more casualties among his
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 demoralized
by the fire brought to bear on them. During the consolidation Pte. Robertson’s
most determined use of this machine gun kept down the fire of the enemy
snipers; his courage and his coolness cheered his comrades and inspired them to
their 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.
Pte. Robertson's headstone at Tyne Cot cemetery
