| Surname: | Robertson |
| Initials: | W J |
| Rank: | Lance Corporal |
| Army Number: | P/888 |
| Notes: | MMP. Awarded the 1915 Star, Victory Medal and War Medal. Later Sgt. First served abroad (1) France, 1/2/1915 to 11/11/1918. Discharged class Z reserve, 31/7/1919. Info from Pension Index Card:- Robertson, Walter, Sgt, MMP, DCM, MM, DEAD 24/9/1927, 31/7/1919, 11/M/27350, 52 Brunswick Street, Maidstone, Kent, Stamp:- Ad 8/8/1919 at 9/9 from 1/8/1919 to 3/2/1920, Chelsea No. Z/Misc/2339, received 9/8/1919, on reverse 9/6/1922 31 Grange Road, Walthamstow, E17. Walter John Robertson. Police Review 23/6/1916, page 292. Kent. On the 12th inst. the presentation of the DCM awarded to PC W J Robertson, of the KCC, and now a Cpl in the MMP at the front, was made by the Chief Constable at a parade of the Police at Maidstone. Cpl Robertson was also presented with a silver cigarette case by the Superintendent and men of the Sittingbourne Division, where he was stationed before joining the Army. Cpl Robertson received the DCM for great bravery and consistent good work from May 9th to 28th, 1915, near Ypres. He was employed both day and night in collecting stragglers, directing traffic, and collecting war materials. During May 24th he assisted to places of safety several hundred men who were suffering from gas poisoning. Most of the time, and especially May 24th and 25th, the town was being heavily shelled. Extract from the South Eastern Gazette 13 June 1916. A D.C.M.WINNER. PRESENTATION AT WREN'S CROSS. Yesterday (Monday) morning the presentation of the Distinguished Conduct Medal awarded to P.C. W. J. Robertson, of the K.C.C., and now a Corporal in the Military Mounted Police at the front, was made by the Chief Constable of the County (Colonel Warde) at a parade of the Police at Wren's Cross, Maidstone. The Chief Constable was accompanied by Captain Stanley Clarke (the Deputy Chief Constable), Supts, Mepsted, Crowhurst and Ambrose, Inspector Barton and Cash, Mr. Robertson (the recipient's father), and other relatives. Colonel Warde, in a brief speech, which elicited cheers, spoke of the great pleasure it gave him to make the presentation and said it was a most unique occasion in the history of the Count Constabulary, as P.C. Robertson was the first member of that Force to have the honour and distinction of receiving the D.C.M. The whole Force were proud of him and he was sure that they all wished him the best of luck in the future. The recipient expressed his thanks in a few words, stating that he should never forget the kindness of the chief Constable and all his old comrades of the K.C.C. Corporal Roberson was also presented with a silver cigarette by Superintendent and men of the Sittingbourne Division, where he was stationed before joining the Army. According the the "London Gazette," Corporal Roberson received the D.C.M. "For great bravery and consistent good work from May 9th to 28th, 1915, near Ypres. He was employed both day and night in collecting stragglers, directing traffic and collecting war material. During May 24th he assisted to places of safety several hundred men who were suffering from gas poisoning. Most of the time and especially on may 24th and 25th the town was being heavily shelled. The Corporal is a native of Maidstone, his parents residing in Brunswick Street and he was educated at All Saints' School. Extract from the Maidstone Telegraph 26 February 1916. Over 500 old All Saints' boys are serving in the Forces and Sergt. Sayer is not the first of this gallant army to gain the D.C.M., for Corpl. W. Robertson of the Military Mounted Police won a similar distinction last May for conspicuous bravery near Ypres. Two others have been recommended for their conduct:- Sergt. J Watson, signaller in the Royal Engineers, and Bombadier Britter, R.F.A. Extract from the Maidstone Telegraph 13 January 1917, Mentioned in Despatches. P/888, Lance Corporal, W. J. Robertson, Military Mounted Police, (Brunswick Street, Maidstone). |
Decoration Record: | |
| Decoration: | Distinguished Conduct Medal (London Gazette: 29252 Page: 7707 Aug. 5, 1915) |
| Citation: | MMP. France & Flanders. Citation only no initial report in LG. DCM Citation.P/888 LANCE CORPORAL W J ROBERTSONMILITARY MOUNTED POLICEInitial LG not foundFor great bravery and consistent good work from the 9th to the 28th May, 1915, near Ypres. He was employed both day and night in collecting stragglers, directing traffic, and collecting war material. During the 24th May they assisted to places of safety several hundred men who were suffering from gas poison. Most of this time and especially on the 24th and 25th May, the town was being heavily shelled.With Sergeant Ramsbottom and Lance-Corporal Salter. |
| Decoration: | Military Medal (London Gazette: 29819 Page: 10929 Nov. 11, 1916) |
| Citation: | MMP. France & Flanders. |
| Decoration: | Mention in Despatches (London Gazette: 29890 Page: 253 Jan. 4, 1917) |
| Citation: | MMP. France & Flanders. |