Gallantry and Bravery

 


Today’s post fittingly ties into the 103rd anniversary of the Victoria Cross action by Acting Lieutenant-Colonel James Forbes Robertson, a set of medals that we hold at the Museum. When pondering on today’s blog post, I began to think of all the medals that we hold in the Museum. Many donated by family members for us to take care of and look after. Ranging from Victoria Crosses to ‘Pip, Squeak & Wilfred’ the medals are safely and securely stored in a selection of cabinets within the Museum for visitors to view when they visit. Precious items that connect directly to the individuals who they belonged to.

The Victoria Cross (VC) has an almost mythical status, awarded for acts of conspicuous bravery in the presence of the enemy. The VC is Britain's joint-highest award for gallantry, only equalled in status in 1940, when the George Cross (GC) was introduced for acts of conspicuous bravery not in the enemy's presence.

Legend has it that the initial crosses awarded were cast from the bronze of Russian guns captured in the Crimea but there is some debate about this. It is 35mm wide bearing a crown and lion with the inscription ‘FOR VALOUR’. The original ribbon was dark blue for the Royal Navy and crimson for the Army but in 1918 was changed to crimson for all three services.

There have been 1,358 VCs awarded since it was introduced in 1856. Initially introduced to acknowledge the bravery displayed by many soldiers and sailors during the Crimean War (1854-56), it was open to all ranks. 10 VCs have been awarded to the Border Regiment and its antecedent regiments, of which five are currently held by the Museum, including Forbes-Robertson’s.

During the First World War centenary period, the Government initiated a scheme where a commemorative paving slab was placed in the location of birth of all VC recipients. In Carlisle there are two slabs in the City Centre, one for Commander Edward Boyle RN who was awarded a VC for his action in the Dardanelles, and the second one to 2Lt Joseph Collin (purchased by the City Council as he was born in the North East). Cumbria also claims to have more VC holders per head of population than any other county in the UK.



Returning to Forbes-Robertson who, in 1918, through outstanding leadership and gallantry, held up the enemy’s advance through desperate fighting. Already the recipient of a Military Cross, and Distinguished Service Order and bar, Forbes Robertson’s citation was published in The London Gazette in May. A copy is included in this blog post. He was awarded his Victoria Cross from HM King George V in August 1918 and continued to serve until he retired in 1934. A/Lt-Col James Forbes Robertson died at Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire in 1955.

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