| Robertson | William Robert | | Captain | ROBERTSON, WILLIAM ROBERT, Captain, was born at Welbourne, Lincolnshire, 14 September 1859, son of Thomas C Robertson and Mrs T C Robertson. He was educated at a private school, and was commissioned in the 3rd Dragoon Guards 27 June 1888, becoming Lieutenant 1 March 1891, and Captain 3 April 1895. He was Staff Lieutenant, Intelligence Branch, QMG Department, India, 5 June 1892 to 2 April 1895, and Staff Captain (Intelligence Branch) 1 April 1899 to 8 October 1899. He served in the Chitral Campaign in 1895, with the Relief Force, as Field Intelligence Officer (22 March to 17 July 1895); was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 15 November 1895]; received the Medal with clasp, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 21 January 1896]: "William Robert Robertson, Captain, 3rd Dragoon Guards. In recognition of services during the recent operations in Chitral". The Warrant, Statutes and Insignia were sent to the Commander-in-Chief in India, and presented 9 April 1896. He was DAAG, Intelligence, Head Quarters of Army, 9 October 1899 to 14 February 1900; DAAG, South Africa, 15 February 1900 to 28 October 1900; Staff Captain (Intelligence), Head Quarters Army, 29 October 1900 to 30 September 1901. In the South African War, in 1899 and 1900, he took part in the operations in the Orange Free State, February to May 1900, including operations at Paardeberg (17 to 26 February); actions at Poplar Grove, Driefontein, Vet River (5 and 6 May) and Zand River. Operations in the Transvaal in May and June 1900, including actions near Johannesburg and Pretoria. Operations in the Transvaal, east of Pretoria, July to October 1900 (Despatches, [London Gazette, 16 April 1901]; Brevet of Lieutenant Colonel 29 November 1900; Queen's Medal with four clasps). He was promoted to Major, 10 March 1900, and was AQMG (Intelligence) Headquarters of Army 1 October 1901 to 31 January 1907; promoted to Colonel 29 November 1903; created a CB in 1905; AQMG, Aldershot Army Corps, 14 May 1907 to 28 November 1907; Brigadier General, General Staff, Aldershot Command, 29 November 1907 to 31 July 1910; Commandant, Staff College, 1 August 1910 to 25 December 1910, and 26 December 1910 to 8 October 1913; promoted to Major General 26 December 1910; Director of Military Training, War Office, 9 October 1913 to 4 August 1914; created a KCVO in 1913. He served in the European War from 1914. As Quartermaster-General, BEF, 5 August 1914 to 24 January 1915; Chief of General Staff, BEF, 25 January 1915 to 22 December 1915; promoted Lieutenant General 28 October 1915; Chief of Imperial General Staff, War Office, 23 December 1915 to 18 February 1918; created a KCB in 1915; promoted to General 3 June 1916; appointed ADC to the King 15 January 1917; created a GCB in 1917; General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (temporary), Eastern Command, 19 February to 29 May 1918; Genera] Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Great Britain, 30 May 1918 to 21 April 1919; General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, British Army of the Rhine, 22 April 1919. Sir William Robertson was created a Baronet in 1919, and a GCMG in 1919. He married, in 1894. Mildred Adelaide, second daughter of Lieutenant General T C Palin, Bombay Staff Corps, and they had two sons and two daughters.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | 3rd (The Prince of Wales's) Dragoon Guards |
