| Robertson | James | | Reverend | ROBERTSON, JAMES, The Reverend, was born 19 August 1855, son of Robert Robertson, of Grantown-on-Spey. He was educated at Aberdeen and Edinburgh Universities, and joined the Army 18 April, 1884, as Chaplain to the Forces, 4th Class. He served during the operations of the Sudan Frontier Field Force in 1885, being present at the action of Kosheh during its investment, at the reconnaissance on the 16th December, and at the engagement of Giniss. He was mentioned in Despatches and received the Medal and the Khedive's Bronze Star. Mr Robertson married, in 1887, Nellie (who died in 1911), daughter of Hugh Allan, JP, of Glassaugh, County Banff. He became Chaplain to the Forces, 3rd Class, 21 December 1896. He served in the South African War, 1899-1902, as Chaplain to the Highland Brigade, and took part in the advance on Kimberley, including the actions at Modder River and Magersfontein. Operations in the Orange Free State, February to May 1900, including operations at Paardeberg (17 to 29 February); actions at Koodoosburg, Poplar Grove and Driefontein; operations in Orange River Colony, May to 29 November 1900, including occupation of Bloemfontein, actions at Waterval, Vet River, Blaauberg, Roodepoort, and in the Wittebergen (1 to 29 July) and Witpoort. He was Senior Presbyterian Chaplain to the South African Field Force from October 1901. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 8 February 1901, and 29 July 1902]; received the Queen's Medal with five clasps; King's Medal with two clasps; was promoted Chaplain to the Forces, 2nd Class, and created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 19 April, 1901]: "The Reverend James Robertson, Chaplain to the Forces, 3rd Class (now promoted Chaplain to the Forces, 2nd Class). In recognition of services during the recent operations in South Africa". The Insignia were presented to him by the Duke of Cornwall and York 14 August 1901. He retired from the Army 3 September 1904, and became Minister of the Parish of Methveii, Perthshire. Mr Robertson was given the honorary degree of DD of Aberdeen University.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Chaplain to the Forces |
