In memory ofLieutenantRobert Grierson Combe VCwho died on 3 May 1917 |
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Lieutenant (27th Battalion, Manitoba Regiment) Robert Grierson Combe was born at Aberdeen, Scotland, in 1880, the son of James and Elizabeth Combe. He was a pharmacist at Melville (1908-15) before enlisting, and received the Victoria Cross posthumously for valour at Fresnoy-en-Gohelle on 19170503. Combe has no known grave and is commemorated on the Vimy Memorial. Robert's wife Jean Traquair (Donald) moved to Victoria after his death. Victoria Cross citation 19170503: He steadied his Company under intense fire and led them through the enemy barrage, reaching the objective south of Acheville with only five men. With great coolness and courage Lt. Combe proceeded to bomb the enemy, and inflicted heavy casualties. He collected small groups of men and succeeded in capturing the Company objective, together with eighty prisoners. He repeatedly charged the enemy, driving them before him, and, whilst personally leading his bombers, was killed by an enemy sniper. His conduct inspired all ranks, and it was entirely due to his magnificent courage that the position was carried, secured and held. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A Glossary of abbreviations to help understand the terms used is available. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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From "For Valour": Saskatchewan Victoria Cross Recipients Photo Please click here if you have another photograph or document to add. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Links to other web pages | Attestation Attestation CGWP Memorial - Melville Photo collection on CVWM Plaque | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Pages on our Blog | Please click here if you would like to create a Blog page for this casualty. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Memorial information | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Saskatchewan rural municipality for commemoration | 214 - Cana | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cemetery or memorial location | Vimy Memorial, Pas-de-Calais, France
Please click here to view the cemetery/memorial information on Commonwealth War Graves Commission | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Honour roll location(s) | Melville | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Geo-memorial | Combe Lake, Saskatchewan | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Geo-memorial location | 57.3333°N / 103.8167°W | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Geo-memorial NTS map reference | 64E5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Geo-memorial details | North of Wathaman Lake. The Melville branch of the Royal Canadian Legion has also been named for him. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Personal information | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Date of birth | 18800805 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Place of birth | Aberdeen, Scotland | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Date of enlistment | 19150401 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Place of enlistment | Prince Albert | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Residence on enlistment | Melville | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Occupation | druggist | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Copyright Information | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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