In memory of

Lieutenant

Robert Grierson Combe VC

who died on 3 May 1917


Service details
  Conflict WWI
  Service Army
  Unit 27th Battalion, Manitoba Regiment
  Rank Lieutenant
  Service number ------
  Date of death 19170503
  Cause of death killed in action
  Decorations Victoria Cross
Narrative history
  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.
Images
  From "For Valour": Saskatchewan Victoria Cross Recipients
Photo
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Additional information
  Links to other web pages Attestation
Attestation
CGWP
Memorial - Melville
Photo collection on CVWM
Plaque

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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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