Great War Dundee
This is Dundee's story of those that served in the First World War, and of the people left at home
We need you to tell us more about the life and times of John Leask Robertson
John Leask Robertson
Military Information
- Date of enlistment:
- Place of enlistment: Dundee
- Service no: 4066
- Rank: Lance Corporal
- Service Occupation:
- Awards:
- Regiment/Service: Black Watch
- Unit/Ship: 4th Battalion
- Place of Death: France
- Age at Death: 32
- Date of Death: 23/07/1916
- Burial Country: France
- Cemetery: Bethune Town Cemetery
- Grave/Mem Ref no: V. G. 23.
Personal Information
- Date of Birth:
- Place of Birth: Dundee
- Address: 1 Woodville Place, Dundee
- Occupation:
- Mother:
Jessie Robertson 1 Woodville Pl, 22 Forfar Rd, Dundee
- Father:
John Robertson, 1 Woodville Pl, 22 Forfar Rd, Dundee
- Siblings:
James
- Spouse:
- Children:
More about John Leask Robertson
John L Robertson enlisted in April 1915 and went to the front at the end of the year. While in the front line trench a German shell landed near him and buried him. His companions at once dug him out but he was so seriously wounded that he died soon afterwards. John assisted his father in business as a house furnisher.
John L. Robertson 4066 Black Watch
WELL-KNOWN DUNDEE MAN KILLED,
LANCE-CORPORAL JOHN L. ROBERTSON.
A well-known Dundee man who served in the Black Watch has been fatally wounded in the person of Lance-Corporal John L. Robertson, eldest son of Mr John L. Robertson, house furnisher, 1 Woodville Place.
Deceased was 32 years of age, and prior to enlistment was associated with his father in business in Constitution Road. He was particularly well known in the east end of the city, and was a former pupil of Morgan Academy.
Lance-Corporal John Robertson had been at the front for about ten months, a brother, James, being a lance-corporal in the same battalion. Information to hand indicates that he died on the 23rd of last month from wounds received on the previous day. It is stated that he was badly wounded in the face, while he is also understood to have been further injured by a portion of a parapet falling on him.
The deceased was of a frank and genial disposition, and was respected by all with whom he came in contact. He was a keen Churchman, and was an office-bearer in the High U. F. Church. He also was a good vocalist, and was always willing to assist at any benefit concert. The news of his death will be received with deep regret by a large circle of friends.
Dundee Courier 8th August 1916
Additional information and image kindly supplied by Michael Caldwell
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