Lieutenant Robert Grierson Combe
PERSONAL INFORMATION
MILITARY INFORMATION
Lieutenant, 27th Battalion, Infantry (Army).
Victoria Cross (Acheville, France (7 km from Vimy))
Description:
For most conspicuous bravery and example. He steadied his Company under intense fire and led them through the enemy barrage, reaching the objective 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.
Date of award: 1917-06-27
Source: The London Gazette
Notes: Saskatchewan Archives, Regina
RESEARCH INFORMATION
Son of James and Elizabeth Combe, of Aberdeen, Scotland; husband of Jean Traquair Donald Combe, of 155 Linden Avenue, Victoria, British Columbia. 1881 Census : 18 Holburn Rd 168/2 22 32. 1891 2 Milburn St;168/2 47 27. 1901 Census: Central Hotel, Bridge St; 168/2 18 1. 1900-01 Aberdeen Directory: 58 Bridge St; & 33 Crown Terr; James Combe. 1901-02 Aberdeen Directory: Mrs Combe, Hotel Keeper. In Memoriam: James Combe, Central Hotel Keeper 4-12-1901. Mrs Combe in Directories 1901-1909. Allenvale Cemetery D 1121A. Other details son James accidently drowned Feb 1890 also Elizabeth Jarine 25-2-1908 age 73.
1901 Census England
R G Combe living in Leyton, Essex.
Arrived Canada in April 1906 on SS Pretorian from Liverpool. May have arrived in Montreal.
Parents married on 21st September 1869 at St. John the Baptist Church, Toxteth Park, Liverpool, according to the Rites & Ceremonies of the Established Church of England.
f.James(hotel waiter), m.Elizabeth nee Jardine.
Son of James and Elizabeth Combe, of Aberdeen, Scotland; husband of Jean Traquair Donald Combe, Victoria, British Columbia. Robert Grierson Combe came to Canada around 1906, having already completed his schooling and apprenticeship in pharmacies in Aberdeen and London, England. He soon joined the staff of a drug store in Moosomin, Saskatchewan and several years later opened his own store in Melville, Saskatchewan. Combe enlisted in 1915, was granted a commission and subsequently posted to the 53rd Battalion in Prince Albert. Initially qualified as a Major on arrival overseas and placed on the instructional staff, he later, at his own request, reverted to the rank of Lieutenant and joined the 28th Battalion in France. He was forced back to England due to illness but soon returned to the front, this time with the 27th Battalion where he served with distinction until the time of his death. A lake in northern Saskatchewan has been named in his honour.
Saskatchewan Virtual War Memorial
[Lieutenant Army Canadian Infantry 27th Battalion Victoria Cross Acheville, France (7 km from Vimy)For most conspicuous bravery and example. He steadied his Company under intense fire and led them through the enemy barrage, reaching the objective 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. ]