ROBERTSON G
ROBERTSON, Gordon
Regiment: 10th Bn Gordon Highlanders
Rank: Second Lieutenant
Number:
Died: 17 November 1915
Aged: 22
Buried/ Memorial: Vermelles British Cemetery, France
Address: 'The Cottage', Flookersbrook, Chester
Chester Chronicle 4 December 1915
SECOND LIEUT. GORDON ROBERTSON KILLED
CHESTER RAILWAY OFFICIAL’S BEREAVEMENT
“We much regret to announce that a brief intimation has reached Mr David Robertson, of The Cottage, Flookersbrook, and the superintendent’s office, L. and N.W. Rly., at Chester Station that his son, Sec. Lieut. Gordon Robertson, of the 10th Battalion Gordon Highlanders, has been killed in action in France.
Sec. Lieut. Robertson was a bright and promising young fellow with a successful career before him, and was a great favourite among his friends and acquaintances. He received his early education at St. Paul’s School, Boughton, and then passed on to the Technical School at the Grosvenor Museum. From there he proceeded to Liverpool University to complete his education, and took his B.A. Six Months ago he left the University to join the forces, and was appointed second lieutenant in the Gordon Highlanders. He went out to the front with the 10th Battalion about six weeks ago. The notification received by wire states that he was killed on the 17th inst. Lieut. Robertson was 22 years of age. One of his uncles is Mr John Gordon, a former mayor of Leeds. Much sympathy is felt for Mr David Robertson and family in the heavy blow that has befallen them.”
Chronicle 18 December 1915
THE LATE SECOND LIEUT. ROBERTSON
IN MEMORIAM SERVICE AT BOUGHTON
“An impressive memorial service was held at St Paul’s Church, Boughton on Thursday last. Evident signs were to be seen amongst the congregation of mourning for loved ones, the service not merely being intended as a memorial for one, but for four soldiers, Second Lieutenant Gordon Robertson, of the Gordon Highlanders; Gunner Wm. Dixon, an old choir boy, of the Royal Field Artillery; Arthur Webb, of the 1st Wiltshire Regiment; and Frederick Walker of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers. The service was conducted by the vicar, the Rev. J.R. Fuller, Minor Canon Williams, the curate, also being present. Lying before the altar was a large Union Jack, and members of each of the soldiers’ families were present. The service commenced with a processional, to the music of Troyte, followed by Psalm xxxix. “I said I will take heed to my ways.” Then followed the special lesson and the hymn, “Brief life is here our portion”. “I heard a voice” was sung to the music of Troyte. The Vicar read the collects and prayers and the second hymn was “On the resurrection morning.” The service concluded with the singing as a recessional of Nunc Dimittis (Barnby) and the playing of Chopin’s beautiful “Funeral March” by the organist, Mr R. Thomas. There was a full choir present.”
The 1911 Census shows Gordon as a 17-year-old student teacher living at The Cottage Flookersbrook with father David, mother Anna, brother Ian and sister Janet.