The mounted group of six miniature dress medals worn by Brigadier-General J. Forbes-Robertson, Border Regiment, who was awarded the V.C. for his gallantry in saving the front line from breaking on no fewer than four occasions near Vieux Berquin, France, 11-12 April 1918

Victoria Cross; Distinguished Service Order, G.V.R., silver-gilt and enamel, with Second Award Bar and integral top riband bar; Military Cross, G.V.R.; 1914-15 Star; British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves, mounted as worn and housed in a Spink, London, leather case, the V.C. slightly buttery in appearance, otherwise good very fine (6) £600-800

V.C. London Gazette 22 May 1918:
‘For most conspicuous bravery whilst commanding his battalion during the heavy fighting. Through his quick judgement, resource, untiring energy and magnificent example, Lieutenant-Colonel Forbes-Robertson on four separate occasions saved the line from breaking and averted a situation which might have had the most serious and far-reaching results.
On the first occasion, when troops in front were falling back, he made a rapid reconnaissance on horse-back, in full view of the enemy, under heavy machine-gun and close range shell fire. He then organised and, still mounted, led a counter-attack which was completely successful in re-establishing our line. When his horse was shot under him he continued on foot. Later on the same day, when troops to the left of his line were giving way, he went to that flank and checked and steadied the line, inspiring confidence by his splendid coolness and disregard of personal danger. His horse was wounded three times and he was wounded five times.
The following day, when the troops on both his flanks were forced to retire, he performed a post at battalion headquarters and with his battalion still held his ground, thereby covering the retreat of troops on his flanks. Under the heaviest fire this gallant officer fearlessly exposed himself when collecting parties, organising and encouraging.
On a subsequent occasion, when troops were retiring on his left and the condition of things on his right were obscure, he again saved the situation by his magnificent example and cool judgement. Losing a second horse, he continued alone on foot until he had established a line to which his own troops could withdraw and so conform to the general situation.’

D.S.O. London Gazette 15 June 1917:
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when in command of his battalion during an enemy attack. He collected all the men he could find, and, taking up a position on the outskirts of the village, brought the hostile advance to an end by his fire. He undoubtedly saved a very critical situation by his promptness, bravery and example.’

D.S.O. Second Award Bar London Gazette 24 August 1918:
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He led his battalion with great dash and determination in a successful attack. Later, during continual enemy attacks, though he was wounded in the eye and unable to see, he was led about by an orderly among his men in the front line, encouraging and inspiring them by his magnificent example of courage and determination.’

M.C. London Gazette 1 January 1917.

James Forbes-Robertson was born at Brighouse, Yorkshire, on 7 July 1885, the son of Farquhar Forbes-Robertson Esq., and was educated at Cheltenham College. He was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Border Regiment on 2 March 1904, and posted to the 1st Battalion. Promoted Lieutenant on 31 August 1906, and Captain on 3 November 1914, he served as a Staff Captain during the Great War from 28 November 1914, and took part in the Gallipoli Landings as a transport officer on 25 April 1915. Wounded during the Gallipoli campaign, he re-joined his battalion on the Western Front on 12 June 1915, and the following June was attached to the Newfoundland forces supervising their training for the Somme offensive. His battalion was virtually wiped-out at Beaumont-Hamel on the first day of the Battle of the Somme, 1 July 1916, but he himself had stayed behind at Louvencourt.
Between March and May 1917 he served as Commanding Officer of the Newfoundland Regiment, with the rank of temporary Lieutenant-Colonel, and was awarded the Distinguished Service Order for his gallantry at Monchy, France, on 14 April 1917. Subsequently attached as Commanding Officer of the 16th Battalion Middlesex Regiment from October 1917 to April 1918, he was temporarily blinded at the Battle of Cambrai in November 1917, and for his gallantry was awarded a Second Award Bar to his D.S.O.
On 11 April 1918, whilst serving as Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion, Border Regiment, Forbes-Robertson was in the line south of Bailleul, at Vieux-Berquin. As the German advance caused their Laventie salient to bulge westwards, the British line came under intense pressure. For his gallantry in four times saving the line, Forbes-Robertson was awarded the Victoria Cross.
For his service throughout the Great War he was additionally three times Mentioned in Despatches, and subsequently served with the Army of Occupation in Germany. Promoted Colonel on 20 October 1932, he subsequently commanded 152nd Infantry Brigade (Territorial Army) prior to his retirement on 15 August 1934. He died at Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire, on 5 August 1955, and is buried in Cheltenham Borough Cemetery, Gloucestershire.

Forbes-Robertson was additionally entitled to the Defence Medal and, as a living V.C. recipient, to the Coronation Medals of 1937 and 1953. His full-sized medals are held by the Border Regimental Museum.