Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Four: Private William Robertson, Cameron Highlanders and Black Watch

Ashantee 1873-74, 1 clasp, Coomassie (136 Pte., 42nd Highds. 1873-4); Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, dated reverse, 2 clasps, Tel-El-Kebir, The Nile 1884-85 (746 Pte., 1/Cam. Highrs.); Army L.S. & G.C., V.R., 3rd issue, small reverse letters (746 Pte., Cam. Highrs.); Khedives Star 1882, unnamed, first three badly pitted, with edge bruising, fine; last very fine (4) £600-700

William Robertson was born in the Parish of St. Cuthbert’s, Edinbugh. A Tile Layer by occupation, he attested for the 79th Regiment (Cameron Highlanders) at Edinburgh on 23 February 1865, aged 19 years. With the regiment he served for four years in India, 1866-70. He transferred to the 42nd Highlanders in November 1873, part of a detachment from the 79th of 2 officers and 130 men, to bring the 42nd up to strength for the campaign on the Gold Coast. With the 42nd he served in Ashantee campaign and took part in the battle of Amoaful, serving in West Africa for a total of four months. At the close of the campaign, Robertson returned home and returned to the 79th Regiment. He was discharged at Aldershot on 23 January 1875 having completed his period of service. Robertson re-engaged with the 79th Regiment at Perth in March 1875. With them for a second time, he served in the Egypt Campaign of 1882 and the Nile Campaign of 1884-85. Awarded the Army L.S. & G.C. Medal in July 1883, he was discharged at Gosport on 4 May 1886. Robertson was admitted to the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, on 1 December 1909; he died on 13 May 1926. With copied service papers and other research.