1540 Private John Robertson
5th Battalion Gordon Highlanders
13th November 1916
Born at 2.39am on 28/07/1890 at West Slacks, Cruden, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. His parents were John Mcintosh Robertson (28/02/1858-1930) and Mary Ann Third (10/05/1863-1952). They were married on 12/02/1887.
John had 4 brothers, William Garrow (23/01/1892-06/03/1906), Alexander Summers (05/05/1894-1972), George (30/04/1897-05/03/1917) and James Mcintosh (16/07/1899-1965).
He also had a sister Mary Ann (14/07/1888-1973).
In the 1891(Scottish) census the family were recorded as living at Hill of Boddom, Cruden, Aberdeenshire. John snr. was employed as an agricultural labourer.
The 1901(Scottish) census showed that the family had moved and they were now living at Howe O'Buchan Cottage, Peterhead, Aberdeenshire. John snr. was still employed as an agricultural labourer.
John also started school this year. On 18/06/1901 he entered Hatton School, Aberdeenshire.
Tragedy was to strike the family with the death of Johns brother William on 06/03/1906.
Aberdeen Press and Journal – Wednesday 07 March 1906
Sad Death of a Strichen Lad
William Robertson(14), son of Mr Robertson, labourer, residing at the Tollhouse, Bogensowrie, Strichen, disappeared from his
home last Sunday afternoon. His body was found floating in the (Braco’s) dam at the intake above the wool mill yesterday
afternoon(about 2.30pm) by his father and the local policeman. The dam is about half a mile from the boy’s home.
John enlisted in Strichen and was sent to France on 02/05/1915. He was killed in action on 13/11/1916.
He was awarded the 1914-1915 Star, 1914-1918 British War and Allied Victory medals.
His brother George had also enlisted in the Gordon Highlanders fist as Private S/14098 then as Private 226926 in the 6th Battalion.
He was killed in action on 05/03/1917. His body was never recovered and he is remembered on Bay 8 and 9 of the
Arras Memorial in France.