South Shields Victoria Cross hero to be honoured with new memorial

Private Henry Robson is one of eight people who will have a Victoria Cross stone unveiled in their honour outside the Royal Scots Club in Edinburgh.

As a young man he had joined the Royal Scots’ Lothian Regiment, the oldest infantry regiment in the British Army, in 1912 and served during the First World War.

It was during the first year of the Great War that he bravely jumped to action on the front line in France.

He had left his trench under heavy German fire to rescue a wounded non-commissioned officer and for attempting to bring another wounded soldier under cover.

Despite being wounded himself he continued in his efforts until he was shot a second time leaving him helpless.

He was awarded the Victoria Cross - highest and most prestigious award of the British honours system - for his bravery near Kemmel in 1914 - aged just 20.

Pte Robson who was born in Hampden Street, South Shields, was given the freedom of the borough in 1915.

This year marks the centenary anniversary of the Royal Scots Club, in Edinbrugh’s Abercromby Place.

To mark the occasion, eight Victoria Cross stones will be unveiled - representing each soldier who were awarded the medal for their gallentry - on March 11.

Following the war, he went back to the Merchant Navy where he had served before enlisting.

After being signed off he sold his Victoria Cross for £80 to fund his move to Canada where he became a tram conductor.

He then moved into working in the Parliament Buildings in Ontario, rising to Sergeant at Arms of the Ontario Legislature and then information clerk showing visitors around the Parliament buildings.

Pte Robson, who also held the Distinguished Conduct Medal, died in Toronto, Canada in 1964, aged 69 and is buried in the Military Section of York Cemetery in Toronto.

Part of his citation read: “In this attempt he was at once wounded, but persevered in his efforts, until rendered helpless by being shot a second time.”