Short History
William was born at Kogarah on 13th February 1891, the son of Roberts C Robertson and his wife
Frances Alice, nee McDonald.
He enlisted in the AN&MEF and was immediately promoted sergeant. He returned from Rabaul
and was discharged on 4th March 1915, having completed 206 days service.
On 7th May 1915 he joined the AIF as a Lieutenant in the 18th Battalion and embarked from
Sydney on 25th June 1915 aboard the CERAMIC, disembarking at Suez on 24th July 1915. On 22nd
August 1915 he received a gunshot wound to the thigh whilst on Gallipoli and was evacuated to
England via Mudros.
Wil liam returned to his unit on 11th March 1916 just prior to the departure for France. On 7th July
1916 he was promoted Captain and was wounded a second time on 4th August 1916, with a
gunshot wound to his right shoulder. He was evacuated to England, returning to his unit some
four months later.
On 26th Feb 1917 he was wounded for a third time at Warlencourt and as a result of his actions
was awarded a Military Cross “.. for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He led his men
in the attack with great gallantry and succeeded in capturing his objective. Later, although
wounded he remained with the men through the night.”
On 1st June he was promoted Major, returning to Australia aboard the NESTOR, departing
Liverpool on 20th May 1919. His appointment to the AIF was terminated on 3rd September 1919.
On 7th February William married Ivy Branson Pearson. Ivy died in 1935 and when William
enlisted on 7th April 1942, he stated that he was a widower. He was allocated N229356 as his
service number and served with the 1st Battalion, Volunteer Defence Corps with the rank of
Captain.
He was discharged on 24th September 1945 and died in Sydney on 26th June 1964.
Submitted 1 January 2026
by Michael White
