The Robert Barltrop Collection of Medals to the Manchester Regiment

Three: Lieutenant A. Robertson, Manchester Regiment, who was severely wounded at Ovillers on the Somme in July 1916

1914-15 Star (2. Lieut. A. Robertson. Manch: R.); British War and Victory Medals (Lieut. A. Robertson. Manch R.) mounted court-style for display, light spotting to VM, otherwise very fine (3) £80-£100

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Robert Barltrop Collection of Medals to the Manchester Regiment.

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Arthur Robertson was born at Dublin, Ireland, on 26 March 1888 and applied for a temporary commission in the army for the duration of the war on 11 November 1914. Following training he was commissioned as Second Lieutenant in the 4th (Extra Reserve) Battalion of the Manchester Regiment. Having been posted to 2nd Battalion he embarked for France on 5 December 1915 and joined his battalion at Sailly Lorette. On 16 January 1915 he led a patrol into ‘no man’s land’, and on 2 March he was wounded by shelling whilst in the trenches, receiving wounds to the head, right arm, back and legs. Following medical treatment in France he returned to the U.K. on medical leave to recuperate.

On 11 May 1916, Robertson was ordered to report to the 4th Battalion Manchester Regiment for service on the Humber Defences, but returned to the 2nd Battalion sometime prior to the Battle of the Somme when, on the first day, the 2nd Battalion were ordered to Authuille Wood with the objective of taking Moquet (Monkey) Farm. Robertson was severely wounded in the jaw by an exploding shell on 9 July at Ovillers and he was evacuated to the U.K. via Calais and Dover. He did not return to active service with 2nd Battalion until 18 December 1918, having been promoted Lieutenant. He was promoted Acting Captain on 16 January 1919, whilst serving in Bonn in the army of occupation. He was demobilised to the Special Reserve on 17 February 1920, and formally relinquished his commission on 28 July 1920, retaining the rank of Captain. Curiously, his medal index card indicates that he first served in the Gallipoli theatre, which must be incorrect.

Sold with copied service papers and other research.