The Fine Collection of Medals to 'Old Contemptibles' formed by Major Bob Keay

Four: Major A. K. Robb, 2nd Battalion, Durham Light Infantry, who was recommended for the award of a D.S.O. for gallantry on the North West Frontier of India in 1898, subsequently being killed in action during the Battle of the Aisne on 20 September 1914 - though severely wounded in a bayonet charge he continued to lead his men, falling at last within forty yards of the enemy’s trenches

India General Service 1895-1902, 2 clasps, Punjab Frontier 1897-98, Tirah 1897-98 (Lieut., 2nd Bn. Durham Lt. Infy.); 1914 Star, with clasp (Major, Durh. L.I.); British War and Victory Medals (Major) nearly extremely fine (4) £800-1000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Fine Collection of Medals to 'Old Contemptibles' formed by Major Bob Keay.

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The following is extracted from The Bond of Sacrifice, Volume II:

‘Major Alexander Kirkland Robb was born at Poona, India on the 26th August 1872. He was educated at Aberdeen Grammar School, and afterwards at Aberdeen University, proceeding to the R.M.C. Sandhurst. On leaving the college he passed out first with honours, and was awarded the Anson Memorial Sword.

Major Robb was gazetted to the 2nd Durham Light Infantry as 2nd Lieutenant on the 20th May 1893, becoming Lieutenant on the 21st May 1896, Captain 19th February 1900, and Major 23rd August 1913. He was on active service, attached to the Yorkshire Light Infantry, in the Tirah campaign of the north western frontier in 1897 and 1898.

Here he greatly distinguished himself, volunteering with only one non-commissioned officer and one private to keep the enemy off a peak on the flank, which had it been captured, would have exposed the British force to a heavy flanking fire. Major Robb fought with his revolver only, using up all his cartridges. To the surprise of all, he and his comrades returned safely when the order to retire was given. For his gallantry Major Robb was twice mentioned in despatches and received the Tirah Medal with two clasps. Colonel Seppings, Commanding the Yorkshire Light Infantry, wrote to Major Robb’s own Commanding Officer a most appreciative report of his conduct in this campaign; and Major Robb’s Commanding Officer, writing to the Brigadier-General said: “The Yorkshire Light Infantry are speaking in the highest terms of young Robb at the fight in the Shin Kamar.”

Later Major Robb was attached to the Burma Intelligence Branch in connection with the Chinese Boundary Commission for reconnaissance duty during the cold season of 1899-1900. He was Adjutant of the Rangoon Volunteer Rifle Corps 1902-07. Returning to England, he served at the depot of his regiment, Newcastle-on-Tyne from 1910-12. In September 1912 he was appointed Adjutant of the Durham University Officers’ Training Corps and Lecturer in Military Education. The University recognised his services by granting him the honorary degree of M.A. in June 1913.

On mobilisation for the Great War he was called to his regiment in August 1914, and early in September proceeded to the front with his battalion. At the Battle of the Aisne, in his battalion’s first engagement on the 20th September 1914, having reached the trenches the night before, Major Robb was severely wounded, but continued to lead his men, falling at last within forty yards of the enemy’s trenches. He was carried to the rear, and died of his wounds the same night.’

Major Robb was originally recommended for the award of a D.S.O. for his gallantry on the North West Frontier in 1898 and of his services in this campaign, The Durham Light Infantry, by the Hon W. L. Vane states:

‘Lieutenant Robb and Second Lieutenant Gibson were attached to the 2nd Battalion, Yorkshire Light Infantry; this battalion formed part of the reserve brigade at Rawal Pindi, but later was moved to Mamanai in the Bara Valley; on the 29th January 1898 it formed part of a column under Colonel Sepping, which when operating with other columns from Jamrud and Ali Musjid, was heavily engaged and suffered serious loss. Lieutenant Robb behaved with great gallantry in this action and was recommended for the D.S.O.; the recommendation was, however, not entertained.’

Of his death The Aberdeen University Roll of Honour states:

‘Though severely wounded in a bayonet charge, he continued to lead his men up to about thirty yards from the enemy trenches. The story of how he was brought in by a Private of his battalion does honour to his rescuer; and scarcely less to him, showing as it does the devotion which he inspired. Major Robb died in a hospital at Troyon the same night. He was an officer whom his regiment had cause to love and honour, a brave leader and a courteous and considerate friend.’

Major Alexander Kirkland Robb is buried in Vendresse British Cemetery, France.