Military Service Recognition Book Volume XVI 12 Robertson was born in Albion Mines, Pictou County, Nova Scotia, on October 26th 1883. Four years later his family moved to Springhill Nova Scotia, where he received his education. In 1889, the Robertsons moved to Medicine Hat Alberta. Singing Pete – As he was known – joined the Canadian Pacific Railway where he worked his way up to Engineer and earned his nickname for his cheerful singing and whistling whether in the cab or at the roundhouse. In 1915, he joined the 13th Canadian Mounted Rifles and later, while in England, transferred to the 27th BN. The bravery that earned him the Victoria Cross made him a legend among the Locomotive Engineers the world over. “For most conspicuous bravery and outstanding devotion to duty in attack.When his platoon was held up by uncut wire and machine gun causing many casualties, PTE. Robertson dashed to an opening on the flank, rushed the machine gun and, after a desperate struggle with the crew, killed four and then turned the gun on the remainder, who, overcome by the fierceness of his onslaught, were running towards their own lines. His gallant work enabled the platoon to advance. He inflicted many more casualties among the enemy, and then carrying the captured machine gun, he led his platoon to the final objective. He there selected an excellent position and got the gun into action, firing on the retreating enemy who by this time were quite demoralized by the fire brought to bear on them. During the consolidation PTE. Robertson’s most determined use of the machine gun kept down the fire of the enemy snipers; His courage and coolness cheered his comrades and inspired them to the finest efforts. Later, when two of our snipers were badly wounded in front of our trench, he went out and carried one of them in under very severe fire. He was killed just as he returned with the second man.” (London Gazette. No 30471. 11 January 1918) TCRCHONOURS OUR TROOPS AND THEIR FAMILIES FOR THEIR COURAGE AND SACRIFICE AT THE CALL OF OUR COUNTRY TEAMSTERS CANADA RAIL CONFERENCE In Honour of Pete Robertson
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