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Grave in Oxford Road Cemetery of Captain Clement Robertson VC 3rd Battalion Queen’s (Royal West Surrey Regiment)(attached Tank Corps) killed in action 4th October 1917 in area of Polygon Wood aged 28 years. Headstone bears inscription “Virtutis Gloria Merces.” Extract from “The London Gazette” records “For most conspicuous bravery in leading his Tanks in attack under heavy shell, machine-gun and rifle fire. Captain Robertson, knowing the risk of the Tanks missing the way, continued to lead them on foot, guiding them carefully and patiently towards their objective although he must have known that his action would almost inevitably cost him his life. This gallant officer was killed after his objective had been reached but his skilful leading had already ensured successful action. His utter disregard of danger and devotion to duty afford an example of outstanding valour.” The area over which the 21st Division was to attack was drained in peacetime by the Polygonbeek and Reutelbeek, shallow streams a few feet wide; however the continuous bombardment had turned this area into a valley of mud over half a mile wide and of unknown depth. Four tanks had been allotted to the operation and about 0300 on the 4th October Captain Robertson had brought them all to the starting point. His zero hour was 0600 and he led the van. The infantry were moving steadily forward alternately swimming and jumping over the rain-sodden quagmire from edge to edge of the shell-holes. What had once been a road was now a mass of broken cobbles, muck and debris, human and mechanical. Over this Captain Robertson moved forward and on foot. If a tank missed the way it missed the battle too, for there was no recovery once the so called track was left. Straight was the way and narrow and Captain Robertson walked alone in front of his tanks, otherwise no one would have escaped submersion. The swampy nature of the ground made it necessary to test every step of the way to prevent the tanks being ditched. Captain Robertson walked in front of his leading tank prodding the ground with his stick in spite of machine-gun bullets and heavy shell-fire against the tanks. He knew that the success of the attack depended upon him making sure of the ground over which his tanks were to go. They had crossed the stream and were approaching their objective when he was killed by a bullet through the head while he was still leading. Son of Major John Albert Robertson (late R.A.) and Mrs Frances Octavia Caroline Robertson (nee Wynne) of Struan Hill, Delgany, Co. Wicklow. | 
