World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. A native of Scotland, he received the award for his actions on October 23, 1916 while a sergeant in the 2nd Battalion, Royal Dublin Fusiliers, British Army, near Lesboeufs, France during World War I. His Victoria Cross citation reads: "On 23 October 1916 east of Lesboeufs, France, when most of the officers had become casualties, Sergeant Downie, utterly regardless of personal danger and under very heavy fire, organised the attack which had been temporarily checked. At the critical moment he rushed forward shouting "Come on the Dubs!" which had an immediate response and the line rushed forward at this call. Sergeant Downie accounted for several of the enemy and in addition captured a machine-gun, killing the team. Although wounded early in the fight, he remained with his company, giving valuable assistance while the position was being consolidated." In addition to the Victoria Cross, he also received the Military Medal. During World War II he served in the British Home Guard. He died at the age of 74.
World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. A native of Scotland, he received the award for his actions on October 23, 1916 while a sergeant in the 2nd Battalion, Royal Dublin Fusiliers, British Army, near Lesboeufs, France during World War I. His Victoria Cross citation reads: "On 23 October 1916 east of Lesboeufs, France, when most of the officers had become casualties, Sergeant Downie, utterly regardless of personal danger and under very heavy fire, organised the attack which had been temporarily checked. At the critical moment he rushed forward shouting "Come on the Dubs!" which had an immediate response and the line rushed forward at this call. Sergeant Downie accounted for several of the enemy and in addition captured a machine-gun, killing the team. Although wounded early in the fight, he remained with his company, giving valuable assistance while the position was being consolidated." In addition to the Victoria Cross, he also received the Military Medal. During World War II he served in the British Home Guard. He died at the age of 74.
Bio by: William Bjornstad
Inscription
In loving memory of
My beloved husband
And our dear father
ROBERT DOWNIE V.C. M.M.
Died 18th April, 1968
Aged 74 years.
His dearly loved wife
And our dear mother
IVY LOUISE SPARKES
Died 10th Aug, 1970
Aged 74 years
Also their only daughter
ANNIE
Died 25th May, 1978
Aged 34 years,
R.I.P.
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