World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Aberdeen, Scotland, he served as a Lieutenant in the 27th Infantry Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force. On May 3, 1917, Lieutenant Combe led his company through an enemy artillery barrage at Acheville, France. Arriving close to his objective with only five men, he proceeded to engage the enemy using grenades, inflicting heavy casualties. There he collected more men, captured his company’s objective and took eighty prisoners. He then continued to charge the enemy, driving them back and while leading a party of his men he was killed by a sniper. For most conspicuous bravery, he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross on June 27, 1917.
World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Aberdeen, Scotland, he served as a Lieutenant in the 27th Infantry Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force. On May 3, 1917, Lieutenant Combe led his company through an enemy artillery barrage at Acheville, France. Arriving close to his objective with only five men, he proceeded to engage the enemy using grenades, inflicting heavy casualties. There he collected more men, captured his company’s objective and took eighty prisoners. He then continued to charge the enemy, driving them back and while leading a party of his men he was killed by a sniper. For most conspicuous bravery, he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross on June 27, 1917.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
Gravesite Details
There is no mention in this memorial that Robert was the son of James and Elizabeth Combe, nor that he was a pharmacist at Melville, Saskatchewan (1908-15) before enlisting. Source: Saskatchewan virtual War Memorial.
Family Members
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