Citation(s);
Military service
Burial/memorial information
Son of James and Elizabeth Combe of Aberdeen, Scotland, and husband of Jean Traquair Donald Combe of Victoria, British Columbia, Robert Grierson Combe came to Canada around 1906, having already completed his schooling and pharmacy apprenticeship in Aberdeen and London, England. He soon joined the staff of a drugstore in Moosomin, Saskatchewan, and several years later opened his own store in Melville, Saskatchewan.
Combe enlisted in 1915, was granted a commission, and was subsequently posted to the 53rd Battalion in Prince Albert. Upon arriving overseas, he qualified as a Major and was placed on the instructional staff. Later, at his own request, he reverted to the rank of Lieutenant and joined the 28th Battalion in France.
Although he was forced to return to England due to illness, he soon rejoined the front, this time with the 27th Battalion, where he served with distinction until his death. A lake in northern Saskatchewan has been named in his honour.
Digitized service file.
An extract from The London Gazette," dated June 27, 1917, records the following:
For most conspicuous bravery and example. He steadied his Company under intense fire and led them through the enemy barrage, reaching the objective with only five men. With great coolness and courage Lt. Combe proceeded to bomb the enemy, and inflicted heavy casualties. He collected small groups of men and succeeded in capturing the Company objective, together with eighty prisoners. He repeatedly charged the enemy, driving them before him, and whilst personally leading his bombers was killed by an enemy sniper. His conduct inspired all ranks, and it was entirely due to his magnificent courage that the position was carried, secured and held.
Digital gallery of Lieutenant Robert Grierson Combe
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Photo of ROBERT GRIERSON COMBE
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Attestation Paper (front)
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Attestation Paper (back)
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War Diary
Extract from 27th Battalion War Diary for May 1917. -
War Diary
Extract from 27th Battalion War Diary for May 1917 -
Biographical Information
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Service Record
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Medical Report
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Service Record
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Award Citation
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Circumstances of Death Registers
Source: Library and Archives Canada. CIRCUMSTANCES OF DEATH REGISTERS, FIRST WORLD WAR Surnames: CLEAL TO CONNOLLY. Microform Sequence 21; Volume Number 31829_B016730. Reference RG150, 1992-93/314, 165. Page 1151 of 1384. Body not recovered. -
Cenotaph
Barrie Military Park, Canadian Victoria Cross Recipients, Cenotaph -
Memorial
His name as it is inscribed on the Vimy Memorial. Over 11,000 fallen Canadians having no known place of burial in France, are honoured on this Memorial. May they never be forgotten. (J. Stephens) -
Honour roll
Memorial plaque in front of the United Kingdom High Commission in Ottawa to commemorate Canadians who have been awarded the Victoria Cross.
Digital gallery of
Lieutenant Robert Grierson Combe
Digital gallery of
Lieutenant Robert Grierson Combe
Digital gallery of
Lieutenant Robert Grierson Combe
Digital gallery of
Lieutenant Robert Grierson Combe
Digital gallery of
Lieutenant Robert Grierson Combe
In the Books of Remembrance
Commemorated on:
Page 219 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.
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