Robert Edward Cruickshank
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Robert Edward Cruickshank (June 17, 1888, Winnipeg -August 30, 1961, Leicestershire), was a Canadian recipient of the Victoria Cross (VC), the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
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[edit] Details
He was 29 years old, and a Private in the 2/14th (County of London) Battalion, The London Regiment (London Scottish), British Army during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 1 May 1918 east of Jordan, Palestine, Private Cruickshank volunteered to take a message to company headquarters from his platoon which was in the bottom of a wadi, with its officer and most of the men casualties. He rushed up the slopes but was hit, tried again and was again wounded. After his wounds had been dressed, he tried yet again, but was so badly wounded that he could make no further attempt. He lay all day in a dangerous position, being sniped at and wounded where he lay, but displayed great endurance and was cheerful and uncomplaining throughout.
Note: this is a very sanitised and understated version of the action,and will be expanded in due course (18/8/06)
[edit] Early life
Cruickshank was born in Winnipeg in 1888, but within 3 years his parents returned to England, his father, also Robert, originating from Aberdeen - he had apparently been working with the CPR as an accountant.
He was the first born of 5 children, two younger brothers, and two sisters, all born in England.
Today, only a great-nephew survives.
His youngest brother, John, was tragically killed at the age of 10 in 1913, tripping as he alighted from a moving tram, and fracturing his skull. He had been out shopping with a friend to buy a Scout's cape.
His middle brother, Percy, also volunteered for the Army, and was killed while serving in the Royal Fusiliers on the Western Front in 1917, aged 19. He is buried in France.
The family on returning from Canada had initially lived in Islington according to the 1891 Census but by the 1901 Census had moved to Woodford. From 1903-1904 he was educated at Bancroft's School, Woodford, Essex.
After leaving school, he worked as a travelling salesman, joining first Lipton, then the Lever Company. He was very interested in military matters and joined The Rough Riders, a volunteer unit 1908-1911.
At some stage his family moved to Harringay, North London, and he became involved in the Scouting movement, shortly after it was established. He became an Assistant Scoutmaster.
He was also involved in local politics and was noted as a good speaker. He supported Percy Alden MP in several election campaigns.
After war was declared, he initially volunteered for the Royal Flying Corps, but transferred to the London Scottish Regiment. After training he was initially posted to the 1st Battalion in France, where he was wounded at the Battle of the Somme in September 1916 at Leuze Wood.
He was evacuated to England, but after recovering, he was posted to the 2nd Battalion and joined them first in Salonika prior to it embarking to Egypt.
Following the action for which he was decorated, he was evacuated back to England where he recovered from his wounds, and was feted as a hero.
The Scouts organisation,his employers, Lever, and the local Harringay Council organised several events in the honour of the "Harringay VC"
He received his VC at Buckingham Palace on 24 October 1918, his mother and fiancee attending.
[edit] Post World War I
Following World War I he married Gwendoline Mansell and at some time moved to Southend. He had rejoined Lever Brothers, and worked for them for the next 34 years, involved with the sales of margarine
In Southend and Essex he became very involved with the British Legion, serving on several committees and acted as Chairman.
In the mid-1930's work took him and Gwendoline to Glen Parva, Leicester, where they settled for the remainder of their lives.
When WW2 was declared he volunteered for the Home Guard and he achieved the rank of Major
Following the war, he then served for many years on various local organisations, particularly the Glen Parva Parish Council where he served as their Chairman for 14 years, retiring only shortly before his death.
He was an active attendee at Regimental reunions, and kept close ties with former comrades.
On his death his wife presented his VC to the London Scottish, where it is now held in the Regimental Museum, 95 Horseferry Road, London.
He was cremated, and his ashes were interred at Glen Parva Parish Church, and his name inscribed in the Book of Remembrance.
His Commanding Officer,Colonel Ogilby, the founder of the Ogilby Trust, presented a Commemorative bowl to St.Columba's Church. Ogilby had personally witnessed his heroism, and recommended him for the VC. It was Gazetted within six weeks of the action.
Note: The Cruickshank Memorial Bowl was stolen from the Church in the mid-1980's. Anyone with knowledge of its whereabouts is requested to contact the London Scottish Regiment
His wife, Gwendoline, survived until the age of 103. They had no children.
In 2006, the 150th Anniversary of the Victoria Cross, Bancroft's School, unveiled plaques to both his memory and that of Lieutenant Colonel Newman VC
[edit] The medal
His Victoria Cross is displayed at The London Regiment (London Scottish) (London, England).
[edit] Comrades
- Private Bernard Blaser, author "Kilts across the Jordan" [1]
- Colonel Robert Ogilby DSO DL
- Private Charles Train VC
[edit] External links
- Burial location of Robert Cruickshank (Leicestershire)
- Location of Robert Cruickshank's Victoria Cross (London Scottish Regiment Museum)
- London Scottish Regiment
- Legion Magazine article on Robert Edward Cruickshank
- Find-A-Grave profile for Robert Edward Cruickshank
This page was originally migrated from the Victoria Cross Reference 'with permission, and has since been expanded.
