5545: James Charles Robertson, recipient of the Meritorious Service Medal

James Charles Robertson was an uncle. He was son of George Robertson and Jessie Robertson (née Carnie). He was born on 24/11/1884 at Midmill, Kintore, Scotland. He was the second James Charles Robertson in the family. The first accidentally drowned in the mill lade at Midmill, Kintore, in June 1882 aged 18 months. James Charles Robertson was an apprentice watchmaker at Ellon in 1901. He married Helen Jane Rose Leslie, daughter of James Leslie and Catherine Smith Leslie. His brothers, William Alexander Robertson and John Cameron Robertson, and cousins William James Carnie and John Carnie all served in the armed services in the First World War.

James Charles Robertson enlisted in the Royal Flying Corps on 19/05/1916. He was in the Royal Air Force when this was set up. His service number was 28924. He was an aircraft fitter with rank up to sergeant. Some of his photographs show a Sopwith Camel which served with 28 Squadron. In November 1917 that unit left the Western Front for Italy. He was, however, definitely located at San Pietro In Gu, Veneto, Italy, which suggests that he was with 7th Aircraft Park, recovering and repairing wrecks. He did serve in H Flight, 66 Squadron in Italy and the middle East. He was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal.

On 13/07/1919 he was transferred to the reserve. He lived at Cricklewood, London. His occupation was watchmaker and jeweller. He died on 09/11/1972 at Highgate Hospital, London.