www.ns.legion.ca 71 continued ... The Victoria Cross His citation reads: “For most conspicuous bravery in attack when, having become separated from his section, he encountered a machine-gun nest which he bombed and silenced, taking the gun and crew prisoners. Shortly afterwards he was severely wounded, but refused to desist.” Not long afterwards, back with his platoon, Private Croake encountered a very strong enemy machine-gun position. “Seeing an opportunity, he dashed forward alone and was almost immediately followed by the remainder of his comrades in a brilliant charge. Croake was the first to arrive at the trench line, into which he led his men, capturing three machineguns and bayoneting or capturing the entire garrison.” According to the citation, “The perserverance and valour of this gallant soldier, who was again severely wounded, and died of his wounds, were an inspiring example to all.” The Victoria Cross is the British Commonwealth’s highest award for military bravery and 69 Canadians were recipients during the First World War, among them were four plucky soldiers from Nova Scotia. What follows are the accounts of how each of these four men won this highest honour that their King and country could award, as set out in official military citations. Private John Bernard Croake, V.C. Robertson’s citation says that he won his V.C. “…for most conspicuous bravery and outstanding devotion to duty in attack.” According to the official record, “When his platoon was held up by uncut wire and a machine-gun causing many casualties, Private Robertson dashed to an opening on the flank, rushed the machine-gun and, after a desperate struggle with the crew, killed four and then turned the gun on the remainder, who, overcome by the fierceness of his onslaught, were running towards their own lies. His gallant work enabled the platoon to advance. He inflicted many more casualties among the enemy, and the carrying the captured machine-gun, he led his platoon to the final objective. He there selected an excellent position and got the gun into action, firing on the retreating enemy who by this time were quite demoralized by the fire brought to bear upon them. During the consolidation, Private Robertson’s most determined use of the machine-gun kept down the fire of the enemy snipers; his courage and his coolness cheered his comrades and inspired them to the finest efforts. Later, when two of our snipers were badly wounded in front of our trench, he went out and carried one of them in under very severe fire. He was killed just as he returned with the second man.” Private James Peter Robertson, V.C.
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