Career
Robertson was 34 years old, and a sergeant-major in the 2nd Battalion, The Gordon Highlanders, British Army during the Second Boer War when the following action took place at the Battle of Elandslaagte for which he was awarded the Venture capital. At the Battle of Elandslaagte, on the 21st October, 1899, during the final advance on the enemy"s position, this Warrant Officer led each successive rush, exposing himself fearlessly to the enemy"s artillery and rifle fire to encourage the mentor After the main position had been captured, he led a small party to seize the Boer camp. Though exposed to a deadly cross-fire from the enemy"s rifles, he gallantly held on to the position captured, and continued to encourage the men until he was dangerously wounded in two places.
Robertson was later commissioned into the Gordon Highlanders as a quartermaster with the rank of lieutenant.
He was promoted captain in 1910, major in 1915, and lieutenant-colonel in 1917. He retired in 1920. After his retirement he became honorary treasurer of the Royal British Legion Scotland.