Three medals awarded to a WW1 Dunblane soldier were unveiled in the town last Sunday, November 6.
Sgt Charles Robbie, husband of Isabella D Hepburn Robbie of ‘Le Normand’, Dunblane, joined the Army in November 1914 and was killed on the Western Front on April 9, 1917.
His medals - the British War Medal, Victory Medal and Bronze Star - were bought by townsfolk after they learned of their auction and set up a fundraiser.
Dunblane man Sandy Robb said this week: “Dunblane sports historian Andy Mitchell learned about the auction of medals from the First and Second world wars, one of which was for the medals of a Sergeant Charles Robbie who’s name appears on Dunblane war memorial.
“A post was put up on a Dunblane Facebook page suggesting that with a lot of small donations we could try and raise some money, make a bid, and bring his medals back to Dunblane. There was a lot of interest.
“Dunblane resident Andrea Partridge set up a gofundme page - and she later found out that Sgt Robbie had actually stayed in the Doune Road house where she now lives.
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“More than £500 in over 70 donations was raised. On the day of the auction I went to Andrea’s house where the successful winning bid of £170 was made.”
Sgt Robbie’s medals were unveiled at the Dunblane Centre on Sunday attended by townsfolk, members of Dunblane Scouts and pupils from the town’s Queen Victoria School along with Dunblane piper Callum Wynd.
More than £500 was raised in all during the fundraiser and the remainder of the money - after fees - was donated to Dunblane British Legion.
Sgt Robbie is buried at Tilloy British Cemetery, Tilloy-les-Mofflaines, south east of Arras.
The Stirling Observer of April 28 and May 5, 1917 stated:
‘Sgt Robbie joined Kitchener’s Army in November 1914 and sailed for France on 13 May, 1915.
‘For almost two years he had been in the thick of fighting on the Western Front, in which his regiment on several occasions suffered severely.
‘In one engagement in which his regiment lost a great number of its effectives, Charlie, who was then a lance-corporal assumed command and in recognition of his good work was next day promoted to sergeant.
‘Sergeant Robbie was a native of Kirriemuir and came to Dunblane 14 years ago as chief clerk of the Caledonian Railway Company.
‘He was afterwards appointed local manager of Messrs Muir, Sons and Partners, carting establishment.
‘A keen sportsman he took a great interest in the local football and bowling clubs.
‘Possessed of an excellent voice, he was a member of local church choirs.’
