If you have any images or information about Captain Thomas Kenneth Robson, please contact archive@tankmuseum.org
Thomas Robson joined the Army in September 1914, shortly before his 28th birthday. He served with the 8th Hussars, and then with the 1st Life Guards, until he was seconded to the 6th Battalion Tank Corps in March 1918. Within five months of joining the Tank Corps, Thomas was awarded two Military Crosses.
The first was for action at St. Leger on the 23 March 1918, where Thomas was a Section Commander in A Company.
His Military Cross citation said, ‘At that time the line was in danger of being broken by a heavy attack on the side of the enemy. Captain Robson…took his two tanks out in front of our line under a heavy barrage of shell and machine-gun fire and personally conducted their operations. Captain Robson showed great gallantry and rendered invaluable assistance.’
Then, on 21 August 1918, Thomas received the Bar to his Military Cross for action near Gomiecourt. The Bar to his Military Cross citation said,
‘His orders were to cross the railway, which was supposed at the time to be in our possession, and exploit the situation beyond. On approaching the railway, it was found to be held by guns, machine-guns and infantry. Selecting a crossing and standing in the open under heavy fire, he directed and super-intended the crossing of the railway, subsequently inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy, causing guns to be abandoned. When in a tank and endeavouring to tow one of the guns back to our lines, he was wounded, but nevertheless succeeded in bring his tank to the rallying point.’
Thomas left the Army in 1920 but was recalled to service in the Second World War, serving in an administrative role in Northern Command. He died in 1969 and is buried in Hove, Sussex.
We would like to source an image of Thomas to add a face to his incredible story of gallantry. If you can help us, please contact archive@tankmuseum.org
