244043 Capt. Edward Herbert Robson MiD.British Army Berkshire Regiment (d.23rd October 1944) From Leighton Park School magazine The Leightonian 1944, obituary written by Headmaster Edgar Castle.
"Edward Herbert Robson (Leighton Park 1926-1929)
Only a few days after hearing the news that John E. Robson had died of wounds on the Gustav Line, we heard that his elder brother Herbert had been killed in action in Italy on October 23rd, 1944. This grievous news follows that of their brother Peter who was wounded at Arnhem and is presumed prisoner of war.
Captain Herbert Robson was the eldest of these four brothers, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Robson, who for over twenty years gave such notable service to Leighton Park... It can be said of few of us that we possess an unblemished character or that our friends would not wish to have us just a little different. But this can be said of Herbert. He was
the sort of person most of us would like to be sturdy, clean, fearless, integrated, physically alert, confident about his future and yet, with all these virtues, a boy and a man with the merriest of hearts. His smile and his handshake were heartening experiences. Indeed,it can be said of all these brothers that wherever they were one could be assured that the situation would be as it should be. Herbert was not brilliant at either games or study, but he was competent in both, touching School life at many points. He played for his House at Cricket and Rugger, and for the School Second XI. He was a keen musician and eventually developed a very good voice.
After leaving School he entered Reading University and studied horticulture which became his profession, one in which he proved himself to be peculiarly fitted. He showed great initiative in gaining practical experience in many types of horticultural work and before he joined the Forces it had become clear that he had a career of distinction before him. At a comparatively early age he had held responsible positions at Kew.
He joined the army early in the war as a private. Later he gained his commission and had attained the rank of Captain in the Berkshire Regiment with the Eighth Army at the time of his death. He was an officer of fine quality, one whose first care would be for his men, who could easily combine friendship and leadership in the dangerous tasks where human sympathy and courage are required. Like his brother John, he was convinced of the righteousness of the cause for which he gave his life; he knew what he was doing."
He was serving attached to the 5th Btn. Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment when he was killed.
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