Corporal William Robertson

The following obituary is produced from the Pegasus Journal dated June 1998:

“Cpl Wllliam Robertson died suddenly at home on 1 Mar 98. Always a popular character, ‘Big Robbie', as he was known to all ranks, was the 15 (Scottish) Coy 4 PARA REME armourer.

Enlisting into 15 (SV) PARA in February 1974 Robbie completed P Coy and his jumps course before joining A Coy in Glasgow. He served for 15 years with the 'Animals' through the ‘70s and 8Os, deploying many times with the Bn to Germany prior to the collapse of the Berlin Wall. He also managed to qualify as a US parachutist in 1985 before being promoted to Corporal in March 1987.

In April 1989 Robbie made a difficult decision and decided to retrain as an armourer. On completion of his course he duly rebadged to REME and was employed as 15 (SV) PARA Bn's armourer. This is the post that he will be best remembered in.

With the amalgamation of 15 (SV) PARA with 4 PARA in 1993 Robbie gave an element of stability and continuity in a difficult time as he continued in the post with 15 (Scot) Coy 4 PARA in Pearson Hall.

In July 1997 at the ripe old age of 48 (and still an in-date parachutist) he volunteered his services for a six-months' stint in Canada with BATUS. He performed magnificently on his tour and impressed all he worked with, reinforcing the professional image of the Territorial Airborne soldier.

In his 24th year of service Robbie was busy helping the Coy move to its new premises in Houldsworth Street, Glasgow, when he tragically passed away on the very day that New Pearson Hall was opened.

 Fondly remembered for his visits to ‘The Grand Old Opera' and favourite tipple, OVD dark rum, Robbie's memory will be honoured by the re-naming of the Junior Ranks' bar as 'Robbie's Bar'.

With much sadness at losing a good friend our deepest sympathies are extended to alI members of Robbie's family.”