In 1901, the Robertson family were living at Pitcairngreen, Redgorton, Perthshire: Father, William (Joiner) (33); Mother, Mary (32); Daughter, Margaret Jane (8); Daughter, Kate (6); and Son, Forrest Frew (2).

After Home Defence Service, on the Forth and Tay, the 6th Battalion Black Watch moved to Bedford in April 1915. They proceeded to France, landing at Boulogne on 2nd May 1915, as a part of 153rd Brigade, 51st (Highland) Division. From 1915 to 1918 they were involved in many of the actions of World War One.

The Division were in the Cambrai area until March 1918, when they were involved in a fighting withdrawal back to Bapaume. The Battalion were at Beugny, and after a period of training, and the use of working parties to carry out preparatory work, they relieved the 7th Black Watch in the trenches.

Extract from the War Diaries of the 1/6th Black Watch

“Trenches, 21/3/18: The enemy attack developed at about 10 a.m., preceded by an intense barrage placed on Intermediate line, which commenced at 5 a.m. Vide appendix."

“Appendix A, 6th Battalion The Black Watch, Report on Fighting from 21st to 26th March 1918."

"At 5 a.m. on 21st March 1918, the Battalion held the left Battalion front of the left sector… Precisely at 5 a.m. our Artillery opened heavy fire and almost immediately the enemy put down an intense barrage on Intermediate Line."

"The morning was dull and a thick ground haze with the smoke and dust from bombardment made visibility very bad and the support line could not be seen."

"Gas was mixed with H.E. For nearly an hour communication was maintained with forward line but then B.H.Q. were cut off … The last report from Support Line was that gas shelling was in progress"

 " … About 10 a.m. the bombardment lifted … when smoke and dust cleared, enemy were seen moving about in Support Line"

" … Enemy Snipers worked out our wire, but were silenced by Lewis Gun fire"

" … From direction of PRONVILLE enemy had been dribbling up valley on LEFT and soon appeared on opposite ridge and working across to cut off our rear … Both flanks of Brigade were now in danger and enemy were pushing up STRAND in strength, and without a withdrawal envelopment was certain"

" … We decided to withdraw to BEAUMETZ-MURCHIES LINE … Cross MG fire from LOUVERVAL WOOD and opposite side of valley on left caused casualties and an enemy aeroplane shot down a number of our men"

" … Enemy advance was checked by BEAUMETZ-MURCHIES LINE and the afternoon was comparatively quiet"

" … ‘B’ Coy received orders to reinforce Post 29 and advanced from BEAUMETZ-MURCHIES LINE but were unable to proceed beyond the Gun Pit 150 yards in front of that line owing to enemy MG fire."

"There they remained for 24 hours breaking up constant attacks and inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy. The night was misty and quiet.”

Although there is no definitive record of how Forrest Robertson lost his life, it would have been at some stage of this action. He was 18 years old.

Forrest Robertson is also commemorated on the Redgorton Parish Church War Memorial; the Almondbank Village War Memorial; and the Tibbermore Parish War Memorial.