HRH THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH KG KT, HAS UNVEILED A REFURBISHED HEADSTONE TO ABLE SEAMAN EDWARD ROBINSON VC IN OLD WINDSOR CEMETERY. |
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Old Windsor Cemetery, 15th May 2000 |
The programme consisted of the arrival of HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Ediburgh KG KT, who was invited to the Chapel to meet the relatives of Edward Robinson's and sign the visitor's book. After which he was escorted to the grave plot by George Murray where, after a short message of greetings and thanks, Prince Philip unveiled the reconditioned headstone. Following the ceremony, HRH Prince Philip, and guests, were invited to take refreshments and view the VC exhibits in the Old Chapel, by kind permission of Old Windsor Parish Council. Edward Robinson was born in Portsea, Hampshire on 17 June 1838 and served in the Naval Brigade during the Indian Mutiny and was just 19 years of age at the time of his VC action at the siege of Lucknow, in aid of the evacuation of women and children from the Residency. For the award of the Victoria Cross. [ London Gazette, 24 December 1858 ]. Lucknow, India, 13 March 1858, Able Seaman Edward Robinson, Royal Navy ( Naval Brigade ).
"For conspicuous galantry shown on 13th March 1858 in having at Lucknow, under heavy musketry fire within 50 yards, he leapt on top of the burning earthworks to extinguish burning sandbags. He managed to put out some and the rest he threw clear, before being seriously wounded in the shoulder and being dragged back to shelter by his gun crew."Edward Robinson was invested with his Victoria Cross by Queen Victoria at Windsor Castle on the 4th January 1860. Edward Robinson was invalided from the Royal Navy later in 1858 and was employed as a Coastguard for 10 years followed by 10 years in the Naval Reserve Office. Through the friendly interest of the then Duke of Edinburgh ( son of Queen Victoria ) who kept closely in touch with the Nation's heroes at his mother's request, Edward Robinson was employed as a gardener at Windsor Castle. When this became difficult for him, he was appointed Gatekeeper at the Old Windsor entrance to the Home Park, a position normally held for soldiers and sailors of good character. He lived in Albert Bridge Lodge with his family and died there on 15th March 1896. Medal entitlement of Able Seaman Edward Robinson - Royal Navy ( Naval Brigade )
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Iain Stewart, 17 May 2000