• Victoria Cross
• Distinguished Conduct Medal ( DCM )
• British War Medal ( 1914-20 )
• Victory Medal ( 1914-19 )
• Defence Medal ( 1939-45 )
• Canadian Volunteer Service Medal ( 1939-45 )+ Overseas clasp
• War Medal ( 1939-45 )
• King George VI Coronation Medal ( 1937 )
• Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal ( 1953 )

By mid October 1917 the Bellevue Spur faced the Allies with a cordon of pillboxes, varying in shape and size and protected by thickets of barbed wire, that straddled a slight rise, less than 1,500 yards from the outskirts of Passchendaele. Twice in the space of three days these German defences had dealt crushing blows to British hopes. Haig turned to the Canadian Corps to salvage something of the wreckage of his plans. The talk was no longer of a breakthrough but of securing a defensible winter position and diverting attention away from new plans for an armoured strike at Cambrai.

[ London Gazette, 18 December 1917 ], Passchendaele, Belgium, 26 October 1917, Lieutenant Robert Shankland DCM, 43rd Bn, Manitoba Regiment, Canadian Expeditionary Force.

For most conspicuous bravery and resource in action under critical and adverse conditions ( Passchendaele, Belgium ). Having gained a position he rallied the remnant of his own platoon and men of other companies, disposed them to command the ground in front, and inflicted heavy casualties upon the retreating enemy.

Later, he dispersed a counter-attack, thus enabling support troops to come up unmolested. He then personally communicated to Battalion Headquarters an accurate and valuable report as to the position on the Brigade frontage, and after doing so rejoined his command and carried on until relieved.

His courage and splendid example inspired all ranks and coupled with his great gallantry and skill undoubtedly saved a very critical situation.

Robert Shankland was invested with his Victoria Cross by King George V at Sandringham on the 7th October 1918.

[ London Gazette, 19 August 1916 ], for the award of the Distinguished Conduct Medal ( DCM ), 420933 Company Sergeant Major Robert Shankland, Canadian Infantry

For conspicuous gallantry for volunteering to lead a party of stretcher-bearers, under very heavy shell fire, and bringing in some wounded and partially buried men. His courage and devotion were most marked.