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Downie, Robert - VC; Supporter, awarded the Victoria Cross for bravery
Topic Started: Nov 22 2010, 09:32 PM (5,960 Views)
viewpark_tims

I doubt if the CWGC would help as their purpose seems to be the maintenance of graves of the 'war dead'. They use standardised headstones and as Robert Downie survived the war he doesn't have one of those.

Some more info here:

http://www.cwgc.org/content.asp?menuid=1&id=1&menuname=Who%20We%20Are&menu=main


Graves
Individual graves are marked by uniform headstones, differentiated only by their inscriptions: the national emblem or regimental badge, rank, name, unit, date of death and age of each casualty is inscribed above an appropriate religious symbol and a more personal dedication chosen by relatives. Where there is risk of earth movement, graves are marked instead by bronze plaques on low pedestals.

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Even the most durable materials require a little maintenance – especially when they’re used in constructions that are nearly 100 years old. Climate change, pollution and vandalism all take their toll on the built environment.


« Last Edit: Sept 30, 2010, 10:18pm by weeshamrock »

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joebloggscity
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Was Robert Downie actually on Celtic's books ever as a player prior to WW1? or was he only a staff member at Celtic post-war?

Was he simply a supporter or did he manage to play for the reserves?
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The Wee Shamrock

I think it's been suggested before JBC that Robert Downie had been a Celtic player (most likely reserve as don't think he features in the Alphabet) but don't think any evidence to substaniate this has been produced.


He was was mentioned in the Willie Angus thread also:

W Angus VC - CGS thread

Although he worked at Celtic Park post-war I think his only connection with the club before the war was as a supporter. So that means that 2 Celtic supporters (James Stokes from the Gorbals also) were awarded the VC For Valour?



In terms of the Royal Dublin Fusiliers action outside the village of Lesboeufs, a little bit of history was made: the regiment won its first Victoria Cross of the Great War. It was awarded to a Glaswegian from Springburn named Sgt. Robert Downie, No 11213. He was member of B Company. The London Gazette of the 25th of November 1916 read:

For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty in attack. When most of the officers had become casualties, this non-commissioned officer, utterly regardless of personal danger, moved about under heavy fire and reorganised the attack, which had been temporarily checked. At the critical moment he rushed forward alone, shouting, ‘Come on the Dubs’. This stirring appeal met with immediate response and the line rushed forward at his call. Sergeant Downie accounted for several of the enemy and in addition, captured a machine gun, killing the team.

By all accounts, it was a bloody encounter, so much so that Sgt. Downie never spoke about the day to anyone again, not even his own family. When he returned to Springburn in Glasgow, he was given a Civic Reception at the Town Hall. In the evening he was given a special reception by the United Irish League and was given a gold watch by his former school and a purse containing treasury notes. He left the army in March 1919 and in addition to the V.C., he also was awarded the Military Medal and the Mons Medal, as well as the Russian Order of St. George. In addition, he was mentioned in despatches twice. He was an extremely modest man, who when asked how he won these medals, would either answer, ‘I shot the cook’, or, ‘It wasn’t me, it was my brother.’ Bob Downie married Miss Ivy Sparks. They had three children, one of whom died. His father came from Donegal. Bob was a Roman Catholic and was a devout supporter of Glasgow Celtic. After the war, he worked as groundsman at Celtic Park and his picture hung on the wall in the Director's office along side Jock Stein. He died on the 18th of April 1968 at the age of 74.


http://www.dubin-fusiliers.com/battaliions/1-batt/campaigns/1916-july.html
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joebloggscity
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I can't find any info that says he ever was on our books as a player (even non-first team though). Just trying to find out to tidy up the wiki.
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Camillo

I've had contact with Robert's relatives on CM. He didn't play for us although I'll double check the pms. They are aware of the CGS.
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