Summary information
| Repository: | South Peace Regional Archives |
| Title: | David J. Robertson fonds |
| Reference code: | 0109 |
| Date: | 1933-2002 (date of creation) |
| Physical description: | 2 cm textual records
13 photographs 3 slides 25 negatives 1 sound recording |
| Dates of creation, revision and deletion: | Added to new database September 2024 – TD |
Administrative history / Biographical sketch
David James Robertson was born at Clive, Alberta (Ponoka area) in 1928, the oldest son of Alexander Reid Robertson from Dundee, Scotland and Harriet Elvira Wiltse of Grand Falls, North Dakota, USA. His father immigrated to Canada in 1912 and his mother came from the States in 1919.
“Robbie” showed an early interest in medical and military affairs. He took his Junior First Aid Course at age 8, and by age 17 was a member of the 17 Field Dressing Station Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps (RCAMC) militia. In 1947 he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps as a Private. He trained as a hygiene technician at Camp Borden, Ontario, and in 1949 married Marie Alma Kathleen Kennedy from Toronto.
After spending some time training the Special Forces soldiers going to the Korean War, in 1951 Corporal Robertson himself went to Korea with the 25th Canadian Infantry Brigade Group which was part of the First Commonwealth Division. He was the NCO in charge of an ADS (Advanced Dressing Station) Night Shift, then a CCP (Casualty Clearing Post) supporting the Royal 22nd Regiment. In 1952 he returned to Canada.
Back in Camp Borden, Sergeant Robertson taught Preventive Medicine for five years until he was sent to Germany as a brigade hygiene technician for the 27th Canadian Infantry Brigade Group in 1957. In 1959 he was transferred back to Canada where he added the skills of medical accountant, senior NCO for an army cadet hospital in Vernon, B.C., and small arms instructor, and RCAMC instructor’s course to his resume. He also spent 13 months in Indo-China as a hygiene technician and medical assistant for the Canadian Delegation before returning to Borden as an instructor in Preventive Medicine at the RCAMC school. He also taught at the Nuclear Biological-Chemical Warfare School.
In 1967, Robertson was commissioned as a Lieutenant and sent to National Defense Headquarters as a Career Manager Medical Other Ranks. In 1970 he was promoted to the rank of Captain and returned to the Training School, now called the Canadian Forces Medical Services School (CFMSS). The remainder of his career was spent teaching Preventive and Nuclear Medicine. After his retirement in 1977, Capt. Robertson moved to Grande Prairie, AB and put his military training to use in the public sector as a safety inspector in the oil field. He has four sons: David born in 1949, Donald in 1951, Steven in 1955 and Charles Anthony (Tony) in 1957.
Custodial history
Records donated by Dave Robertson, Captain (Retired) in 2002.
Scope and content
The fonds consists of a listing of personal history for Captain Robertson’s family; certificates showing his activities and training from a child of eight to his career in retirement; his Canadian Armed Forces Pay Books; souvenirs of the trip to Korea and the Ebisu Hotel in Tokyo. Photographs are of the Robertson family, Dave’s career in the military and his service at an Advance Dressing Station in Korea. The audio tape is a Dave Robertson recording regarding his family’s military history.
Notes
Title notes
- Source of title proper: Title of fonds based on contents
Access points
- Textual record (documentary form)
- Graphic material (documentary form)
- Graphic material – photograph (documentary form)
- Sound recording (documentary form)
- Military (subject)
- Family and personal life* (subject)
Table of contents
0109.01, Family and Childhood, 1933-1975
0109.02, Military Career, 1947-1977
0109.03, Korean Service, 1951-1952
0109.04, Retirement, 1951-1952
Series descriptions
| Reference code | Title | Dates | Physical description |
| 0109.01 | Item – Dave Robertson | 2002 | 1 sound recording |
| Scope and content:
Military history of the Robertson family. |
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| Series 0109.01: Family and Childhood
Date: 1933-1975 (date of creation) Scope and content: The series consists of records from David’s childhood: a first aid certificate from 1936, a copy of his certificate of discharge from 17 Field Dressing Station, a news clipping regarding his brother’s award as top cadet, and 5 images of the Robertson family. Physical description: 0.5 cm textual records 4 photographs 1 negative Access points: • Textual record (documentary form) • Graphic material (documentary form) • Graphic material – photograph (documentary form) Publication status: Published |
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| File / item list | |||
| Reference code | Title | Dates | Physical description |
| 0109.01.01 | Item – David James Robertson, Age 5
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ca. 1933 | 1 negative : b&w ; 35 mm |
| Scope and content:
David James Robertson (far left) with his half-brother, Donald Elsworth Wiltse, and his sister Grace at their grandparents home in Lacombe. |
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| 0109.01.02 | Item – Alex Robertson, Top Air Cadet | ca. 1955 | 1 photograph : b&w ; 3 x 3 in. |
| Scope and content:
Alex Robertson of Grande Prairie received recognition for the highest marks in Western Canada during a training course at Camp Borden. |
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| 0109.01.03 | Item – Robertson Family | 1973 | 1 photograph : colour ; 3 x 3 in. |
| Scope and content:
Gwen Robertson Tarrent, Dave Robertson, Grace Robertson Fowler, Alex Robertson and Jessie Robertson Hauger in the summer of 1973. |
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| 0109.01.04 | Item – Kennedy Family | ca. 1975 | 1 photograph : colour ; 3 x 4 in. |
| Scope and content:
Ellen and Bob Kennedy with nephews Donald and Steven Robertson, and their daughter Sharon Kennedy. |
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| 0109.01.05 | Item – Grace & Cecil Fowler, Beaverlodge | ca. 1975 | 1 photograph : colour ; 3 x 4 in. |
| Scope and content:
Grace and Cecil Fowler in the garden of their Beaverlodge home. |
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| Series 0109.02: Military Career
Date: 1947-1977 (date of creation) Scope and content: The series consists of pay books from 1952-1961; a personal history completed for the Department of National Defense; documents showing his qualifications, activities and awards from Sergeant to Captain, a clipping regarding the Canadian Forces Medical Services School parade honouring Captain Robertson on his retirement, and 10 photographs taken at different stages of his career. Physical description: 1 cm textual records 9 photographs 3 slides Access points: • Textual record (documentary form) • Graphic material – photograph (documentary form) • Graphic material (documentary form) Publication status: Published |
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| File / item list | |||
| Reference code | Title | Dates | Physical description |
| 0109.02.01 | Item – Sergeant D.J. Robertson, Instructor | ca. 1954 | 1 photograph : b&w ; 4 x 5 in. |
| Scope and content:
Sergeant Robertson using a cross-section of a soaker pit as a teaching tool at the Royal Canadian Army Military College at Borden, Ontario. |
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| 0109.02.02 | Item – Men in Restaurant | n.d. | 1 photograph : b&w ; 2.5 x 3.5 in. |
| Scope and content:
Image shows a group of six men gathered for drinks in a restaurant. |
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| 0109.02.03 | Item – Sergeant Robertson, Preventive Medical Technician | ca. 1962 | 1 photograph : b&w ; 3 x 4 in. |
| Scope and content:
“Captain Borden” (Sergeant Robertson) relaxing behind his desk at the Canadian Forces Medical Training Centre, Borden. |
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| 0109.02.04 | Item – Sergeant Robertson in Indo-China | ca. 1965 | 1 slide : colour ; 35 mm |
| Scope and content:
Sergeant Robertson during his tour of duty in Indo-China. A monkey is perched on his back. |
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| 0109.02.05 | Item – Captain Robertson at National Defense Headquarters | 1968 | 1 photograph : b&w ; 3 x 4 in. |
| Scope and content:
Capt. Robertson in his office at the National Defense Headquarters when he was career manager of medical personnel. |
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| 0109.02.06 | Item – Captain Robertson, Medical School Portrait | 1970 | 2 photographs : b&w ; 5 x 7; 2 x 2.5 in. |
| Scope and content:
Formal Identification Portrait of Capt. D.J. Robertson while he was at the Medical Training Centre at Borden. The second photograph is a cropped version of the first. |
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| 0109.02.07 | Item – Nurses Basic Training | ca. 1970 | 1 photograph : colour ; 3 x 4 in. |
| Scope and content:
Nurses’ pajama party during Nurses Basic Training at the Canadian Forces Medical Training Centre at Borden. Five of the nurses are identified on the back: Sandra ?, Pauline Massiah, Teresa Astephen, Edith Evans, Sheila Fry. |
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| 0109.02.08 | Item – Captain Robertson in his Mess Kit | ca. 1970 | 1 slide : colour ; 35 mm |
| Scope and content:
Formal, full-length portrait of Captain David James Robertson in his mess kit. |
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| 0109.02.09 | Item – Canadian Forces Medical Services School | 1972 | 1 photograph : b&w ; 6 x 10 in. |
| Scope and content:
Attendants at the Canadian Forces Medical Services School in 1972. Captain Robertson is on the far right. |
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| 0109.02.10 | Item – Presentation by Colonel McCullough | 1973 | 1 photograph : b&w ; 3 x 4 in. |
| Scope and content:
Sergeant Robertson receiving a golfing award from Colonel McCullough, commandant of the Canadian Forces Medical Training Centre in Borden. |
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| 0109.02.11 | Item – Formal Event | ca. 1970 | 1 slide : colour ; 35 mm |
| Scope and content:
Captain Robertson is seated in the center wearing a military uniform, surrounded by a man and two women in formal attire. |
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| Series 0109.03: Korean Service
Date: 1951-1952 (date of creation) Scope and content: The series consists of one pay book for 1951-1952, souvenirs of the trip to Korea and the Ebisu Hotel in Tokyo where soldiers from the First Commonwealth Division went for rest and relaxation, and 25 images showing facilities and staff at the Advance Dressing Station of 25 Field Ambulance in Korea. Physical description: 0.5 cm textual records 24 negatives 1 photograph Access points: • Graphic material – photograph (documentary form) • Graphic material (documentary form) • Textual record (documentary form) Publication status: Published |
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| File / item list | |||
| Reference code | Title | Dates | Physical description |
| 0109.03.01 | Item – Serving in the Korean War | 1951 | 1 negative : b&w ; 4 x 5 cm |
| Scope and content:
Corporal Robertson and Sergeant Ed Carver at 25 Field Ambulance, Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps in Korea. |
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| 0109.03.02 | Item – 25 Field Ambulance, Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps, Korea | 1951 | 1 negative : b&w ; 4 x 5 cm |
| Scope and content:
Ambulance leaving the Advanced Dressing Station, under its Canadian Flag, for the Casualty Clearing Post. |
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| 0109.03.03 | Item – Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps Soldiers in Korea | 1951 | 1 negative : b&w ; 4 x 5 cm |
| Scope and content:
Corporal Robertson and another member of the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps sparring. |
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| 0109.03.04 | Item – Advanced Dressing Station, Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps, Korea | 1951 | 1 negative : b&w ; 4 x 5 cm |
| Scope and content:
Three tents at the Advanced Dressing Station where patients were processed (1st tent), treated (2nd tent), or hospitalized overnight (3rd tent). |
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| 0109.03.05 | Item – Advanced Dressing Station Dug-Out, 25 Field Ambulance, Korea | ca. 1952 | 1 negative : b&w ; 4 x 5 cm |
| Scope and content:
Corporal Robertson in the entrance to the dug-out at the ADS. The dug-out was used for protection from enemy fire. |
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| 0109.03.06 | Item – Advanced Dressing Station Dug-Out, 25 Field Ambulance, Korea | 1951 | 1 negative : b&w ; 4 x 5 cm |
| Scope and content:
Close-up of Corporal Robertson in the entrance to the protective dug-out at the Advanced Dressing Station. |
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| 0109.03.07 | Item – Advanced Dressing Station during the Korean War | 1951 | 1 negative : b&w ; 4 x 5 cm |
| Scope and content:
Casualty being transferred from the ambulance to the Advanced Dressing Station, by Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps in Korea. |
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| 0109.03.08 | Item – 25 Field Ambulance at the ADS, Korean War | 1951 | 1 negative : b&w ; 4 x 5 cm |
| Scope and content:
Three medical officers from the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps in front of two ambulances during the Korean War. |
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| 0109.03.09 | Item – Day Crew at the 25 Field Ambulance Advanced Dressing Station, Korea | 1951 | 1 negative : b&w ; 4 x 5 cm |
| Scope and content:
Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps Day Crew at the Advanced Dressing Station. |
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| 0109.03.10 | Item – Day Crew at the 25 Field Ambulance Advanced Dressing Station, Korea | 1951 | 1 negative : b&w ; 4 x 5 cm |
| Scope and content:
Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps Day Crew at the Advanced Dressing Station. |
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| 0109.03.11 | Item – Personnel at the Advanced Dressing Station | 1951 | 1 negative : b&w ; 4 x 5 cm |
| Scope and content:
Corporal Robertson, Sgt Ed Carver and a medical officer at the ADS. A 2 1/2 ton truck can be seen in the background. |
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| 0109.03.12 | Item – Personnel at the Advanced Dressing Station | 1951 | 1 negative : b&w ; 4 x 5 cm |
| Scope and content:
Corporal Robertson, Sgt Ed Carver and a medical officer at the ADS. The “76” sign at the side is a tactical sign for field ambulance 25th brigade treatment centre. |
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| 0109.03.13 | Item – 25 Field Ambulance at ADS Base | 1951 | 1 negative : b&w ; 4 x 5 cm |
| Scope and content:
Corporal Robertson in front of the ambulance at the ADS base. |
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| 0109.03.14 | Item – 25 Field Ambulance at ADS Base | 1951 | 1 negative : b&w ; 4 x 5 cm |
| Scope and content:
Corporal Robertson in front of the ambulance at the ADS base. |
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| 0109.03.15 | Item – Corporal David James Robertson, Korea | 1951 | 1 negative : b&w ; 4 x 5 cm |
| Scope and content:
Corporal David James Robertson ran the Advanced Dressing Station for 25 Field Ambulance, and later the Casualty Clearing Post for the Royal 22nd Regiment in Korea. |
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| 0109.03.16 | Item – Maintaining the ADS Base | 1951 | 1 negative : b&w ; 4 x 5 cm |
| Scope and content:
Maintenance worker painting machinery at the ADS base. |
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| 0109.03.17 | Item – Advanced Dressing Station Dispensary | 1951 | 1 negative : b&w ; 4 x 5 cm |
| Scope and content:
Corporal Robertson dispensing tablets from an open rack in the ADS treatment tent. |
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| 0109.03.18 | Item – Advanced Dressing Station Dispensary | 1951 | 1 negative : b&w ; 4 x 5 cm |
| Scope and content:
Corporal Robertson dispensing tablets from an open rack in the ADS treatment tent. |
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| 0109.03.19 | Item – Corporal David James Robertson, Korea | 1951 | 1 negative : b&w ; 4 x 5 cm |
| Scope and content:
Corporal David James Robertson ran the Advanced Dressing Station for 25 Field Ambulance, and later the Casualty Clearing Post for the Royal 22nd Regiment in Korea. |
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| 0109.03.20 | Item – Inside the Treatment Tent at the ADS | 1951 | 1 negative : b&w ; 4 x 5 cm |
| Scope and content:
A Medical Officer examining a patient in front of the medicine rack in a tent at the Advanced Dressing Station for 25 Field Ambulance, Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps, in Korea. |
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| 0109.03.21 | Item – Inside the Treatment Tent at the ADS | 1951 | 1 negative : b&w ; 4 x 5 cm |
| Scope and content:
A Medical Officer and clerk behind the admissions desk in the Advanced Dressing Station for 25 Field Ambulance, Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps, in Korea. |
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| 0109.03.22-24 | Item – Corporal David James Robertson, Korea | 1951 | 3 negatives : b&w ; 4 x 5 cm |
| Scope and content:
Corporal David James Robertson ran the Advanced Dressing Station for 25 Field Ambulance, and later the Casualty Clearing Post for the Royal 22nd Regiment in Korea. |
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| 0109.03.25 | Item – Rest and Relaxation during the Korean War | 1951 | 1 photograph : b&w ; 4 x 6 in. |
| Scope and content:
Six Canadian soldiers from the Korean War relaxing at Ebisu Hotel in Tokyo. The hotel was the R&R centre for the first commonwealth division made up of English, Australian, New Zealander and Canadian soldiers. |
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| Series 0109.04: Retirement
Date: 1951-1952 (date of creation) Scope and content: The series consists of various certificates for safety and first aid courses taken to keep his training relevant while in the oil field. Physical description: 0.5 cm textual records Access points: • Textual record (documentary form) Publication status: Published |
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