Biography of Robert Blair

Robert Blair matriculated at the University for an Arts course in 1849, attending classes in Greek, Logic, Ethics and Latin over the course of four years. He was made Snell Exhibitioner in 1852-53.

Born at Edinburgh in 1834, eldest son of William, an advocate, Blair entered the Army the year in which he became Snell Exhibitioner.

In 1853 he served as Cornet in the 9th Lancers, and in in 1855 was made Lieutenant during the Indian Mutiny.

On 28 September 1857 he was awarded the Victoria Cross for an act of valour performed while in India, in which which he was severely wounded. Blair was promoted to Captain in the 2nd Dragoon Guards in 1858, but died of smallpox at Cawnpore (Kanpur) on 28 March 1859.

Sources

Other Online Resources

• The London Gazette, 18 June 1858, p.2960

Archival Materials

• R9/1/2 Class Catalogues 1838-1853
• W Innes Addison, The Matriculation Albums of the University of Glasgow from 1728 to 1858 (Glasgow, 1913)

Summary

Robert Blair
Born 13 March 1834.
Died 28 March 1859.
GU Degree: Arts, 1849-1852;
University Link: Student
Occupation categories: military
English snippet: Arts student at the University of Glasgow 1849; awarded Victoria Cross in 1857
Record last updated: 25th Mar 2014

Country Associations

Scotland, Edinburgh
Place of Birth

India, Kanpur
Place of Death

University Connections

University Roles

• Student