William Robertson was born on the 11th May 1866 in Dundee, Scotland. His parents were George Robertson, Sail Maker, and Eliza Robertson, née Quin.

William Robertson joined the Glasgow Line in 1887 and sailed on the County of Berkshire to Victoria, Australia in 1891.

1892 - 1897 He served on HMVS Nelson.
1898 Studied for his 2nd. Mate's Certificate on HMVS Cerberus at Williamstown, Victoria.
1899 Leading Seaman and Gunnery Officer on HMVS Cerberus.
1900 Served with the Victorian Contingent in the China War. (Boxer Rebellion) for nine months. He was promoted to Chief Petty Officer in the Australian Navy in Sydney, prior to sailing for China.
1910 Warrant Officer and Chief Gunnery Officer on HMVS Cerberus.
1911 Sailed on HMAS Parramatta.
1912 Warrant Officer in charge of Naval Cadets at Port Fairy.
1914 Left the Navy to study for his Master's Papers and qualified as a Master Mariner.
1915 Sailed on the Cassino - he was 2nd. Officer on his first trip, later her Master. He was also Master of the Manuka.
1925 Left the service because of bad health.
1926 William Robertson retired.

The Death Certificate of William Robertson records that he died at 33 Darling Street, Moonee Ponds, Victoria, on the 16th. October, 1933 as a result of "Coronary Thrombosis and Acute Bronchitis." He married Julia Swannie in Melbourne in 1894. At the time of his death, issue from the marriage was as follows -

Elsie Maud, 38 years.
William, deceased.
Jack Leslie, 33 years.
Eileen Urella Hazel, 30 years.
Kathleen Veronica, 27 years.
Lorenza Hugh, 25 years.

William Robertson was buried in the Williamstown Cemetery on the 17th. October, 1933.

Profile in The Australian Illustrated Enclclopaedia of The Boxer Uprising 1899-1901, Justin Corfield, Slouch Hat Publications, McCrae Australia, 2001.

William's Long Service and Good Conduct Medal and China Medal are on display in the Port Fairy Historical Society's museum in Port Fairy, Victoria.