Robe was promoted to be captain-lieutenant on 9 September 1794, and was appointed quartermaster in the Royal Artillery's 1st Battalion at Woolwich on 25 November, remaining there for nearly five years. In 1797 he originated the first regimental school for the children of soldiers; the Duchess of York subscribed liberally, and the school proved a success, so the Board of Ordnance undertook its direction. In 1799 Robe embarked for Holland with the Duke of York's army in the Helder Expedition. He was appointed brigade major of Royal Artillery under General Sir Anthony Farrington. He was present at the Battle of Bergen on 2 October 1799, on which date he was promoted to be captain. He took part in the capture of Alkmaar on 6 October, and returned to England with the army on 3 November, and on his return he was posted to the 9th Company of the 2nd Battalion.