The Airmen's Stories - Sgt. J Robinson

James Robinson was born in 1915, the CWGC does not record his parents.

He was educated at Hyde County Secondary School. He joined the RAF in September 1930 as an Aircraft Apprentice and passed out in August 1933 as a Fitter, Aero Engines. He later applied for pilot training and was selected.

After completing his training he was posted to 111 Squadron at Northolt on 31st August 1939.

Over Dunkirk on 31st May 1940 Robinson destroyed a Ju88, was wounded in the ankle by return fire and made a forced-landing at Manston. He was non-effective sick and supernumerary at RAF North Weald from 31st May to 18th July, when he rejoined 111 Squadron.

On the 28th Robinson shared in destroying a He59, shot down into the Channel whilst it was on a search and rescue operation for ditched German aircrews.

Robinson was again non-effective sick from 31st July 1940 and he had not rejoined 111 Squadron by November 1940.

Commissioned in January 1942, he married Margaret Ellen Roberts in Croydon, Surrey, in July of that year.

Robinson was awarded the AFC (gazetted 8th June 1944) and released from the RAF in 1945 as a Flight Lieutenant.

He re-engaged on a short service commission on 20th June 1951, this was made permanent on 11th August 1953.

He was serving at RAF Hope Cove, a radar station near Salcombe, Devon when he died on 2nd July 1956, the place of death given as 'Bay View, Salcombe'.

The circumstances are currently unknown. Robinson is buried in All Saints Churchyard, Malborough, South Devon.