The Airmen's Stories - Sgt. P E M Robinson

Peter Ethelbert Merrick Robinson was born in Harrow on 13th April 1914, the son of Herbert and Ethel Mary Robinson.

He was educated at Harrow County School. He went to work for Vesty's Blue Star Shipping Line, doing office work.

Robinson later began studying for the Chartered Institute of Secretaries examination. He joined the RAFVR in May 1939 as an Airman u/t Pilot and was called up at the outbreak of war.

After completing his flying training he joined 56 Squadron at North Weald on 25th July 1940. He destroyed a Me110 on 18th August. It crashed and burned out at Pluckley. He also claimed four German bombers damaged during August and September.

Commissioned in June 1941, Robinson was still serving with 56 Squadron.

56 Squadron Sergeant pilots 1941.

Rear row; WE Coombes, DH Belcham, J Valente, RD Carvill,

Front row: RH Devgo, G Myall, W Seaman, PEM Robinson.

On 17th June the squadron escorted bombers over the Channel on a daylight raid (Circus 14). They were attacked from above by Me109s and Robinson was shot down in Hurricane IIA Z2812.

He reported that he was alright and baled out. When his body was taken from the sea four days later by a Dover fishing trawler it was riddled with bullets and it would seem that Robinson was killed as he floated down.

He is buried in St Andrew's churchyard, North Weald, Essex.

Above: a brooch held in St. Clement Danes Church.