The Airmen's Stories - F/Lt. N C H Robson

Norman Charles Harold Robson was born on 5th February 1914 in Southend and joined the RAFO as a pupil pilot on 17th January 1938.

Shortly afterwards he commenced training at 11 Civil Flying Training School at Perth in Scotland, his class is shown below on arrival.

Above: Robson seated third from right, Wilson (see note at bottom) seated third from left.

Below: in training.

The caption says 'Wilson, Robson, Bunker, Disley, Hart.

He was commissioned in Class ‘A’ of the RAFO on 26th March 1938 and went to 10 FTS Ternhill on 9th April. After completing the course he joined 72 Squadron at Church Fenton on 29th October 1938.

He relinquished his RAFO commission when he was granted a short service commission in the RAF on 17th January 1939.

Still serving with 72 Squadron in early July 1940, Robson destroyed a He111 on 15th August, damaged a Me110 on 2nd September and shared in the destruction of Do17s on September 10th and 27th.

He was appointed temporary ‘A’ Fight Commander on 5th September and this appointment was confirmed on the 21st. Robson was promoted to Acting Flight Lieutenant on the 27th.

He shared in destroying a Me110 on 27th October.

He relinquished his acting rank on 5th November 1940 and reverted to Flying Officer, pending a posting. This came four days later, when he was posted to CFS Upavon.

Robson stayed in the RAF post-war and was killed in a motor accident at Abbotts Ann, SW of Andover, on 18th January 1954 as a Squadron Leader.

He is buried in Nether Wallop Churchyard, close to Middle Wallop airfield.

While at Perth Robson became friendly with Matthew Drummond Henderson Wilson and they stayed in touch until Wilson, then a Squadron Leader, was killed when Stirling N3703 crashed at Godmanchester on 11th April 1942.

It had returned damaged from a raid on Essen and was attempting to land at RAF Alconbury.

The story of their friendship and Wilson's service career is extensively covered by Roger Leivers at

www.thegodmanchesterstirling.co.uk

....to whom thanks for the above images and additional data.