Operation: Sweep

Date: 10th April 1942 (Friday)

Unit: No. 340 Squadron (Free French)

Type: Spitfire Vb

Serial: W3770 (1)

Code: ML-R

Base: RAF Tangmere, West Sussex

Location: English Channel

Pilot: W/Cdr. Michael Lister Robinson DSO. MiD. DFC. Croix de Guerre. MiD. 37300 RAF Age 25. Missing - believed killed

REASON FOR LOSS:

During a fighter sweep in the Boulogne area the squadron was attacked by Fw 190’s from Jg26. W/Cdr. Michael Robinson was shot down by engaged by Focke-Wulf Fw 190 fighters of Jagdgeschwader 26. Both he and his wingman (Lt. Maurice Philipe César Choron) flying Spitfire Vb BL761 were shot down off the French coast and killed and understood to have crashed in the English Channel. Sadly his body was never knowingly recovered and he is remembered on the Runnymede Memorial.

He is credited with 16 enemy aircraft destroyed with a further 4 probables The Battle Britain website contains further information on his RAF service.

Above: 609 Squadron Crest Presented To West Riding Squadron RAF The West Riding Auxiliary Squadron of the RAF has been presented with a crest which has been approved by the King. It shows two hunting horns surmounted by the White Rose of Yorkshire. This image shows the Officers present at the ceremony, left to right: Flight Lieutenant John Derek Bisdee, DFC (passed away on the 21st October 2000, aged 84), Squadron Leader Paul Richey, DFC, (passed away on the 23rd February 1989, aged 72) Group Captain Philip Reginald Barwell, DFC (killedaway on the 01st July 1942 aged 35), Wing Commander Michael Lister Robinson, DSO, DFC, Sir Roy Lister Robinson (Father of W/Cdr. Michael Robinson).

(1) Spitfire W3770: FF 18-08-1941 8MU 19-08-1941 41S 22-08-1941 340S 'ML-R' Sweep Boulogne pm Shot down by Fw190s of JG26 10-04-1942 FH140.30 W/C M L Robinson DSO DFC killed

Burial and other details:

W/Cdr. Michael Lister Robinson DSO. MiD. DFC. Croix de Guerre. Born on the 08 May 1917 in Chelsea, London. Educated at Bath, at Downside Schoo. One of his fellow students at Downside was future flying ace Paul Richey, who would also become his brother-in-law. Joined the RAF in September 1935 on a short service commission. So by the time war broke out he was already very experienced and an instructor. Took part in the Battle of Britain credited with several victories and awarded DFC.

London Gazette, No. 35001, 26 November 1940:

DFC: Squadron Leader Robinson has shown conspicuous gallantry and leadership in his attacks against the enemy. On two days, in combat with large enemy forces, he destroyed two of their aircraft on each occasion, bringing his total victories to at least six.

London Gazette, No. 35238, 5 August 1941:

DSO: This officer has commanded the squadron since October, 1940. He has acted as leader in recent offensive operations over occupied territory and, on numerous occasions, has led his wing with determination, skill and courage. The successes obtained reflect the greatest credit on the leadership and devotion to duty of this officer. He has destroyed at least fourteen enemy aircraft and damaged others.

CdG: Awarded the Belgian Croix de Guerre by the Belgian government in exile in recognition of valuable services rendered in connection with the War.

MiD: He was mentioned in despatches in the 1942 New Year Honours, and on the day this was announced, 01st January 1942, was appointed commander of the fighter wing at Tangmere

Son of Sir (Lord) Roy Lister Robinson OBE. B.SCc. B.A. 1st Baron Robinson of Kielder Forest (Born 08th March 1883 in Macclesfield, South Australia and Lady Charlotte Marion Robinson (née Bradshaw) Married on the 26th November 1910 at St James' Church, Marylebone, London. Lady Robinson (assed in 1975, age 87), of Mayfair, London.

Further detail of Sir (Lord) Roy Lister Robinson

Researched and dedicated to the relatives of this pilot with thanks to the National Archives Kew, North East History Tour, Battle of Britain Archives.

Other sources as quoted below:

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