Orders, Decorations and Medals

A Pathfinder Force D.F.C. and East Africa 1940 D.F.M. group of six awarded to Warrant Officer William McRobbie, Royal Air Force

Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated 1943; Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (566719 A/Sgt. W. McRobbie, R.A.F.) suspension possibly re-fixed; 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star; Africa Star; War Medal, mounted for wearing, good very fine (6) £2500-3000

D.F.M. London Gazette 25 October 1940: Acting Sergeant (Air Observer) William McRobbie, No. 8 Squadron, Royal Air Force, Middle East Command. The recommendation states:

‘Sergeant McRobbie has been the leading Observer in all No. 8 Squadron raids in enemy territory since the commencement of hostilities with Italy. His coolness and precision when over the enemy target under fire from the ground and on several occasions with enemy fighters in the immediate vicinity has been magnificent. His accuracy on those occasions has been largely responsible for the successes obtained by No. 8 Squadron. He was individually responsible for locating and photographing an enemy satellite landing ground which made it possible for an early raid to be organized which resulted in much damage to enemy aircraft and equipment. It is strongly recommended that this airman be awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal for his coolness and devotion to duty.’

D.F.C. London Gazette 17 August 1943: Warrant Officer William McRobbie, No. 35 Squadron (P.F.F.), Royal Air Force. The recommendation states:

‘Warrant Officer McRobbie has taken part in a very large number of bombing attacks against enemy targets ranging from the Middle East to Germany, the occupied countries to Italy. Throughout he has always shown the greatest determination to achieve his objective and exceptional coolness under fire. A most efficient navigator, Warrant Officer McRobbie’s technical ability has many times enabled his crew to successfully complete their task in adverse weather.’

When war broke out McRobbie was serving with No. 8 Squadron based at Aden, and became engaged in routine coastal reconnaissance flights and anti-submarine patrols. During the East African campaign of 1940-41 the squadron was in action continuously against the Italians. McRobbie subsequently transferred to No. 35 Squadron, one of the five founding squadrons of the Pathfinder Force formed in August 1942. The squadron took part in many famous raids including those against Le Creusot (19/20th June 1943) and Peenemünde (17/18th August 1943). McRobbie is mentioned extensively in the book Pathfinder Cranswick, Michael Cummings’ biography of Squadron Leader A. P. Cranswick, D.S.O., D.F.C., believed to be the man who flew the most missions in Bomber Command history; he was on his fourth tour when he was killed in July 1944. Sold with an original extract from Flight magazine announcing the award of McRobbie’s D.F.M. in 1940.