Robson, George Erwin

Flight Sergeant George Erwin Robson was the son of Tena Holmes and Irwin A. Robson of west half Lot 18 Concession 11. George attended SS#6 East Nissouri and the Thamesford Continuation School until 1935 when he started working on his father's farm. In his spare time, George boxed and played softball. He also belonged to the Kintore Hunt Club which helped raise money for the Kintore Library. George had belonged to the Oxford Rifles with headquarters in Woodstock since its inception and obtained his release when accepted into the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) on February 7, 1941. Initially posted to 2 Manning Depot at Brandon, Manitoba, he was then transferred to 1 Manning Depot, Toronto on March 1, 1941 and then 4 Manning Depot at Quebec City on April 25, 1941. On May 4, George was posted to RCAF Station Sydney, Nova Scotia where he was employed on general duties. On July 20, 1941, Aircraftman Robson was accepted for aircrew training duties and posted to 1 Wireless  School in Montreal where he was promoted to Leading Aircraftman (LAC) on August 21, 1941. On December 9, 1941 Robson was transferred to 6 Bombing and Gunnery School at Mountainview, Ontario where he completed his trades training as a Wireless Operator/Air Gunner (WAG).

Promoted January 5,1942, Sergeant Robson sailed to England shortly thereafter.  On route, the troop carrier was attacked by a German u-boat but fortunately for the men on the over crowded troopship, one of the escorts interceded and was struck by the torpedo intended for the troopship.

Sergeant Robson was transferred to 3 Personnel Reception Centre on February 10, 1942 and then 1 Signals School March 17, 1942. From there he went to an Operational Training Unit and finally 419 (Bomber) Squadron at Croft, Yorkshire which flew Wellington 11 bombers. He was promoted to Flight Sergeant July 5, 1942. 

On October 5, 1942, Robson and his crew took off  on a bombing mission to Aachen, Germany. They encountered icing conditions in a severe storm. Four of the squadron aircraft turned back to Croft and the remainder pressed on. Two 419 Squadron aircraft were lost that night. No trace of the aircraft or crew was ever found. Flight Sergeant Robson is commemorated by name on the Runnymede Memorial in England.  His name is listed on his parents’ headstone at Kintore Presbyterian Cemetery, Ontario, Canada. He was survived by his parents and a sister, Muriel Alice Robson and his brother, James A. Robson. -- Courtesy of St. Marys Journal Argus.